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1749. 



v\\^TO/^j^ 



OF- 



ST. LAWRENCE CO 



N E\V YORK. 



fl,^, ^<' ou^wu^ ' I'V, kru 



Cl, , ^_ C*— 



^ 



t_g=iWITH = 



^.em,^ • ^ ^'• 



lllhistraiions mn\ ^ior\rn^hkn\ ^Itctcltc^ 



<L.^=OFJ^ 



SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. 



.'^ „v OF rr, .. 



IPUBLISHEID BY Ij. H. E"V"EE.TS & GO. 
714^16 Filbert Street, Philadelphia. 



L. H. EVERTS. 



J. M. HOLCOMB. 



1878, 



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'^.'Or.Cj^i-i^D^U.O- t>^i.i.4>l-,;s.^^tjcU.O- o --- -i.i>i-,>;^B-^1 



K\ 



PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. 



z 



> 



>^ 



V 



^ 



CONTENTS. 



mSTOR/IOJLL. 



HISTORY OK ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. 



Introductory .... 

CHAPTER 

I. — Physical Features . 
II. — Prc-llistoric . 
III. — French Occupation 
IV.— History of Land Titles . 
V. — Civil Organization 
VI.— Statistical 
VII. — St. Lawrence Civil List 
Vlir. — The Learned Professions 
IX. — Educational and Religious 
X. — Internal Improvements 



HISTORY OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF 
LAWRENCE COUNTY. 

. Village and City of Ogdensburg ...... 

Town of Oswegatchie 

" Canton .,,...... 

" Potsdam ......... 

" Lisbon 

" Madrid 

" Waddington ........ 

" Norfolk 

" Pierrepont 

" Rossie 



9 

20 

24 

57 

82 

99 

106 

111 

120 

129 

ST. 

141 
198 
205 
236 
268 
277 
287 
299 
304 
312 



Town of Ilnpkinton . 
Parishvillo . 
Gouverneur . 
Do Kalb 
Macomb 
De Peyster . 
Morristown . 
Fowler . 
llanimoud 
Stockholm . 
Louisville 
Massena 
Brasher 
Lawrence 
Russell 
Ilcrmou 
Eitwards 
Fine 
Pitcairn 
Clifton . 
Colton . 



MILITARY HISTORY, WITH MUSTER ROLLS 
PATRONS' RECORD 



ILIjTJSTK..A.m03SrS. 



PAOE 

318 

326 

335 

351 

363 

365 

370 

377- 

383 

388 

397 

401 

412 

419 

426- 

435 

442 

446 

449 

452 

453 



456 
509 



^-Court-House, Jail, and County Clerk's Office, Canton, facing title- 
page. 

Outline Map of St. Lawrence County . . . facing 9*^ 

Section from Geological Map of St. Lawrence County . . 11 

Plan of Fort Levis, on Chimney Island ..... 35 

Fac-simile of Seal of St. Lawrence County .... 82 
" First Legal Writ issued in St. Lawrence County, 

facing %1 yj 

" Seal of Bo.ard of Supervisors .... 89 

View of the County Clerk's Office, built in 1804 ... 93 

VI ** St. Lawrence University . . . facing 124 

First Steamboat on the Great Lakes, 1816 .... 136 

Fac-simile, Oath of Allegiance of Early Militia Officers, 1800. 

facing 456 

Fac-simile of Commission, 1806 .... " 457 



OGDENSBURG 

^Custom House and Post-Office . 
Fac-similes of Indian Signatures 
'Office and Residence of Dr. Southwick 
''Kesidenco of George Parker, Esq. 

" William E. Furniss, Esq. 

J Portrait of " " " 

■^ Portraits of Ashbel and Elimbcth Sykes 
^ Portrait of Stillman Footo, Esq. 
^ " James Armstrong . 

.^ t^ Residence of " " . . 

' " C. P. Gecr . 

-Portrait of N. N. Child, M.D. . 
~ " Dr. S. N. Sherman . 

—Portraits of W. B. Wheelock and Wife 
~' Portrait of E. B. Allen 
' " Charles Lyon . 

Charles G. Myers 



facing 141 

. 143, 144 

facing 158 

between 158, 159 

" 158,159 

" 158, 159 

facing 159 

168 

between 168, 169 

" 16.S, 169 

" 168, 169 

facing 1 70 

" 171 

178 

188 

189 



^Portrait of Edward J. Chapin . 

' " Preston King . 

~^ " D. B. Southwick, M.D. . 

^ Portraits of Anthony Furness and Wife 

"* ** G. N. Seymour and AVife 

Portrait of Bishop Perkins 

" Daniel J udson (steel) 

N '* David C. Judson (steel) . 

" David M. Chapin 

-Jones Block (with portrait, Wm. Jones) 

Portrait of Rev. L. M. Miller, D.D. . 
' First Presbyterian Church and Parsonage 
' Residence of W. L. Proctor (with portrait) 

Portrait of Geo. M. Foster 



PAGE 

facing 1 89 

" 190 

between 190, 191 

" 190, 191 

facing 190 

. 191 

between 192, 193 

" 192, 193 

. 194 

facing 



facing 



195 
190 
196 
197 

197 



OSWEGATCHIE. 

Residence of Joseph Whcator (with jtortraits) 
"^ " Bcniah Morrison ** " 

^ Portrait of N. T. Giffin .... 
^Portraits of John E. Tallman and Wife . 
' Residence of John E. Tallman 

" John S. Sharp (with portraits) 

Portrait of Benjamin Nevin 
-• Portraits of Lewis Northrup and Wife 
Portrait >jf Anthony Furness . 
Residence of Walter II. Gray, Heuvelton 



faoing 193 

" 199 

" 200 

between 200, 201 

" 200, 201 

facing 201 

. 202 

faoing 202 

. 203 

facing 204 



facing 
between 188, 



188, 189 



CANTON. 

Residence of 0. A. Mead facing 204 

> " E. H. Southworth (with jiortraits) . '• 205 

View of the Poor-Housc ...... '* 208 

Mill of Lasell A Jewett, and Residence of S. W. Lasell " 208 

Old Home of late Gov. Silas Wright .... " 209 

\ Portraits of Pliny Wright and Wife .... " 209 



CONTENTS. 



IIjXjTJSTI?.-A.TIOI<rS. 



PAQB 

~" Kesidcnoo of R. K. Jackson (with portraits) . . Tncing 212 
* *' Ju»hua W. Finuirnorc (with portraits) double 



page 

" W. II. Finnimoro (with portraits) 

"■ " Mrs. 0. Norton " 

** N. Sanderson " 

^ " Wm. 0. Squires " 

^ Portraits of Asa Conkoy and Wife . 
^ Residence of .J. 0. Whitney 
'^* Ilodskin House ...... 

^ Portraits of Nathaniel and Barzillai lludskin 

" Fostus Tracy and Wife . 

-J Residence of E. J. Tracy .... 

* *' Harvey Knox 

"■ Portraits of Harvey Knox and Wife . 
Portrait of Judge W. H. Sawyer 

** Barius Clark .... 

1 " John L. Russell 

"^ Residence of John and Henry Bullis 
'"* Presbyterian Church ..... 
"^ Residence of W. D. Boyden 

" Truman Barnes (with portraits) 

^ " E. G. Woodbridgc 

" John Malterner (with portraits) 

" E. Pickcrt and Son (with portrait 






-■» " Samuel W. Pitt (with portrait.?) 

'- Portrait of Leslie W. Russell (steel) 
Portraits of Aaron Barrow and Wife 
""Portrait of Hon. Silas Wright . 

~~ " E. Miner 

" Hon. Silas Baldwin . 

" Murray N. Ralph . 

^ Portraits of William Perry and Wife 
~Tlesidence of William Perry 
Portrait of (jcorge Robinson 

" John Miller .... 



between 212, 21.3 

facing 21.3 

" 214 

" 215 

" 216 

217 

" 218 

between 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

" 218, 219 

facing 220 

" 221 

" 222 

between 222, 223 

222, 223 

facing 224 

) double page, 

between 224, 225 

facing 225 

228 

. 232 

facing 232 

between 232, 233 

" 232, 233 

" 232, 233 

" 232, 233 

" 232, 233 

. 233 

. 235 



.J 



POTSDAM. 

— > State Normal and Training School . 
— ' Residence of L. A. Holt .... 
~J " Luther S. Owen (with portrait) 

- , " George Pert .... 

" B. Usher .... 

"~~^ " Wm. J. Barnum (with portraits) 

-— ' " Martial h. Wait " 

'* A. L. Lockwood . 

J. F. Ooggin .... 
' Photograph Gallery of N. L. Stone . 
"^ Portraits of Loren, Philena, and N. Ashley an 
Residence of K. B. Brooks 
" Seth Benson 

"*Tho French Homestead (with portraits) . 

^Trinity Church 

-■ Residence of Owen J. Sartwell (with portraits) 
^ " Joram Timerman " 

^ " A. E. Louckes " 

•-» " Ellis Benson " 

^ . " N. L. Benson " 

George W. Bonney 
Milton Heath 
^ Portrait of Samuel Partridge (steel) . 
i " Horace Allen " . 

(< " William A. Bart " . 

■■ " Br. Henry Hewitt " . 

^ Residence of Mrs. Knieline Baldwin (with por 
" Wm. H. Wright (with portraits 

^ " Lyman H. Bayton " 

nJ Portrait of Liberty Knowles 



I 



tra 



facing 236 

" 240 

" 241 

" 244 

" 244 

" 245 

" 248 

between 248, 249 

" 248, 249 

248, 249 

Wife facing 249 

" 252 

" 252 

between 252, 253 

facing 253 

" 254 

" 255 

256 

between 256, 257 

" 256, 257 

facing 257 

257 

258 

between 260, 261 

260, 261 

facing 262 

it) . " 263 

264 

between 264, 265 

" 264, 265 



1 Portraits of Ebor Wheeler and Wife . 

Portrait of Luther E. Wadleigh 
' Residence of Tilness Hawley (with portraits) 
'The Mathews Honustead " 

'Residence of A. T. Hopkins " 

* " John May " 

LISBON. 

^ Residence of H. E. Axtell, with river view 

" Adam Scott (with |)ortraits). 

. Portraits of Benj. B. Wheater and Wife . 

MADKIU. 

^Residence of Caleb Pierce (with portraits) 

WADDINGTON. 

[Residence of Jas. Redingtou 

" S. J. Bewey .... 

^ " George Redington 

^ " Calvin Abernethy 

Portrait of Hon. Geo. Redington (steel) . 
" Major John T. Rutherford 

" Mrs. Fanny Pratt . 

" Walter Wilson .... 



facing 



PAQB 

265 

. 265 

facing 266 

between 206, 267 

266, 267 

facing 267 



facing 272 
'■ 273 
" 276 



facing 286 



facing 287 

" 287 

290 

" 291 

" 295 

296 

. 298 

298 



facing 



NORFOLK. 

> Residence of Wm. C. Rawson (with portraits) 
^ " 0. H. Hale .... 

■^ Portraits of Silas Waldron and Wife . 
J Portrait of Br. Wm. Floyd 
-^ " Chauncey L. Shepard 

\, Residence of " " . . 

•' H. C. Farwell 

• Portrait of H. B. Carpenter 
" Perry C. Bixby 



facing 300 

between 300, 301 

300,301 

facing 302 

betiveeu 302, 303 

" 302, 303 

" 302, 303 

facing 303 

. 303 



PIERREPONT. 

Residence of Stephen A. Crary 
^/ " J. Ingraham Leonard (with portraits) 

" M. and L. Bullis (double page) . 

I Bairy Farm of Horace Buttertiuld (with portraits) 

M. L. Howard " 

'^ '• Ezra Lobdell " 

- Portrait of Gardner Cox ..... 
'Residence of S. C. Curtis 

"'V " A. B. Hamilton .... 

- " C. R. Packard (with portraits) 
Portrait of F. A. Morrison .... 

-' Residence of Benjamin Butterfield . 

^ " L. Crampton .... 



facing 303 
304 

between 304, 305 

facing 305 

306 

" 307 

308 

between 308, 309 

" 308, 309 

facing 309 

. 309 

facing 310 

" 311 



ROSSIE. 

Residence of Robert Markwick . 



facing 311 



HOPKINTON. 

"^ Residence of Royal Lawrence (with portraits) . 

'* Mrs. .-Vchsa Goodell (with portraits) 

■^ " Joel Withercll (with portraits) 

The Hopkins' Residence " 

Portrait of Joel Goodell .... 
' " Franklin E. Kellogg 

• " Hon. Jonah Sanford 

I Residence of " " (with portrait) 

-" " W. E. Eastman (with portraits) 

* Portraits of Jacob Phelps and Wife . 
^ Residence of Wm. S. Phelps (with portraits) 

" T. H. Laughlin " 

^ Portraits of C. S. Chittenden and Wife . 
-^ Residence of Jason Brush 
-^ Portraits of Eliphalet and Jason C. Brush 



facing 318 

" 319 

" 320 

" 321 

. 322 

facing 322 

between 322, 323 

" 322, 323 

facing 323 

between 324, 325 

" 324, 325 

facing 325 

" 326 

between 326, 327 

" 326, 327 



CONTENTS. 



IIl,LTJSTK..A.TIOIsrS. 



^•Portrait of Artemas Kent 
"^ Portraits of Joseph and Joseph A. Brush 
■~* " Dr. Francis Parker iind Wife 

"~^ Residence of Joseph A. Brush . 
' ' Portrait of Parker Converse 

PARISHVILLE. 

^ Residence of David Daggett (with porlrai(s) 
,^ " D. S. Stevens 

^ Portrait of .\nscl S. Smith 

" W. W. Bloss .... 

J Residence of A. E. BIciss (with portraits) . 

• Portrait.-^ of iSanuiel K. Flanders and Wile 

Residence of Mrs. Mary G. Willis (with portrai 
' View of Flanders & Sons' Manufactory 
Portrait of Parker W. Rose 
'^^ Residences of 1*. AV. Rose .... 
^** Residence of Allen Whipple 

Portrait of .\llen Whipple .... 
1 Residence of H. N. Flower (with portraits) 

GOUVERNEUK. 



ts) 



IMOE 

between 326, 327 

32G, 327 

" 326, 327 

" 326, 327 

facing 327 



facing 328 

between 328, 329 

32S, 329 

. 330 

facing 331 

between 330, 331 

facing 330 

between 330, 331 

. 332 

facing 



facing 



^ Residence of A. E. Norton 
-"Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary 
■--J Residence of Milton G. Norton . 
^ Portrait of Prof. W. F. Sudds . 
»Portraits of E. W. Abbott and Wife . 
-i " P. V. Abbott and Dr. G. S. Farmer 

-^ " U. W. Hunt and Wife . 

"^ Portrait of D. A. Johnson .... 
!^^ Portraits of Francis M. lloibrook and Family 
Residence of F. M. lloibrook 
Portrait of J. A. Bassett .... 
r '• E. ir. Neary .... 

\ " Rev. N. J. Conklin . 

^^ " Rev. II. C. Townley . 

" Peter Van Buren 
-J " S. B. Van Duzee 

-, Portraits of Harvey D. Smith and Wife . 



-J 



DE KALB. 

Residence of John Hockens 

" Caroline Smith 

" Elou G. Gardner ..... " 

" Nathan Rundell .... between 352, 

Portraits of N. Rundell and Wife ... ". 342, 

Residence of E. P. Townsley and Wife (with portraits), facing 

" S. V. R. Hendrick .... " 

" Daniel 0. Stiles (with portraits) . 

Portraits of Pelatiah Stacy and Wife 

" George P. Cahoou and Wife . 

Residence and Mills of A. C. llinc . 
Residence of S. W. Hemenway .... 

" James Burnett .... 

" H. Godard, Esii 

Portraits of It. Codard and Wife 
Residence of Abner Brecs (with portraits) 
Portrait of Hon. D. A. Moore (steel) . 
Residence of Andrew Roulston (with portraits) 

MACOMD. 



between 350, 
facing 

between 



between 354, 
" 354, 
" 354, 
facing 



between 358, 
" 358, 
facing 



DE PEYSTER. 

\1 Portraits of Otis C. Jillson and Wife 



Portrait of Kussel Warren 
' Portraits of Joel Warren and AVife 
Portrait of George Ashwortb 
" Benj. F. Partridge . 



i-AO e 

between 368, 369 

308, 369 

. 369 

. 370 



niORRlSTOWN. 

Portrait of E. W. White facing 374 

Portraits of John E. Ingham and Wife . . between 374, 375 

Residence of " .... " 374, 375 

s,'N Farm of Jeremiah Davis (double page), with portraits " 374, 375 

^ Residence of Henry Hooker (with portraits) . . facing 375 

Portrait of Augustus Chapman (steel) ... " 376 



332 
333 
.■533 
334 



^Business Property of C. Anthony, Jas. Brodie, etc. . facing 335 

'Banking Office of A. Godard A- Co "338 

Portraits of A. E. Norton, Wife, and Jessie Ormiston, between 338, 339 



" 338, 339 

facing 339 

" 342 

" 346 

between 346, 347 

" 346, 347 

facing 347 

" 348 

between 348, 349 

" 348, 349 

. 349 

facing 350 

" 350 

" 350 

between 350, 351 

" 350, 351 

" 350, 351 



STOCKHOLM. 

K Residence of 0. M. Emery 
" 0. F. Crouch .... 

" Benjamin Reeve (with portraits) 

" W. T. Phippen . 

View of the West Stockholm Foundry 
-' Residence of G. W. Harrington (with portraits) 
" Jas. B. Pelsue " 

-J " Col. Ira Hale " 

-■1 Late Residence of J. L. Mayhew (with portrait) 
n) Residence of B. G. Lewis (with portraits) 
f " R. R. Seaver 

\ Portraits of Morgan Marsh and Wife 
^Portrait of Harriet Smith .... 
" Portraits of Allen Lyman and Wife . 



351 
351 
352 
353 
353 
353 
354 
355 
355 
355 
356 
357 
358 
369 
359 
359 
360 
362 



( Residence of James McFalls facing 363 

" John A. Wilson "363 



facing 368 



FOWLER. 

Residence of Benjamin Cross . 

IIAMMONO. 

^Residence of Andrew Rodger (with portraits) 
< " William Cuthbert " 

J " James More " 

— " Michael Forrester. 



facing 382 



facing 386 

between 386, 387 

" 386, 3S7 

facing 387 



facing 388 

" 388 

" 389 

" 390 

" 391 

" 392 

" 393 

" 394 

395 

" 396 

between 396, 397 

" 396, 397 

396, 397 

" 396, 397 



MASSENA. 

Portraits of Samuel Tracy and Wife 
-J Residence of Iliram Fish (with portraits) 
" H. N. Robinson " 

*' A. J. Barnhart, Barnhart's Island 

_.. Portraits of the Barnhart Family 

BRASHER. 

Residence of Mahalon Lowell . 
V " J. P. Stafford 

J " Moses Rich (with portraits) . 

" C. T. Hulburt 



facing 



facing 



401 
408 
409 
410 
4U 



412 
412 
418 
419 



LAWRENCE. 

-^Portrait of T. U. Ferris facing 420 

-SPortraits of W. S. Taggart and Wife . . bclwocn 420, 421 

^ Residcuce of W. S. Taggart .... " 420,421 

^ " Hon. 0. F. Shcpard ... " 420, 421 

^ Portrait of " " . . . " 420, 421 

■^ " M. B. Conlin facing 421 

J Residence of George Berry (with portraits) . . " 424 
-J " A. E. McEucn " " . between 424, 425 

^J Residence and Store of D. L. Merrill (with portraits) " 424, 425 

■J Portrait of R. S. Palmer facing 425 

RUSSELL. 

Russell Block facing 426 

• Residence of 0. G. Weston "426 

, J Mills of Hiram Bartlelt (with portraits) ... " 427 

~>4 Residence of Wiera Fordham "... I2S 



1749 



INTRODUCTORY. 



1878 



It has been well said that " history is the memory of 
nations," and the history of a nation is but the aggregation 
of that of States, counties, towns, and individuals. The 
story of the early experience of the jnunccr is the substruc- 
ture upon which rests the finished '' temple of history." 
The history of a neighborhood is made up from the recol- 
lections of those who first cut away the dense forest-growth, 
and sowed the first grain, and raised the first rude log cabins 
to shelter their wives and little ones. 

The history of each school and church begins with the 
" logging bee," when the scattered neighbors collected 
together and erected a primitive building covered with bark, 
or " shakes" from the riven spruce or hemlock, where the half- 
dozen bronzed and cheaply-clad children sat on slab benches 
and listened while the " ma.ster" explained the tremendous 
problems of " Pike" and " Davie," or patiently taught the 
curly-headed youngsters their " A B abs." 

The primitive church edifice was sometimes raised in a 
couple of days, and oflen the early sanctuaries were " God's 
first temples," the overshadowing forest. 

The earliest roads and means of communication we e the 
■ Indian trail and the canoe, or " dug-out," and a score of 
years elapsed after the first settlement before there were 
even passable roads for teams. 

The vast domain of St. Lawrence County comprises 2880 
square miles, is in itself equal in area to several of the 
minor Stites of the Union, and its history is almost equally 
important. We have endeavored, in this elaborate and beau- 
tiful volume, to give all the important facts connected with 
its various interests : Discovery and early settlement ; the 
mission of La Presentation; the military and naval operations 
of the early and later wars ; the history of its numerous 
land-titles and prominent land-holders ; the planting of its 
early schools and churches ; its organization into a separate 
county ; its courts and boards of supervisors ; the founding 
of its numerous towns and villages ; sketches of its promi- 
nent citizens, its attorneys and physicians, its political, 
agricultural, manufocturing, and commercial interests ; its 
growth and development by decades, with statistics of popu- 
lation, taxation, and wealth ; its railway and shipping inter- 
ests; its geography, geology, etc., and the grand and noble 
part taken by its people in the terrible struggle for the 
preservation of the Union. 

A large amount of valuable information was collected by 
8 



Dr. Ilough when compiling liis history of St. Lawrence 
and Franklin counties, twenty-five years ago, and this work 
has been the prolific source whence we have drawn liberally 
in the compilation of the present volume. Every published 
work bearing in any way upon the history of the county, 
and available to us, has been examined, and its facts em- 
bodied, and all portions of the county have been visited, 
" old settlers" interviewed, and their recollections utilized in 
the best possible manner. 

For purposes of convenience the work has been treated 
by subjects, as far as possible, and arranged with convenient 
index fur ea.sy reference. 

Among the numerous authorities consulted, we may men- 
tion the Documentary and Colonial History of New York, 
Hough's History of St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Jeflferson 
Counties, Pouchot's Memoirs (a rare work), the civil list of 
the State, Parkman's Works, AVritings of Champlain, Char- 
levoix, Maute, Ivnox, Bancroft, Albach, and other standard 
authors, various works on the history of the State, legisla- 
tive manuals. United States and State censuses, court and 
supervisors' records, libraries, records of county societies 
and of churehe.s and schools, old newspaper-files, geological 
works, and the military records of the adjutant-general's 
ofiBce at Albany. 

In the letter-press and engraving departments, the work 
will best speak for itself; but it may be proper to say that 
the publishers flatter themselves that their numerous patrons 
will, in these respects, find nothing to be desired. 

The historical corps have everywhere met with kindly 
consideration, but the number of those who have rendered 
valuable assistance forbids an individual enumeration. We 
would, however, acknowledge ourselves under special obli- 
gations to Dr. F. B. Hough and his son, Mr. F. H. Hough , 
to county, city, and town officials, the press and clergy, 
officers and managere of societies and orders, members of 
the legal and medical fraternities, railway officers, United 
States customs officials, postmasters, and the various manu- 
facturers throughout the county. 

Acknowledgments for assistance rendered in collecting 
data for the history of the several towns will be found in 
their proper connections. 

SAMUEL W. DURANT, 
HENRY B. PEIRCE. 

OoDENSBURO AND Canton, Jan., 1878. 



f 



HISTOEY 



OF 



ST. LAWEENOE COUNTY, l^EW YOEK 



BT S. W. DURANT AND H. B. PEIRCE. 



CHAPTER I. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 
Geography, Topography, Geology, Miner.alogy, anJ Meteorology. 

St. Lawrence County, named from the great river on 
its nortliern border, i.s situated in tlic northern part of the 
State, and contains, according to the " State Gazetteer" 
(edited by Franklin B. Hough, A.M., M.D.), 2880 square 
miles, being the largest in the State. Its northern boun- 
dary is the national line, in the channel of the St. Law- 
rence, between the United States and the Dominion of 
Canada. It is bounded on the south by Hamilton and 
Herkimer counties, on the east by Franklin county, and 
on the southwest by Jefferson county. 

The principal streams are the Indian, Oswegatchie, 
Grasse, Racket {Raquette), and St. Regis rivers, and their 
branches. The Indian river rises in the east part of Lewis 
county, and after a very tortuous course, including a pas- 
sage through Black lake, falls into the O.swegatchie about 
four miles above Ogdensburg. The Oswegatchie rises in 
the northern part of Herkimer county, and flowing north- 
ward pa.sses through Cranberry lake, and thence bearing 
northwest makes a curious detour into the eastern border of 
Jefferson county, and thence flows in a northeasterly course 
to Ileuvelton, where it again bears to the northwest and 
di.scflarges into the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburg. Grass 
{Grasse) river rises in the southeastern part of the county, 
in the town of Hopkinton, where it drains Pleasant, Ma.s.sa- 
wappie, and several smaller lakes and ponds. From its 
head-waters it flows northwesterly until it cntei's the town 
of Russell, where it deflects to the northeast, and flows with 
a uniform course in that direction to its junction with the 
St. Lawrence, in the town of Massena. The Racket river 
(originally Raquette) has its sources in the northern part 
of Hamilton county, where it drains numerous lakes, among 
the most importaat of which are Emmons', Racket, and 
Long lakes. From the northeast corner of Hamiltim it 
crosses the southwest corner of Franklin county, where it 
receives the waters of Dead or Tupper's lake, and flows 
2 



thence in a general northwesterly direction to the village of 
Potsdam, where it makes a turn and flows northeasterly 
and discharges into the St. Lawrence in the northwest cor- 
ner of Fiaiiklin county, on the 45th parallel of north lati- 
tude. This is the longest stream in northern New York, 
having a course of about one hundred miles, and draining 
by an approximate estimate about 1200 square miles. The 
St. Regis rises in the southern part of Franklin county, its 
head-waters being formed by the outlets of numerous small 
lakes and ponds. Its eastern branch heads in the eastern 
part of Franklin county, wher-j it drains Meacham's anc 
numerous smaller lakes. The west branch take." a north 
westerly course, like all the rivers in this region, and flows 
directly towards the St. Lawrence until it reaches the town 
of Stockholm, when it turiis towards the northeast and 
flows in that direction to its confluence with the St. Law- 
rence at the Indian village of St Regis, on the boundary line 
between the United States and Canada. The ea^t branch 
flows in a general northwesterly direction, and unites with 
the west branch at the hamlet of Helena in the town of 
Brasher. The Deer river, a branch of the St. Regis, rises 
in the central part of Franklin county, and unites with the 
east branch in the south part of the town of Brasher. All 
these streams have a rapid descent from the liighlands, and 
are broken by numerous falls, cascades, and rapids, which 
furnish abundant water-power. In the early days they 
were all more or less used for purposes of navigation, and 
Black lake is navigable for steam and sailing craft. A 
natural canal formerly connected the Oswegalchie and 
Grasse rivers, which was at one time considerably utilized 
for purposes of navigation by canoes and light bateai'.i. I 
is now entirely abandoned, and for a portion of its lengt 
(about Ave miles) is nearly dry. It originally had a d 
scent of a few feet towards the Oswegatchie. 

LAKES. 

There are several quite extensive lakes in the cou' 
the most important of which are : Black lake, in the wcs 
part, which is about twenty ixiiles in length, and cov •• 
estimated area of about fifteou square miles, or 9GU0 
Its waters are clear, generally deep, and abound lu 

9 



1"~> 



1A_ 



HISTORY OF ST. I,AWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



varieties offish. This lake contains numerous islands, and 
is walled in places hy perpendicular mas.ses of Pofsdani 
sandstone, affonlinj? in many localities most beautiful 
scenery. Cranberry lake, in the southeastern part of the 
county, covers about ten square miles, accordinj; to the 
latest maps, or 0400 acres. It is situated well up in the 
higlilands, in the midst of a great variety of scenery. It 
also abound.s in islands. Tupper's, or ])ead lake, lies partly 
in Franklin and partly in St. Lawrence counties, and is 
about the size of Cranberry lake, or perhaps somewhat less 
in area. It is in the midst of a wild forest region and ad- 
jacent to some of the highest cones of the Adirondacks. 
Numerous other less important lakes are found in various 
parts of the county, among which are Trout and Jordan 
l'>kes, ill £i>/pkinton ; Silver lake, in Fowler; Trout and 
Cedar lakes, in Hermon ; and Yellow lake, in Rossie. 

THE LAKE OF THE " THOUS.\ND ISLANDS," 
in the St. Lawrence, abounds in the most beautiful scenery 
on the continent, and the grand river itself is unrivaled 
on the globe for the purity of its deep blue waters, and the 
ever-changing variety and beauty of its splendid scenery. 
Its shores abound in points of historic interest, nhich, to 
the uneducated traveler, are a constant source of enjoy- 
ment; and the steady flow of its waters, which are never 
affected by storms, its enormous volume, its gi-and reaches, 
where it spreads out like the sea, and its wonderful rapids, 
all combine to make it one of the most interesting streams 
to be found on the earth. 
} The following extract is from " Weld's Journal," written 
^^in 1799, f.nd published in Di-. Hough's History of Jeffer.son 
County, in- 1 854. In speaking of the Lake of the Thousand 
Islands, he says, — 

"About 8 o'clock the next and cightli morning of our voyage we 
entered tlic last lake before you come to that of Ontario, called the 
Lake of a Thousand Islands, on account of the multi|>liciiy of them 
which it contains. Many of those islands are scarcely larger than a 
bateau, and none of them, except such as are situated at the upper 
and lower extremities of the lake, appeared to me to contain more 
than fifteen English acres each. They are all covered with wood, 
even to the very smallest. The trees on these last are stunted in 
their growth, but the larger islands pro.duce ns line timber as is to be 
found on the main shores of the lake. Many of these islands are 
situated so closely together that it would be easy to throw a pebble 
from one to the other, notwithstanding which circumstance the pas- 
sage between them i.s perfectly safe and commodious for bateaux, and 
between some of them that are even thus close to each other is water 
sufficient for a frigate. The water is uncommonly clear, as it is in 
every psrt of the river from Lake St. Francis upwards : between that 
lake and the Utawas river downwards it is di.scolored, as t have be- 
fore observed, by passing over beds of marl. The shores of all these 
islands under our notice are rocky; most of them rise very boldly, 
anJ. some exhibit perpendicular masses of rock towards the water up- 
wards oi" twenty feet high. The scenery presented to view in sailing 
•elween these islands is benutiful in the highest degree. Sometimes, 
rter passing through a narrow strait, you find yourself in a basin, 
nd-locked on every side, that appears to have no communication with 
c lake, except by the passage through which you entered; you are 
iking about, porhajis, for an outlet to enable you to proceed, think- 
; at last to see some little channel which will just admit your 
eau, when, on a sudden, an expanded sheet of water opens upon 
1, whose boundary is the horizon nlune ; again in a few minutes 
find yourself land-locked, and again a spacious passage as sud- 
iire.senls itself; at other times, when in the middle of one of 
basins, between a cluster of islands, a dozen dilTerent channels, 
.•nany noblo rivers, meet the eye, perhaps ecinally unexpect- 



edly, and on each side the islands appear regularly retiring till they 
sink from the sight in the distance. Every minute during the pas- 
sage of this lake the prospect varies. . . . The Lake of a Thousand 
Islands is twenty-five miles in length, and about six in breadth." 

The celebrated poet, Thomas Moore, visited the St. Law- 
rence in the early part of the present century, and the 
magnificent scenery of the noble river naturally excited 
the enthusiasm of a temperament delicately sensitive to 
the beauties of nature, so .strikingly reflected in bis poems. 
The boatmen were accustomed to beguile the tedium of 
rowing by singing, their voices being perfectly attuned 
and the whole crew joining in the chorus. Of its effect 
he says, — 

'•Without the charm which association gives to every little memo- 
rial of scenes or feelings that are past, the melody may perhaps be 
thought common and trifling: but I u-memher when we had entered 
at sunset upon one of those beautiful lakes into which the St. Law- 
rence so grandly and unexpectedly opens, I have heard this simple 
air with a plen.-ure which the finest compositions of the first masters 
have never given me: and now there is not a note of it which does 
not recall to my memory the dips of our oars in the St. Lawrence, 
the flight of our boat down the rapids, and all those new and fanciful 
impressions to which my heart was alive during the whole of this 
interesting voyage." 

CANADIAN BOAT SO.SO. 

" Faintly as tolls the evening chime 
Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time; 
Soon as the woods on the shore look dim. 
We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hymn. 
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast. 
The rapids are near and the daylight's past! 

"Why should we yet our sail unfurl ? 
There is not a brcith the blue wi e to curl ! 
But, when the wind blows ofl" the shore, 
Oh, sweetly we'll rest our weary (»ar ! 
Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, 
The rapids are near and the daylight's past ! 

" Utawa's tide ! this trembling moon 
Shall see us float o'er thy surges soon : 
Saint of this green isle ! hear our jirayera, 
Oh, grant us cool heavens and favoring airs! 
Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, 
The rapids are near and the daylight's past!" 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The surface of St. Lawrence County covers so vast an 
area that it necessarily shows great variety, from the high- 
lands of the Adirondacks in the .southeast to the cluimfiaign 
region lying adjacent and panillel to the St. Lawrence. 
The loftiest elevations are about 2000 feet above tide-water 
at Albany, the general elevation of the southeastern poi tion 
being about 1000 feet. The surface in the more even por- 
tions is broken, more or less, by parallel ridges of primitive 
and secondary formation ; and the western portions, piirticu- 
larly in the towns of Rossie and Macomb, are somewhat 
hilly. 

A very peculiar feature of the topography of the county 
is the curious course which its principal inland streams 
pursue. The Oswegatchie, Grasse, Raf|uette, and St. Regis 
rivers, all rising in the highlands, flow for about one-half to 
two-thirds of their course directly towards the St. Lawrence, 
when they make sudden and sometimes — as is the case 
with the Oswegatchie — ver}' acute angles, and flow from 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11 



thence to their union with tlie great river in courses almost 
parallel to that stream. The Oswe^atchie is an exception, 
though in former times it connected by a sort of natural 
canal with Grasse river, and very possibly at one period 
poured its waters through that channel to the northeast. 
The reason of this peculiarity is undoubtedly found in the 
ridge-like formations before spoken of, wliicli trend gen- 
erally in a northeast and southwest direction. The Chip- 
pewa creek, in Morristown and Hammond, curiously enough, 
flows in a direction exactly contrary to that fiillowod by the 
St. Lawrence. The middle and western portions of the 
county are somewhat broken by protruding masses of the 
Potsdam sandstone. The northern and n(irthea.stern por- 
tions are generally level or slightly undulating. 

GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. 

The following articles upon these subjects are from Br. 
Hough's History of the County. 

From the accompanying map it will be seen that the 



stone, etc., which of themselves often become rock forma- 
tions. The boundaries of the gneiss rock are very nearly 
as follows. They constitute the Thousand islands, the last 
of which lie before Morristown, although both shores of 
the St. Lawrence arc here composed of newer rock. A 
narrow strip of this rock extends from Chippewa bay, up 
the valley of the creek of that name, two or three miles, 
being bounded on each side by a formation which geologists 
have named Potsdam sandstone, of which a further account 
will be given hereafter. The gneiss rock next enters the 
county from Jefferson, near the line of the military road 
in Hammond, and its northern margin runs nearly in a 
direct line to Black lake, and forms all the islands in that 
water, although the north .shore is sandstone. It leaves 
the lake in De Peyster, and runs across that town, De Kalb, 
and Canton, leaving the mo.st of these towns underlaid by 
gneiss, and passes across a small part of Potsdam into 
Parishville and the southern part of the settlements in 
Hopkinton, and thence through townships Nos. 7. 8. and 







op r 



ST.MWEEFCE COUFTT. ^ i 







)'iN C 

IflflSMCf? 




I / 







southern part of the county is underlaid by priimtrij rock, 
couipo.sed of varieties of granite, gneiss, and white or pri- 
mary limestone, which often show, in the structure and mode 
of arrangement, that they have been at some period sub- 
jected to the action of heat. The constituents of these prim- 
itive rocks are generally quartz, hornblende, and feldspar, 
arranged in irregular and often very tortuous strata or layers-, 
which are generally highly inclined. This peculiar mixture 
and arrangement of simple minerals is denominated i/neiss 
rock. When stratification is wanting it becomes skiiitc, and 
when mica takes the place of hornblende it is called granite. 
A great variety of minerals occur in gneiss rock in certain 
localities, and it is a valuable repository of lead and iron 
ores. In some places simple minerals occur in large quanti- 
ties, to the exclusion of everything else, as serpentine, liine- 



of Franklin county, and the norti\ciii cil^o ol' LiJuiont. 
With .small exceptions to be mentioned, near Somerville, 
the whole of the country south of this line is iirimary. and 
to this region metallic ores, except bog ores, must be neces- 
sarily limited. At the village of Potsdam the same rock 
comes up to the surface, like an island in the midst of sand- 
stone, and at other places the same thing is observed. How- 
ever irregular the strata of gneiss may be, they will gen- 
erallv be found to lUp or slope down' towards the north, 
which explains a remark made by Mr. Wright in his early 
surveys, that the mountains [like all in the southern forest] 
afford very good land on the north side, and gradually de- 
scending, but on the south side have high, perpendicular 
ledges. 

The extensive forest of northern Now York is underlaid 






12 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



entirely by primary rock, which 8eem.s to liave Ijeen thrust 
up tlirnu!;!) newer formations that surround it. In some 
places the latter are thrown into an inclined position by 
this intruded mass. Gneiss rock has but few useful appli- 
Ciitions. In early times (and still for coarse grinding) it 
was used for millstones, and in some places it occurs suita- 
ble for building ; but is generally too hard to be wrought 
with profit. In the south part of Canton a very fine-grained 
and durable variety occurs, which has a uniform gray color 
and close texture that recommends it where permanence is 
required. Towards the western part of St. Lawrence 
County white limestone is of common occurrence with this 
formation, and it has given rise to much discussion whether 
the limestone be primitive and coeval with the gneis.«, or 
whether it bo a later deposit altered by heat. One fact is 
well established, viz., that the white limestone underlies the 
sandstone, and many instances of this occur in llo.ssic, Ant- 
werp, etc. Examples are also found where this limestone 
underlies or mingles with the granite, as at Lyndhurst, in 
Canada. 

This limestone has been used to some extent as a marble, 
and mills for sawing it have existed in Rossie and Fowler; 
but its coarse, crystalline texture impairs its value, except 
for the more massive kinds of architecture. For the manu- 
facture of lime, however, there is probably nowhere in the 
world a material that will surpass this. It is generally in 
this rock, or along the line of junction with the gneiss, that 
the more splendid varieties of minerals occur that are so 
eagerly sought by lollectors. In agricultural capabilities, 
the soil underlaid by primary rock varies in quality, and 
seems to be, in a measure, dependent upon the prevalence 
of limestone and the nature and amount of the loose drifted 
materials that overlie it. The northern border of the State, 
and for a great distance into Canada, is underlaid by rocks 
of a more recent period, in which lime is an important in- 
gredient, and these give character to the soil for a con- 
siderable distance sr.uth, which can scarcely be said to differ 
from that immed' jly above them. 

The surface of the primary is generally more or less 
broken by ridges of rock, often rising but little above the 
surface. These ridges have a prevailing direction of north- 
east and southwest, which gives to the rivers tributary to 
the St. Lawrence their general course, and occasions the 
remarkable flexures so strikingly noticed in the Oswegatchie 
and Indian rivers, which flow in natural valleys for a con- 
siderable distance between ridges of gneiss. Towards the 
southern borders of St. Lawrence County the upheavals be- 
come of greater altitude, and as we go into the eastern part 
of this, and southern part of Franklin county, they attain 
the altitude of mountains, which in p]ssex reach an altitude 
of 5400 feet; being only exceeded, in the region lying east 
of the Missi.ssii)pi river, by the Black mountains of North 
Carolina and the White mountains of New Hampshire, the 
former of which reacli Gi)00 feet. These bald and sterile 
peaks support but a scanty vegetation, and overlook in- 
numerable ponds and lakes, with fertile intervales ; but 
thousiuids of acres will be found wholly unfit for tillage, and 
of no value beyond the timber on the surface or the iron 
ores beneath it. These lands form a elevated plateau, liable 
to late spring aTid early autumnal frosts, but adapted to 



grazing, the uplands affording pasturage and the intervales 
meadows. Of minerals interesting to the collector it has 
none, but it abounds in iron ores, which will hereafter em- 
ploy the industry of great numbers, as it unites the three 
essentials of ore, water-power, and fuel, to which, in a great 
degree, has been added, in the Northern railroad, an ac- 
cess to market. From an elevation of 1600 feet the surface 
uniformly descends to the St. Lawrence, ? id in Franklin 
county, from the greater elevation, the descent is more 
perceptible, so that from almost any prominent point the 
lower country north may be overlooked to a great extent, 
and the majestic St. Lawrence, reduced to a silver line in 
the blue distance, with the Canadian villages dotted here 
and there, and the obscure outline of northern mountains 
faintly appearing on the horizon, give a peculiar beauty to 
the landscape. 

Lying directly upon the gneiss, or in some instances 
upon the limestone, is a rock which presents a great variety 
of structure, called by geologists Potsdam sandstone, from 
its great abundance above that village, and its remarkable 
adaptation for building purposes which it there exhibits. 
Perhaps no material in the world surpasses in cheapness, 
elegance, and durability the I'otsdam .sandstone, where it 
occurs in even-bedded strata, as in the towns of Potsdam, 
Canton, Stockholm, etc. The sharpness of outline which 
it preserves in localities where it has been exposed to the 
weather for centuries indicates its durability. Walls made 
of this stone never present the mouldy, decaying appear- 
ance common to walls of limestone in damp situations. It 
cleaves into slabs three or four inches thick and several 
feet in length, and when first exposed to the air it readily 
breaks, when laid over a straight edge, with carefully re- 
peated blows of a stone hammer, into pieces of any desirable 
size with the greatest freedom. Exposure to the air hardens 
it in a little time, and it thenceforth is fitted for any pur- 
pose of paving, or the walls of building, for which u.ses it is 
unsurpassed. Walls laid with alternate courses of broad 
and narrow stone present a very neat and substantial ap- 
pearance. 

The sandstone enters Rossie from Jefferson county, be- 
tween the Oswegatchie and the iron mines, and runs across 
that town about two miles into Gouverneur. The .south 
margin of this rock conforms to the course we have traced 
as the boundary of the gneiss, and it underlies some of the 
most valuable farming lands of northern New York. A 
feature will be observed in the district underlaid by the 
sandstone, which is quite general, and is due to the little 
liability to disintegration which it exhibits, namely, the 
ab.scnce of gentle swells and sloping declivities. Wherever 
valleys occur their margins are usually bounded by abrupt 
precipices of naked rock, and where deep ravines have been 
wrought by running streams, as at the falls on the Chateau- 
gay river, the banks present bold projecting and overhang- 
ing cliffs, with intervening spaces, where from frost or 
running streams portions have been thrown down or swept 
away, leaving detached and almost isolated masses standing. 
In Hammond are localities in which outstanding masses 
of this rock, of the same height as the main body but separa- 
ted from it, often occur. In texture th^ sandstone differs 
greatly, being at times fine-grained and u.aformly stratified. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



13 



as at all tlio quarries where it is wrouglit, and at times 
made up of angular or rounded masses of various sizes, 
cemented together, with little symmetry or apjicarance of 
stratification. It is among the last of these that several 
curious instances of structure exist, which indicate in them- 
selves some of the causes that must have operated when the 
deposits were going on. Ripple marks are of common 
occurrence, proving that they formed the shores of ancient 
seas, by which the sands were thrown into slight undulating 
ridges, exactly as is seen on the borders of exiscing waters. 
In some places the rock is made up of balls, having a con- 
centric structure like the coats of an onion, usually with a 
pebble as a nucleus, as if they had been formed by rolling 
over the surface, receiving an addition from the adhesion of 
sand, as we sometimes see snow-balls rolled up by the wind 
on the surface of snow. In the vicinity of the iron mines 
of Rossie this spheroidal structure is very common, and 
makes up the whole rock. They are of all sizes, from a 
pea to an orange. But perhaps there is no structure, 
either of this or of any rock, more worthy of study than 
the remarkable ci/Hndncnl stratification frequently observed 
in Rossie, Antwerp, Theresa, etc. These cylinders arc 
vertical, and of all diameters, from two inches up to twenty 
feet or more, and their section, where exposed to the surface, 
shows them to be made of concentric strata of sand of dif- 
ferent colors and degrees of fineness, firmly consolidated 
and capable of being detached, when they present to the 
casual observer the appearance of huge logs of wood, which 
has led to their being called '• petrified logs." This sand- 
stone contains but few evidences of organic existence, these 
being limited to obscure fucoids and one or two bivalve 
shells. At times the ripple marks have been seen much 
like sea-weeds in their arrangement, and the fracture and 
cleavage of the stone near Potsdam has at times .shown a 
moss-like ramification, which may be due to manganese. 
The cylinders at times encroach upon each other, the last 
formed being perfect, while the older one has its stratifi- 
cation inteiTupted by the other. No rational theory has 
occurred to us by which this wonderful structure could be 
explained, other than that they were formed by vortices or 
whirlpools playing upon the surface of water and imparting 
their gyratory motions to the mobile sands of the bottom, 
which has since become consolidated and remains. 

The Potsdam sandstone is bordered, along the St. Law- 
rence and extending back a few miles, by the calclferons 
sandstone^ which presents at many places near Ogdensburg 
definite fossil remains, which are, however, limited to a few 
species. Among these are many obscure masses, with a 
texture that indicates them to have been sponges, or the 
lower orders of zoophytes, which have never been studied 
with the view of scientific interest. In an economical point 
of view this rock is of importance, both as a building stone 
and as material for lime, for which, however, it is far in- 
ferior to the white limestone of the primary region. At 
Massena and at Waddington water lime has been manu- 
foctured from this rock, but this is not now done. 

The above enumerated form the principal of our rock 
formations, but over them all is more or less exten.sivfly and 
very unequally .spread a mass of soil, sand, clay, and bowlders 
of rock, much of which bears evidence of having been 



drifted, by agencies that have long since ceased, from more 
northern localities, and deposited in its present form. This 
has received the name of Drift, and its .study forms one of 
the most instructive departments of practical geology. Evi- 
dences of its northern origin may be found in our ability 
to often trace loose masses of rock to the parent source, and 
especially to the polished and scratched surface of rocks 
when exposed, which bear testimony to the fact that they 
have been ground and furrowed by moving masses, which 
the direction of the scratches certify was from a northerly 
quarter. The evidence of the grinding of solid bodies 
moving in water is often observed along streams at the 
present day. 

Near Cooper's falls, in I)e Kalb, may be seen a cavity 
of several feet in depth which has been worn in this way, 
but it is at a level far above the present river ; and in the 
gneiss rock, near the Ox Bow, in the edge of Jefferson 
county, is another example, which occurs on the face of a 
clift" some seventy feet in height, and is of so remarkable a 
nature as to have attracted general curiosity. The pot- 
shaped cavity is about 18 feet deep and 10 wide at the 
largest part. It derives its name from its having been used 
as a pulpit on several occasions when the settlements were 
new. In one instance a Methodist quarterly meeting is said 
to have been held at the foot of this rock. In Do Kalb an 
instance is observed in which the strata of sandstone have 
been pressed into waves. This locality is mentioned by 
Prof. Emmons as being eighty rods north of De Kalb vil- 
lage. At another locality the strata are broken up, which 
proves that these masses have been subjected to motion 
since formed and consolidated. Tortuous strata in the gneiss 
are extremely common, but nowhere can this be studied 
with better advantage than on the summit of the hill 
towards Hammond, in the village of Rossie. Accumula- 
tions of drift are of common occurrence in Rcssie, near 
Sprague's Corners, in Hermon, Pierrepont, Parishvillc, Hop- 
kintou, etc. 

There is above the drift still another formation, con.sisting of 
sands and clays, and containing shells unchanged in texture, 
and of the species now living in the Arctic seas, which 
skirts the northern border of the two counties, from Ogdens- 
burg, eastward, to which, from its extensive occurrence in 
the valley of the St. Lawrence, the term Latirentian deposit 
has been proposed. It exists in Canada over a great extent, 
and also in the valley of Lake Champlaiu. The railroad 
cutting east of Ogdenburg was through this, and multitudes 
of the fossil shells of species named by naturalists Saxicava 
riigosa, Tdliua i/rwn/andica, and a few othei's occur, and 
may be gathered in quantities. The clay beds at Raymond- 
ville, which have a peculiar columnar structure very much 
like starch, and no signs of stratification whatever, contain 
shells of the same species, proving that they belong to a 
marine formation of a comparatively recent period. These 
recent fossils occur in ravines throughout a considerable part 
of the northern border of Franklin county. 

Of a still more recent period are the bog ores still form- 
ing in swamps, the deposits of lime from a few springs, and 
the detritus brought down by rivers and left at their mouths, 
of which the rush bed at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, 
before the village of Ogdensburg, is an instance. 



14 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



LEAD. 

Among the remarkable features of the primary arc trap 
dykes (of which many very interesting instances occur in 
llossie, especially near Wegatchiej and niotailic veins. As 
it is designed to render this notice of practical utility, many 
subjects of a theoretical nature will be passed. Of metallic 
veins, those of lead, copper, and zinc arc the principal, and 
of the first that at Rossie is pre-eminent. Indefinite reports 
of lead, silver, etc., based upon Indian traditions, were 
common among the early proprietors, and much effort was 
made to discover the localities, among which one said to 
exist near the sources of Grasse river was sought after. 
At Rossie lead ore occurs in several veins, which descend 
nearly vertical, and the ores are associated with iron pyrites, 
calcite, eelestine, anglesite, and many other minerals. At 
the mines on Black lake, at Mineral point, zinc blende oc- 
curs in considerable quantities, and also, to some extent, with 
the galena of the St. Lawrence company's mines in 3Iacomb. 
We consider the ftict settled beyond a doubt, that load ore 
exists in quantities that will possibly render its mining very 
lucrative in St. Lawrence County, and, from the discoveries 
that are being made, it is probable that many now and val- 
uable localities will hereafter be opened. In all cases, so 
far as ob.served, this metal exists in true veins, with definite 
walls, and the geological features of the country are such 
as experience in other mining districts has shown favorable 
to the probabilities of ore in profitable quantities. 

COPPER. 

An as,sociation, styling itself the St. Lawrence Copper 
Company, was formed under the exertions of II. H. Bigelow, 
of Boston, in 184G, for the purpose of working mines of 
copper in northern New York, and mining operations on a 
small scale were commenced in several places, but more ex- 
tensively on the farm of Hubbard Clark, near the south 
line of Canton, where several thousand dollars were ex- 
pended in the erection of machinery, and in sinking a shaft 
about sixty feet deep, with short levels. The ore occurs 
here in white linie.stone, containing occasional crystals of 
brown tourmaline, and with the yellow sulphuret of copper. 
It formed a regular vein of one foot in width in scime places, 
and was associated with calcite, iron pyrites, and occasional 
stains of the green and blue carbonates of copper. The 
calcite of this place was at times found in crystals of huge 
proportions, coated with minute eryst;ils of pearl spar. It 
is said that some eighty tons of ore had becu procured when 
the workings were suspended, and a small mass of native 
copper was reported to have been found near the locality. 
A reverberatory furnace was erected at Russell village for 
working these ores, and others from Wilna, Jeflferson county, 
but never got in operation. IMr. Bigelow sub.so(|uontly 
went to California, and afterwards died of cholera in San 
Francisco. Since the above period, no effort has been made 
to mine for copper, although in several places s]iecimens of 
ore occur in such circumstances as to excite the belief that 
it exists in valuable quantities. 

IRON. 

Next afier the agricaltural and manufacturing facilities 
of northern New York, her ii-ou mines may be ranked 



among the elements of her wealth. These ores are of three 
distinct varieties, dift'ering essentially in geological age, 
chemical characters, mineral associates, and the qualities 
of iron which they produce. These are the primitive or 
magnetic, the specular, and the bog ores. The former, 
although of great abundance, mostly occur in sections yet 
unsettled, and difficult of access, in Pitcairn, Clifton, Chau- 
niont, Sherwood, etc. It is this variety of ore that is so 
largely wrought in Clinton and Essex counties, and that 
forms the wealth of Sweden. It is known to mineralogists 
as magnetite, from its being magnetic. Its mineral asso- 
ciates are few, being quartz, pyrites, and pyroxene ; from 
its being magnetic, it is readily separated from stone by 
being crushed and passed under revolving magnets, which 
pick up the particles of ore. It is sparingly distributed 
through most of our gneiss rock, and the particles, loosened 
by disintegration, form the black sand so uniformly seen on 
the borders of the lakes in the primary region. This sand 
often troubles the compass of the surveyor, and has led to 
the belief of mines of iron ore, in localities where nothing 
but iron sand existed. Specular and bog ores have no 
effect upon the magnetic needle. Primitive ore is difficult 
to melt, but makes good iron, and yields about seventy per 
cent. Some varieties make an iron that is exceedingly hard, 
as was the case with that wrought in Duane, which led to 
the belief that edge-tools having the hardness and temper of 
steel could be cast directly from the furnace. This, about 
the year 1840, led to much inquiry, and a resolution was 
passed by the a,ssembly in the session of 1841 calling upon 
Prof Euinions, the geologist of the second district, em- 
bracing the northern part of the State, for information re- 
specting this ore. In the report which this called forth, it 
was stated that the ore was a mixture of the protoxide and 
deatoxiile of iron, two varieties chemically differing in the 
amount of oxygen contained, but mechanically mixed in 
this instance, and that a part of the ore being first reduced, 
united with the carbon of the fuel, and became true steel, 
while the other part was melting. Although the edge-tools 
stood the test of experiment, the opinion was expressed that 
they would not bear continued use, and this has been fully 
sustained by experience, which has shown that they will 
soon crumble and break. In his final report, the geologist 
expressed his belief that the ores of Duane did not possess 
properties differing from those of Essex county. The iron 
from those ores is very hard, and well suited for those uses 
that require this property. 

The specular ores, so called from the splendid lustre of 
the ery.stals of Elba and other localities, occur under two 
varieties, distinct in situation and accompanying minerals. 
The least important of these is tlie cri/stn/liue variety, oc- 
cnriing in gneiss and white limestone, often beautifully crys- 
tallized in plates, and of variable and uncertain ((uantities, 
liable to thin out and again become wide. It has not hitherto 
been wrought with profit. A mine in Edwards has yielded 
about eighty tons, which made excellent malleable iron. 
Qiuirtz, apparently in twelve-sided crystals, formed by join- 
ing the ba.ses of two six-sided pyramids, but really having 
a short prism between, is usually found with this ore, and 
cavities lined with crystalline groups of these minerals form 
splendid cabinet specimens. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



15 



Between the gneiss and sandstone, and not elsewhere, 
occurs a red, compact ore, chemically like the last, but so 
unlike to the eye as not to be classed with it, and this lias 
hitherto been the ore most largely used in St. Lawrence, 
Jefferson, and Lewis counties, for the manufacture of iron. 
The oldest of these mines is the Caledonia mine in Rossie, 
and has been more or less wrought since 1812. A few 
rods distant on the line of Gouverneur is the Kearney iron 
mine, which was discovered by Lyman Adams, in 1825, 
and produced about 50,000 tons of ore of excellent quality 
up to 1852. It has been manufactured at the Carthage, 
Louisburg, Fullerville, Freemansburg, Alpina, Redwood, 
Wegatchie, Sterlingville, Antwerp, and Ro.ssie furnaces. 
It has been worked as an open pit to the depth of tifty feet, 
and an area of about a quarter of an acre. At first it ap- 
peared as a hillock not covered by other rock. The Cale- 
donia mine is capped by sandstone, and has been wrought 
into caverns, with huge masses of ore left to support the 
roof. Several very valuable mines of this ore occur along 
the junction of the primary and sandstone in Jefferson 
county, and it has been wrought to some extent near the 
village of Little York, in Fowler, since 1833. A part of 
this mine was purchased by the owners of Louisburg fur- 
nace several years since, and the remainder has been wrought 
at a tribute of from two to four shillings per ton to the owners. 
The ore here occurs in a hill of moderate elevation, and lies 
directly upon the gneiss, which has been uncovered to a 
considerable extent, although large quantities still exist. 
These red ores impart their color to whatever comes in con- 
tact with them, giving a characteristic tinge to every person 
and object about the premises. They are never cry.stallized, 
but occur in every variety of lamellar, slaty, botryoidal, and 
pulverulent forms, and in some cases cavities are found 
lined with beautiful and peculiar crystallizations of carbonate 
of lime, spathic iron, heavy spar, arragonite, quartz, iron 
pyrites, and more rarely cacoxene or chalcodite, and Mil- 
lerite, the latter being the rarest and most beautiful of its 
associates. It occurs in but one of our localities in bril- 
liant, needle-shaped crystals, radiating from a centre like 
the fibres of thistle-down, and having the color and bril- 
liancy of gold. Groups of crystalline specimens of these 
minerals often form objects of great beauty. This variety 
of ore is constantly associated with a mineral much like 
serpentine, named by Prof C. U. Shepard clyxijntribite, of 
which further notice will be given. In some form or other 
this always makes its appearance in tlie mines, often in such 
large masses as to displace the ore, and render necessary an 
outlay to remove it. It is of every shade of green, yellow, 
and red,, often mixed in the same specimen, and its surfaces 
are many times grounded and poli.shed, as if it had slipped 
under great pressure, and before entirely solid. No profits 
able locality of red ore occurs east of the town of Gouver- 
neur, although at the junction of the two formations in 
Pierrepont a reddish, pulverulent mass occurs, which has 
been ground and used as a paint. In some localities this ore 
bears unmistakable evidence of former igneous action, as 
shown by the contorted, folded, and even /used appearance 
of the laniinaj of which it is composed. Should this 
theory be correct, there must have been a peculiar suscepti- 
bility of the surface along the Jinc of the two formations, 



where from its weakness it yielded to the forces from be- 
low. In Gouverneur, near the Little Bow, is a locality of 
soft, unctuous, ore-like sub.stance, occurring in white lime- 
stone. The red ores yield about fifty per cent, in the large 
way, as shown by our statistics of the Rossie furnace. It 
has been noticed that castings from this ore shrink a little 
upon cooling, which requires the patterns to be a little 
larger than the article to be made, while those from primi- 
tive ores lose nothing from this, the iron being probably 
more crystalline. 

Boff ores are rather rare in the primary district, but more 
common in swamps in Madrid, Norfolk, Louisville, Bom- 
bay, Westville, etc., from which supplies for the furnaces 
at Waddington, Norfolk, and Brasher Iron Works have 
been derived, and they have supplied several forges. In 
favorable localities these superficial deposits are renewed 
after being dug over, and thus successive crops are obtained 
once in a dozen or twenty years. This ore makes very soft, 
tenacious iron. A mixture of the primitive, red, and bog 
ores, in equal parts, was thought to make the best specimen 
of iron ever produced in northern New York. Bog ores 
seldom yield more than twenty or twenty-five per cent. 

MINERALS. 

St. Lawrence has long enjoyed a deserved celebrity for 
the variety and beauty of its minerals, which indicates the 
propriety of giving a notice of the more important of these, 
as well lor a guide to the mineralogist as to convey to the 
inhabitants themselves a just idea of the mineral wealth of 
their own neighborhoods, and perhaps serve to awaken a 
spirit of inquiry and observation, especially among the 
youth, that will be productive of the best results. A neatly 
arranged mineral cabinet bespeaks the taste and intelligence 
of its possessor, and one need not travel beyond the pre- 
cincts of St. Lawrence County to collect one that shall pos- 
sess both elegance and value, and be as remarkable for 
variety as beauty. It is conceded that this county is unri- 
valed for the variety of its mineral treasures, and this 
pre-eminence should be known and appreciated by its citi- 
zens. 

^yate occurs with chalcedony, near Silver lake, in Fowler. 

Aliiife, or white feldspar, is a common constituent of 
gneiss, in the towns underlaid by that rock, Gouverneur, 
Rossie, etc. 

Amethyst, to a limited extent, in Gouverneur and on the 
banks of Yellow lake, in Rossie. 

Amphihole (basaltic hornblende) occurs frequently in 
bowlders, but not in rock formations. In the town of 
Rossie it has hitherto been noticed most abundantly. 

Ani/lcsitc (sulphate of lead) occurred sparingly in the 
lead mines of Rossie, with galena. 

Anlcerite (a variety of dolomite, containing iron) has 
been attributed to the iron mines of Rossie, but it scarcely 
differs from the spathic iron of that region, and cannot be 
distinguished from it, if it exists, except by chemical tests. 

Apatite (phosphate of lime), crystallized in six-sided 
prisms, occurs at several localities in the white limestone 
formation in St. Lawrence County. At the Clark hill, in 
Rossie, small, but very pretty, crystals have been found ; it 
also occurs near the head of Mile bay, on Black lake, and 



16 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



north of Somerville, in Glouverneur ; but the finest locality 
hitherti) observed in the county is on the farm of Michael 
and Charles Harder, in the town of Rossie. Crystals 
weighing eighteen pounds, and twelve inches in length, 
have been obtained here, and those of less size, but finely 
terminated, are more common. It is used in the process of 
assaying gold and silver ores, and would command a high 
price for this purpose in the markets. The locality in 
Rossie was first noticed and wrought by Professor Emmons. 

Abestiis, of a brown color, with fibres interlocking each 
other in a very intricate manner, occurs in the town of 
Fowler, between the villages of Little York and FuUer- 
ville. It does not possess the quality of tenacity, or the 
property of being easily beaten up into a fibrous mass, 
which gives value to this mineral in the arts, as a constit- 
uent of incombu.stible cloth, or a non-conductor of heat, 
for the packing of iron safes. 

Arragonite (needle spar) occurs in the iron mines, near 
Somerville, in beautiful white globular masses, in cavities 
of iron ore. When broken these present a silken white 
radiated structure. The best that have been obtained came 
from a .shaft sunk in the land of Mr. Parish, adjacent to 
the Kearney mine. From its occurrence with the ores of 
iron, this mineral is .sometimes called Jios-fe.rri, or the 
flowers of iron. 

Jiabiiit/toni/e has been said to occur in Gouverneur, 
coating crystals of feldspar. The locality, if it existed, has 
been lost. 

Blende (sulphuret of zinc) was found, associated with 
galena, at the lead mines at Rossie, at Mineral point, in the 
town of Macomb, and in the towns of Fowler, Morristown, 
and De Kalb. 

Calcareous tii/a, formed by the deposit of carbonate of 
lime, from springs, is of common occurrence in Rossie, 
Gouverneur, and other towns. At some localities it is 
found imitating in form the fibres of moss, of which it is 
popularly believed to be the petrification. This structure 
is found to occur where no vegetable matter could have ex- 
isted to give it the peculiar appearance. 

Culcile (carbonate of lime) occurs in many localities, 
and is afforded at almost every mine that has been wrought, 
but at none with more brilliancy and beauty than at the 
lead mines at Rossie and Mineral point. Limpid crystals, 
of great size, often with cavities containing water, occurred 
here, and the modifications of form and combination of 
groups of crystals appeared to be infinite. On the right 
side of the Oswegatchie, two miles above the Kearney 
bridge, in the town of Gouverneur, in an oven-shaped cavity 
in limestone rock, and imbedded in clay, are crj'stals of 
great size, rough externally, but when broken quite trans- 
parent. A specimen more than a foot in length, nearly 
transparent, and weighing seventy-five pounds, was j)rocured 
by Charles S. Bolton, of Wegatchie, from this locality. 
Peculiar modifications occur at the locality of pearl spar, 
in Rossie. Just within the edge of Jefferson county, in 
the same range with the last locality, on the farm of Mr. 
Benton, a very interesting locality of calcite occurs. On 
the left bank of the Oswegatchie, near the naturtl dam in 
(iouverncur, large crystals of calcite occur. The iron mines 
of Rossie aiford crystals, usually of the dog-tooth form, in 



cavities of iron ore. The mines of the St. Lawrence Lead 
Mining Company, in Macomb, have furni.shed .some inter- 
esting specimens of a smoky hue, and others tinged red. In 
the town of Pitcairn, calcite, of a sky-blue color, in coarse 
crystalline raa.s.ses, occurs on the south road, about two miles 
from Green's mill. At the copper mine, in Cantcni, crystals 
of calcite, nearly limpid, often a great size, and frequently 
coated with pearl spar, were found. 

Celestine (sulphate of stroutia), in crystals of a beautiful 
blue tint, was found in working Coal Hill mine, in Rossie. 

Clialcedony occurs at a locality in Fowler, in interesting 
com^retionary forms, but destitute of that polished surface 
which is common with this mineral. 

Chlorite occa.sionally occurs in bowlders, but not in rock 
formation, in the northern part of the State. It is often 
as.sociated with cpidote. 

Clwndrudite, with its usual associates, spinelle, occurs in 
the town of Rossie abundantly, about three-fourths of a mile 
west of the village of Somerville. It is of every shade of 
yellow, inclining to orange and brown, and is diftuscd in 
grains and small crystalline particles through the white 
limestone, appearing in relief on the weathered surface. 
Detached bowlders on the shores of Yellow lake contain 
the same mineral, and it is .said to occur in situ, near the 
Clark hill, in Rossie. 

Dolomite, or magnesian limestone, is of frequent occur- 
rence, but not in sufficient quantities to give it geological 
importance. Rossie, Gouverneur, De Kalb, etc. 

Di/si/nfribile occurs at all localities of red iron ore. 

Epidole, granular and disseminated, in chlorite is com- 
mon in bowlders, but not in place. 

Feldspar occurs abundantly throughout the primitive 
region, but at only a few localities of sufficient interest to 
merit notice. On the Clark hill, in Rossie, crystals occur 
of considerable interest. 

Flnor Spar. — One of the most celebrated American 
localities of this mineral was discovered many years since, 
on Musealunge lake, in Antwerp, near the borders of St. 
Lawrence County. Massive cubes, variously grouped, and 
at times presenting single crystalline faces a foot in extent, 
were here found. In Gouverneur, two miles north from the 
Griffith bridge, a limited quantity was also found. Near 
the Rock i.sland bridge, in the same town, it has recently 
been found in considerable quantity and of fine quality. 
Tills mineral is employed as a flux for separating metals 
from their ores, and in making fluoric acid, the most corro- 
sive substance known, and which is used in etching upon 
gla.ss, and in the daguerreotype process. 

Galena (sulphuret of lead) occurs in Rossie .and Ma- 
comb in quantities which will hereafter render these towns 
of great importance. Has also been found in Fowler, Pit- 
cairn, etc., but not in such quantities as to repay the cost 
of working. 

Garnet is found only in bowldere, and of co.ir.se quality. 

Graphite (carburet of iron) is a common mineral in the 
white limestone, although it has not been observed in quan- 
tities sufficient for any viduable purpose. Near the Big 
hill, in Rossie, it forms a vein in the old road, and a quarter 
of a mile farther east it also occurs. The apatite localities 
all aflord scales of graphite. In Canton it occurs in gneiss. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



17 



Greenstone is common in bowlders, and occurs in dyicos 
in limestone in Rossie. The junction of the rook with the 
intruded mass often exhibits evidences of the action of heat. 

Hornblende, either in its proper color and crystalline form, 
or in its varieties, as tremolite, asbestus, pargasite, etc., is 
one of our most abundant minerals. In Edwards is an in- 
teresting locality, two miles from the village, ou the road to 
South Edwards, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie. The 
color is greenish-black, and it is very common to find the 
peculiar wedge-shaped crystalline form of this mineral in 
the cavities. It also occurs in the town of Rossie, on the 
left bank of the Oswegatchie, a short distance above the 
village of Wegatchie, and in De Kalb, Gouverneur, Pots- 
dam, Pierrepont, etc. 

Hoaghite. — The term has been applied by Prof Shepard, 
of Amherst College, to a new mineral that occurs on the 
i'anu of Stephen Ayres, north of Somerville, associated with 
spinelle, serpentine, dolomite, phlogopite, etc. The quantity 
is abundant at the locality, and it has been found crystallized 
ill octahedrons. 

Idocrase, in irregular, fluted prisms, occurs in bowlders, 
and perhaps in rooks in situ, in several localities in Rossie, 
and probably other towns. At Vrooman's lake, near the 
Ox Bow, it has been found in crystals which possess ter- 
minal planes. 

Iron pyrites (sulphuret of iron) is common, and will 
doubtless at a future time possess much economical import- 
ance for the manufacture of copperas, sulphuric acid, and 
soda ash. Of the former several hundred tons were formerly 
made in the town of Canton, but the works have long since 
been discontinued. Some of the most brilliant specimens 
ever procured were in the lead mines of Rossie, where it 
occurred crystallized in cubes, and possessing a brilliant 
lustre, which was not liable to tarnish. The iron mines of 
Rossie and those adjacent have furnished many interesting 
specimens, and often associated with arsenic, known as arseni- 
cal iron p>/rites. For variety of crystalline form, a locality 
on the farm of John Robertson, in the town of Grouverneur, 
is worthy of notice. The mineral here occurs with graphite 
jtnd irtin ore, in small crystals, of the form of the cube, octa- 
hedron, dodecahedron, with every intermediate modifica- 
tion. Large octahedrons have been obtained in Gouverneur, 
on the farm of James Morse. The vicinity of the village 
of Hermon has furnished interesting specimens, and the 
mines which have been worked for iron, copper, and lead 
throughout the county contain more or less of this mineral. 

Liibradorite (opalescent feldspar) occurs in bowlders, the 
best specimens having been found on the banks of the St. 
Lawrence, in the town of Oswegatchie, three or four miles 
above Ogdensburg. It takes a beautiful polish, and would 
form an elegant gem. The play of colors is vivid, and the 
shades are mostly green and blue. 

loxoclase occurs in Rossie at the celebrated locality of 
zircon and apatite, and this is the only hitherto reported 
locality. It occurs crystallized in the forms usual with 
feld.spar, and when broken presents a delicate bluish opal- 
escence. 

Muscovite, a variety of mica, does not occur in situ in 
northern New York, but is found in bowlders. One in 
Gouverneur, contiiining large plates of a black variety, was 

a 



examined by Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., of Yale College, and 
found to have an optical angle of 70° to 70° 30'. 

Pargasite (green hornblende) occure wherever apatite 
has been found in St. Lawrence County. It usually is crys- 
tallized in hexagonal prisms, sometimes in radiated crystal- 
line fibres, and at others in crystalline grains of ready 
cleavage. The finest locality in St. Lawrence County is 
near the county line, in Rossie, and in a neighborhood 
called New Connecticut. 

Fearl spar (crystallized dolomite) occure in the town of 
Rossie, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie, opposite the 
furnace at Wegatchie ; it occurs in crevices of limestone, 
and is usually planted in clusters of crystals upon large dog- 
tooth crystals of calcareous spar, and can be obtained in 
considerable quantities. 

PIdogopite occurs in numerous localities, and often in 
groat beauty, at the serpentine locality of Gouverneur, near 
Somerville ; at the hornblende locality of Edwards, and at 
other places in that town ; in Fine, two miles from South 
Edwards; in Russell, De Kalb, Fowler, Hermon, Gouver- 
neur, and Rossie. 

Pyroxene in prisms occurs in Rossie, Gouverneur, Her- 
mon, De Kalb, etc. Near Grasse lake, in the former town, 
a white variety occurs, in which the crystalline form is well 
exhibited. In Gouverneur it occurs in the vicinity of the 
apatite locality. 

Quartz, the most abundant of the simple minerals, occurs 
in many interesting varieties. The mines of crystallized 
specular iron in Gouverneur, Fowler, Edwards, and Her- 
mon all afford splendid crystals. The iron mine near Chub 
lake, in Fowler, afforded beautiful crystals, nearly transpa- 
rent and quite brilliant. On the farm of Joel Smith, in 
Gouverneur, similar crystals were found. At the apatite 
locality at Gouverneur large smoky crystals have been ob- 
tained, and at that in Rossie similar ones, much resembling 
hyalite. At the iron mines in Rossie delicate groups of 
needle-shaped crystals occur in cavities in the ore. 

liensselaerite, of various shades, from white to black, and 
varying from a finely granular to a coarsely crystalline 
structure, occurs in limestone and gneiss in many places in 
the towns of Gouverneur, Rossie, Fowler, Russell, Fine, 
Pitcairn. and Edwards. In Russell and Edwards it has 
been wrought to some extent into inkstands and other small 
articles, and its softness, toughness, the beautiful gloss 
which it readily receives, and the diversity of color which 
it often presents, indicate it as a suitable material for any of 
the ornamental uses to which alabiuster is applied. It can 
be turned in a lathe without difficulty. The manufacture 
from this material was never carried on as a regular business, 
and has been discontinued for many years. At Wegatchie, 
betveeen lS30-o9, about fifty tons were ground and sold for 
gypsum. 

Untile (titanic acid) has been attributed to Gouverneur, 
but its locality has been lost. This mineral is valuable, 
from the use made of it by the manufacturers of artificial 
tooth, to give a yellowish tinge to the enamel. 

Satin spar (fibrous calcite) is of frequent occurrence in 
scams of serpentine and Ronsselaerite in Fowler, Rossie, 
and Edwards. At a locidity near Silver lake, in Fowler, 
beautiful specimens occur. Between the Oswegatchie and 



18 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Yullow lake, opposite We^atchie, in the town of Rossie, is 
!i remarkable kicality ; it is in vmtical scams, wliiie the 
fibres of tlic spar run across the vein, and fine speeimcns 
are procurable in quantities. It occurs in narrow seams in 
serpentine, at llu; I)o(l<j;i' iron mine in Eilwards. The 
fpiantity is small. 

Sriijxjlilc, m pearly-gray crystals, occurs at tlie locality 
of apatite, about a mile southwest of Gouverneur villap;e. 
It is here abundantly diffused through limestone, and is 
readily obtained in separate crystals. 

Sitrpentiiie abounds in the town of Rossie, on the island 
at Wegatehie furnace, in Gouverneur village, and at the 
Natural dam, two miles below ; in Fowler, Edwards, De 
Kalb, Hermon, Ru.s.sell, Pitcairn, Fine, Colton, Canton, etc., 
it occurs in greater or less quantity, but nowhere in sutfi- 
cient abundance to form a rock of geological importance. 
On the farm of Stephen Ayres, in Gouverneur, serpentine 
of a yellowish-green color, and beautifully mottled, occurs. 
In Edwards, near the village, it occurs of various delicate 
shades of green and greenish-white, which possess" interest. 

Spiitldc iron (carbonate of iron) occurs in the iron 
mines of Rossie, in beautiful crystalline groups, lining 
cavities in the ore. The color is usually bronze, and 
various shades of brown, and usually very brilliant. It 
also occurs massive, diffused through the ore, and has been 
seen more rarely in botryoidal concretions, covering sur- 
faces of red specular iron. Some of the specimens of this 
mineral from the Caledonia and Kearney mines possess 
much beauty, and are highly esteemed by mineral collectors. 

Sphcne is of frefjuent occurrence iu the western part of 
St. Lawrence County. In Gouverneur and Rossie it is 
found of a pale red color, and in imperfect crystals. Half 
a mile north of Gouverneur village, in a wall, black crystals, 
w'ith the angles rounded, as if by fusion, occur in quartz. 

Spindle occurs at the locality of chondrodite, in Rossie, 
and at the locality of serpentine and mica, on the farm of 
Stephen Ayres, in Gouverneur. Spinello, when blue, is 
the sapphire, and when of u burning red, the ruby. 

Suiphiir, in a native state, occurs in concretions around 
the iron mines in Rossie, where it is formed by the decom- 
position of iron pyrites. It is usually more or less mi.Kcd 
with sulphate of iron and other saline substances. 

Siiljtiiti/r of harytcs is associated with limestone, in 
Gouverneur, about two miles from the Griffith bridge. It 
presents externally a rusty-bruwn color, the surface being 
covered by bundles of coarse crystalline fibres. Broken, it 
presents a pure white color, and is fibrous and laminated. 
On the farm of James Morse, in the same town, this 
mineral occurs with a micaceous variety of iron ore, in 
crystalline plates; and, in the town of Morristown, several 
tons were procured for manufacture into white paint, a few 
years since. In the iron mines of Rossie it has been found 
sparingly. 

Sitljiliiird of cnppcr has been procured in quantities 
which justify the belief that it will be found in such abun- 
dance as will make it profitable as an ore of copper, iu the 
towns of Macomb, Gouverneur, Canton, Fowler, Edwards, 
Russell, etc. 

Tourmaline, crystallized, is luund in the towns of Rossie, 
Gouverneur, Ilermon, Russell, etc. The ijuality of this is 



such that, if it could be obtained of sufficient size, it would 
form the most excellent plates for examining the properties 
of polarized light. It occurs two miles southeast of Gouv- 
erneur village, and also one mile north, on the road kuiding 
to Somervilie. 

Tremolite (white hornblende) occurs in the town of 
Fowler, between Little York and FuUerville, of a delicate 
rose color ; and, in De Kalb, in white cry.stallino blades and 
tufts, on white liiuestone, usually appearing in relief where- 
ever the surface has been weathered. In Gouverneur is a 
very interesting locality, on the farm of Stephen Smith. 
A mile from this locality, near the Rock Island bridge, 
and in an open field, beautifully radiated tufts are observed, 
which, when broken, ])resent a silken gloss. No mineral 
can surpass, in beauty of lu.stre or delicacy of fibre, .speci- 
mens from these localities. 

Zircon, much esteemed by mineralogists for its rarity 
and its containing zirconium, one of the rarest of the min- 
eral elements, occurs at the apatite locality in Rossie, in 
square prisms, of a brownish-red color, and sometimes trans- 
jiarent. It occurs also on the farm of Lorenzo Heath, 
nearer the village than the former, and also on Grasse 
creek, in the same town, associated with apatite. 

METEOROLOGICAL NOTES. 

Among the more striking of meteorological phenomena 
are tornadoes, of which several have occurred since the 
county was settled. In traversing the forests, the tracks 
of these are often seen in lines of fallen timber, usually 
denominated windfalls. They generally travel eastward, 
and the whirl is in the opposite direction with that in 
which the hands of a watch move. 

August 21, 1823, a tornado pa.ssed aero.ss the town of 
Constable, sweeping everything before it, but fortunately 
destroying no lives. It entered from Canada, and pursued 
a southeasterly direction until it passed the village of Ea.st 
Constable, when it turned eastwards towards Chateaugay, 
and spent its force in the woods. The path was narrow, 
and for the first few miles it appeared to pass in two lines, 
which united. Its progress was slow, and the roar which 
accompanied it warned the inhabitants to .seek safety in 
flight. The whirling of the vortex was excessive, carrying 
up and throwing out from its borders planks, rails, branches 
of trees, and whatever lay in its way, and it was said, on 
respectable authority, that a Uxj clmin. lying on the ground 
was carried ten or fifteen rods from its place. This report, 
so apparently incredible, is scarcely more .so than others 
well authenticated by evidence, in which the turf has been 
torn up and carried off and heavy metallic articles swept 
away by the fury of the tornado. The day on which this 
oceun-ed had been excessively hot and sulti-y, and the 
blackness, roaring, and violence of the phenomenon were 
said to have been most sublime and terrific. Towards the 
end of its course it ceased to progress, but moved in spiral 
paths through a maple forest, many acres of whicli were 
prostrated. 

Pcrliaps the most extraordinary tornado ever recorded 
without the tropics occurred iu St. Lawrence County, 
Sept. 20, 1845. It was traced from I 'pper Canada to Ver- 
mont. At 8 o'clock it was at Antwerp ; at 5, on the Saranac ; 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY", NEW YORK. 



19 



at 6, at Burlington, Vt. ; and at Shoreham, Vt., in the even- 
ing. Its length could not have been lo.ss than 200 miles, 
and its course nearly east, till it reached Luke Cliamplain, 
which it appears to have followed to its head. 

On Saturday, at noon (Sept. 20, 1845), some gentlemen 
standing on the wharf at Cobourg, C. W., happening to cast 
their eyes upon the water, were struck with the appearance 
of a strong current setting directly out from shore. It 
seemed as if the whole lake were going away bodily. It 
presently returned to a height two feet higher than usual, 
and continued to ebb and flow at intervals of eight or tea 
minutes till night. At Port Hope the steamer " Princess 
lloyal" could not get into port at all. It was at the time 
supposed to be the effect of an earthquake, and perhaps 
was. The work of destruction began a mile east of Ant- 
werp, and in its course through the forest it swept all 
before it, leaving a track of desolation from half a mile to a 
mile and a half wide, in which nothin"; was left standiii" 
Its appearance was described by those who observed it at a 
little distance as awfully sublime, it being a cloud of pitchy 
blackness from which vivid lightnings and deafening thun- 
der incessantly proceeded, and the air was filled to a great 
height with materials carried up from the earth, and 
branches torn from the trees. Torrents of rain and hail 
fell along the borders of the track, and much damage was 
done by lightning. It entered the county in Fowler, and 
crossed that town and Edwards, when it entered the unin- 
habited forest, and was not further witnessed. In its track 
on the Pitcairn road, and another passing through Emmor- 
son's and Streeters settlements, some two miles apart, were 
sixteen buildings, — barns, houses, and one .school-house, — 
which were swept away, yet, wonderful to tell, no human 
lives were lost on the whole route. In the house of a Mr. 
Leonard were two women and five children, who took refuse 
in the cellar, and escaped harm, e.xcei)t that one was struck 
sensele-ss by a piece of timber. In another house was a 
sick woman with a young child, and a nurse attending 
them. Frightened by the noise, the latter threw herself 
upon a bed, when the house was blown down, and one of 
the logs of which it was built fell acro.ss her and held her 
fast. She was relieved by the superhuman exertions of the 
invalid. Near this house a man was driving a yoke of 
oxen attached to a wagon laden with coal. Two trees were 
brought by the wind and laid acro.ss the wagon, which 
crushed it, without injury to the team or man. A frame 
school-house in Edwards, in which were several scholars 
and their teacher, was unroofed without injury to its in- 
mates. Immediately following the tornado was a storm of 
hail, some of the stones of which were of great size, which 
severely lacerated such cattle as were exposed to it. At 
Union Falls, in Clinton county, where it emerged from the 
forest, it made a complete wreck of many of the buildin^^s. 
"Duncan's forge was considerably injured, and a brick 
school-house in Peru was utterly demolished. Two houses 
were blown down over the heads of the inmates, and it 
was miraculous that no lives were lost. Some fifteen or 
twenty buildings were destroyed or injured in that vicinity 
by the wind, which committed no further depredations until 
it reached Rurlington, Vt., where it unroofed a house and 
blew down some barns." At Shoreham, in the evening, 



was a most majestic display of lightning conceivable. At 
Clintonville, on the Ausable, the lightning struck a church 
edifice. Several other buildings werestruck, some of which 
were destroyed by fire. The extent and violence of this 
storm has.seldom been paralleled, and had its track cra«sed 
settled country, the loss of life must have been dreadful. 

The data we pos.sess in regard to our climate is limited 
to the results of but a few years' observations made under 
the direction of the regents of the University at four acade- 
mics subject to their visitation, and to a short period during 
which they have been reported to the Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, by several voluntary observers. We po.ssess reports 
of the GoViverneur Seminary for twelve years, viz. : 1831- 
43; of the Ogdensburg Academy for 1838; of the acad- 
emy at Potsdam for twenty-one years, viz. : 1828 to 1849, 
inclusive. A similar series of observations have been made 
at sixty-two different stations in the Stat<i of New York 
during an aggregate period of about 900 years, and the re- 
sults embody a mass of facts bearing upon the climate of 
the State of great practical value. In 1850 the system 
first adopted was discontinued, and another, at fewer sta- 
tions, but with better instruments, was substituted. 

The first of the following tables is for Potsifctui, and the 
second for GoHverneur, and they show the results of the 
above observations for the respective periods mentioned. 





Thermo METE 2. 


Eeshltant of 


We.\ther. 






WIXDS. 


Mean results. 


Months. 


3 


to 


i 


be 

c 


1 


tH) 








Id 


1 . 




II 


•a 

s 

.- 


•a 

% 
3 


O 
X 

1^ 


£ 

e 

g 
s 


5 


^ 


u 


D 


s ^ 

"a 


= 1 

,3 


January 


19.01 


57 


—34 


91 


s.78°.30'w. 


32 


9.78 


11.55 


19.45 


1 40 


ogig 


>ebrnary 


1880 


67 


-32 


99 


S.79 22 w. 


26 


98 


11.88 


10.4U 


1.06 


->7 :tl 


March 


■1%'M 


78 


—38 


1114 


S.67 45 w. 


28 


SM 


13.89 


17.11 


1.48 i;i)67 


Ainil 


43.7:i 


84 


— 1 


85 


s.79 17 w. 


22 


6.60 


14.50 ,15..50 


1.70 34 l;j 


May 


,'1.1.0.1 


94 


20 


74 


S.61 34 w. 


31 


9.45 


15.78 : 15.22 




June 


03.96 


95 


32 


65 


S.58 3(1 w. 


51 


15.37 


16.62 '13.38 


3..31 00 2.5 


July 


68.38 


96 


40 


56 


3..54 17 w. 


.54 


16.27 


18.02 1 12.98 


4.03 ,80 70 




C6.7:i 


ilo 


34 


61 


8.63 45 w. 


45 


13.61 


18.90 [12.10 


2.81 ,50.18 


S.-i)t(-iiilH-.r 


.'iT-CO 


88 


23 


6.1 


s.6:^ 58 w 


43 


12.89 


15 52 1 14.48 


1.11 JC"17 


OrtulMT 


45.00 


86 


12 


74 


S.5S 4S w 


39 


11.85 


14.09 1 10.91 1 


3.34 06.S7 


November 


:i:j.(i4 


VI 


—10 


SI 


s.67 08 w 


il 


9.40 


9.02 20.98 i 


1.93 38 62 


DecGiiilier 


22.09 


69 


—26 


85 


S.85 31 , 


26 

-1 


7.94 


10.48 20.52 [ 


1.44 28.85 










4i.G6 


96 


34 


130 




10.29 { 








' 






5.J0 ;JV.7» 



Jiinuiirv 'l9.74 

18.68 
31.01 
44.40 
54.89 
63.32 
68.86 
67.50 
58.11 
47.10 
33.37 
20.49 



February ., 

Blurcli 

April 

Mny 

June 

July 

August 

Septenilier . 

October 

November... 
December.... 



Mean 43.92 100 — W 



64—35 99 
.59—32 91 
72 —30 102 



S.83 45 w, 
S.71 32 w, 
S.87 54 w, 
n.71 27 w. 
B.73 33 w. 
B.64 30 w. 
8.70 46 w. 
s.79 46 w. 

8.81 29 w. 

8.82 48 w. 
17 90, n.87 ,53 w. 

n.76 20 w. 



85 
94 
95 
100 
99 
93 
80 
73 
55 —40 95 



9..56 

9.68 
10.30 

6.26 
10.83 

9.71 
17.67 

8.95 
12.21 
12.42 

9.80 

8.80 



1.5.17 15.83 
1 17.67 13.50 
15.75 ! 12.25 
1.5.62 114.38 
10.17 14.83 
17.88 12.12 
18.92 112,08 
18.87 12.12 
15.17 J14S3 
13.08 17.92 
10.00 20.00 
.11.08 19.92 



140 8.81 29 w. 39jll.26 |l5.13 15.31 |2.29 



12.54 22.89 

1.87 ,16.83 

1.68 1.5.13 

1.94 17.46 

2.44 22.00 

2.89 25.97 

2.34 21.06 

2.21 19.9;i 

259 2.3.3:1 

3.20 28.81 

2.10 19.49 

1.67 15.06 



18.99 



The mean temperature was derived from three daily obser- 
vations, of which one was taken in the morning before sun- 
rise, another in the warmest part of the afternoon, and the 
third an hour after sunset. The column headed " Ilisrhest 
degree" denotes the greatest temperature observed, and the 
next column the least. The three columns headed " Re- 
sultant of winds" is the jiroiluct of much labor, and the first 
shows the angle or point from which all the winds have 
blown during the entire j)eriod. The column marked ^)er- 



20 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ceiitage shows the prevalence uf (lie winds in p;irts of a liun- 
(Ired, and tliat marked days, in that of" tlie whole number of" 
dajs in the month. To illustrate this, the month of January, 
at Potsdam, may be taken as an examjile. The direction 
of the wind in the forenoon and afternoon was entered in 
the journal, and at the end of the month these entries were 
added up. The footings of twenty-one years showed that 
tlie avcrasic number of days of wind fmni each of the eight 
point.s were as follows, in days and hundredths: N., 2.15; 
N.E., 5.46 ; E., 0.12 ; S.E., 0.59 ; S., 4.35 ; S.W., 9.69 ; W., 
3.48; N.W., 5.1G; total, 31.00. The columns showing 
these numbers we have been obliged to omit. From these 
numbers it remained to learn their value and mean direction 
(supposing the velocity of the wind to have been uniform), 
precisely as we would ascertain the direction and distance 
of a ship which would have sailed uniformly in the different 
courses for the above times, from the starting point. The 
eight directions were reduced to four by subtracting oppo- 
site points, these reduced to two by a traverse table, and 
lastly these two were brought down to one by a trigonom- 
etrical calculation, and the aid of logarithms. In the in- 
stance cited, if the whole amount of winds or the whole 
time be called 100, then 32 of these, or 9.78 days of the 
31.00, the wind came from a point S. 78° 30' W., while 
during the remainder of the time (68 per cent., or 21.22 
days) the winds from opposite points balanced each other. 
The bearing which this inquiry has upon the questions of 
climate, and especially upon the agricultural and commercial 
interests of the nation, renders it desirable that these obser- 
vations should be extended, and measures are now in prog- 
ress to maintain on an extended scale a minute and judicious 
sy.steni of records. The columns headed c/eaj- and cloudy 
denote the relative periods during which the sky has been 
clear and overca.st, the monthly mean of the rain-gauge in- 
dicates the average depth of rain in the several months, 
and the last column the total depth for the whole period, 
viz., twenty years at Pot.sdam, and nine at Gouverneur. 
The headings of the several columns render them sufficiently 
intelligible. In that marked " Cloudiness," ten represents a 
sky entirely overcast. In the column next to the last, the 
corrections for expansion of the mercury and other modify- 
ing influences are allowed for, so that the numbers represent 
the actual mean height of the barometer, independent of 
modifying causes. 

The following is an abstract of observations made at 
Ogdensburg by William E. Guest, Esq., during 1851-52. 
Height above tide, 279 feet. 



January 

Feliruary . .. 

March 

April 

May 

Juno 

July 

August 

September.... 

October 

November... 
Doeeiuber ... 



Temperatokk. 



19.74 
22.15 
28.59 
39.54 
53.56 
61.51 
67.75 
64.22 
57.51 
47.67 
.'.1. 64 
23.17 



47 
52 
67 
69 
83 
94 
95 
83 
88 
73 
52 
58 



6.8 
6.3 
6.5 
5.3 
3.9 
4.6 
3.8 
4.0 
4.8 
5.1 
4.9 
7.0 



n 

'5 — 


Bahome 


J 

49.053 


1.85 


2.81 


59.702 


3.15 


29.088 


1.89 


29.563 


3.25 


29.671 


2.80 


29.581 


3.19 
127 


29.615 
29.740 


2.43 


29.798 


2.65 


29.680 


4.06 


29.654 


4.68 


29.684 



1.305 
1.U32 

o.cno 

1.045 

0.947 

1.008 

703 

585 

1.113 

804 

1.305 

1.355 



To the farmer especially does the study of meteorology com- 
mend itself, for to no pursuit has it so intimate a relation as 
this. It is a well-established fact that changes of weatlier 
may of\en be predicted several hours before their occurrence 
by the barometer, and thus, especially in the haying and 
harvest seasons, a saving would often be effected sufficient to 
pay the cost of the instrument. That atmospheric changes 
are due to causes, none will deny. That these are within 
the scope of our investigation is probable, although, from 
the necessity of the case, no amount of probabilities can 
ever establish an infallible prediction. If every .season but 
ooe in a thousand had been remarkably cold, or wet, no 
certainty could be relied upon for the one. The accumula- 
tion of probabilities may, however, be of eminent practical 
service. The system observed in these records enables us 
to form a comparative table of results, of variable value, from 
the une<|ual time that they were maintained at each.* 

The above remarks, made in 1853, have been substanti- 
ated to a remarkable degree by the system of observations 
put into practical operation within the past few years, in 
connection with the U. S. Army. 

EARTHQUAKES. 

An earthquake occurred in St. Lawrence County, on the 
evening of January 22, 1832, at about half-past eleven 
o'clock. Houses were .shaken at Ogdensburg so much as 
to awaken many from sleep, and the tremulous motion of 
stoves, crockery, and windows, with a sound like distant 
thunder beneath the surface of the earth, was distinctly , 
perceived by those who had not yet retired to sleep. At 
Lowville the sudden and violent agitation of the eartli was 
accompanied by a sound like that of several heavy carriages 
passing rapidly over frozen ground. It was also perceived 
very sensibly at Montreal, where the motion was compared 
to the shaking of a steamboat whose machinery agitates her 
very much. It continued four seconds, and was accompa- 
nied with an indistinct noise. 

Several quite severe shocks of an earthquake were felt 
about two A.M., Sunday, November 4, 1877, perceptible 
over a large part of New England, New York, and the 
Canadas. There were about four distinct shocks within 
the space of one or two minutes, accompanied by a heavy 
rumbling, like that produced by a loaded wagon driven 
over frozen ground, or a can not-shot rolled along a floor. 
The vibrations wakened people from sound sleep, and in 
many places produced a rattling noise in dwellings, like the 
jar from a steamer's machinery when in motion. 



CHAPTER IL 

PBE-HISTORIC. 



The Alouud-lJuilders — Mounds and Ancient Remains — Indians- 
Aboriginal Nomenclature. 

From all the evidence obtainable upon the subject of 
a pre-historic race, or one antedating the Indian tribes 
found occupying the American Continent by the earliest 

» Hough. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



21 



European discoverers, little doubt remains of the existence 
of such a people, who, evidently, in many respects were 
quite superior to the modern red men. They were more 
numerous than their barbarous successors, as the remains 
of extensive fortifications and evidences of important cen- 
tres of population, found more especially in the valleys of 
the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, clearly indicate; and that 
they were nmch more advanced in the arts which distin- 
guish an era of civilization is also demonstrated by tlie 
superior implements of war, of the chase, and of husbandry 
still found in great numbers in many portions of the country. 
Even a casual glance at the fine display of ancient relics 
made at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition would 
inevitably lead one to the belief that the pre-historic race, 
whatever their name or lineage, wei'e a commercial, a war- 
like, a manufacturing, and an agricultural people. By what 
great catastrophe they disappeared from the face of the 
continent — whether destroyed by the red race who suc- 
ceeded them, by earthquake, flood, or pestilence — -we have 
nothing but conjecture for an answer. 

It is not positively certain that they occupied the region 
of northern New York ; but it is at least probable, as 
numerous specimens of a handiwork superior to any known 
among the savages are found scattered over the surface of 
the country, and in mounds or himiin, which evidently 
date beyond the discoveries of Columbus and contempo- 
raries several centuries. 

Dr. F. B. Hough, in his History of St. Lawrence and 
Franklin Counties, published in 1853, gives a very interest- 
ing account of the various mounds, trenches, and ancient 
relics which have from time to time been discovered and 
examined, and, as very little additional has since been 
gathered, we give substantially his account : 

" Nothing is more common than to find along the lands that skirt 
the fertile bottoms which form the shores of the tributaries of the St. 
Lawrence the broken remains of rude pottery, seldom sufficiently 
entire to enable one to determine the original form, and usually im- 
pressed, while in a plastic state, with various fanciful figures, differ- 
ing from each other in fragments of different utensils, but po.«sessing 
a general resemblance. Not unfrequently a rude rosemblaneo to the 
human face is noticed on these fragments. The material of this 
len-fi-cotta is usually clay and coarse sand, generally well tempered 
and baked. Stone axes, gouges, and chisels, flint arrow-head.", amu- 
lets and beads of steatite, and other personal ornaments, implements 
of bone, apparently used as needles and ns tools for marking im- 
pressions upon their pottery, and fragments of bones and broken 
shells, the remains of ancient feasts, indicate in broken and discon- 
nected, but still intelligible language, the pursuits of our predecessors 
upon this soil." 

Gen. R. W. Judson, of Ogdensburg, has a very fine 
collection of relics and curiosities, among which are two 
remarkable stone gouges, 10 i and 11 inches in length, 
found in the town of Norfolk, on lands owned by Charles 
Shepherd. They are of green and steel-gray stone, very 
hard and fine-grained, and are exceedingly well wrought and 
symmetrically proportioned. A curious implement of light- 
colored sandstone, 12J inches in length, supposed to have 
been used in preparing hides and skins for tanning, found 
at Yellow lake, in Rossic, by George Lockie, Esq. Seven 
chisels, gouges, etc., dug up at Eel weir, on the Oswegatchie 
river, by Charles W. Ilill. A very fine chi.sol of green 
stone, found on the farm of Goo. N. Seymour, Esq., in 



Li-sbon. Another, found on Indian point, in Lisbon, by 
Preston Lawrence, Esq. A very curious one of light-green 
stone, filled with white quartz pebbles, found by Dr. John 
Austin in Ogdensburg. A gouge, chisel, several curious 
amulets and fragments of pottery, together with copper 
spear-heads, stone pipes, etc., found by Simeon Dillingham, 
of Lisbon. Also a fine collection of flint arrow-heads, 
found in the vicinity of Black lake, by Edwin Capniii and 
others, and spear-heads and other implements from the 
town of Russell. Some of these implements are fashioned 
with a master-hand, and are as perfect in their forms as 
the best steel implements of modern manufacturers. 

A description of some of the more noteworthy localities, 
where traces of ancient works appear, is herewith given, 
from materials taken mostly from Dr. Hough's work. 

"As a general rule those points were chosen which afforded a 
natural protection upon one or more sides, as the bank of a stream 
or the brow of a hill, leaving defenses to be erected only on the un- 
protected sides. The traces observed usually consisted of a mound 
or bank of earth, surrounded by a ditch of proportionate extent." 

It is probable that the parapet, or embankment, was 
originally palisaded or inclosed within strong pickets, as 
was the case with the towns and fortifications of the Iro- 
quois confederacy in later years. 

"In the town of Macomb are found the traces of three trench in- 
closures, and several places where beds of ashes indicate the site of 
ancient hearths or fire-places. One of these was on the farm of Wm. 
Houghton,® on the bank of Birch creek, and formerly inclosed the 
premises subsequently used as a mill-yard. It was somewhat in the 
form of a semiciicle, the two ends resting on the creek, and inclosed 
about half an acre. All traces of this work were long since obliterated 
by cultivation, but the line which formed the bank, and the space 
within and without, occasionally afford fragments of potter}', ashes, 
shells, and stone implements, pipes, etc. On an adjoining hill, since 
partly occupied by an orchard, traces of a work once existed, but this 
also has disap])eared under the process of cultivation. In a pond 
adjoining this locality was found, many years since, a human skele- 
ton, said to have been of colossal size. 

"About half a mile northeast of this is the trace of another in- 
closure, on the farms of AVm. P. Houghton and .losiah Sweet, but 
the outlines were so indistinct that they could not be traced with any 
degree of certainty. From what little remains it would ajipear to 
have consisted of a parapet and ditch, the form of which was an 
irregular oval, with gateways or draw-bridges at intervals. Its ex- 
tremities rested upon a small stream, in later years the outlet of a 
tamarack swamp. This swamp was formerly occupied by beavers, 
as is indicated by fragments of trees bearing the marks of the teelh 
of these animals, which have been dug from several feet below tho 
surface." 

Twenty-five years ago the trench and parapet could easily 
be traced for a distance of about 160 y.nrds, which was ap- 
parently about half its original circuit. Its longest diame- 
ter was from N.N.E. to S.S.W. Numerous fire-beds oc- 
curred within it, and, in one instance, a quantity of ashes 
and charcoal wa.s found five feet below the surface. In a 
field near by are evidences of the existence of a village at 
some remote period. 

On the premises of the St. Lawrence Lead-JIining Com- 
pany, and the farm of Robert Wil.son, about three-fourths 
of a mile from the first-described spot, is still another trace, 
which can be easily made out, as the ground has never been 
plowed.* In this instance the work was crescent-shaped, 

• Written in 1853. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the opon side beiiij: protoctcd by a luw Icdj^e of limestone, 
and a branch which led down to a small stream, that may 
liave served a.s a covered way of" access to the watiu'. 

On the farm of Henry E. Holbrook, in the northeastern 
part of Potsdam, on or near Mile lot No. 10, was a i-eraark- 
able trench inclosure in early times, but which is now en- 
tirely destroyed except a very small portion in the public 
highway. It is on the road between Norfolk villauje and 
Raquotteville,* west of the river, and half a mile from the 
railway bridge at the latter place, and is situated upon an 
elevated ridge of drift, at a point which affords a fine view 
of the surrounding country. Tiie form of this work was 
said to have been semicircular, the open side resting on a 
swamp to the west, with gateways occurring at intervals. 
The ditch and parapet inclo.sed about two acres. When 
the country was settled pine-trees of four feet diameter were 
growing upon the embankment. Underneath their roots 
beds of aslies, mingled with broken pottery, flint arrow- 
heads, etc., have been found. In and around were found 
fire-places, with ashes, charcoal, broken pottery, fresh-water 
shells, bones, etc. On an island in the vicinity graves were 
found. 

In the town of Masseiia, about half a mile west of llac- 
quette river bridge, and on the western declivity of a slope 
near the summit of a dividing ridge which separates this 
river from Grasse river, in an open field, are plainly to be 
traced the outlines of a work which differs from any above 
described, and is by f;ir the best preserved. Its form is 
irregular, shaped somewhat like an ox-bow, with its open 
side towards the river, and showing numerous openings in 
the parapet, especially on the southern side. The open side 
was in part protected by a ditch. The summit of the ridge 
at this place commands a delightful prospect, and the vi- 
cinity was no doubt a f^ivorite haunt of the rude people who 
once made this region their home. Near by, on either side, 
wxs a river, abounding in fish, and affording many miles 
of navigable waters, with an occasional carrying-place, by 
which they could penetrate into the interior, while a few 
miles away the mighty St. Lawrence, with its bays and 
islands, afforded unequaled facilities for obtaining game and 
fish. If the intervening timber were cleared away, the lo- 
cality in PoLsdam, eighteen or twenty miles distant, could 
be seen from this place ; and the two may have been occu- 
pied by parties of the same tribe, who could exchange sig- 
nals, as fires could be easily distinguished from one point 
to the other. Immense trees, growing upon the works last 
described at the date of the earliest settlements, would in- 
dicate a venerable anti(|uity. Within the inclosure were 
several slight eminences, which may at one period have been 
sufficiently elevated to have overlooked a line of pickets, 
which jirobably surrounded the work. 

In the town of Ma.ssena, not far from this work, there 
was found, several years since, a pipe, formed of whitish 
steatite, or .soapstone, having on its bowl and stem, curiously 
wrought, the figure of a .serpent, with its head rising a little 
above the level of the bowl. A semicircular parapet and 
ditch formerly existed in the town of Oswegatchie, near its 
western border, on lands formerly owned by Benjamin Pope. 



• Now commonly sjjcllcJ Racketvillc. 



Its outline may be traced in the spring by the unusual 
growth of verdure, and similar spots indicate the site of fire- 
places, both within and without. An unusual abundance 
of stone and [lottery fragments were found here in early 
times. 

The shores of Black lake, in MorrLstown, between the 
village of Hammond and '■ the Narrows," contain traces of 
paintings of an ob.scure character, including the figure of a 
deer, rudely drawn, and seven figures in two groups, evi- 
dently intended to represent human beings. The block 
upon which the deer was drawn is preserved in the State 
collection at Albany. 

Near the village of EdwardsviUe, or " the Narrows," in 
Morristown, on a liill a little east of that place, the plow 
turned up traces of an ancient village, including a row of 
hearths or fire-places, with burned bones, ashes, charcoal, 
and shells. They were a few inches below the surface, and 
extended for a quarter of a mile. The traces .of ancient 
defensive works arc found in Canada, in the townships of 
Augusta, Williamsburg, Osnabruek, etc . 

INDIAN OCCUPATION. 

The region comprised within the present limits of St. 
Lawrence County seems to have been a kind of debatable 
ground between the Iroquois confederacy and the Iliirou- 
Algonquia nations of Canada; and, from the date of the 
earliest explorations by Champlain to the era of permanent 
settlement by the whites, was never continuously occupied, 
at least for any considerable period, by either. It was 
common hunting and fishing ground, but extremely danger- 
ous to either party, fijr the nations dwelling upon opposite 
sides of the St. Lawrence were ever at enmity with each 
other, and bloody encounters were sure to follow the meet- 
ings of their hunting-parties. The region was nominally 
claimed by the Oiieiiht nation of the Iroquois confederacy. 
The only Indians who seem to have made a permanent 
home in the county since it was known to Europeans were 
the Osivegdtcliics, so called, — a collection of families from 
among the Iroquois nations who were converted to Chris- 
tianity by the Jesuits, and induced to withdraw from their 
kindred and settle at La Presentation, now Ogdensburg. 
The commencement of the settlement was in 17-19, under 
the direction of Father Frangois Picquet, a Sulpician, com- 
monly known as " Abb6 Picquet," of whom a more ex- 
tended account will be found in another connection. The 
Oswegatchics were eventually (about 1S07-S) dispersed 
among the St. Regis, Onondaga, and other Indians. 

INDIAN NAMES. 

The following interesting article ujion the nomenclature 
of the Indians is from Dr. Hough's work : 

" It \s scarcely two centuries since tho territory now the United- 
Slates was an unbroken wild, traversed only by the rude native, 
who pursued the boar and the moose, and set his simple snares lor 
such wild game .as served to feed or clothe him. The advent of tho 
European was his misfortune, and step by step he has retreated be- 
fore the march of civilixalion, leaving nothing but here and there 
his names of rivers and lakes : and even these, in too many instances, 
have been, with a most singular injustice and bad taste, exchanged 
for those of foreign origin, or of no signification of themselves. 

" The sonorous and peculiarly appropriate names of the aborigines 



HISTOKY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



23 



have often been made the subject of coofimendation by foreigners, 

and should, in most instances, take the preference of those of modern 
origin. 

" In some cases this would be ditlicult, but in a new and growing 
country like ours, in which new sources of industry are daily being 
developed and new places springing uji. might wc not, with peculiar 
propriety, adopt the euphonious and ultrn elegant names of the In- 
dians instead of such commonplace appellations as * Smith's Mills,' 
or ' Hogg's Corners'? — words which convey no association but those 
of the most common and indifferent character, and which usually 
lose all their application after the tirst generation. 

" Let liny one compare the splendid names of Saratoga, Niagara, 
and Ontario with Sacket's Harbor, German Flats, or Lake George, 
and he will see the contrast between them, and cannot fail to approve 
the taste that would restore the aboriginal names of places, where it 
may be found practicable. 

" In making his inquiries into the history of the mission at St. 
Regis, in June, 1852, the author took special pains to obtain not 
only the Indian names of places in the northern part of the State, 
and immediately within the territory embraced in the work, but also 
of whatever other localities he might chance to be able, not doubting 
but that the subject would be regarded as one of general interest. 

" At the Indian village of Caughnawaga, near the Saut St. Louis, 
the author met an intelligent half-breed, A. Geo. Do Lorimier, alias 
Oronhiatckha, who is well acquainted with the Muhairk and other 
Indian languages, from whom he also derived some assistance, es- 
pecially reliUing to distant and well-known localities. The names 
derived from this source will be designated by a f prefixed to the 
word. 

"Acknowledgments are especially due to the Kev. F. Mareoux. of 
St. Regis, for essential assistance in this and other inquiries. Those 
names received from this source will bu thus marked, J, 

"rivers and sthkams. 

"Black liiccr.- — (jNi-ka-hi-on-ha-ko-wa) ' Ijig river.' Mr, Squier, 
in a work entitled ' The Aboriginal Monuments of New York,' has 
given the name of this river as Ka-mar-go. His authority is not 
cited. 

*' In a map accompanying L. H.Morgan's work, entitled 'The 
League of the Iroquois,' the name given is Ka-hu-a-go, wliieh is a 
Seiievd word. 

'* dhatpangny. — This by some is supposed to be an Indian name, 
but it is French, meaning, gay castle. The St, Regis call it J 0-sar- 
hc-bon, * a place so close or difficult that the more one tries to extri- 
cate himself the worse he is off.' This probably relates to the narrow 
gorge in the river near the village, 

" C/ii'ppewn Creek. — -In Hammond ( J Tsi-o-he-ri-scn). This name 
also applies to Indian Hut island. 

*^I)eey Jiiver. — ( j Oie-ka-ront-no)- 'trout river.' The name also 
applies to the village of Helena, at its mouth. 

^^ French Creek. — ( J A-ten-ha-ra-kweh-ta-re) 'the place where the 
fence or wall tVlI down.' The same name applies to the adjoining 
island. 

" GannnoquL — Not Iroquois, supposed to be Huron, and said to 
mean ' wild ])otatoes,' Apioa ttil/erosa { fKah-uon-no-kvven), ' a 
meadow rising out of the water.' 

'• Graase River. — {J Ni-kent-si-a-ke) ' full of large fishes,' or ' where 
the fishes live.' In former times this name was peculiarly applica- 
ble. Before dams and saw-mills were erected, salmon and other 
fish not now caught were taken in the greatest abundance, as far up 
as Russell. Its English name was suggested by the grass meadows 
near its mouth. On an old map in the clerk's office it is marked 
Ey-en-saw-ye. The letter y does not occur in the [roquoit language. 

** Indian River. — On Morgan's map (0-je-qack). The St. Rcgin 
name it by the same appellation as Black lake, which see. 

" Ostccgatcftie, and the village of Ogdensburg. — (;j; Swo-kat-si) sup- 
posed to bo a corrupted Huron word, moaning * black water.' Tiiis 
river in early times was sometimes called /f/ack river. 

" Ohio. — (0-hi-on-hi-o) 'handsome river.' The French designa- 
tion of La Belle Riviere was a translation of the origiiuil name. 

" Riiqncttc River. — A French word, meaning a 'snow-shoo.* It is 
said to have been first so called by a Frenchman named Parisein, 

* Also Oh-ga-karnn-tie. 



long before settlements were begun in this quarter, and that the 

name was suggested by the shape of a marsh near its mouth. The 
/riifynoM name, J Ni-ha-na-wa-te, or 'rapid river,' is peculiarly ap- 
plicable. It is said that Col. Louis, the Indian chief, told Benjamin 
Raymond, when surveying, that its Indian name meant 'noisy river,' 
for which reason it has been usually written Raeket.f 

" As rapids are always noisy, this name would have an application, 
but we shall retain in the map the original orthography. The St. 
Franri/is name, as obtained by Prof. Emmons, was Mas-le-a-gui. 
On Morgan's map, above quoted, it is called Ta-na-wU-di-h, supposed 
to be a Seneca word. 

" St. Lawrence River. — (J Cat-a-ro-qui) said to be French or Huron. 
Signification unknown. On Morgan's map, Ga-na-wa-ge. 

"St. Regis River and Village. — (J Ak-wia-sas-ne) 'where the par- 
tridge drums.' 

"Salmon River. — {^ Kent-si-a-ko-wa-ne) 'big fish river.' 

"Schoharie. — (j lo-hsko-ha-re) 'a natural bridge,' as that formed 
by timber floating down stream and lodging firmly. 

"f Tioinata. — A small river, tributary to the St. Lawrence, above 
Broekville. Signifies 'beyond the point.' 

" LAKES. 

"Black Lake. — (J O-tsi-kwa-ke) 'where the ash-tree grows with 
large knobs for making clubs.' 

" Chnmplain. — (f Ro-tsi-ich-ni) ' the coward spirit.' The Iroquois 
are said to have originally possessed an obscure mythological notion 
of three supreme beings or spirits, the 'good spirit,' the 'bad spirit, 
and the 'coward spirit.' The latter inhabited an island in Lake 
Champlain, where it died, and from this it derived the name above 
given. 

" How far this fable prevailed, or what was its origin, could not be 
ascertained from the person of whom it was received. 

" Granse Lake, — Rossie (| sa-ken-ta-ke), ' grass lake.' 

" Ontario. — (f 0- non-ta-ri-io) 'handsome lake.' 

" Tupper's Lake. — (| Tsit-kan-i-a-ta-rcs-ko-wa) 'the biggest lake.' 
A small lake below Tapper's lake is called J Tsi-kan-i-on-wa-res-ko- 
wa, 'long pood.' The name of Tupper's lake, in the dialect of the 
*S'(. Fraui;oi8 Indians, as obtained by I'rof. Emmons, is Pas-kum-ga- 
meh, 'a lake going out from the river,' alluding to the peculiar 
feature which it presents, of the lake lying not in the course of, but 
by the side of, Raquette river, with which it communicates. 

"Yellow Lake. — In Rossie (Kat-sen-e-kwa-o), 'a lak-j covered 
with yellow lilies.' 

" ISLANDS. 

'* Baruhort's Islnu.i. — (^Ni ion-en-hi-a-se-ko-wa ne) 'big stone.' 
"Baxters Island. — Upper Long Saut Isle {| Tsi-io-wen-o-kwa-ka- 

ra-to), 'high island.' 

" Cornwall Island. — {J Ka-wen-0-ko-wa-nen-ne) * big island.* 

" Isle an frallop, imd the rapid beside it (| Tsi-ia-ko-ten-nit-ser- 

rgn-ti-e-tha), ' where the canoe must be pushed up stream with 

poles.' 

'^ Isle tin Rapid Plat. — Opposite Waddington (| Tic-hon-wi-ne- 

tha), ' where a canoe is towed with a rope.' 
" Lower Long Saut Isle. — (J Ka-rou-kwi.) 
" Sheik's Island. — (J 0-was-uc) ' feather island.' 
"St. Regis Island. — Same name with river and village. 

" NAMES OF PLACES. 

" Brasher Falls. — (;f Ti-o-hi-on-ho-keu) 'where the river divides.' 

" IJ rasher Iron Works. — {J Tsit-ka-rcs-ton-ui) 'where they make 
iron. 

" Canada. — (flCa-na-ta) 'village.' 

"Cayuga, — (f Koi-ok-wen) 'from the water to the shore,' as the 
landing of prisoners. 

"'\ Cataroqni. — Ancient name of Kingston, 'a bank of clay rising 
out of the waters.' 

" Chateangay. — (Kan-ah-to-hc) 'a j>ot in the ground.' 

" Hochclnga. — Former name of Montreal, or its vicinity {f 0-ser- 
a-ke), ' beaver dam.' 

*' Helena. — The same name as Deer river. 

" Hogansliurg. — (;{: Te-kas-wen-ka-ro reus) 'where they split or 
saw boards.' 



f JW ha hi-aH-a-te, " Rough Rapids." 



24 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Kentuckjf, — (f Kon-ta-kc) 'among the meadows.' 

" Mtilone. — (f To-kan-o-ta-ron-wc) 'a village crossing a river." 

*' i\f(Uge»a Villtttje. — Same name as Grasso river. 

" Ma&Hena Springs. — (J Kan-a-swa-stak-c-ras) ' where the mud 

smelly bad.' 

" Moirn. — (J Sa-ko-roD-ta-keh-tas) ' where small trees are carried 

OD the shoulder.* 

*' MoiitmttL — (J Ti-o-ti-a-ko) 'deep water by the side of shallow.' 

" iVcio >'or/,-. — (J Ka no-no) signification not known. 

*' Nor/ulJc Village. — (J Kan-a-tas-e-ke) 'new village.' 

*' Lower Falls in Norfolk on llaquette river (Tsit-ri-os-ten-ron-wc), 

' natural dam.' 

" The Oxbow, produced by the bend of the Oswegatcliie rivei", 

(JO non-to-heu) 'a hill with the same river on each side.' 

*' /'oN(/am. — (J Te-wa-ten-e-ta-ren-ies) 'a place where the gravel 

settles under the feet in dragging up a canoe.' 

" QtfJmr.. — (JTe-kia-tan-ta-ri-kon) ' twin or double mountains.' 
*' R iijiHoudville. — (|Tsi-ia-ko-on-tie-ta) * where they leave the 

canoe.' 

** S'lrntoga. — (fSa-ra-ta-ke) * a place where the track of the heel 

may be seen,' in allusion to a locality said to be in the neighborhood 

where depressions like footsteps may be seen on the rock. 

'* Schcnectudi}. — {% Ska-na-ta-ti) ' on the other side of the pines.* 
" Ticondcrogn. — (f Tia-on-ta-ro-ken) ' a fork or point between two 

lakes.' 

** Tot'tnito. — {f Tho-ron-to-hen) ' timber on the water.' 
" WndilinijtvH. — {\ Ka-ua-ta-ra-ken) * wet village.' " 



CHAPTER III. 



FRENCH OCCUPATION. 



E n-ly Voyages ami Discoveries hy tlie Frcncli — Early Trading-Posts, 
Mis;?iuns and Settlements — ^Isle Oraeouenton — Fort Levis — Pou- 
ehot — Father Pictiuet. 

The great valley of the St. Lawrence and the adjacent 
rigions wa.s originally discovered and occupied by the 
Frencli. Before the English colonies had penetrated fifty 
miles from the Atlantic coast, the priests of the Franciscan 
and Jesuit orders of the Catholic church, the Couriers dcs 
Bois, and the fur-traders of " New France" had carried, 
under the lilies of the Bourbon, the rude arms and heavy 
armor of the 17tli century, and the rosary and breviary of 
the " mother church," to the western extremity of Lake 
Superior, and by the middle of the century had established 
trading posts and missions at various points on the St. 
Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and along the three great upper 
lakes. The indefatigable and self-denying Jesuits even 
preceded the avaricious fur-traders, and as early as 1615 had 
celebrated mass on the misty shores of the Georgian bay, 
which was named by them the "JIfer Douce of the Hurons." 

The earliest vessels and water craft, of European models, 
that navigated the noble river St. Lawrence and the 
mighty inland seas of the iuterior, were constructed by the 
French. The discovery and occupation of all the region in 
North America, lying south of the Bay of Fundy, by the 
English and Spaniards, compelled the French to turn their 
attention towards the Gulf and river St. Lawrence, and 
eventually, by these thoroughfares, into the region of the 
great lakes. 

A rapid glance at the discoveries and settlements of the 
St. Lawrence valley seems necessary in this connection, in 
order to an understanding of the causes which led to the 
occupation by the French of the region now included in 



northern New York, and to their subsequent wars with 
the Iroquois, and, eventually, with the Pjnglish and their 
colonies. 

The navigators of various European nations had made 
voyag<« to the coa.st of North America a long time previous 
to the permanent settlement of the country. The " North- 
men" claimed to have visited the continent in the tenth and 
eleventh centuries, and made settlements, which were, how- 
ever, soon abandoned ; and it is stated by French writei's 
that one Cousin, of the city of Dieppe, visited the country 
in 1488. In 1497, John Cabot, a Venetian, in the service 
of Henry VII., of England, discovered the coast of Labra- 
dor, which country he named Prima Vista, or " earliest 
view." Seba-stian Cabot, a son of the preceding, made a 
voyage in 1498, adding new discoveries, and one Caspar 
Cortereal is sometimes claimed to have been the first dis- 
coverer of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Norman, Breton, 
and Basque fishermen began their voyages to the New- 
foundland Banks at an early day, some writers say previous 
to the year 1497. There is undoubted evidence that these 
fisheries commenced as early as 1504; and in 1517 as 
many as fifty French, CtJStilian, and Portuguese vessels 
were employed. In 1506 one Denis, of Ilonfleur, explored 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and two years later, Aubert, of 
Dieppe, followed; and in 1518 the Baron de Lery made an 
attempt to found a settlement on Sable Island. In 1524, 
John Verrazzano, a Florentine, visited the coast of North 
America and explored it from Pamlico Sound to Newfound- 
land. These voyages and those of Columbus, Cabral, and 
others, created an intense interest among the nations of 
Europe, and others followed in rapid succession. 

The nest important voyage was conducted by Jacques 
Cartier, a citizen of St. Male, in France, which port he left 
on the 20th of April, 1534. He visited the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence, Newfoundland, and Bay Chaleur, and sailed up 
the St. Lawrence as far as the island of Anticosti, when 
the storms of autumn drove him from the forbidding shores, 
and compelled his return. This voyage, though only par- 
tially successful, induced Francis I., of France, to dispatch 
him upon another, and in May, 1535, he again sailed for 
America in three snjall ships, which, after encountering se- 
vere storms, finally reached the coast of Newfoundland late 
in July. He soon after explored the gulf, to which he gave 
the name St. Lawrence from having discovered it upon 
the day of the saint's festival. The name subsequently 
attached to the river also. 

Cartier proceeded up the river to a place called Stada- 
coiia, on the spot now occupied by the city of Quebec. To 
the modern island of Orleans he gave the name Isle de 
Bacchus, from the great number of wild vines found upon 
it. During the autumn he ascended and explored the 
great river, called by the savages Hochclaga, to a town of 
the same name on. the site now occupied by Montreal. The 
lofty hill in the rear of the modern city Cartier visited, 
and, pleased with the magnificent view from its summit, 
named it Mount Royal, from whence comes the present 
name, Montreal. 

Cartier was the first adventurer to winter in the newly- 
di.scovered country, which he did by hauling his ships up 
the little river St. Charles, which discharges into the St. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



25 



Lawrence a short distance below Quebec. In the spring of 
1536, with his crews diminislifd by the ravages of tlie 
scurvy, Cartier returned to France. In 1541 he made a 
third voyage to the St. Lawrence, under the au.spice.s of 
Jean Frangois de La lloque, Sieur dc Robervai, a noble- 
man of Picardy. During this visit he founded a town 
some three and a half leagues above Quebec, which he 
christened Charlcsbourg Roy ale, where lie again passed the 
winter-, lloberval himself followed in 1512 with three 
ships and two hundred colonists, and at the place where 
Cartier had commenced hi.s settlement erected shops, mills, 
and dwellings for a permanent colony; but which, like 
othei-s, was in a few years abandoned. 

From this time until 1608 there wns no further attempt 
to plant colonies on the St. Lawrence, though immense 
numbers of fishermen frequented the coasts of Newfound- 
land, and scattered settlements were attempted in what are 
now called New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, then known 
under the general name of Norembega. 

CHAMPLAIN. 

On the 5th of April, 1608, a French vessel, under the 
command of one Pontgrave, a merchant of St. Malo, sailed 
from Honfleur with a cargo of goods for trading with the 
natives, and on the 13th Samuel de Champlain sailed in a 
second vessel with men, arms, and stores for a colony. Both 
these vessels were fitted out by De Monts, a French noble- 
man, who had obtained from the king a monopoly of the 
fur trade. Pontgrave reached the St. Lawrence before 
Champlain, and, turning the rocky point at the mouth of 
the Saguenay river, he found a Basque trading vessel an- 
chored in the stream, and quietly pursuing the business of 
fur-trading. Upon Pontgrave's demand for a withdrawal 
from the exclusive domain of his employer, the Basques 
attacked him furiously, killed and wounded some of bis 
men, and took from him his arms and ammunition, prom- 
ising to give them up when ready to return to Europe. 
Such was the state of afftiirs upon Champlain's arrival 
with the armed ship on the 3d of June. His appearance 
changed the aspect of affairs, and the freebooters were glad 
to give up everything except their vessel and depart in 
peace. The ves.sels now proceeded up the river, and during 
the month of June the city of Quebec was founded, being 
the first permanent settlement in Canada, and the third in 
the Atlantic region of North America. 

In 1611, Champlain established a trading post on the 
island of Montreal, and remained nearly a permanent resi- 
dent of New France until his death in 1635. The English 
licld Canada for the period between 1()29 and 1632, but it 
was considered of so little value that it was restored to 
France in the latter year. 

The earliest Catholic missionaries were introduced by 
Champlain in May, 1615, consisting of four friars of the 
Recollet order of the Franciscans, — Denis Jamet, Jean Dol- 
beau, Joseph Le Caron, and Pacific du Plessis. As early 
as 1609, Champlain ha<l entered into an alliance, offensive 
and defensive, with the Alr)nnqiuns of Canada, and the 
same year acconi])anied a war-jiarty on an expedition up 
Lake Champlain into the country of the Iroquois; and in 
the encounter which occurred near Lake George in July of 
4 



that year thoughtlessly laid the foundation of a never- 
ceasing war with this powerful people, and thus entailed 
upon the French colonies in America a century and a half 
of horrors seldom equaled in the history of the world. 

THE JESUITS. 

In 1625-26 this powerful order first made their ap- 
pearance in Canada under the patronage of the viceroy, 
the Due de Ventadour, who was wholly controlled by it, 
and assisted by every means in his power its establishment 
in the colonies. The first three representatives of the '■ So- 
ciety of Jesus" to arrive in Canada were Charles Lalemant, 
Enemond Masse, and Jean de Brebeuf The Jesuits soon 
after entirely supplanted the Franciscans, and from hence- 
forth controlled the spiritual aft'airs of the colony. They 
established missions on all the principal streams and on the 
borders of the great lakes, and labored, with a zeal perhaps 
unexampled in the history of the world, for the conversion 
of the savages to Christianity, exposing themselves unhesi- 
tatingly to danger and to death, and suffering untold tor- 
tures at the hands of the vengeful Iroquois. 

From the days of Champlain to the close of the war of 
1755-60, there was a constant endeavor by the governments 
of England and France to gain the monopoly of the fur 
trade of the continent, and to this end unceasing efforts 
were made by both parties to draw the various Indian na- 
tions under their respective influence. With all the tribes 
dwelling north of the St. Lawrence and around the lakes 
the French were eminently successful, but the powerful 
Iroquois confederacy, which held the balance of power 
and overawed all the other nations, they could never gain 
over either by bribes or forces. These haughty people 
affected to despise both the French and English, and de- 
clared themselves independent and masters of the continent. 
In 1673 the French, under the lead of Count Frontenac, 
then governor-general of Canada, erected Fort Cadaraqui,* 
on the ground now occupied by the city of Kingston, 
Ontario. In 1675, Robert Cavelier de la Salle received a 
large grant of land at this point from the King, and was 
invested with the seignory of Fort Cadara(iui, which in the 
two following years he rebuilt substantially with stone, and 
named, in honor of the governor-general, Fort Frontenac, 
which name it continued to bear until it fell under the 
jurisdiction of England. 

The following account of Frontenac's voyage up the St. 
Lawrence ou his way to Cadaraqui, in 1673, is a trau.slation 
from the Paris documents in the office of Secretary of State, 
by Dr. E. B. O'Callahan, editor of the "Documentary 
History of New York," and published in Dr. Hough's 
History of St. Lawrence County : 

"The olijeot of this journey was to prevent the r.itification of a 
treaty between Indian tribes, wliieb ho conceived would o|ierate in- 
juriously to the interests of the French. lie proposed to effect this 
by the cslablishnieut of a military post on Lake Ontario, ami this 
was the first beginning niailc at what is now the city of Kingston, 
C. \V. lie could thus prevent intercourse between the south and the 
north, and monopolize the fur tr.ado of the Indians, lie was still 
further induced to this from the representations of the Jesuit mis- 

*Tho orthography of this word is wondorfal, — Kadnrockqua, 
l^atcrocouy, Cataracuoi, Cataraqui, Cadaraqui, Cadarackquai, Coeda- 
roqua, Oaudaroghquc, etc. 



2(> 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BionurifS, who luitl for ?onie time labored nnionjr ihc Iroquois, and 
were over anxious tli:it a station sliould l>e made in the country of 
the Indians, as well to promote their religion, as tbcir commercial 
enterprises. 

"To impress the natives with a l.ditf that ca?cndcs and nijiids 
were no harrier against the French, Count de Fronteuac resolved to 
take with him two flat bateaux, similar to (bat M. de Courcellcs bail 
two years previous carried to the head of the rapids, and even to 
mount them with small cannon, to inspiic the ravages with awe. 
With tliese two boats, built after a particuhir model, holding sixteen 
men, and painted unlike anything seen before, and with about one 
humlri'd and twenty bark canoes, he at length kft Moutreal on the 
2Sth of June, having made all necessary arrangements for the govern- 
ment of the colony in his absence. On the 'M\ of July they had 
reached the islands at the head of Lake St. Francis, where they re- 
paire<l their bateaux, which had been injured in the passing of rapids. 
Wc will quote the words of the journal: 

"translation. 

" ' On the lib the route passed through the most delightful country 
in till' wttild. 'J'he tnlire river was sjiangled with ishinds. on wbieh 
were only oaks and bard wood; the yoil is admirable, atid the banks 
of the mainland on the north and south chores are e([ua!ly handsome, 
the timber being very ekan and lofty, forming a forest equal to the 
most beautiful in France. Both banks of the river are lined with 
jirniries, full of excellent grar^s, inter.'^jtersed with an infinity of beau- 
tilul flowers; so tb;it it may bt- asseittd. there would not be a more 
lovely country in Ihc world than ibuL from Lake St. Francis to the 
head of the rapids, were it cleared, 

"'Made three leagues up to noon, and halted at a spot more de- 
lightful than any we bad yet seen. It was close to the little chan- 
nel which .^tretebes along the sault on the north side, and opposite 
the mouth of a river by w bieb peojile go to the Mohawk.*' Sieur Le 
Moine was sent to examine that wbieh goes to the Mohawks, and re- 
jiorted that it tormed a large, circular, deejt. and jileasant basin be- 
hind Ibe point where we had halted, and that the /rtujuitit whom he 
bad toiiud there bad informed him that there was live days' easy 
navigation in that river, and three when the waters were lower. 
Alter having dined and rested awhile the march was resumed, and it 
was resolved to take the south channel, with the design to camp 
above the Long Saut. and cross over to that side at three-quarters of 
a league above it, but the rain which supervened obliged Count de 
Froiittnac to cau.'^e the entire fleet to come to anchor on the north 
side, at the place where we intended to traverse, and he bad time 
only to get the bateaux to do this, and to encamp himself with tlie 
Three Rivers* brigade and his stafl" on the south shore, oppoyite the 
phiee where the other sections had anchored. We found in the west- 
ern forest, in the camp, a wliite flower, as beautiful as can be seen, 
with an odor similar to that of the lily of the valley, hut much finer. f 
It was sketched ihr(mgb curiosity. 

" * The jth, the rain threatening, we contented ourselves in dispatch- 
ing the bateaux at the break of day to get them j)ast the rapids of the 
Long Saut, and the order was sent to the fleet at the north side not 
to traverse until the weatlior was settled. 

'• * Therctore, it liaving cleared about ten o'clock, the fleet traversed 
antl advanced to the foot of the first rapiil of the Long Saut, but one 
half iiaving jiassed, a storm sprang uj). which obliged the Count to 
go by land as far as the rapid, to hasten on those who were in the 
middle, and to prevent the last going farther on; so that four only 
were able to pass, and these camped half a league above. He sent 
the others into a cove, after he had remained more than two hours 
under the rain, without a cloak, very uneasy about the bateaux, 
wbieh experienced much difficulty in ascending the rajiid ; one of them 
bail run adrift in the curn nt. bad ni-t the pt'opk- behind thrown 
theuL-'elves into the stream with incredible promjdness and bravery. 

"'It is imj)ossildc to conceive without witnessing the fatigue of 
those who dragged the bateaux. They were for the most part of the 
time in the water up to the arm-pits, walking on rock so sharp that 
many had their tVct and legs covered witli blood, yet their gayety 
never tailed, and they made such ajioiut of honor of taking these ba- 
teaux uji, that as soon as they arrived in the camp some among them 
commenced jumping, playing "prison bars" (Jouf-r (iii.r honvH), and 
other j:anies ot like nature. The night of the ath and 0th inst. was 
BO wet that Ibe Count could not sleep : so afraid was he ot the biscuit 
getting wet, that he ordered Sieur deCbauibly not to allow the canoes 
to start until ho saw settled weather, and to push on the bateaux with 
experienced hands in them, as they did not carry any provisions ca- 
pable of sjioiling. He waited till noon to set out, the weather having 
cleared up with appearances of no more rain ; but a league had not 
been traveled, nor the bateaux overtaken, before a tempest burst so 
furiously that all thought that Ibe iir4)vi?;ions would be wet. With 
care, however, very little burni happened, and, after halting aiiout 
three hours, we proceeded on, with some live or six canoes, to find out 
n plaee to camp, to give time to the people in the can<»es to follow 
them, with alt the troo]JS: and though there were three or four very 
ugly raj'ids to be passed, they did not tail to surmount all these difheui- 
tics, and to arrive before sundoHu at ibe In ad of the Long Saut, where 



* Raqucttc river ? 



f Nymphica odorata? 



Count de Frontcnac had traced out the camp, opposite a little island, 
at the end of which the northern channel unites with that on the south. 

"'The 7th, started the eanoes (bateaux ?) very early, with orders 
to cross from the north side at the jibiee where they should find the 
river narrower and less rapid; and he left with all llie eanoes two 
hours after, and proceeded until eleven o'clock, in better order than 
during the preceding days, because the navigation was easier. We 
stopped three or four hours about a quarter of a league from the rapid 
called the Jiopifit- /'/at.* 

" ' The weather appeared the finest in the world. This induced us 
to determine on jtassing the rajud, which is very difiicult. on account 
of the trees on the water side tumbling into the river, which obliged 
the eanoes to take outside, and so go into the strongest of the eurrint. 
He detached six canoes in eonseijuenee, which he si nt along to take 
axes to cut all the trees that might obstruct the passage of the 
bateaux, and took with him the Three Rivers' brigade and his staff 
to lay out the cam]», having lelt two brigades with the b:iteaux, and 
others for a lear-guard. Rut on binding, at five o'eloek in the after- 
noon, there came a storm, aceompanied l>y thunder and lightning, 
more furious than all the others that preceded it, so that it was neces- 
sary to dispatch orders in all baste to the bateaux and to all the fleet 
to cast anchor wherever they happened to be, wliieh it was very diffi- 
cult to t'fl^eet, in eonsci[UUiee of some of the bateaux Icing in the 
midst of the rapid. The rain lasted nearly the whole night, during 
which the Count was extremely uneasy lest precautions may not ha\ e 
been taken to prevent the jjrovisions getting wet. Next morning, at 
l>reak of day. sent for intellig(nee, and new.s was brought, about seven 
o'clock in the morning, that there was not much harm done, through 
the care every one took to preserve his provisions, and the bateaux 
arriveil a quarter of an hour afterwards at the camp. As every one 
had suffered c<msiilerably from the fatigue of the night, it was re- 
solved not to leave the camp before ten or eleven o'clock, in order to 
collect all the people and give them time to rest. 

"'The weather was so unsettled that, through fear of rain, they 
waited until noon, and though a jiretty strong southwest wind arose, 
and the river was very rough, we tailed not to make considerable 
headwiiy, and to camp at the foot of the last rapid. 

" ' The 9tb, we had proceeded scarcely an hour when the Montreal 
brigade, dispatched by Count Frontenac from our third encampment, 
by Sieur Lieutenant de la Valtrie, under the direction of Sieur Morel, 
ensign, to make a second convoy, and carry provisions beyond the 
rapids, was found in a place which be had been ordered to occupy ns 
a depot. As soon as our fleet was perceived, he cro.=sed over from the 
south to the north ami came on board the '• .Admiral." 

" * The Count wrote by him to M. Perrot, Governor of Montreal, to 
whom he sent orders to have new canoes furnished to Litutenant 
Lebert, to join this fleet, and endeavor to bring in one voyage what 
he had at first resolved to have brought in two. In two hours after- 
wards we arrived at the plaee Sieur de la Valtrie had selected to 
build a store-bouse. It was a ])oint at the head of all the rapids, and 
at the tntronce of the smooth navigation.^ 

" ' The Count strongly approved Sieur de la Valtrie's selection, and 
resolved to sojourn there the whole day. to allow the troops to refresh, 
and to have leisure to send a second canoe to Montreal with new 
orders and to hasten the return of the canoes, wbieh were sent to 
bring provisions. At six o'clock in the evening two fnufiifiin canoes 
arrived, bringing letters from Sieur de la Salle, who, having been 
sent into their country two months before, advised the count that, 
after some difiiculty, wtiich was founded on the apprehensions the 
savages entertained of his approach, they had, in fine, resolved to 
come to assure him of their obedienee, and that they awaited him at 
Kente,|l to the number of more than two hundred of the most ancient 
and influential, though they bad considerable objection to repair 
thither, in consequence of the jealousy they felt on seeing Onontio 
going to Kcnte, as it implied a pref^crence for that nation to the 
others. This obliged bim to request the Abbes de F^^nclon^i and 
D'Urfe to go in all haste to KentJ>, which it had been resolved to 
visit, having judged by the map, after considerable consultation and 
difi'erent opinions, that it would he a ver3- suitable jdace on wbieh to 
erect the proposed establishment. 

"'Though Count de Frontenac bad appointed this interview with 
the savages only witli that view, he did not omit, however, taking 
advantage of the jealousy they entertained in their minds, and re- 



X This rapid is on the north side of Ogden's island, at the present 
village of Waddington, at Madrid. The island was known to the 
early French voyageurs as the Isle au Rapide Plat, or island at Ihc 
flat rapid. The river here is underlaid by a limestone formation of 
very uniform surface, and has a descent of eleven feet in three miles. 

^ Probably Indian Point, in Lisbon, a short distance above Gallop 
Rapids. 

jj Present orthography, Quints. 

*li Fenelon, the Archbishop of Cambray, and author of the cele- 
brated allegorical romance entitled /<■« .If/irK/invs tfe Tvit'iiinqtir, was 
from 1007 till 1074 a missionary of the Sulpician order among the 
Irnqiioh, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. He was horn Aug. 0. 
lOJl ; early engaged with zeal in eeclcsiastieal studies; became emi- 
nent as a missionary, author, and preceptor to the Duke of Bur- 
gundy, the hcir-upparent to the throne of Franco; was raised to the 
archbishopric of Cambray In 1697, and died in 1715. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



quested those gentlemen to assure thcni tliat he cxpeeted them in 
that place only to let them know that lie did not prefer the one to the 
other, and that he should be always tiu-ir eoiniaoii father so long as 
they remained In the obedience and respect tliey owed the king. 

*' * The IDth, left the eamp about five o'clock in the morning; and 
tliough Count de Frontenac had determined on tlic preceding day, 
and before he received the news of the approach of tiie /royno/jj, to 
leave the i)atcaux with the greater portion of ttio troop.-; behind, and 
to take with him onfy two or three lirigade^, to reconn ntre .as quickly 
as p(»ssible the outlet of the (ireat Lake, and the post he was about 
to fortify at tiie mouth of the Katarakoui. lie changctl his design, 
and concluded he ought to proceed with more precaution until ho 
should Ijc better informed of the intention of file IrtnfuniH, 

" * We therefore jiroceedel in a body, and in closer cofuran than 
heretofore. The weather was so serene, and the navigation so 
smooth, that we made more than ten leagues, and went to camp at a 
cove al)out a league and a half from Otondiata, where the eel-fishery 
begins. AVe had the pleasure on tlic march to catch a small loon, a 
bird .about as large as a European bustard {Onturdc), of the most 
beautiful jduinage, but so diflieult to catch alive, as it plunges con- 
stantty under water, that it is no small rarity to be able to take one. 
A cage was made for it. and orders were given to endeavor to raise 
it, in oriler to be able to send it to the king. 

"* The llth, the weatfier continuing fine, a good day's journey was 
made, having passed ail that vast group of islands with which the 
river is spangled, and camped at a ])oint .above the river called by 
the Indian:^ Oiijinnd'ikniii,^ up which many of them go hunting. It 
lias a very considerable channel. Two more loons were caught alive, 
and a Mcniionlnii, which is a kind of deer, but the head and branches 
of which are handsomer than that of tie deer of France,' 

*' The narrative continues with an account of the stately and regal 
manner with which the Count dc Frontenac entered the lake, and the 
interviews which he had with the natives. The ]>omp and ceremony 
with which he received the de|iutation of the savages, the glittering 
armor and polished steel which flashed and gleamed in the sun, the 
waving banners gayest colors th.at floated in the gentle breeze, and, 
above all, the roar of cantioit and the destructive etTect of shot, be- 
wildered the minis of the simple-he irtei natives, and impressed 
them with awe and astonishment. The Count then related to them 
in glowing colors the grandeur and importance of tho king, his 
master, whose humble servant he was, and thus conveyed a vague 
but overwhelming impression of the omnipotence of tho French. 

"From this time forward the St. Lawrence was frequently trav- 
ersed by French voyagers, and a post was established at La Galette 
(meaning in the French language a cnke or mvjji-n), which is sup- 
posed to be near the site of Johnstown, in Canada, a short distance 
below Prescott, or on Chimney island." 

In 1G82 Count Frontenac was recalled, and Le Fobvre 
do la Barre succeeded him as governor-general of Canada. 
The new governor managed to make himself somewhat un- 
popular, and attempted a castigation of the Iroquois in the 
summer of 1684, when he assembled a large force of French, 
Canadians, and Indians at Frotitcnac. At the same time 
he was industriously endeavoring to cultivate peace with 
the savages through the mediation of Le Moyiie, a vet- 
eran pioneer of Montreal, and Father Jean de Lamberville, 
a Jesuit who had long resided among the Indians as a 
missionary. It) endeavoring to play a double game his 
calculations came to naught, for the savages were sharp 
enough to uuder.statid all his nianneuvres, and to meet him 
at every point, whether of diplomacy or war, and foil him 
effectually. While encamped at Frontenac, his army suf- 
fered terribly for want of provisions and ffom sickness, of 
which the wily Indians were well advised, and wlieti, through 
the efforts of Le Moyuc and the Jesuit, a council was finally 
arranged and assembled on tho eastern shore of Lake On- 
tario, on Sejitember 3, the famous Oiioiukv/a orator, Garan- 
ffitki, in a remarkable speech, boldly exposed the designs of 
the French governor, outwitted him at every point, and 
sent him, chiigrined and discomfited, back to Montreal, 
whence he wa.s soon after recalled by the king, and the 



* (lannonoqui ? from the Uittuii, (/ii-fli-itniml", a deer. — Pr. O'Cal- 

LAtillAN. 



Marquis dc Denonville appointed in his place. This ex- 
pedition of La Barre's, on its way up the river, made La 
Gralettef one of its stopping-places. 

In the .spring of 1G87, Denonville assembled a powerful 
force at Frontenac, consisting of French regular troops, 
Canadian militia, and a great number of Indians. The 
army crossed Lake Ontario and rendezvoused at Irondequoit 
bay, whore it was joined liy several hundred traders, Courier 
dcs Bois, and upper lake Indians. The country of the 
Serieca nation, or Canton, w;is invaded and laid waste, but, 
in the main, very little was acoompli.shed ; and, in 1G89, 
in return for this visit, fifteen hundred Iroquois made an 
incursion into Canada, anil laid waste the Lsland of Mont- 
real, killitig and capturing a large number of the inhabi- 
tants, atid returning, with very little loss, triumphantly to 
their own country. 

In the autumn of 1689, Denonville was recalled, and 
Count Frontenac was again installed as governor-general 
of Canada. Upon his arrival, he found the country in the 
greatest state of alarm, and all the upper lake Indians upon 
the point of going over in a body to the enemy, as the best 
means of saving themselves from total destruction, for they 
had become nearly convinced that the French could not 
protect them from the dreaded Iroquois. By a series of 
well-directed operatiotis against the English frontiers, and 
a firm and vigorous policy towards the Indians, Frontenac 
succjeded in staying the tide that had so nearly over- 
whelmed the French colonies in disaster and ruin, and 
once more resumed the mastery over the western tribes 
which only terminated with the final subjugation of the 
French in 1760. 

The following extract is from Dr. Hough's work : 

"In 1720-21, Father Charlevoi.\, a Jesuit, undertook, by command 
of the King of France, a journey to Canada. His observations, in an 
epistolary form, addressed to the Duchess dc Lesdiguieres, were pub- 
lished at Paris in 174-1; from the fifth volume of which we translate 
the followiug extracts from a letter dated ' Catarocoui, 1-lth May, 
1721': 

"'Above the Buisson the river is a mile wide, and lands on both 
sides are very good and well woodeil. They begin to clear those 
which are on the north siile, and it would be very easy to make a 
road from the point which is over against the island of Montreal to a 
bay which they call La Galette. They will shun by this forty leagues 
of navigation, which the falls render almost impracticable and very 
tedious. A fort would be much better situated and more necessary at 
La Galette than at Catarocoui, because a single canoe cannot pass 
here without lieing seen, whereas at Catarocoui they may slip behind 
the islands without being observed. iMoreover, the lands about Ga- 
lette are very good, and they might in conscijuence have always pro- 
visions in plenty, which would save many charges. Besides this, a 
bark might go in two days with a good wind to Niagara. One of the 
objects which they had in view in iiuilding the fori Catarocoui was 
the trade with the Iro'iimin : but these savages would come as will- 
ingly to La Galette as to Catarocoui, They would have indeed some- 
thing farther to go, but they would avoid a passage of eight or nine 
leagues which they must make over the Lake Ontario, In short, a 
fort at La Galette would cover the whole ctmntry which is between the 
great river of the Outaouais and the river .~^t, Lawrence; for they 
cannot come into this country on the side of the river St. Lawrence 
because of tho falls, and nothing is more easy tliau to guard the 
banks of the river of the Outaouais. I have these remarks from a 
commissary of the marine (.M. de Clerambiuit d'.-\igremont), who was 
sent by the King to visit all tho distant i>osts of Ciinada. . . . From 
Coteau du Lac to Lake 8t. Fraufois is but a good half league. This 
lake, which I passed on the fifth, is seven leagues long and three at 
the widest ]dn.ee. The land on both siiles is biw, but appears to be 
good. The course from Montreal to this is a little to the southwest, 
and tho lake St. Franfois runs west-southwest and easl-uorthcast. I 
encamped just above it, and in the night was aroused by piercing 
cries as of persons in distress. I was at first alarmed, but soon rc- 



t A short distance boluw Ogdensburg, un the Canada side. 



28 



HlSTOllY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



covereil luyseM" when they told me they were himra, a kiinl of coriiio- 
nint8> They !iiiile<l that tbcso erica prognosticated winds on the 
morrow, whieli |in»vfd true. 

" • The sixth 1 passed the Chesnaux du Lac, thus called from some 
chnniu'Is which t'urm a y;rfat number of isliiiuls which ahnost cover 
tile river in this place. I never saw a country more charming, and 
tlu' lands ajtprar good. Tlie rest of tlu' diiy was spent in passing the 
rapids, the principal one of which they eall Lc Moulinct (The Vortex) : 
it \^ frightful to behold, and we had much trouble in pat^sing it. I 
went, however, that day seven leagues and encamped at the foot of 
the Long Saut. whieh is a rapid half a league long, which canoes 
cannot ascend with more thnn half a load. We parsed it at seven in 
the morning, and sailed at three o'clock I'.m.; but the rain obliged 
us to encamp, and detained us the fcdiowing day. 'i'here fell nn the 
eighth [May] a little snow, and at night it froze as it does in France 
in the month of January. We were nevertheless under the same 
parallels as Languedoc. On tlie ninth wc ]»as>ed the Uapide Plat 
[opposite the vilhige of AVndtlingtunJ. distant from the S:iut about 
seven leagues and five from Des (Jalnts, which is the Inst of the 
rapids. La Galette is a league and a h;ilf farther, and we arrived 
there on the tenth. I could not sufficiently admire the beauty of the 
country between this bay and Les tiftlots. It is impossible to see 
tiner forests, and I espeelallv notice some oaks of extraordinary 
height. 

•' * Five or six leagues from La Galctte is nn island called Tonihata,f 
where the soil appears fertile, and which is about half a league long. 
An Iror^toit, whom they call the t^uaker, I know not why, a very 
sensible man and very atVectionate to the French, obtained the do- 
minion of it from the late Count de Frontenac, and shows his patent of 
concession to whoever wishes to see it. He has nevertheless sold the 
lordship for four pots of brandy, but has reserved to himself all other 
profits of the land, and has assembled here eighteen or twenty fami- 
lies of his nation. I arrived on the twelfth at his island and jiaid 
him a visit. I found him laboring in his garden, which is not the 
custom of savages ; but he afteets all the customs of the French. lie 
received me very kindly, and wished to regale me, but the beauty of 
the weather invited me to prosecute my journey. I took my leave of 
him, and went to pass the night two leagues from thence in a very 
fine place. 

•' ' I had still thirteen lengues to Catarocoui : the weather was fine 
and the night very clear, which induced me to embark at three o'clock 
in the morning. We ])nssed through the midst of a kind of archi- 
pelago, which they call Mille hies [Thousand Isles]. I believe there 
arc about live hundred. When we had passed these, we had a league 
and a half lo reach Catarocoui. The river is more open, and at least 
half a league wide : then we leave upon the right three great bays, very 
deep, and the fort is built in the third. This fort is square, with 
four bastions built with stone ; and the ground it occupies is a quarter 
of a league in circuit, and its situation has really something very 
ilelightlul. The banks of the river jiresent in every way a varied 
scenery, ami it is the same at the entrance of Lake Ontario, which is 
but a sh<irt league distant: it is studded with islands of difi'erent 
sizes, all well wooded, and nothing bounds the horizon on that side. 
This lake fur some time bore the name of Saint Louis, afterwards 
that of Frontenac, as well as the fort of Catarocoui, of which the 
Count dc Frontenac was the founder; but insensibly the lake has 
gained its ancient name, which is J/unm or InnjimiH, and the fort 
that of the place where it is built. The soil from this place to La 
Galettc appears rather barren ; but it is only on the edges, it being 
very good farther hack. Opposite the fort is a very tine island in 
the midst of (he river. They placed some swine upon it, which liavo 
multiplied and given it the name of /«/»• (/ex 7\,rcN [Hog island, now 
(Jrand islund]. There arc two other ishinds somewliiit smaller, which 
are lower and half a league apart ; one is named VJhIv aux Ctdres, and 
the other i' IhIc au.v Ccr/it [Cedar island and Stag island; neither of 
which names are now retained]. 

'* * The bay of Catarocoui is douldc ; that is to say, that almost in 
the midst of it is a point which runs out a great way, under which 
there is good anchorage for large barks. M. de la Salle, so famous 
for his discoveries and his misfortunes, who was lord of Catarocoui 
and governor of the fort, had two or three vessels hero which were 
sunk in this jilacc, and remain there still. Behind tlie fort is a marsh, 
where a great variety of wild game gives pleasant occupation for the 
garrison. 

'* * There was formerly a great trade here, especially with the Ir„- 
qtiois; and it was to entice them to us. as well as to himler their car- 
rying their skins to the English and to keep these savages in awe, 
that the fort was built. But this trade did not last long, and the 
fort has not himlered the barbarians from doing us a great deal of 
mischief. They have still some families here on the outskirts of the 
place; and also some Mi'tiaififif/uez, nn Aff/onquin nation, which still 
have a village on the west side of Lake Ontario, another at Niagara, 
and a third at Detroit.' 

**An English writer (JelTers) has written a book, entitled, 'The 
French Dominion in America' (London, 1760, folio), in which he 
has freely quoted without acknowledgment, from Charlevoix and 
other French writers, statements of facts and descriptions of places 
of which he evidently had no knowledge beyond what he derived 
from these works. 



* Probably loons. 



t Indian II\it islnnd. 



"The following is an extract from this writer (p. 15). which may 
be compared with the translation from Charlevoix which we have 
given : 

•• ' A fourth rift, two leagues and a half hence, is ealUil the rift of St. 
Francis, from whence to Lake St. Francis you have only half a league. 
This lake is several leagues in length, and almost three in breadth 
where broadest. The land on both sides is low, but a])]jear8 to be of 
an excellent soil. The route from Montreal hither lies a little towards 
the southwest, and the Lake St. Francis runs west-southwest and 
cast-northeast. 

" ' From hence you come to the Cfinmcfuix dn Lnv, for thus are called 
those channels formed by a elu^ter of islands, which take uj) almost 
the whole breadth of the river at this j)laec. The soil teems here 
extraordinarily good, an<l never was prosjieet more charming than 
that of the country about it. The most remarkable falls here are 
that of the Moulinct, which is even frightful to behold, J and exceeding 
difficult to get through, and that called the Long Fall, half a league 
in length, and i)assable only to canoes half loaded. 

"'The next you cume to is called the Flat Kift [liiipid*; dit J'iat, 
opposite Ogden's island and the village of Waddington], about seven 
leagues above the Long Fall, and Hve below that called Les Oalots, 
which is the last r.f the falls. La (ialette lies a league farther, and 
no one can be weary of admiring the extraordinary beauty of the 
country, and of the noble forests which overspread all the lands about 
this bay and La Galctte, particularly the vast woods of oak of a 
prodigious height. A fort would perhaps be better situated and much 
more necessary at La (ialette than at Cadaratiui, for this reason, that 
not so much as a single canoe could pass without being seen ; whereas, 
at Cadaraqui they may easily sail behind the isles without being per- 
ceived at all. The lands moreover about La Galette are excellent, 
whence there would always be plenty of provisions, which would be no 
small saving. 

"' And, besides, a vessel could very well go from La Galette to 
Niagara in two days, with a fair wind. One motive for building the 
fort at Cadaraqui was the convenieney of trading with the Jrot^miia. 
But those Indians would as willingly go to La (ialette as to the other 
place. Their way, indeed, would be much longer, but then it would 
save them a traverse of eight or nine leagues on Lake Ontario: not 
to mention that a fort ..t La Galette wouhl secure all the country 
lying between the great river of the Outawais and the river St. Law- 
rence ; for this country is inaccessible on the side of the river, on 
account of the rifts, and nothing is more ]iracticable than to defend 
the banks of the great river; at least, these are the sentiments of 
those sent by the court of France to visit all the different posts of 
Canada. 

" ' One league and a half from La Galctte, on the opposite shore, 
at the mouth of the Oswegatchi river, the French have lately built 
the fort La Presentation, which commands that river, and keeps open 
a communication, by land, bet»vecn Lake Cbamplain and this place. 

" * Four leagues above La Presentation is the isle called Tonihata, 
about half a league in length, and of a very good soil. An Intquvii*, 
called by the French writers, for what reason we are not told, the 
Quaker, a man of good natural sense, and much attached to the 
French nation, had, as they say, got the dominion of this island of 
Count of Frontenac, the patent of which, it seems, he was proud of 
showing to anybody. 

'• ' He sold his lordship for a gallon of brandy, reserving, however, 
the ])rofits to himself, and taking care to settle eighteen or twenty 
families (d" his own nation upon this island. 

" ' It is ten leagues hence to Cadaraqui, and on your way to tins 
place you pass tiirough a sort of archi(iel, called the Thousand Isles, 
and there may possibly be about five hundred. From hence to Ca- 
daraqui tliey reckon four leagues. 

'' * The river here is freer and opener, and the breailth half a league. 
On the right are three deep bays, in the third (d' which stands Fort 
Cadaraqui or Frontenac' 

"From the earliest period of their settlement the French appear 
to have been solicitous to withdraw the /rot^uoi's from the interests of 
the English, and to establish them near their own borders, as well to 
secure their religious as their pi)litieal adherence to their interests. 
To effect their conversion, Father Uagueneau was sent to Onondaga, 
in lf!57-58 ; Isaac Jogues to the Muhnnks (among whom he had been 
a cajitive previously), in 1G4(}; Frs. Jos. Lemercier to Onondaga, in 
1650-58 ; Frs. Dupcron to Onondaga, in 1657-5S ; Simon Le Moyne to 
Onondaga, in 1651, and subse([uently to the Moli>itrks and Sriir.cu9 ; 
and many others, but none with more success than Jacques de Lam- 
borvillc, who was among the M»fhairK-f in 1657-58, subsequently at 
Onondaga, which place he left in 1686, and again, in 1703 to 1709, 
he was engaged most zealously in his work of j)roselyting to his faith 
the Indians of New York. 

"The result of the labors of these missionaries was the emigration 
of a part of the Muhairk tribe, in 1675-76, to the Saut St. Louis, in 
the vicinity of Montreal. Some account of this emigration is given 

J This is probably what is known at present as the Lost Channel, 
on the north side of Long Saut island. It has within a year or two 
been descended by steamers and found safe, although the war of 
waters is frightful. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



29 



by Charlevoix, which will hero be given as a specimen of the zealous 
devotion and religious strain in which the Catholic writers of that 
period were accustomed to speak and write, rather than lor its im- 
portance as a historical document. 

"The success of their enterprise was proportioned to the zeal and 
energy with which it was prosecuted. The room in which Charle- 
voix dwelt while at this mission of the Saut St. Louis is still pointed 
out to visitors, and the table on which he wrote forms a part of the 
furniture of the jiriest's house at that mission. 

"From 'Charlevoix's Journals of Travels in North America,' vol- 
ume V, page 268, and subsequently. Letter to the Duchess de Les- 
diguiercs : 

" ' Saut St. Louis, May 1, 1721. 

" ' Madame, — I have come to this jdace to spend a part of Easter. 
It is a period of devotion, and everything in this village is suggest- 
ive of pious emotions. All the religious exercises are performed in a 
very edifying manner, and lea^e an impression of fervor on the minds 
of the habitants; for it is certain that it has long been the case in 
Canada that we may witness the brightest examples of heroic virtue 
with which God has been wont to adorn the growing church. The 
manner itself in which it has been formed is very marvelous. 

"'The missionaries, after having for a long lime moistened the 
cantons of the Iioquoin wi'h their ^wcat. and some even with their 
blood, lost, at length, all hope of establishing there the Christian re- 
ligion upun a solid basis, but not of drawing a great number of sav- 
ages under the yoke of the faith. They felt that God had among these 
barbarians his elect, as in all nations, but they were convinced that 
ti) iitsiire th(;lr calling nu»f tfti.ir cftrtion it was necessary to separate 
them from their compatriots, and they formed the resolution of estab- 
lishing in the colony all those whom they found disposed to embrace 
Christianity. They opened their design to the governor-general and 
the intendaut, who carried their views still further, not only ap- 
proving thcra, I)ut conceiving that this establishment would be very 
serviceable to New France, as in fact it has been, as well as another, 
much like it, which had been established in the isle o( Montreal, 
under the name of La Montague, of which the members of the semi- 
nary of St. Sulpice have always hiul the direction. 

"'To return to that which served as a model for the others: One of 
the missionaries of the IitHjnais oi)eMed his design to some of the 
Mohinvli's. They approved it. and especially that Canton which had 
always most strongly opposed the ministers of the gospel, and where 
they had often been most cruelly treated. Thus, to the great wonder 
of French and savages, were seen these inveterate enemies of God, 
anil of our nation, touched with his \ ictorious grace, which thus 
deigned to trium]}h in the hardest and most rebellious hearts, aban- 
doning all that they held most ilear in the world to receive nothing, 
that they may serve the Lord with more freedom. A sacrifice uiore 
heroic still for savages than other people, because none are more at- 
tached than they to their families and their natal land. The number 
was much augmented in a short time; in part, from the zeal of the 
first proselytes who composed this chosen band.' 

"This measure led to much persecution, and the converts were 
often tortured to compel them to renounce the faith. Others were 
confined in miserable dungeons in New York, from which they could 
be liberated only by abjuring their new religion, or, at least, by 
promising to leave the French. M. do Saint Valier thus wrote in 
IfiSS : ' The ordinary life of all the Christians at this mission has 
nothing usual, and one would take the whole village to be a monas- 
tery. As they only left the goods of their country to seek safety, 
they practice on all sides the most perfect disengagement, and pre- 
serve among each other so perfect order for their sanctification, that 
it would be difficult to add anything to it.' 

"These savages, of course, carried with them their language and 
customs, but the latter gradually became adapted to those of the 
French, who labored to abolish those national ceremonies, and sub- 
stitute in their place an observance of the ritual and requirements 
of the Catholic religion. This measure succeeded so well that, at 
the present day, the oldest Indians at the missions have lost all 
recollection of the existence of their ancient customs, and do not 
preserve the memory of national ceremonies of the olden time." 



FIRST SETTLEMENT AT OODENSBURG. 

The emigration to Canada from among the Indians con- 
tinued through many years, and at length, in 1749, led to 
the cstabli.shment of a missioniiry station and fort at the 
mouth of the river La ProscMtation (Oswegatchie), b}' 
Francis Piequct, a Sulpician. 

The following account of tlie early scttloniont of Ogden.s- 
burg is from the *' Documentary lli.stury of New York," 



vol. i. page 277, and is a translation from the Paris docu- 
ments in the State library at Albany : 

" A large number of froqnuit savages having declared their willing- 
ness to embrace Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a 
mission in the neighborhood of Fort Frontenac. Abbe Picquet, a 
zealous missionary in whom the nations have evinced much confi- 
dence, has taken charge of it, and of testing, as much as possible, 
what reliance is to be placed on the dispositions of the Indians.- 

" Nevertheless, as M. de la Gallisonniere had remarked, in the 
month of October, 1748, that too much dependence ought not to be 
placed on them, M. de la Jonquiere was written to on the 4th of May, 
1740, that he should neglect nothing for the formation of this estab- 
lishment, because, if it at all succeeded, it would not be difiicult to give 
the Indians to understand that the only means they had to relievo 
themselves of the pretensions of the English to their lauds was the 
destruction of Chouegucn, which they founded solely with a view to 
bridle these nations; but it was necess.ary to be prudent and circum- 
spect to induce the savages to undertake it. 

"21st Sber, 1741*. — M. de la Jonquiere sends a plan drawn by 
Sieur de Lery of the ground selected by the Abbe Picquet for bis 
mission, and a letter from that abbe, containing a relation of his 
voyage and the situation of the place. 

"He says he left the 4th of May of last year, with twenty-five 
Frenchmen and four //-oYJC'i'* Indians: he arrived the 30th at the 
River de la Presentation, called Soegatzy.f The land there is the 
finest in Canada. There is oak timber in abundance, and trees of 
a prodigious size and height, but it will be necessary, for the de- 
fense of the settlement, to fell them without permission. Picquet 
reserved sufficient on the land he had cleared to build a barque. 

" He then set about building a store-house to secure his effects ; ho 
next had erected a small fort of pickets, and he will have a small 
house constructed which will servo as a bastion. J 

"Sieur Picquet had a special interview with the Indians; they 
were satisfied with all he had done, and assured him they were will- 
ing to follow his advice, and to immediately establish their village. 
To accomplish this, they are gone to regulate their affairs, and have 
promised to return with their provisions. 

"The situation of this jiost is very advantageous; it is on the 
borders of the River de la Presentation, at the head of all the rapids, 
on the west side of a beautiful basin formed by that river, capable of 
easily holding forty or fifty barques. 

" In all parts of it there has been found at least two fathoms and 
a half of water, and often four fathoms. This basin is so located 
that no wind scarcely can prevent its being entered. The bank is 
very low, in a level country, the point of which runs far out. The 
passage across is hardly a quarter of a league, and all the ennoes 
going up or down cannot pass elsewhere. A fort on this point 
would be impregnable; it would be impossible to approach, and 
nothing commands it. The east side is more elevated, and runs, by 
a grailual inclination, into an amphitheatre. A beautiful town could 
hereafter be built here. 

"This post is, moreover, so much the more advantageous, as the 
English and Iroq>ioin can easily descend to Montreal by the River de 
la Presentation, which has its source in a lake bordering on the Mo- 
hawks and Corlar. If they take possession of this river, they will 

^- The following extract from Paris Document X. furnishes tho 
date of the Abbe Picquet's departure to establish his colony on tho 
Oswegatchie river : " 30th Sept., 1748. — The Abbe Picquet departs 
from Quebec for Fort Frontenac; he is to look in the neighborhood 
of that fort for a location best adapted for n village for the Iruquois 
of the Five Nations, who propose to embrace Christianity." 

f This name is variously siielleil, Soegalzy, Souegatzy, Swcgatchio, 
Chougatehie, Seogasti, Swegage, Suegatzi, Swcgassie, Oswegatchie, 
etc. 

'I A tablet of sandstone was placed in the wall of the mission-houso 
erected by Father Picquet, bearing the following inscription: 
In nttuiiiic f JJci oinnip-itfiititi 
JInic hahititiioui inilitt (italit 
Frfni». Picffut:t 1749. 

Translated, this reads as follows : *' Francis Picquet laid the foun- 
dations of this habitation, in the name of the Almighty God, in 1749." 

In 1S;')1, this tablet was found among the ruins by Amos Bacon, 
and inserted over the door of the Stale Arsenal. 



30 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



block the passage to Fort Frontt-'iiac, and nioro easily assist Clmuc- 
guen. Whcrca«, by means of a fort at tlic point, it would be easy to 
have a force there in case ul' need to dispatch to Choucguen, and to 
intercept the English and Indians wlio may want to penetrate into 
the colony, and the voyage to Missilimakinac could bo made in 
safety. 

"Moreover, this establishment is only thirty-live leagues from 
Montreal, twenty-five from Fort Frontcnae, and thirty-three from 
Choueguen,^' — a distance sufficient to remove the Indians from tho 
disorders which the proximity of forts and towns ordinarily engen- 
ders among them. It is convenient for the reception of the Lake 
Ontario and more distant Indians. 

"Abbe Piciiuet's views are to accustom these Indinns to raise 
cows, h<»gs, and poultry ; there arc beautiful prairies, acorns, and 
wild oats. 

"On tho other hand, it can be so regulated that tho bateaux carry- 
ing goods to the posts may stop at La Presentation. The cost of 
freight would become smaller; men could be found to convey those 
bateaux at fifteen to twenty livres instead of forty-five and fifty 
livres, which are given for the whole voyage. Other bateaux of La 
I*re8entation would convey them farther on, and the first would take 
in return plank, boards, and other timber, abundant there. This 
timber would not come to more than twelve or fifteen livres, whilst 
they are purchasc<l at sixty-eight livres at Montreal, and sometimes 
more. Eventually this post will be able to supply Fort Frontenac 
with provisions, which will save the king considerable expense. 

"The Abbe Picquet adds in his letter that ho examined in his 
vr)ynge the nature of the rapids of the Fort Frontenac river, very 
important to secure to us the possession of Lake Ontario, on which 
the English have an eye. The most dangerous of those rapids, in 
number fourteen, arc the Trou (the Hole), and the Buisson {the 
Thicket). Abbe Plcquot points out a mode of rendering this river 
navigable; and, to meet the expenses, he proposes a tax often livres 
on each canoe sent up, and an rrn (fifty cents) on each of the crew, 
which, according to him, will jiroduce three thousanil livres, a sum 
sutficicnt for the workmen. 

"Messrs. de la Jonquierc and Bigot remark tlmt they find this 
cstablishnient necessary, as well as tho erection of a saw-mill, as it 
will diminish the expense in the iiurchase of timber; but, as regards 
the rapids, they will verify them in order to ascertain if, in fact, the 
river can bo rendered navigable, and they will send an estimate of 
the works. 

"They have caused five cannon of two-pound calibre to be sent to 
the Abbe Picquet for his little fort, so as to give confidence to his 
Indians and to persuade them that they will be in security there. 

" M. de la Jonquiere in particular says he will see if the proprietors 
of bateaux would contribute towards the expense necessary to be in- 
curred for the rapids; but he asks that convicts from the galleys or 
people out of work {'jcna imttilcH) bo sent every year to him to culti- 
vate the ground. lie is in want of men, and the (ew he has exact 
high wages. 

"1st Sbcr, 1740. — M. Bigot also sends a special memoir of the 
expense incurred by Abbe Picquet for improvements {'le/richemefis), 
amounting to three thousand four hundred and eighty-five livres ten 
sous.f Provisions were also furnisbetl him for himself and workmen, 
and this settlement is only commenced. M. de la Jonquiere cannot 
dispen.'^e with sending an officer there and some soldiers. Sicur de la 
Morandicre, engineer, is to bo sent there this winter to draw out a 
plan of quarters for these soldiers and a store for provisions. If 
tliere be not a garrison at that post a considerable foreign trade will 
be carried on there. 

"7th 9bcr, 1749. — Since all these letters M. de la Jonquiere has 
written another, in which be states that M. de Longucil informed him 
that a band of savages, believed to bo Mo/tawks, had attacked Sieur 
Picquet's mission on the 2Cth of October last; that Sieur de Vassau, 
commandant of Fort Frontenac, had sent a detachment thither, which 
could not prevent the burning of two veisols, loaded with hay, and 
tho palisades of the fort. Abbe Picquet's house alone was saved. 

" The loss by fire is considerable. It would have been greater were 

* Ogdcnsburg is 105 miles from Montreal, GO from Kingston, Can., 
and about 90 from Oswego. The distnnees laid down in the text are 
very accurate, considering the time and the eircumstanccs. — Dii. 

O'CAM.ACnAS. 

t Equal to $6Ja.2;j. 



it not for four Ahcnnkisy who furnit^hed on this occasion a proof of 
their fidelity. The man named Perdrcaux had half the hand carried 
away. His arm had to be cut off. One of the Ah'-nnkiM received tlie 
discharge of a gun, the ball of which remaincfl in his blanket. 

" M. de Longucil has provided everything necessary. M. do la 
Jonquiere gave him orders to have a detachment of ten soldiers sent 
there, and he will take measures next spring to secure that post. M. 
do la Jonquiere adds that the savages were instigated to this attack 
by the English. The froquaiM, who were on a complimentary visit 
at Montreal, were surprised at it, and assured M. de Longucil that 
it could only be Colonel Amson [.Johnson?] who could have induced 
them, lie omitted nothing to persuade those same Irot/noiH to under- 
take this expedition and to prevent them going to compliment the 
governor, having offered them belts, which they refused." 

Father Pif(|uet, havini^ fortified his position in the year 
1751, eouiinenced the erection of a saw-mill for the u.se of 
hi.s settlement and the government. 

In a document entitled, "Titles and Documents relatintr 
to the 8eignoriaI Tenure," made to the Legislative Assembly 
of Canada in 1851, and published at Quebec in 1852, is a 
copy of the French grant to him. It is taken from j)agcs 
291) and 300, and runs as follows : 

** Lk Mauql'is nr, la Jonquiere, Etc. 
"Francois Bigot, Etc. 

'■On the representation made to us by Monsieur TAbbt' Piquet, 
priest, missionary of the Indians of La Presentation, that in virtue 
^>f the permission which we gave him bist year he is building a saw- 
mill on the river called La Presentation or Souegatzy, with the view 
of contributing to the establishment of that new mission; but that 
for the usefulness of the said mill, it is necessary that there should 
be attached thereto a tract of land in the neighborhood on which to 
receive the saw-logs, as well as the boards and other lumber: where- 
fore he prays that we would grant him a concession eu ceimive of one 
arpentj and a half in front on the said river, — that is to say, three- 
fourths of an arpent on each sicle of the said mill, by one arpent and 
a lialf in depth, having regard to the picmiscs. 

" We, in virtue of the power jointly intrusted to us by His Majesty, 
have given, granted, and conceded, and by these ])resents do give, 
grant, and concede unto the Abbe Piquet the snid extent of land of 
one arpent and a half in front, by the same depth, as herein above 
described: to have and to hold the said unto him and his assigns in 
full property forever, on couditiou that the said tract of land, and the 
mill erected thereon, cannot be sold or given to any person holding in 
mortmain {'jenH de main viorte), in which case His Majesty shall re- 
enter plena jure into the possession of the said tract of land and mill ; 
also, on condition of the yearly payment of five aoU of rente ami six 
dcnirvft of cen«, payable to His Majesty's domain, on the festival-day 
of St. Remy, the first of October each year, the first payment of 
which shall be due on the 1st October of next year, 1752; the said 
cens bearing profit of htdn et vcutci, miinine et nmendcy agreeably td 
the custom of Paris followed in this country ; and that he shall have 
these presents confirmed within one year. 

** In testimony whereof, etc. 

"At Quebec, the 10th of October, I7J1. 

'■Signed La .ToNyiitRK, and 

" True Copy. Bujot." Bk;ot. 

In a letter to Governor Clinton, dated Aug. 18, 1750, 
Col. Johnson makes mention of this post in the following 
terms : 

"The next thing of conseqenco he (an Indian sachem) told me was 
tiiat he ha<l heard from several Indians th:it the (lovernor had given 
orders to the Priest, who is now settled below Cadaraqui, to use all 
means possible to induce the five Nations to settle there, for which 
end they have a large magazine of all kimls of clothing fitted for tho 
Indians, as also Arms, Ammunition, Provisions, Ac, which they dis- 
tribute very liberally." 

J An arpent is a hundred perches of land, eighteen feet to the 
jiercli, or about three-quarters of an acre. This is au old French 
land measure. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



31 



The same to the board of health, Aug. 28, 1756: 

*' The Oii"ii'/t>f/'in and Oneif/un are in tlic ncij^hborhood of Swe- 
gatchio. a French sctllenient on the river St. Lawrence, whither num- 
hers of those two Nations have of late year? been difhauvhcd and 
gone to live. Though our Indians do not now resort to those places 
as frequently and fjiniilinrly as they formerly did, yet some among 
them do oceasionally visit there, when the French, and tlie Indians in 
their interest, jxiison the minds of ours with stories, not only to the 
disadvantage of our good intentions towards tlicni, hut endeavor to 
frighten them with pompous accounts of the superior prowess and 
martial abilities of the French." 

The attempt of the French to establish a mission at Os- 
we_iiatchie naturally excited the jeahmsies of the Enj;Hsh, 
wliose relations with their Canadian nci^i^hbors were every 
day tending to open hostilities. The industry of the French 
in founding establishments among the Indian tribes at this 
period sufficiently evinces the anxiety tliey felt to secure 
tlic interest and influence of the savages to the prejudice of 
the English colonies. The following communication from 
Lieut. Lindesay to Col. Johnson relates to the station at 
SwegagCj or La Presentation, shortly before founded: 

"OswrGO, ir.tli July, 1751. 

*' This day came here from Niagra the Bunt and the Black Prince's 
son, with their lighters. He first gave me an account how it had 
fared with them: told me he found two forts built by the French 
since be went out; one at Nigra, carrying place, and the other by 
John Cair on the river Ohieo, He said ho heard a bird sing that a 
great many Indians from his castle, and others from the five nations, 
were going to Swegage : all this, he said, grived him, and he saw 
things going very wrong; and if a stop was not put to it, the five 
nations wou'd be ruined soon. lie said ho was come home, for he 
lookt on this jjlace as such : that be was buth hungry and poor; and 
hoped, as I represented the Governor and Coll. Johnson here, I would 
assist him in a little provisions and clothing to his fighters. I told 
him was sorroy for the loss he had sustained, but was glad to find 
his thouglits and mine the same as to the French's building forts, and 
the Indians going to Swegage; and told him how wrong it was in 
our Indjans going to Cannada, and the consequencess that would at- 
tend it, in the best light I could. He agreed with me in all I said, 
and promised to do everything in his power to have things better 
managed, and likewise promised in the strongest terms to all Coll. 
Johnson would desire of him. I gave him provisions and cloafhing, 
Ac. for his people, to the value of five pounds above what he gave 
me when he spoke, which was three bevers. 

"27th. This day came the Couse, and some other Sinaka sacham, 
in order to go to Cannada. He came to see mo, and told rac he was 
sent by the consent of the five nations to go to the (Jovn. of Cannada 
about the building tlie above said two forts, Ac. I told him the con- 
sequence of Indjans going there; but as ho is intirely French, all I 
said was to no purpose, though be sceni'd to own the force of what I 
said, as all the other Indjans did, and I hclivo all but him might 
have been stopt; but as things are, I could do no more. 

" By all the Indjans that have been here, I find the French army 
landed at Nigra about the 2rfth July, in 20 large canoes, to the num- 
ber of 250 or 300 French, with 200 Arondaks and Annogougers ; they 
are to gather all the Indians as they pase, and allso French, and will 
at least amount to lOUO or 1200 French and Indjans. Their designs 
ia to drive the English of that are at or near Ohieo, and obtidge the 
Mconiies to come and live where they shall order them. All the Ind- 
jans who have been here, say they and all Indians are to jinn (hem. 
While the Bunt was here, T had him always with me, and did all lay 
in my powar to oblidgc him. He showed the gn-atist scnce of it, and 
said ho would allways do what I asked, as he allways had done. lie 
is much inclined to us; anil am convinced that if Coll. Johnson sends 
for him, he will come and take our afi'airs in hand hortily; and 1 
think he hath it more in his powar then any to bring things to riglits, 
nor is it to bo done without him. This is my sentiments, and I hojte 
you will pardon my liberty in gJvcing them. If you approve of what 
I have said, and desire me to bring him down with me, Ho do my 



indeavours, and ho never yet hath refused what I asked of him. 
There arc some French here, who mett the army about hundred miles 
to the west of Nigra. John Lindesav. 

** To the Honourable Coll. Wm. Johnson."- 

On June 19, 1754, there assembled at Albany the cele- 
brated Congress of llepresentativcs from the several Eng- 
lish colonies to agree upon a plan o/vuiou for the common 
defense against the encroachments of the French and the 
hostilities of the Indians, wlio were incited by them to 
make inroads upon the back settlements of the English. 
Among the commissioners from the several colonies ap- 
peared those who afterwards slione with distinguished repu- 
tation in the Revolutionary War, and none more so than 
Benjamin Franklin. 

The measure which was the great object of this con- 
gress ultimately failed, from its strong republican tendency, 
which alarmed the minions of royalty then in power; but 
several points of interest were discussed, which have a 
direct relation with our subject. In the representation of 
the affairs of the colonies, which was agreed upon, were 
the following statements: 

" That the Lake Champlain, formerly called Lake Iroquois, and 
the country southward of it as far as the Dutch or English settle- 
ments, the Lakes Ontario, Erie, and all the countries adjacent, have, 
by all ancient authors, French and English, been allowed to belong 
to the Five Cantons or Nations; and the whole of these countries, 
long before the treaty of Utrecht, were by said nations put under the 
protection of the Crown of Great Britain. . . . 

''That they [the French] are continually drawing off the Indiana 
from the British interest, and have lately persuaded one-half of the 
Onrnidmjn tribe, with many from the other nations along with them, 
to remove to a place called Oswegatehie, on the river Cailaraqui, 
where they have built them a church and fort; and many of the 
JSeiiccas, the most numerous nation, appear wavering, and rather 
inclined to the French; and it is a melancholy consideration that 
not more than one hundred and fifty men of nil the several nations 
have attended this treaty, although they had notice that all the 
governments would be here by their commissioners, and that a large 
present would be given. "f 

Heudrick, the MahnivJc^^ chief, warrior, and orator, and 
ever the firm friend of the Englisli, endeavored to dissuade 
the confederates of New York from joining the settlement 
at Oswegatchie; and at a conference of the Indian tribes 
with Sir William Johnson, held at Mount Johnson, Sept. 
24, 1753, he thus addressed them in a speech replete with 
native eloquence and rhetorical ornament : 

"It grieves mo sorely to find the road hither so grown up with 
weeds for want of being used, and your fire almost expiring at Onon- 
daga, where it was agreed by the wisdom of our ancestors that it 
should never be extinguished. You know it was a saying among 
them that when the fire was out here you would bo no longer a 
people. 

" I am now sent by your brother, the governor, to clear the road, 
and make up the fire with such wood as will never burn out; and I 
earnestly desire you will take care to keep it up, so as to be found 
always the same when ho shall send among you. — A belt. 

"I have now r<newed the fire, swept and cleared all your rooms 
with a new white wing, and leave it hanging near the fire-place, that 
you may use it for cleaning all dust, dirt, etc., which may have been 
brought in by strangers, no friends to you or us. — A string of wam- 
pum. 

^s See Doe. Hist. New York, vol. ii. p. 623. 

t A full account of the proceedings of this congress will be found 
in the 2d vol. Doc. Hist, of New York, pp. 545-517. 
X Killed in battle near Lake George in 1765. 



32 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" I am sorry to find, on my arrival araonjj you, tliat the fino sliady 
tree which was pluntetl by your forctathuTS for your case and shelter 
shouhl be now leaning, being almost blown down by nortlierly winds. 
I shall now endeavor to set it ujiright, that it may flourish as for- 
merly, while its roots spread abroad, so that when we sit or stand on 
tliem, you will feel them shake: should any storm blow, then should 
you be rea<ly to seeure it. — A belt. 

"Your fire now burns clearly at the old place. The tree of shelter 
and protection is set up ami flourishes. I must n<)w insist upon your 
quenching that fire made with brambles at Swegachey, and recall those 
to their proper home who have deserted thither. I cannot leave dis- 
suading you from going to Canada; the French are a delusive people, 
always endeavoring to divide you as much as they can, nor will they 
let slip any op]>(>rtunity of making ailvantage of it. *Tis formi- 
dable news we hear thai the French are making a descent uj>on the 
Ohio : * Is it with your consent or leave that they proceed in this 
extraordinary manner, endeavoring by force of arms to dispossess 
your own native allies, as well as your own brethren, the English, 
and establishing themselves?' . . . — A large belt." 

At a general meeting of the Six Nations, liclJ at Onon- 
daga, they replied to the foregoing speech and tliat of the 
governor, through their spealcer. Red Head, as follows: 

" We acknowledge with etjual concern with you that the road 
between us has been obstructed and almost grown up with weeds; 
that our fire is scattered and .almost extinct. AVe return you our 
most hearty thanks for recruiting the fire with such wood as will 
burn clear and not go out; and we promise that we shall, with the 
utmost care, dress and keep it up, as we arc sensible from what has 
been said by our forefathers, that the neglect of it would be our ruin. 
—A belt. 

"We know very well the use of the white wing you recommended, 
and are determincil to use it to sweep out whatever may hinder the 
firo from burning with a pure flame. ^A string. 

"You may depend upon our care in defending the tree which you 
have replanted from the inclemency of the high winds from Canada. 
We are full of acknowledgments for your care and admonitions, and 
be assured we shall watch every threatening cloud from thence, that 
we may be ready to prop it up. — A belt. 

*' We rejoice that we see the fire burn pure where it should do ; the 
tree of shelter look strong and flourishing. And you m.ay depend 
upon our quenching that false fire at Swegachey, and doing all we 
can to recall our brothers, too often seduced that way. Tho' we did 
not conceive we had done so much amiss in going thither, when wo 
observe that you white people pray, and we had no nearer place to 
learn to pray, and have our children baptized thaa that. However, 
as you insist upon it, we will not go that way nor be any more 
divided. I must now say it is not with our consent that the French 
have committed any hostilities in Ohio. We know what you Chris- 
tians, English and French together, intend. We are so hemmed in 
by both that we have hardly a hunting-place left. In a little while, 
if we find a bear in a tree, there will immediately appear an owner 
of the land to challenge the property and hinder us from killing it, 
which is our livelihood. AVe are so perplexed between both that wo 
hardly know what to say or think." — A belt. 

The sentiment expressed at the close of this last address 
is so true and so melancholy, that it cannot fail to excite our 
sympathy at the fate of the unfortunate race of which, and 
by which, it was spoken. The unlettered savages, in the 
simplicity of artless nature, and prompted by a sentiment 
of benevolence which has been but illy reriuiled, admitted 
the European .settlers to their lands, and proffered the hand 
of friendship. When once established, the whites, finding 
themselves superior to their rude neighbors in the arts of 
trade, failed not in most instances to avail themselves of this 
advantage, and overreach them in traffic, corrupt their 
morals, and impart to them the vices without the benefits 
of civilization. 

Under these influences, the presage of the orator just 
quoted has been soon and sadly realized, ;in<l the rod man 
has retreated before tho march of that civili/.;ition which he 



could not adopt, and those habits of industry which arc at 
variance with his nature. Like the wild-flower that flour- 
ishes only in the shade, and withers in the sun as soon as 
its primitive thicket is gone, the race has vanished, leaving 
the homes and tho graves of their ancestors for the wild- 
ness of the western forests, whence in a few years they must 
again retreat, until the last of the race has disappeared. 

In an account of a military expedition consisting of a 
French regiment under De Bearre, which a.scendcd the St. 
Lawrence in 1755, for the purpose of promoting the mili- 
tary operations which the French were carrying on at that 
time along the great lakes and western rivers, we find the 
following description of the works at La Presentation :* 

" On the 28th [of July, 175^] ascended the two (lalois ra]>ids which 
are dangerous, doubled tho Point Ci Livrogne, and crossed from the 
north to the south, to encamp under Fort Presentation, which is six 
(?) leagues from the end of the rapids. This fort consists of four bat- 
tlements, in the form of bastions, of which the curtains are palisades. 
It is suflicicnt to resist savages, but could be but poorly defended 
against troops who might attack it, and who could easily succeeil. 
On tho 29th, doubled two points, notwithstanding the wind blew 
with violence against us, and encamped upon Point aux Barils, at 
three leagues. On the ;iOth, passed the Thousand Islands, the river 
Toniata, and camped on an isl.ind very poorly adapted for the pur- 
pose, opposite a small strait a distance of seven leagues. On the 31sf, 
crossed two large bays. Met in the former two canoes coming from 
Detroit, the conductors of whom said that the Engli.sh had been 
defeated on the Ohio." 

The Abbe Picquet joined this expedition, with thirty- 
eight of hi.s warriors, on the 12th of September, who de- 
sired to accompany the expedition to make prisoners at 
Choueguen. He left on the 16th, and rejoined at the Isle 
of Tonti. 

On the 25th his savages brought in two prisoners, having 
slain three who resisted them. These prisoners informed 
them that the fort at Oswego had been largely reinforced. 
Picquet left on the 26th to take his savages and his prisoners 
to Montreal to M. de Vaudreuil. 

At the attack upon Fort George, which resulted in its 
capitulation, under Lieutenant-Colonel Munro, Aug. 9, 
1757, a company of Iroquois warriors were present, under 
the command of De Longueil Sabervois. The Abbe Picquet, 
Sulpician missionary, is also enumerated as among the 
French force. 

In " Pouchot's Memoirs," page -38, the writer, in speaking 
of a reinforcement of troops for Fort Frontenac, says the 
commander was instructed in case the fort was in the pos- 
session of the English (which was feared) to occupj' and 
fortify some point at or near La Presentation. This w;is in 
1755. 

An cmbas.sy of the Five Nations held an interview with 
M. de IMontealm, April 24, 1757, to which me:isure they 
were inclined from the successes of the French in the last 
campaign, which resulted in the capture of Oswego. This 
council was addre.s.scd by orators from each of the Indian 
tribes, but a passage occurs in the original account of this 
council^ which is important, as showing the standing of 
the Oiwcgdtchies among their Indian neighbors at that 
period : 

'* There were also in attendance the Ii-oquoU of La Presentation, 

* See Paris Documents, vol. x. p. 213. 
f Paris Documents, vol. xiii. p. 124. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



33 



who were present at all the deliberations, but spoke not separately 
and in their own name. The reason was that they had been donii- 
eiloJ but a short time; they regarded themselves still as the 'fng 
ends* \_n»tle] of the Irnqnnis, who call the village of La Presentation 
the tail of the Five Nations." 

In a note to this in tlio original, this mission is tuen- 
tionod as having been founded by the zeal of the Abbe 
Picquet, a Sulpician, and as equally important for religion 
as for the state. 

In July, 1758, M. du Plessis was ordered to take post at 
La Presentation with 1800 men, and cover the frontier. 
Subsequently this officer proceeded to Frontenac. It would 
appear from the French accounts that Sieur the Chevalier 
Benoit, a Parisian, was left at La Presentation with a small 
force. In October, 1758, Du Plessis was ordered by the 
governor-general, M. de Vaudreuil, to return, and tlie Che- 
valier Benoit was ordered to proceed to Frontenac, from 
La Presentation, and take command. 

At thi.s time the colonies were in a bad condition. 
The country was almost destitute of provisions, and the 
Canadian soldiers, who served without pay, were becoming 
discontented, and even threatened to revolt. At this time 
M. de Vaudreuil had determined to construct a number of 
vessels to aid in the defense of the river and Lake Ontario, 
and Sieur de Cresse, assistant ship-ma.ster of Canada, and 
M. La Force liad been sent to Frontenac to take charge of 
the work. Toronto, which was held by Sieur Donville, 
had been evacuated and the garrison transported to Niag- 
ara, wliere in July following they were surrendered by M. 
Pouchot, then in command, to Sir William Johnson. As 
the officers in charge of the ship-building operations could 
not find the necessary timber in the vicinity of Frontenac, 
they proceeded to Point au Baril, situated three French 
leagues above La Presentation, on the north bank of the 
river, near the site of the present village of Maitland. 
The Sieur de Lorimer had been left in command of La 
Presentation upon the departure of M. Benoit, but bitter 
complaints were preferred against him, and M. de Vaudreuil 
removed him and replaced M. Benoit in command of this 
j)oint and adjacent ones, including Point au Baril. Fron- 
tenac was abandoned, and all its guns, munitions, and stores 
taken to Point au Baril and the new fortification on Oraco- 
nenton island. A strong work was thrown up at Point au 
Baril ; but, upon the approach of the English army under 
General Amherst in the summer of 1760, this and La 
Presentation were abandoned and all the fighting force and 
material concentrated at Fort Levis. The Abbe Pic(iuet 
abandoned his mission and took refuge on a small island 
near Fort Levis and not far from Galot island, at the head 
of the upper rapids of the St. Lawrence. 

The army of Amherst assembled at Oswego, in June, 
amounted to about ten thousand English and provincial 
troops, and one thousand Indians under Sir William John 
son, said to be the greatest number of savages that had, up 
to that time, been in the field on the side of the English. 
The army was well provided with siege artillery and all the 
necessary appliances for a finishing campaign against what 
few French troops yet remained in Canada. 

On the Kith of August the advance had occupied Point 
au Baril and La Presentation. On the 17th the French 
vessel " Outaouaise'' was captured by armed barges belong- 
5 



ing to Amherst's army, and on the 18th Fort Levis was 
completely invested. The English army encamped on 
Point de Ganataregrnii, now Indian point, at Point a 
L'ivrogne, and on the islands La Cuisse and Magdeleine. 
Batteries were constructed on Indian point and on the 
islands, mounting forty-eight guns and mortars, and a fleet 
of several armed vessels and barges also added their fire to 
that of the batteries. The nearest batteries were thof.e 
upon the islands, from four to six hundred yards distant, 
and having a raking fire upon the landing and the gorge- 
wall of the fort. The guns upon Indian point were distant 
about eight hundred yards.* 

But we are anticipating, and will now return to a ra]iid 
recapitulation of the operations which took place during 
1759, and to the time when M. Pouchot assumed command 
at Fort Levis in March, 1760. 

Early in May, 1759, M. Pouchot, then in command of 
Fort Niagara, sent a courier to the Chevalier M. de la 
Corne, at La Presentation, to notify him of an intended 
attack by the Iroquois, which, however, did not take place. 
As heretofore stated, M. Pouchot was compelled, after a 
vigorous siege, to surrender Niagara in July Ibllowing. He 
was sent to the east as a prisoner. In November following, 
M. Pouchot, with most of the officers and garrison of 
Niagara, were exchanged, and, after many delays, arrived, 
via Lake Champlain, at Montreal, on Jan. 1, 1760. 

E irly in July, 1759, M. de la Corne, then in command 
of Frontenac and La Presentation, moved with his whole 
force, consisting of four or five hundred Canadians and the 
Indians of the mission of La Presentation, accompanied by 
the Abbe Picquet, up the river and across Lake Ontario 
to Oswego, landing at the same spot occupied by the Mar- 
quis de Montcalm three years before. Colonel Ilaldimand 
was in command of the force at Oswego, consisting of some 
five hundred men, who were without intrenchments. After 
considerable delay, caused by the desire of the Abbe Pic- 
quet to address the Indians and give them absolution, an 
attack was made, but it proved unsuccessful, and La Corne 
was obliged to retreat without accomplishing anything. In 
the hurry of the retreat the abbe was very near being taken 
jsrisoner. 

In August, 1759, M. de Levis, with about five hundred 
men, was sent to take post at La Presentation, and erect a 
fortification sufficient to cover the frontier. Upon a thorough 
examination of the vicinity he determined to fortify the 
island then called Ora<|uointon or Oraconenton, situated 
just above the upper rapids of the St. Lawrence, and some 
three miles below the mouth of the Oswegatchic river. 
Here he constructed a strong, compact work, under the su- 
pervision of M. des Androins, a competent engineer. M. 
de Levis remained until some time in September, when, 
finding the work well advanced, he took a part of the force 
and joined the French army at Quebec under Montcalm, 
leaving the fort under command of M. des Androins. 

An interesting picture of the domestic life of the Oswe- 



• This island, now called Chimney island, is owned by Messrs. 
Olds and (toodrich, of Ogdensburg. It is iiuito a resort in summer. 
Several heavy guns and the remains of one or two baleau.'c arc sunk 
near the island. Great quantities of solid shot, shells, and other 
r»-lics, including a curious sun-dial of load, have been exhumed. 



34 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



f/atchies is given in tlie following extract from a narrative 
of a residence among them, which may be found cntiic in 
" Drake's Indian Captivities" : 

'' Robert Eastburn, n trailosman, while in company with other?, on 
their way to Oswego, in March, 1756, while stopping at Captain Wil- 
liams' fort, at the carrying-place, near the present village of Home, 
was taken captive by the Oswegatehie Indians, and kept for some 
time at their village near Fort Presentation, the site of Ogdcnsburg. 

"The attacking party consisted of four hundred French and three 
hundred Indians, commanded by one of the principal gentlemen of 
Quebec, and accomp:inie<I by u priest, probably Father I*icquet. 

"The prisoners numbered eighteen or twenty, and their route led 
through Lewis and Jeflerson counties to Lakf Ontario, and thence to 
the post at the mouth of the Oswegatehie. 

"They were seven days in reaching the hike, and suffered greatly 
from want of provisions. April 4 they were met by several French 
bateaux, with a supply of provision?, and having crossed the mouth 
of a river where it empties into the east end of Lake Ontario, a great 
part of the company set off on foot towards Oswegatehie, while the 
rest proceeded by bateaux down the St. Lawrence. The adventures 
with whieh the party met are best given in tlie hinguage of the orig- 
inal nairative : 

" * By reason of bad weather, — wind, rain, and snow, — whereby the 

waters of the lake were troubled, we were obliged to lay by, and haul 
our bateaux on shore. Here I lay on the cold shore two days. Tues- 
day, set otf and entered the head of St. Lawrence in the afternoon; 
came to. late at night, made fires, liut did not lie down to sleep. 
Knibarking long belore day, and alter some miles' jirogress down the 
river saw many fires on our right li;inil, whieh were made by the 
men who left us and went by land. M'ith them we stayed till day, and 
then embarked in our bateaux. The weather was very bad (it 
sno^ved fast all day); near night we arrived at Oswegatehy. I was 
almost starved to dealh, but hoped to stay in this Indian town till 
warm weather: slept iu an Indian wigwam; rose early in the morn- 
ing (being Thursday), and soon to my grief discovered my disap- 
pointment. 

'"Several of the prisoners had leave to tarry here, but I must go 
two hundred miles farther down stream, to another Indian town. 
The morning being extremely cold. I applied to a French merchant 
or trailer for some old rags of clothing, for I was almost naked, but 
to no purj)ose. About ton o'clock I was ordered into n boat to go 
down the river, with eight or nine Indians, one of whom was the man 
wounded in the skirmish above mentioned.'^' 

" * At night we went on shore. The snow being much deeper than 
before, we cleared it away and made a large fire. Here, when the 
wounded Indian cast his eyes upon mc, his old grudge revived. He 
took my blanket from me, and commanded mc to dance around the 
fire barefoot and sing the prisoner's song, which I utterly refused. 
This surprised one of my ii'llow-pri.-ont rs, who told mo they would 
}iut nie to death, for he understood what they said. He tljereforc 
tried to peisuade me to comply; but I desired him to let mo alone, 
and \vas through great mercy enabled to reject his importunity with 
abhorrence. 

'"This Indian also continued urging, saying, "You shall dance 
and sing;" but apjirehending my compliance sinlul, I determined to 
persist in declining it at all adventures, and leave the issue to the 
Divine dispoj-al. The Indian, perceiving his orders disobeyed, was 
fired with indignation, and endeavored to jiush me into the fire, which 
I leaped over, and he, being weak with Ins wounds, and not being 
assisted by any of his brethren, was oliliged to desist. For this gra- 
cious interposure of I'rovifb-ncc, iu jireserving me both from sin and 
danger. I desire to bless (Jod while 1 live. 

*• ' Friday morning I was almost perished with cold. Saturday we 
proceeded on our way, and soon came in sight of the upper part of 
the settlements of Canada.' 

"The party continued their journey towards Canasadosega,-and on 
the route the wounded Indian, assisted by a French inhabitant, en- 
deavored again to compel Eastburn to dance and sing, hut with no 
better success than before. On arriving at the town, which was thirty 
miles northwest of Montreal, he was compelled to run the gauntlet, 
and was saved from destruction only through the interposition of the 
women. Heing assigned to an Indian family at Oswegatehie, in 
which he was adopted, he set off on his return, and after a tedious 
and miserable voyage of several days arrived within three miles of 
the town, on the opposite side of the river. 

"'Hero I was to be adopted. My father and mother, whom I had 
never seen before, were waiting, and ordered me into an Indian 
house, where we were directed to sit down silent for a considerable 
lime. The Indians appeared very sad, and my mother began to cry, 
and continued to cry aloud for sonie time, and then <irie<l up her 
tears and received me for her son and took me over the river to the 

* Referring to a portion of (he naiuitive not quoted. 



Indian town. The next day I was ordered to go to mass with them, 
but I refused onci^ and again ; yet they continued their imjiortunities 
several days. Seeing they could not prevail with me, they seemed 
much displeased with (heir new son. I was then m-nt over the river 
to he employed in hard labor, as a punishmint for not going to mass, 
and not allowed a sight of, or any conversation with, my fellow- 
prisoners. The old Indian man, with whom I was ordered to work, 
had a wife and children. He took me into the woods with him and 
made signs for me to chop, and he soon saw that I e<iubi handle tlie 
axe. Here I tried to reconcile myself to this employ, that they might 
have no occasion against me except concerning the law of my tJod, 
The old man began to appear kind, and his wife gave me milk and 
bread when we came home, and when she got fish gave me the gills 
to eat, out of real kindness ; but j)erceiving J did not like tin m, gave 
me my own choice, and behaved lovingly. When *Te liad finished 
our fence, which had employed us abuut a week, I showt cl the oUl 
squaw my shirt (having worn it from the time when I was first taken 
prisoner, which was about seven weeks), all rags, dirt, and vermin. 
She brought mc a new one, with rutHed sleeves, saying, "That is 
good," whieh I thankfully accepted. The next day they carried me 
back to the Indian town, and permitted me to converse with my 
fellow-prisoners. They told me we were all to be sent lo Montreal, 
which accordingly came to pass.' 

"At a grand council held at Montreal, Eastburn mentions a noted 
priest, called Picquet, * who understood the Indian tongue well, and 
did more harm to the English than any other of his order in Canada. 
His dwelling was at Oswegatehie.' 

"A plan of operations against Oswego was in progress, and great 
numbers of soldiers were in motion towards Lake Ontario, with 
bateaux laden with j)rovisions and munitions of war. After a pain- 
ful Journey, Eastburn arrived again at Oswegatehie: having received 
from his adojitcd mother the choice of remaining at Montreal or re- 
turning %vith her, and having chosen the latter alternative as afford- 
ing the best chance of escape. While here he daily saw many 
bateaux, with provisions and soldiers, passing up to Fort Frontenac: 
which greatly distressed him for the safety of Oswego, and led him to 
form a jilan for notifying the English of the designs of their enemies. 

" * To this end I told two of my fellow-prisoners that it was not a 
time to sleep, and asked them to go .with me; to whieh they heartily 
agreed. But we had no provisions, and were closely eyed by the 
enemy, so that we could not lay up a stock out of our allowance. 

"'However, at this time M. Picket had concluded to dig a large 
trench round the town. I therefore went to a negro, the principal 
manager of this work (who could speak English, French, and Indian 
well), and asked him if he could get employment for two others and 
mj'self, which he soon did. For this service we were to have meat 
[hoard] and wages. Here we had a jirospect of ]»rucuring provision 
for our flight. This, after some time, I obtained lor myself, and then 
asked my Ijrethren if they were ready. They said "they were not 
yet, but that Ann Bowman (our fellow-prisoner) had brought $1.10 
from Bull's Fort [when it was destroyed as has been related], and 
would give them all Ihey needed." I told them it was not safe to 
disclose such a secret to her; hut they blamed me for entertaining 
such fears, and applied to her tor provisions, letting her know our in- 
tention. She immediately informed the priest of it. We were forth- 
with apprehendtd, the Indians informed of it, and a court called. 
Four of us were ordered liy this court to be confined in a room, under 
a strong guard within the fort, for several days. From hence an<»thcr 
and myself were sent to Cohnewago, under a strong guard of sixty 
Inilians, to prevent my plotting any more against thcFrench, and 
to banish all hope of my escape.' 

" Here he met with unexpeeteil kindness, and lodged at the house 
of the mother of a French smith, whose name was Mary Harris, and 
had been taken captive while a child at Deerfieid, in New England. 

" He soon alter went to Montreal, and while there saw the English 
captives and standards, the trophies of the French victory at Oswego 
of July 15, 1756, brought into town. Among the prisoners, MOO in 
number, he recognised his own son. He remained a prisoner abuut 
a year after, and was at length permitted to leave for England with 
other prisoners, and finally returned home." 

A German soldier, who was captured or deserted from 
the French at Oswego, gives an interesting account of the 
situation of affairs on tlie frontier, and more particularly at 
La Presentation and Fort Levis. We make a few extracts 
from the notes in '' Fouchot's Memoirs," translated by Dr. 
F. B. Hough: 

" Henry Young was a German, born near tlie Uhinc. and came to 
America about 1757, -in a merchant-ship, accompanied by about 
twenty other soldiers, who were enlisted in the French service for 
three years. He remained at Quebec, where he first landed, two 
months, when he was sent to Montronl. where he also remained about 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



35 



two months. From the latter ])laQe he was sent to La Galette, in com- 
pany with others, as a convoy fur four bateau.v loaded with flour and 
brandy. A portion of the cargo went to Cadaraqui. From that time 
Young served at Oswegatchie until the spring of 175!l, The garrison 
consisted of forty men, who were generally employed in cutting 
timber for two stone houses building inside the fort, — one for the 
commandant, and one for the three priests which he said they had 
there. 

** Before the snow was quite gone in the; spring of 1730 he was 
sent, with twenty-five of the garrison of La Galetto, to work on the 
Isle Galot, The fort at La Galette was square, with stockade and 
four good block-houses. The French had intended to have made 
additional works there, but had not time. They had a thousand 
barrels of tlour and pttrk at this place, which, upon hearing of the 
design of the English to advance in this direction, they conveyed to 
Isle Galot. After remaining there for about three weeks, the pro- 
visions were re-shipped to Niagara in two vessels. These vessels, 
and a third which was unfinished when the carpenters were ordered 
to Quebec, were built at Point Baril, three leagues from La Galette. 

'* The twenty-five men sent from La Galette to Isle Galot* re- 
mained a month, when thcj' were joined by two hundred more from 
Point Baril, and the whole party began constructing a strong work 
by cutting away the timber, which they formed into a sort of abitdsy 
and then threw up a parapet or breastwork of logs, tilled with earth, 
twelve feet broad, and mounted with twelve guns, which he thought 
were tivelve-pounders, and two smaller ones. Young left Isle Galot 



SCALE OF FEET. 



nished with mounts, and three bateaux loaded with provisions also 
joined him from Isle Galot. At Point Baril there was a breastwork, 
but La Cornc ordered it leveled, and the guns were taken to the fort 
on Isle Galot. 

"Young further states that it was under.stood in case the English 
should come by way of La Galetto all the inferior post^ were to 
be evacuated, and their garrisons were to join that at La Galette. 
La Cornc had ordered a quantity of pitch ready to burn the vessel 
then on the stocks in case of e.vtrcmity. At that time the French 
had a small picket of twelve men on duty at Isle Chevereuil to give 
alarm if the English should appear. This guard was relieved every 
eight days from Frontenac. 

"Very few Stre.'jatchic Indians accompanietl La Cornc on the Oswego 
expedition. He stated that the cook of M. Celeron told him that 
after the Oswego affair was over the troops would all return to Ca- 
rillon or Quebec." 

SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF FORT LEVIS, AUGUST, 1760, 

As the siege and capture of this remarkable fortification 
forms, probably, the most memorable chapter in the mili- 
tary history of St. Lawrence County, it seems eminently 
proper that a thorough description should be given in this 
work ; and as there are various accounts, French, English, 
and American, we give copious extracts from the different 




FORT LEVIS, ON CHIMNEY ISLAND, 

From plan in '' Po 

June 21, IT-'iO, in company with the Chevalier La Corne, who was on 
the island eighteen days, during which time he employed all the men 
in forwarding and strengthening the fortifications. The powder- 
magazine, the baking-ovens for the use of the garrison, and a dwell- 
ing-house were constructed of limestone from Oswegatchie. 

"When La Corne moved with the expedition destined against 
Oswego he left one hundred men at Isle Galot, three at Oswegatchie. 
twelve at Point Baril, and a small guard at Frontenac. Ho left Isle 
Galot| with twelve hundred men and one hundred and fifteen Indians. 
He halted a day at Point Baril, where some of hia ofliccrs were fur- 



■^' Evidently this refers to Isle Oraeoncnton, now Chimney island, 
f Oraconenton, now Chimney island. 



FOUR MILES BELOW OODENSBURG. 

uchot's Memoirs." 

writers, who disagree somewhat in the particulars, but as 
regards the important facts correspond .sufficiently for all 
practical purposes. The commander of the besieged fort- 
ress, M. Pouchot, a distinguished engineer and officer of 
the French army, has given to the world in his memoirs.J 
published in Switzerland about 1783, a particular account of 
the operations in which he was engaged in the years from 
1755 to 1700; and in justice to this distinguished officer, 



% Translated by Dr. B. F. Hough, and published in 1865. 



3G 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and to assist in jjetting at the real facts in the ease, we 
copy Croin his work a very full account of the operations 
around Fort Levis, commencing at the date of Pouehot's 
assuming ccunniand of the place in March, 1700. This 
was the last stronghold surrendered by the French in North 
America, and as such deserves more than ordinary atten- 
tion 

"All he lioginiiinK <>f Marcli, MM. Do Vauilrcuil ami Do Levis dc- 
tcrinineil to send M. I'ouchot upon the ice to take command of Fort 
Levi,'', upon the Lslo of Orakointon, near La Presentation, and to re- 
call M. dcs Androins, an engineer who had remained there since Sep- 
tember. This engineer was needed for the siogo of Quebec,* towards 
whieli tlio most active preparations wore made as rapidly as possible. 
M. I'ouchot realized all the dithcullies of the commission with which 
he was charged, on account of the scanty resources at his command, 
liut his zeal for the service led him to overlook all these difficulties. 
lie was promised, in the spring, a reinforcement of twelve or fifteen 
hundred Canadians. 

" On the 17th of March, in company with the Abbo PicqucI, mis- 
sionary ut La Presentation, and live men, with three sleds, ho left 
Montreal and proceeded to Fort Levis, where ho found six Canadian 
oIKeers: M. licrtrand, an officer of artillery ; MM. Celerons, brothers; 
La lioularderie, De Bleury, and Do Poilly, cadets, and one hundred 
and fifty ecdonial soldiers. There were also present the captains of 
the two corvettes, ' La Force' and ' La Broqurie,' and their crews of 
one hundred and eighty men. 

" The fort had only been made as a rampart, reveted with saucig- 
•""». The barracks, magazines, and oIKoers' quarters, and other 
structures for use in the fort, were finished of wood, piece upon piece, 
and covered with planks.f 

" M. Pouehol, to render this post susceptible of defense, built upon 
the parapet, which was eighteen feet wide, another of nine feet, of 
timber, piece upon piece, and filled with earth, which ho was obliged 
to bring from off the island.J In this parapet he made embrasures. 
Under thU parapet he left a bcnii, four feet wide on the outside, fur- 
nished with a frieze. What was left of the first parapet on tho inside 
was used as a banquette. The rampart was thus raised eleven feet 
from the surrounding level. This additional work was rendered neces- 
sary for tho protection of tho interior of tho fort, which was com- 
manded by grounds of twenty-four feet elevation, on the islands 
I.a Cuissc and La Magdeleine. 

"M. Pouehot also caused to bo constructed a gallery of pieces of 
oak, fourteen inches square and ton feet long, which e.xtended along 
the rampart, and served as a lerre-pleiii, and underneath as case- 
mates. The batteries were placed upon this gallery or platform, all 
around the island. lie formed an epaulment of earth, four feet in 
thickness, taken mostly from tho bed of the river, the island being 
only about two feet above the water. An abatis of branches of trees 
was placed ui)on the outside of this epaulment, and extended out as 
far as possible into tho water, to prevent boats from landing. At 
the point of the island, this epaulment was terminated by a redoubt 
of timbers, one above another, and pierced for five cannon. On both 
sides of the island there were left two places, formed as quays, so 
that our boats could land. 

"All these works fully occupied the little garrison, which was only 
increased by a hundred militia during tho campaign. As most of 
these militia had been employed only to bring provisions, at least 
twenty deserted, and returned down the river with tho bateaux 
which wore used in bringing articles from tho shore, as there was 
found neither soil, stonc,g nor timber upon tho island. The ditches, 
which were five toises wide, had to be only two feet deep to bo filled 
with water. Along a part of tho epaulment, the banquette was 
formed of oak chips made in squaring the timbers. 



■■■'■ Alluding to tho siege by the French in the spring of 1760, which 
was raised by the arrival of the English fleet. 

t This description disagrees with Henry Young's account, and 
also with tho present state of the ruins, which show that several of 
the buildings and magazines were built of stone. 

t That is, from some other locality, as there w.is very little on this 
island. 

^ Meaning, probably, quarry-st(me, as bowlders were plenty. 



" Tho glacis was made of firewood, which was covered where most 
exposed on the side towards Isle de Magdeleine. All the iron which 
could bo found in the ruins of Fort Frontenac, together with eight 
old iron guns without trunnions, were brought down, and tho guns 
were mounted on frames like mortar-carriages, so that they could be 
served. 

"All the Indians at La Presentation, including afamous one called 
Kvuiilaijcle, visited M. I'ouchot upon his arrival at Fort Levis, and 
on tho 30th of March there arrived an Oiiiiila Indian, named Tnvmni 
Oiieiidu (liuried Meat), a friend of the English, who made a speech 
stating that he was employed by tho /rut/Koin to persuade the Christian 
Inilians at La Presentation and the .SViii( to return to their peojile. 

"M. de Vaudreuil having desired M. I'ouchot to tend him all 
news possible concerning the enemy, he hired a chief of La Pre- 
sentation, named Charles, one of those who accompanied tho Abbe 
Piequet to France in 1762, to go to Oswego, as if from a hunting 
excursion, and get information concerning the English movements 
and plans, liy him M. Poucliot sent a few peltries. He left on the 
1st of April. This Indian w.as capable and cunning, and spoke very 
good French. He visited Oswego, where he obtained considerable 
important information. He said the English were apprehensive of 
trouble from the two French vessels at Fort Levis, and told him they 
were going to kindle a great fire at Oswego, and when a great army 
had assembled they would go down to Montreal. They said they 
know tho French had a fort on an island, but they could pass it as 
they would a beaver's hut, and laughed at tlie idea of the French 
building it. He said the Cuynyae told him they were going to re- 
main quiet in the contest. A great council was held at the fort, at 
which it was resolved to send an embassy to the Five Nations. 

" On tho 28th of April two other Indians were sent towards Os- 
wego, and a party of five Minsiissitrjan were equipped and sent on an 
expedition. On the ^Oth three or four chiefs from La Presentation 
reported that hostile Indians {OunudtifjuH) were in tho vicinity. 

" On the 4th of May two MissUttt^a Indians visited the fort, and 
re])rescntcd that their peo}de wanted to come and settle on this side 
of the lake. On the 7th of May two St, licfjh Indians arrived from 
Oswego, where they had remained seven days. They reported that 
the post-commander had issued orders to get all the bateaux in 
readiness. The English army was assembling at Fort Stanwix, the 
eightecn-gun vessel had arrived at Oswego from Niagara, and 
another was momentarily expected. Sir William Johnson was to 
hold a great Indian council, and try and persuade the Indians to 
join the English. 

" On the yth of May all the chiefs of L.a Presentation assembled at 
tho fort to sec M. Pouehot. The air was full of rumors of what the 
English and Indians were going to do. There were rumors that the 
Ottdicas and other Western Indians would join the English, and the 
French Indians were in great alarm. On the 14th a Miseinmitjti In- 
dian arrived from Oswego. Ho stated that there was a very large 
army assembled there, and word was sent to the La Presentation 
Indians that if they did not wish to be destroyed they must remove 
to tho island of ToniaUi.\ Tho intention of tho English was not to 
stop long at Fort Levis. They were going to plant batteries all 
around it and batter it until their barges could land on every side 
and take it. On the ICth five Mism'usfnfuH arrived with three Ameri- 
can prisoners whom they had captured near Oswego. They reported 
that there were five thousand men at that place. 

"On the ISth, M. Pouehot held a grand council, at which he en- 
deavored to persuade the Indians at ChmtcjitU-hie, or La Presentation, 
to recall the families that had gone to Touintii island. The Indians 
finally concluded to let them do as they pleased. 

"An IroqtioiH, named Sans-Souci, who came from Oswego, did not 
wish to attend this council. In the evening he hunted up M. Pou- 
ehot, who was walking around the fort, and the latter reproached 
him for going to Oswego without notifying him, and for speaking il] 
of the French. Tho Indian denied everything. Ho said that tho 
commandant at Oswego had spoken to him as follows : * Is it true 
that tho commandant of Niagara is at Orakoniton ? He will then 
die, as he did last year, and this time he will die, together with all 
tho Indians that are with him. In six days the other vessel will 
arrive from Niagara, and we shall then set out. Our army will con- 
sist of twelve thousand men, and we will go at once and establish 



[| Grenadier island, at the outlet of Lake Ontario. It is somewhat 
doubtful what island was meant. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



37 



ourselves at La Presentation. Alter haying surrounded it witli our 
vessels and barges, we will batter his fort by turning all the shores 
and islands near, and wc will hold fast. We will then go on down 
to Montreal.' 

'*This Indian also reported that the English had at Oswego, lying 
around the vessel mentioned, more than two hundred bateaux. Ho 
asked Pouchot why he had not mounted his guns. The latter re- 
plied that he would not put them in place until he was ready to fight 
the English, ns he did not wish to inform them how many he had 
nor where they were placed. 

" On the ISth, M. Pouchot sent out a party of fourteen Indians. 
His Indians announced, from the Island of Toniata, the return of their 
po:»ple who had gone to establish themselves there, and that they had 
given up their English flag. One of the Indians from Oswego said 
it was the * Grand Sabre'- who was to command the English army. 

" On the 27th, La Broqueric, who was to command the barque 
'Outauaise,' arrived at the fort. On the 30th, Oratori came from 
Toniiita and informed Pouchot that the Indian called Sans-Souci had 
gone back to Oswego, and that he was paid by the English to como 
and inspect Fort Levis and learn what the French were doing. He 
state i that an IruqtioU party would arrive in about eight days by 
way of the South river, not wishing to assemble their canoes, as the 
English would know they were abroad. f They expected to strike 
by Oneida lake. The same day an Indian arrived from Oswego, 
saying the commandant wished to engage the OnunduijaH to form a 
war-party, but they had refused. If those of Chouegatchi should 
strike, they would raise a band of the Bears and strike St. Regis. 

" A few days later, Kouatagete arrived at La Presentation, having 
in tow two bark canoes which ho had taken from a party of eight 
Indians and an Englishman, who had come to strike near the fort. 

'* On the 4th of June four iWiV»(("««ny« chiefs came to the fort, where 
they held a council and made speeches, to which M. Pouchot replied. 
On the 18th the two vessels, with one hundred men on board, were 
sent by M. Pouchot to cruise in the vicinity of Oswego. They took 
a month's provisions. About this time there appeared a prodigious 
quantity of that kind of little millers that come in the night and fly 
around a candle. They called them Mnuue^ and they fcli like snow. 
They were very annoying by getting into the food, and by night the 
lights attracted them so that we could hanlly write. They appeared 
for fifteen days, and of different colors, as grey, speckled, yellow, and 
white. To these succeeded a kind of white midge, very troublesome 
from their numbers, but they did not sting. The rains killed them, 
and the earth was covered so that they were two fingers-breadth deep 
on all the ramparts, and three or four inches in the bateaux, where 
they decayed and infected the air. We were obliged to shovel them 
away as wc do snow. These midges were nevertheless useful, as those 
that fell into the river gave nourir^hmcnt to the fish, which grew to a 
largo size, and the Indians caught them in groat quantities, especially 
eels, in the vicinity of Toniata.J 

"All the soil of the island, which was very shallow, was covered 
with thousnnds of little toads. In the environs we found plenty of 
mushrooms, five or six inches apart, and nearly three inches thick 
at the base, of a most luscious taste. M. de Vaudreuil sent up at 
this time forty Ahenukin Indians from down the river, to whom M. 
Pouchot gave the Isle des Galots to plant. 

"About the 27th of June a party of .S''*i7J« arrived from a foray 
with two English prisoners and one scalp. One of the prisoners was 
a militia cajitain and the other was his brother. The^' lived on the 
Mohawk river. M. Pouchot, when a prisoner, had lodged at their 
house, and had not been well treated. The Indians had dresssd and 
painted them like themselves, and compelled them to tlance the 
Chichicoyy the common dance of their slaves. M. Pouchet recog- 
nized them, and sent them to lodge with the post-surgeon and to eat 
at his mess. These prisoners stated that ticneral Amherst com- 
manded the English army, which consisted of eleven thousand men 
and a large amount of artillery, then rapidly euneentrating at 
Oswego. 

" On the 30th of June the Indian, Saoten, arrived. He said that 

* General Amherst. 

f This evidently refers to a party in the French interest. 

X These millers are described by Dr. Asa Fitch, State Entomologist, 
in a letter to Dr. Hough, us belonging to the ithrifganea group of 
insects, commonly called ctiddia-jUcs and iratcr-mothn. The others 
he culled chlruuomua. Both species are very plenty in June. 



eight days before he had left the Onondaga village, crossing the river 

near Oneida lake; that they had -heard the strokes of oars along the 
river for twenty days, and that he had passed eight bands and 
eight chiefs.^ They were wagoning provisions constantly, and had 
a great many cannon, mortars, and howitzers. 

"On the 1st of July, M. Pouchot sent the prisoners, with the news, 
to Montreal, On the 6th there arrived a detachment and an ofiicer 
whom M. Pouchot had sent to carry provisions to the vessels. They 
had been as far as Corbeauj] without finding them, because they had 
been cruising in the lake near Oswego. 

•* On the 13th, M. Pouchot sent a detachment to La Presentation, 
which had been abandoned by the Indians of that mission since 
winter, to bring some planks and iron work for the use of the fort, 
and to disnijintle and ruin the missions, so they should not serve as 
a shelter to the enemy.'* 

These ruins were disturbed in 1831, when digfjins for a 

' CO c 

foundation on which to lay the keel of the steamer " United 
States," and the tablet bearing the Latin inscription, which 
was ])laced in the wall of the mission-house by Father 
Pic(iuet, was found, and subsequently placed over the south 
door of the State arsenal building near the water-works. 

"On the 14th, La Force's canoe arrived with letters giving an ac- 
count of his recriimniasnnce at Oswego, together with a sketch of the 
position of the enemy, which agreed substantially with the accounts 
given by the Indians. The same day at 2 o'clock p.m. there came up 
a vi'.lent storm from the northwest, with terrific thunder and attended 
by a very singular phenomenon. This was a column of fire, which, 
with a roar and lightning, fell upon the end of the island. The 
waters rose so that they formed an immense wave, which, after cov- 
ering both ends of the island, retired. It carried off a dock made 
for landing, sunk a Jacobite bateau, and filled the others, which 
were thrown upon the strand. 

" On the IGth, M. Pouchot sent back the detachment which he had 
dispatched with provisions for the vessels, who soon returned having 
e.\ecuted their orders. La Force informed M. Pouilly, the lieutenant 
of the detachment, that from the quantity of barges he had seen in 
Oswego river he thought that this was the grand army, and from the 
fact that they had arrived in the interval between his two visits 
before Oswego, he judged they would be ready to leave in eight days. 
M. Pouchot sent these new observations to Montreal by an Indian. 

"On the 22d, a squaw from La Presentation reported that five In- 
dians had visiteit that point, and made many inquiries of her regard- 
ing the French. They reported Kouatagete a prisoner with the 
English, but unharmed, ami promised the Indians at La Presentation 
and Toniata protection if they would remain where they were. 

"The garrison had about gi.\ty men out daily as a working party. 
On the 24th there arrived a convoy of provisions from Montreal. 
They announced that the English were above Richelieu, and that they 
feared the junction of Amherst and Murray, but they did not know 
there was another great army at or near St. Frederick.^ 

"On the 25th, at ten o'clock I'.M., the canoe of La Force arrived. 
He reported that on tho 22d he hod met near the Galloo islands an 
English vessel, which was soon joined by another. Our corvette 
then took flight and came to anchor at Tonj'uta, having lost sight of 
both during the chaso. 

"On the 27th, seventy women, children, and old Indians departed 
for Montreal, being driven off by fear. On the 29th there arrived 
eight canoe-loads of Iroquois Indians, who had fled from their 
iishing-grounil at Tnniatti from fear of the English. They reported 
seeing two large English vesseli!, and had seen ten bateau.v passing 
the Isle of Cedars tilled with troops. On the 3Uth, more Indians 
arriving reported the English passing the Thousand Islands. 

" On tho 1st of August, La Force sent his shallop to inform M. 
Pouchot that his vessel, the ' Iroquois,' had struck upon apoulier*^ in 
the middle of tlie river above Point au Baril. Tho latter immediately 
sent some bateaux to get her off. On tho 5th the two vessels came 
to anchor at La Presentation, and the commander, La Force, came 
down to the fort. The ' Iroquois' made twelve inches of water an 



J Regiments. |{ Near KiDgston. 

% Crown Point, on Lake Champlaiu. 
** A mass of bowlders forming a bar. 



38 



UISTOllY OF ST. LAWHENCE COUxNTY, NEW YOltK. 



hour, and had fiftoou feot of tho forward part of her keel broken. 
She was repaird in tho best manner possible. 

" On the 8th the captured Indian, KouatagetL', arrived, three 
days from Oswego, with an Oncithi and a Mithnirk, as deputies sent 
by the Five Nations* to engage our Indians to remain neutral. 
Kouatageie informed M. I'oucliot that General Amherst had been 
fifteen days at Oswego, and that ho had seen and spoken with him 
several times; that their army was about ten or fifteen thousand 
strong, consisting of eight regiments: a red with blue trimmings, 
or red and yellow; a Scotch, red with black trimmings; Gage's 
regiment light infantry, blue and red; and a great many with caps; 
and that he had counted sixty cannon. 

" On the 10th a great council was held at the Isle Piquet with the 
deputies of the Five Nations, at which very flattering speeches were 
made by the deputies, who endeavored to persuade the French In- 
dians to withdraw from the contest and let the whites fight it out 
alone. They presented wampum from General Amherst, saying that 
he would be at Chouegatchic in six days, when he would fight tho 
French, and that the Master of life only knew what would happen. 
M. Pouchot made a sjieech, wherein he accused the Indians of 
cowardice and (►f being bought by the brandy of the English. 

"On the llJth five Indians brought letters from M. tie Vaudreuil, 
informing M. Pouchot that the English were at Three Kivcrs, from 
St. Frederic, and only awaiting the arrival of Amherst to march 
upon Montreal. 

" On the 15th the ' Iroquois' was repaired. 

"On the Kith, at sevcu o'clock in the evening, two Indians return- 
ing from tho chase, announced that the English army was encamped 
at Point au Baril and the advance-guard at La Presentation. The 
two Indians had visited LaUroquerie, on the ' Outaouaise,* who wrote 
nothing, but fired three signal-guns to notify M. Pouchot of danger. 

"On the 17th, at three o'clock in the morning, M. Pouchot de- 
spatched a courier to M. de Vaudreuil to notify him of the arrival 
of tho English army. About seven o'clock, the weather being very 
calm. General Amherst ordered an attack upon the ' Outaouaise,' 
which was lying in a place away from the currents, by six barges, 
called Carcaasiercs, each carrying thirty men and a twelve-pounder. 
They surrounded the vessel, and, after a hot contest of three hours, 
she was forced to surrender. f 

" Four shallops armed with swivels were sent upfrom Fort Levis by 
M. Pouchot to aid the * Outaouaise,' but arrived too late. The com- 
mander of the fort had hoped she would have run down and anchored 
under the protection of his guns, but the strong currents prevented. J 

* They were still called so, although there were then six nations. 

"f" David Humphreys, the historical writer, tells some womlerful 
stories about the exploits of Col. Israel Putuam at this time, but 
they are altogether too marvelous for belief. 

J The account given by Knox {II., p. 404) is as follows : 

"17th. The *Out;iWii' brig attempted to escape up tho river in the morning, 
but was interceptt^d liy our row-galleys rommaiided by Col. WillianisoTi, who 
attacked her viguruusly, whuii, alter an ubstinato eiigagcinciit of two hours and 
upwards, wherein slic had fifteen men killed and wounded, her commander, M. 
de la Broqiierie, thought jiropor to strike. It hiis been observed before that 
four of tliese gallt-ys carried each a brass twelve-poumler and the fifth ii how- 
itzer. This is a remarkable action and does great credit to the colonel, who 
was a volunteer on the occasion ; for the brig niountt-d one eigliteeii-pounder, 
Beven twelve-iionudors, two eights, with four swivels, anil had one hundred men 
on btmnl, bt^ng a topsail of near one hiirnlred and sixty tons. She discharged 
Bevrnty-two ruiiiuls; and the g.illeys, wlio had five otKc^rs and twenty-five 
artillerymeu only, exclusive of provincial rowers, fired one hundred and 
eighteen. 

"The General was highly pleased at this capture, which he testified by his 
aeknowledf^meuts to tlio colonel and otticers, with a goneruus reward tu the 
gunnei-3. Such was tho service perf«)rmed by four guns and one howitzer, with 
the sole loss of one man killed and two wounded." 

An account given by Knox (II., p. 40tl) says that the action lasted 
two hours and a quarter, and that the howitzer only fired twice, as 
some timbers in that galley gave way. It further adds: 

" On board of the galleys, independent of tho provincials who rowed, wore 
twenty-five of the Uoyal Artillery, together with Oapt. .Starkey, Lieutenants 
Williiimson, SUindi>h, Davis, and Conner, six to eaeh vessel; and Col. William- 
Boii rowed in a small boat fn>m ;;alk-y to galley, giving directions how to at- 
tack most etlectually and with greatest safety." 

The general gave the artillerymen twenty-five guineas. 
The aflair is related by Mante as follows : 
"Ou the 17th the row-g«Ileys,well manned, advanced with the utmost iutre- 



"On the 18th the enemy Jcft La Presentation with a fresh breeze. 
Their whole army remained about four hours in battle array in their 
bateaux at the beginning of the rapids, § forming a very fine sjiec- 
tacle. M. Pouchet then thought that they intended to attack with a 
strong force, and make an entry upon the island. lie had accord- 
ingly placed nine guns to fight up the river, and had placed the 
others in the cpaulemcnt so that they could make eleven rebounds 
upon the water. The enemy would have lost heavily in attempting to 
land under this fire. They finally determined to file along the north 
shore, with considerable intervals between the bateaux, to avoid the 
fire. They caused the 'Outaouaise,' which they had taken, to ap- 
proach within half cannon-shot to cover them.|[ 

" M. Pouchot bnly sought to retard their passage by four pieces, 
which he could bring to bear upon them. We fired a hundred and 
fifty shot with very little damage, in consequence of the winds and 
currents spoiling the aim. As M. Pouchot knew many of the officers 
of this army, several of them bade him good-day in passing, and 
others thought from our allowing them to pass that they were his 
friends, but did not stop to pay any compliments. The greater ]»art of 
the army encamped at Point d'lvrogne.^ They also threw quite a 
force upon La Cuissc, La Magdeleine, and Les Galots islands. 

"On the 19th their regiment of artillery left Old Galette, with all 
their field artillery, and defiled past, as the former had done, to go 
and encamp at Point d'lvrogne. The vessel kept up the heaviest 
fire possible to cover them. We fired but little at the bateaux, be- 
cause it was attended with but little success: but rather directed our 
attention to the vessel. Of fifty shots that we fired, at least forty- 
eight went through the body of the vessel, wliich obliged them to get 
a little further away. Their captain, named Smul, behaved with the 
greatest bravery, walking continually on the deck in his shirtsleeves. 
He had many men disabled. The two other vessels, one of twenty- 
two guns, eights and sixes, named the * Seneca,' and the other of 
eighteen pieces of sixes, named the * Oneida,'*"^- came in the evening 
and took position by the side of the former. 

*' On the 20th there was quite a movement of the enemy's army, and 
a great number of bateaux went and came from their camp at La 
Presentation. They also encamped two regiments at Point de Gana- 
taragoin,ff who began to throw up earthworks on that side, as also 
on the islands La Cuisse and La Magdeleine. We fired some volleys 
of cannon at them to disturb the laborers, but had to be extremely 
saving of our powder, not having more than five thousand pounds 
when the enemy arrived. 

"On the 21st everything remained quiet, as the enemy were work- 
ing with their full force on their batteries. Their vessels withdrew 
also beyond cannon range. We fired ou the laborers, but without 
much result, as they were already covered and their ground was some 
twenty-four feet higher than that of the island. 

*' By noon we discovered their embrasures, and in the evening 
their bateaux made a general movement, and we counted as many as 
thirty-six barges, carrying each at least twenty men who threw them- 
selves into the three vessels, from which we judged they were going 
to attack the next morning. We consequently worked to make epaule- 
mentsof wood to cover the parties that we thought would be the most 
exposed in the direction of the enemy's batteries. All tho artillery 
was loaded with shot and grape, and every one was ordered to pass 
the night at his post. 

" On the 22d, at five in the morning, the three vessels approached 
to within about two hundred toises of tho fort, and occupied the 
whole range of the river above, from the island La Cni.-*se to Point 
Ganataragoin, from which we concluded they intended to cannonade 
us vigorously from the vessels and land batteries. They formed 

pidity under a very heavy fire from thfi enemy, but it did not in the least damp 
th« ardor of the assailanta Their fire wa'^ returned with mwh resolution and 
bravery that, after a severe contest of alnjiit four hours, the French vessel 
struck her colors. She m"unted ten twelvi'-p^iunders, atui had on bourd one 
hundred men, tw(dve of whom were killed or wouiidi-d. Two of Col. William- 
son's detachment were kiileil and three wouiidrd. Tlio genend imniediarely 
named tho vessel the ' Williamson,' in honor of tho colonel, and to perpetuate 
the memory of so gallant an action.'' 

^ Above the islantl near Indian Point. 

[] Under Lieut. Sinclair. 

^ On the north shore, in rear of Isle la Magdeleine. 

^^ These vessels were called by Knox tho "Onondaga" and the 
" Mohawk." 

ff Now called Indian Point. 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



39 



together, a half-circle around the forts. M. Pouchot ordered the 
artillery officer to collect his pieces, and put them under cover of 
merlons, so that they should not be dismounted. He also masked 
his embrasures with the tnds of great logs of wood to represent 
cannon. We were only clear and in condition to resist from above, 

"As soon as the vessels were placed, they began a very brisk and 
continuous fire from twenty-five guns, and, at the same time, un- 
masked the battery at Ganataragoin, consisting of two twenty-fours 
and four twelves, as, also, that on the island of La Magdeleine, of two 
pieces of twenty-four and six of twelve. At the first volley, M, 
Bertrand, artillery officer, was instantly killed by a cannon-ball 
through his loins, as he stood pointing out. to M. Pouchot the calibre 
of their guns. 

" A quarter of an hour later, they began to throw bombs from the 
island of La Magdeleine, where they had two twelve-inch bomb-mor- 
tars, six ninrtars for royal grenades, and two howitzers. On the 
island La Cuisso six mortars for royal grenades, and on Point Gana- 
taragoin two twelve-inch mortars, two for royal grenades, nnd two 
howitzers, — making, in all, seventy-five mouths of fire. 

"M. Pouchot received quite a bruise from a piece of wood ten 
feet long and fourteen inches square, which a twelve-inch bomb 
knocked over, injuring his back, but this did not prevtnt him from 
being wherever he was needed. 

"All these batteries were served with the greatest vigor, and with- 
out ceasing till noon, and made the fort fly into pieces and splin- 
ters. Our men remained under cover, each one at his post, and the 
sentinels only observed the movements of the enemy. Thinking, 
from our silence, that we were perhaps disconcerted, (hey advanced 
their vessels to within pistol-shot of the fort. They were filled with 
troopp, even to the rigging, and were supported by the fire of all the 
hind batteries. 

*■ Fortunately, they could only come before the fort one by one, 
from the manner in which the first came up, and which saw as far as to 
the entrance of the fort, which was also enfiladed by the battery of 
La Magik'leine. M. Pouchot had in advance covered this with heavy 
bTndagcs, leaving only a passage sufficient for one man. 

" He thought that the enemy intended to attack with a heavy 
force. At least 3000 men, volunteers, grenadiers, and light troops, 
were embarked in bateaux, and placed behind the point of La Cussie 
i^:l.lnd, from whence they could emerge under the fire of the three 
vessels and the hind batteries. The movements of the vessels soon 
induced M. Pouchot to place 150 men and four officers on the side 
opposite the epaulement. lie fought the vessels, one after another, 
with five guns, the only ones that were mounted, charged with balls 
and grnpe, without replying to the land batteries. 

"Notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy's fire, with our 
five pieces and our musketry, we forced the ' Outaouaisc' and then 
the ' Oneida' to run aground half a league from the fort, near the 
Galot islands. One of the two was rendered unfit for service. 
The * Seneca,' of 32 guns, in trying to come nearer the fort, 
grounded also, and was so cut to pieces that she struck her ilag, 
having then on board 350 men. The side of the vessel toward the 
fort was in a very bad condition ; her battery touched the watui-, and 
her port-lioles made only one opening. The water she had taken in 
made her lean towards the fort.® M. Pouchot gave orders to dis- 

* " The ' Mohawk' came down with the other two, who seemed in- 
clined to follow, and fired briskly, when very near the fort, for a 
considerable time, but was so roughly handled that she was obliged 
to cut her cable and bear away, for fear of sinking. By this time, 
the * Williamson' came into play, but, receiviug a shot in an unlucky 
place, started a plank, which obliged her to retire to a neighboring 
island for repairs. The 'Onondaga' at length came down, but not 
taking the same course, stopped in shallow water pretty near the 
enemy, who fired every time into her, where she could not help her- 
self. Though within four hundred yards of one of our own batteries, 
she struck to the enemy, and sent a bateau to them with four men 
and Mr. Tliornton, the commander's second, who looked at that dis- 
tance so much like Loring, they thought at the batteries it was him. 
The panic boat rowing back again to the ship with one t)f her crew, 
probably to fire her, Capt. Adam Williamson, the engineer, pointed 
a gun and fired through Iht. taking both the felhnvs' arms oflf, which 
made her row into shore directly. Perceiving that there was a 
squabble on board the ' Onondaga,' about wluit they should do, the 
general si'ut an officer's parly on board (Lieut. IVnnington), who 



continue the fire, as he wished to save his powder. The second cap- 
tain and some sailors came to surrender. M. Pouchot retained them 
as hostages, but could not receive the whole, lis they were more 
numerous than the garrison. 

"In the intervals between these combats the enemy attempted to 
land two or three times to make an attack from the point opposite 
the Isle la Cuisse, but two guns that were pointed in that directioii 
restrained them, and maile them retire behind the point. It is prob- 
able that the bad condition in which they found their vessels took 
away their desire for advancing. This action lasted from five in the 
morning to half-past seven in the evening, without cessation. Wo 
had forty men killed and wounded. We cannot too much praise the 
firmness which the officers, colonial soldiers, militia, and especially 
the gunners, who were sailors, displayed on this occasion. Several 
of the latter could never be rewarded for their address and activity 
in serving their pieces. The enemy, like ourselves, fired grape and 
ball constantly, M. Pouchot directed a blacksmith to cut up some 
old irons, with which he filled sacks, and put into his guns, adding a 
ball, which did terrible execution upon the vessels, on account of the 
height of the ramparts, which placed them under our fires, so that 
we could see upon their decks. 

" One thing which amused the garrison at the most serious moments 
of the battle was that the Indians, who were perched upon their 
trenches and batteries to watch the contest with the vessels, which 
they regarded as on their side, on account of the names that had been 
given them, because they carried an Indian painted on their fiags, 
made furious cries at seeing them so maltreated. The English had 
assured them that with these vessels alone they would make the place 
surrender. When the Indians saw them drift ofi" and ground they 
redoubled their cries, and sung out railing names at the English, 
saying, 'You did not want to kill our father at Niagara. See how 
you are taking him. If you had listened to us you would not have 
been hero. A Frenchman's fist has made you cringe.' This action 
had, however, dismantled all the tops of the parapets around half of 
the fort, thrown down the fascines that were placed on the side of La 
Cuisse island, and in front of the two demi-bastions. 

"At night M. Pouchot endeavored to repair with sacks of earth 
the batteries of the bastion opposite the island so that they could bo 
served. This bastion was ready to tumble down, and we could have 
walked upon the slope of the earth that had fallen in. The enemy 
continued through the night to bombard us, and fired volleys of can- 
non from each battery, loaded with shot and grape, at intervals, to 
prevent us from making repairs. We had two men killed and several 
wounded, 

"On the 23d the enemy continued to bombard and cannonade vig- 
orously all day, and at night tried the same bombardment and volleys 
of cannon at intervals as on the night previous. 

"On the 24th they unmasked a new battery to break down the 
wooden redoubt at the end of the island, and to enfilade our intrench- 
ments on the side opposite the ishmds. Their batteries continued as 
violently as on the preceding days, an<l fires caught in the ruins of 
the magazine and in the quarters of the commandant, but these were 
happily extinguished without the enemy observing our difficulty. 
We had but little trouble to take care of what little powder and balls 
we had left. The enemy's batteries dismounted all the guns of the 
bastion opposite the islands. The coff'ers of the parapet were razed 
down to within two feet of the tcrrcplciu, greatly exposing the powder 
magazine, which was only made of some large beams. 

" On the 25th, at daybreak, M. Pouchot fired vigorously with three 
pieces upon the batteries which troubled us the most, and which were 
the only ones left on the side attacked. Even one of these three 
pieces, and the most important one, wanted a third of its length, 

hoisted the colors again, and saved her for ourselves." — Account 
quoted hi(f Knox. 

" THe general ordered Lieut. Sinclair from the ' Williamson' brig 
and Lieut. Pennington, with two detachments of grenadiers under 
their command, to take possession of the ' Onondaga,' and they 
obeyed their orders with such undaunted resolution, that the English 
colors were again hoisted on board her. But the vessel, after all, 
could not be got ofi"; and was therefore, abandoned about midnight. 
The English batteries, however, put a stop to any attempt of the 
enemy to hoard her. Capt. Loring being wounded, was in the 
meantime sent ashore." — Mantk. 



40 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



having been broken twice. Notwithstanding its calibre, wo put in 
two or tlircc small balls. 

** Tho activity of our firo pat tlio English iti bad humor, ami in tho 
afternoon they rcd(»ubl(d tbeirs from all their batteries, and fired 
rod-hot balls, firo-pots, and carcasses. This was too much for this 
miserable fort, which was now only a litter of carpenter's wood and 
fascines. The hot shot set fire to the Houcinsons of the interior of the 
revetment of tho bastion, but we extinguished it. From this may 
be seen the condition of tho ramparts. Some fire-pots also kindled 
twice in the ilfhrl/t of the fort, and we also extinguished these flames 
with water fuimd In the holes made by bursting shells. 

"This determined M. Poucbot, with the advice of all the officers of 
the garrison, to write to (ieneriil Amherst, comphiining against this 
kind of warfare, never usvd but against rebels, and which should not 
bo practiced against a brave garrison, deserving better treatment. 
In reply, he sent his iti'il-de-enmp, with a proposition for us to surren- 
der, coupled with the threat that if we did nut iiccept within half an 
hour, he would resume hostilities. 

** M. Poucbot received thn officer, and read what Amherst demanded 
before all the officers of the garrison, who made the most urgent en- 
treaties for him to accept them, in view of the impossibility of escap- 
ing a general conflagration in case of fire, on account of the small 
capacity of the fort and the incumbrance of the ruins. There 
remained at this time on the front attacked only two cannon in con- 
dition to fire, and no more balls. The outer batteries of the fort were 
all ruined, as they were commanded by the islands, as were also the 
epaulenicnts of the intrenchments, which were no cover against an 
assault. 

"On the 26tli, in the morning, when the enemy entered they were 
greatly surprised at seeing only a few soldiers scattered around at 
their posts, and some sixty militia, in their shirt-sleeves, with hand- 
kerchiefs on their heads, and with necks bare in the Canadian fashion. 
They asked M. Pouchot where was bis garrison? He replied that 
they saw the whole. We had more than sixty men killed and wounded. 
All the officers were more or less wounded. 

" The enemy admitted that in their passage to encamp, a earcassiere 
had been sunk, and that six bateaux were shot through, including the 
one occupied by General Amherst, who had watched the operations, 
iittentively. The general politely reproacdied M. Pouchot, who an- 
swered : * Sir, wo only wanted to jiay you the honors to which you 
were entitled.' 

"The English had 128 men killed iind wounded on the * Oneida,* 
which was grounded. Upon the * Mohawk' the captain was wounded, 
and fifty men disabled. Upon the * Outaouaise,' which they had taken 
from us, fifty-four men ; and on the different occasions in which they 
had approached the fort, a hundred more. To these should be added 
what (hey lost in their batteries and trenches, which they never 
would confess.* 

"The surrender being made, several officers came to conduct M. 
Pouchet to General Amherst. They showed him a thousand atten- 
tions. He had seen some of them at Niagara and New York. They 
feared that the Indians, who were very threatening, and who were 
disap]>ointed in finding nothing in the fort, which the soldiers had 
pillaged, might wish to do some harm. lie thanked them for their 
attentions. 

"Having landed on the shore, many Indians came to see M. 
Pouchot, who recognized several of their chiefs. Ho said to them : 
'You have killed your father; if they are not j)eople of courage, so 
much the worse for you.' They replied: 'Don't bo disheartened, 
father ; you will go to the other side of the great lake; we will soon 
rid ourselves of the English.* They were surprised to see him so 
cool. 

"General Amherst held a conversation for an hour with M. Pouchot 
in private. 

" He wished information as to what remained to be done in the cam- 
paign. It may be ])rcsumed that the latter did not make him think 
he had an easy task. He, in common with the whole army, appeared 
to dread the passage of tho rapids. They took among the Canadians 
thirty-six guides for their bateaux. The garrison and officers were 
conducted by way of Oswego to New York. M. Belle-Garde, Sul- 
piciun missionary at La Presentation, who had chosen to be shut up 
in the fort to servo the wounded, obtained leave to go down to Mon- 

* Tho English changed tho name of tho fort to Fort Wtlllaiii 
AtiyuHtutj and left a garrison of 200 men under Capt. Osborne. 



treal with two or three women. This priest was very worthy on 
account of his xcal for religion, which had led liini to Canada for the 
sole purpose of converting the Indians. The English sent him back 
to his mission. f The English army remained about fifteen days 
making arrangements to go down tho river, but notwithstanding 
their guides, of whom some perhaps sought the worst channels, they 
lost eighty bateaux and their carcassieres at Coteau du Lac." 

Fort Levis was the last stronghold of the French in 
North America. They had possessed the whole vit^t region 
lying north of the St. Lawrence, except a small tract in the 
vicinity of Hudson's Bay, and with the excej)tion of three 
years, — from 1G29 to 1G32, — from their first discoveries, 
made by Jacques Cartier, Roberval, and Champlain, begin- 
ning in 1535, until 1760, a period of two hundred and 
twenty-five years, during which their posts and missions 
were established from the mouth of the great river to the 
western borders of the great lakes. At times the able com- 
manders which France sent over had threatened the very 
existence of the English colonies, but from the year 1758, 
Avhcn Fort Frontenac was destroyed by Bradstreet, fortune 
had gradually deserted them, and with the death of the 
Marquis de Montcalm and the fall of Quebec all hopes of a 
successful defense against the overwhelming armies of the 
English had departed; nevertheless, a most gallant defense 
was made, and there was no loss of honor to the arms of 
France when the last feeble garrison surrendered, and the 
flag of France was furled to wave no more over the noble 
St. Lawrence forever. 

According to Knox, the total efi*ectivc force of Canada 
at the time of the surrender, including militia, was 20,433. 
About 3000 soldiers and sailors were sent to France, 

In concluding the history of the siege of Fort Levis, we 
insert the following items from the English accounts, which 
vary somewhat from that of the French commander. Per- 
haps a fair estimate would be arrived at by adopting a mean 
between the two extremes. 

It would seem that the fitting out of war-parties from 
La Presentation, which proved so harassing to the English 
settlements along the Mohawk during the years 1758-9, had 
determined the English authorities to send an expedition to 
put a stop to their depredations, and Brigadier-General Gage 
was instructed to take post at La Galette, and carry out this 
important j)roject ; but for some reason this was never done, 
and the place remained undisturbed until the advance of 
General Amherst's army in 1700. 

The French fortress at Quebec was reduced by the 
English army under the command of General Wolfe in 
1759. 

The various French posts in the interior still remained, 
and to complete the conquest three expeditions were fitted 
out early in the season of 17G0. One of these ascended 
the St. Lawrence from Quebec, another proceeded towards 
Montreal by way of Lake Champlain, and the third, under 
Sir Jeffrey Amherst, proceeded by way of Oswego, and 
down the St. Lawrence, encountering in its way the strong 
fortress on Isle Royal, which he reduced. The details of 

f There were two priests named La Garde in Canada at this time: 
Jenn Pierre Bcsson de la Garde arrived in 1750, ami died April II, 
1790. Pierre Paul Frs de la Garde arrived in 1755, and died at Mon- 
treal, April 4, 1784. — Lhtc Ohnmolotfifior. The hitler was with 
Pouchot at the siege. — Note in Dr. JIoiujh'K Traiittiatimi, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



41 



this event, aa related by Mante, a historian of that war, are 

lierc given : 

"The necessary preparations having been made to bring the whole 
power of the British forces in North America again?t Montreal, in 
order to finish by its rednction the war in this part of the world : and 
the season being sufficiently advanced to enable Sir Jeffrey Amherst, 
the commander-in-chief, to commence his part of the operations, he 
embarked at Now York on the .Id of May, and proceeded to Sche- 
nectady. From thence, with a part of his army, he pursued his route 
to Oswego, whore he eucaiuped on the Uth of July. The remainder 
he ordered to follow with the greatest diligence, under the command 
of Brigadier (Jage. On the 14th two vessels hove in sight on Lake 
Ontario, which proving to be those that had been fitted out at Ni- 
agara, under the command of Captain Loring, boats were immedi- 
ately dispntchcd to him, with orders to look out for and attack the 
French vessels cruising on the lake. On the 20th two more vessels 
appeared, and proving to be the French vessels which had escaped 
Captain Loring's vigilance, a small boat was immediately dispatebed 
to cruise fur him, with an account of this discovery ; and at the same 
time to prevent his being obliged to return to Oswego for want of 
provisions, the general ordered Captain WiUyamoz, with a detach- 
ment of one hundred and thirty men, in twelve boats, to take post 
on the [sle-Aux-Iroquois. and supply Captain Loring with everything 
he might want. On the 22d. Brigadier Gage arrived with the rear of 
the army; as did Sir AVilliam Johnson on the 2;>d, with a party of 
Indians. 

'• On the 24th the general -received intelligence that the French ves- 
sels had escaped into the river St. Lawrence, and that Captain Loring 
was returning with the ' Onondaga' and the ' Mohawk,' of eighteen 
six-pounders. 

" On the 5tii of August the general ordered the army to he in readi- 
ness to embark. It consisted of the following troops: The first and 
second battalion of Royal Highlanders, 42d regiment, 44th, 46th, 
55th, fourth battalion of the 60th, Royal Americans, eight companies 
of the 77th, five of the SOth, five hundred and ninety-seven grenadiers, 
one hundred and forty-six rangers. Gage's Light Infantry, three 
battalions of the Now York regiment. Colonel Le Houx, New Jersey 
regiment. Colonel Schuyler, and four battalions of the Connecticut 
regiment, and one hundred and fort3'-seven of the lloyal Artillery, 
under Colonel Williamson; amounting in the whole to ten thousand 
one hundred and forty-two effective men, officers included. Among 
the American officers were Colonels Schuyler, Wooster, Lylnau, Fitch, 
Whiting, and probably Israel Putnam. 

" The Indians, under Sir William Johnson, were seven hundred and 
six. 

" On the 7th, Captain Loring sailed with his two vessels, and imme- 
diately after the first battalion of Royal Highlanders, the grenadiers 
of the army, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Massey, with Captain 
Campbell, of the 42d, to assist him as major, the light infantry, com- 
manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Amherst, with Captain Deluncey as 
major to assist him, with Ogdcn's and Whyte's companies of rangers, 
the whole under the command of Colonel Haldiman, embarked and 
sailed to take post at the entrance of the river St. Lawrence. 

" On the 10th the general himself embarked with the Royal Artillery, 
the regulars, Sir AVilliam Johnson, and a i)art of his Indians, in boats 
and whale-boats; but the wind being very high and the water of the 
lake very rough, they wore forced to make for a small creek, at whose 
entrance there is a very dangerous bar, on which one of the artillery 
boats was lost. The next day, the weather being a little more mod- 
erate, the general at noon proceeded for the river De la Motte, and 
on the 1 2th was joined by Brigadier Gage, with the provincials, in a 
bay, where the enemy had lately encamped. On the l.'Jth the whole 
emliarked, ami that very day encamped with Colonel llaldiman, at 
th<! post which he had taken at the head of the river St. Lawrence. 
Caj)tain Ijoring, with his two vessels, having mistaken the channel 
from the lake to the river St. Lawrence, the army passed him while 
ht^ was endeavoring to extricate himself. On the 13th the whole 
army gained Point de Baril, in the neighborhood of the post called 
La Galletto, which Brigadier Gage was ordered to destroy the pre- 
ceding year. Hero the enemy had a very good dock, in which they 
built their vessels. 

" The grenadiers and light infantry, with the row-galleys, took post 
that day without halting at Oswcgatchie, a few miles below Point au 
Baril. 

6 



"All this while one of the enemy's vessels kept hovering about the 
army, and, as Captain Loring had not yet got into the right channel, 
it became necessary, for the safety of the array, either to compel this 
vessel to retire or to take her. 

"The general was therefore obliged to order Colonel Williamson, 
with the row-galleys well manned, to do one or the other. On the l7th 
the galleys advanced with the utmost intrepidity, under a heavy fire 
fr<)m the enemy, but it did not in the least dampen the ardor of the 
assailants; their fire was returned with such resolution and bravery 
that after a severe contest of almost four hours the French vessel 
struck her colors. She mounted ton twelve-pounders, and had on 
board one hundred men, twelve of whom were killed or wounded. 
The general immediately named the vessel the * Williamson,' in 
honor of the colonel, and to perpetuate the memory of so gallant an 
action. The same day the army proceeded to Oswegatchie, from 
whence it was necessary to reconnoitre Isle Royal, so that it was noon 
the next day before the army could proceed. 

" Fort Levis stood on this island, which was otherwise strongly for- 
tified. Though the reduction of Fort Levis could be of little service 
merely as a fort, yet it was certainly of too much consequence to be 
left in the rear of an army; besides, the number of pilots perfectly 
acquainted with the navigation of the river St. Lawrence, which the 
making of the garrison prisoners would afford, was alone a sufficient 
motive for attacking it. It was therefore invested that very evening. 
Whilst the English were passing the point the French kept up a very 
smart cannonade upon them, and destroyed one of the row-galleys and 
a few boats, and killed two or three men ; but, notwithstanding this 
fire, and an uninterrupted continuance of it, the fort was so completely 
invested by the 20th, by the masterly disposition of the troops, as to 
make it impossible for the garrison to escape. 

"Captain Loring had arrived the day before, with his two vessels 
and the 'Williamson' brig, and the batteries being now ready, the 
general, on the 23d, determined to assault the fort, that as little time 
as possible might be wasted on it. He therefore ordered the vessels 
to fall down the stream, post themselves as close to the fort as possi- 
ble, and man their tops well, in order to fall upon the enemy and 
j.revent their making use of their guns; whilst the grenadiers rowed 
in with their broadswords and tomahawks, fascines and scaling-lad- 
ders, under cover of three hundred of the light infantry, who were to 
fire into the embrasures. 

'• The grenadiers received their orders with a cheerfulness that 
might be regarded as a sure omen of success: and, with their usual 
alacrity, prepared for the attack, waiting in their shirts till the ships 
could take their proper stations. 

** This the 'Williamson' brig, commanded by Lieutenant Sinclair, 
and the ' Mohawk,' by Lieutenant Phipps, soon did; and both sus- 
tained and returned a very heavy fire. But the 'Onondaga,' in 
which was Captain Loring, by some extraordinary blunder, ran 
aground. The enemy, discovering his distress, plied her with such 
unceasing showers of great and small arms that Captain Loring 
thought proper to strike his colors, and sent Thornton, his master, 
on shore to the enemy, who endeavored to take possession of the 
vessel; but by Colonel Williamson's observing it, he turned upon 
them a battery, which obliged them to desist from the undertaking. 
The general then ordered Lieutenant Sinclair from the ' Williamson' 
brig, and Lieuteuant Pennington, with two detachments of grcnadierfi 
under their command, to take possession of the 'Onondaga,' and 
they obeyed their orders with such undaunted resolution that the 
English colors were again hoisted on hoard of her. But the vessel 
after all could not be got off, and was therefore abandoned about 
midnight. The English batteries, however, put a stop to any further 
attempt of the enemy to board her. Captain Loring being wounded, 
was in the mean tinie sent ashore. This accident of the * Ouonciaga's' 
running aground, obliged the general to defer for the present his plan 
of assault; but this delay proved rather a fortunate event, as it saved 
a good deal of blood, for on the 2Jth, M. Pouehot, the commandant, 
beat a parley, demanding what terms he might exi)ect; to whii-h no 
answer was returned, but that the fort must be immediately given up, 
and the garrison surrendered prisoners of war, and but ten minutes 
were given for a reply.* 

'*This is a preposterous statement. Any one who has seen the St, 
Lawrence at this point kiu)ws that no boat could go and return in ten 
minutes from the fort to the headquarters of the English commander. 
The half-hour given by Pouehot is undoubtedly nearer the truth. 



42 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWllENCB COUNTY, iSIEW YORK. 



" These term.*' wororoceivcd wiiliin the ten minutes; and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Mfts?cy with the grenadiers, iinniedintely took possesBion uf 
the place. 

"The loss of the English lufon; it was twt'nty-()n<.' killed and nine- 
teen wounded.* 

** The first shot from the English battery killed the Ereneh offieer 
of artillery. Eleven moro were killed afterwards, and about forty 
wounded. Tho garrison, and all of the ]>iIots, fur the sake of whom 
chiefly the place had been attaeked, were sent to New Yorkj and the 
general named the fort FoitT William AiKJiisTus.f 

*' On tho surrender of Fort Levis, the Indians following tho English 
army jirepared, agreeably to their bloody custom when at war, to 
cuter the fort in order to toinalniwk and inassaerc the garrison. But 
Ueneral Amhergt, being ap]>ri6ed uf their intenliuns, immediately 
sent orders to Sir William Johnson to persuade them, if possible, to 
desisf, declaring at the samo time that, if they oflered to enter tho 
fort, he would compel them to retire. The stores he promised should 
bo delivered to them, as his army was not in want of what few 
blankets might be found there. This message had its desired cfl'eet. 
Tilt) Indians, though with great apparent reluctance and ill humor, 
wore prevailed on to return to their camp : however, their resentment 
increased to such a degree, that Sir William Johnson informed tho 
genera) he was apjirehensive tliey would quit the army, and return 
to their respective villages and castles. The general replied: 'That 
he believed his army fully sufiicient for the service ho was going upon, 
without their assistaueo; that, though ho wished to preserve their 
friendship, he could not prevail on himself to purchase it at the ex- 
pense of countenunoing the horrid barbarities they wanted to perpe- 
trate; and added, that, if they quitted the army, and on their return 
should commit any acts of cruelly, be should assuredly chastise them.' 
Upon this most of these creatures, who amounted to about seveti 
hundred, abandoned Sir Williiim Johnson and returned to their re- 
spective villages and castles, but without committing the least vio- 
lence; the faithful few, in number about one hundred and seventy, 
who continued with the army, were afterwards distinguished by medals 
which the general gave them, that they might be known at the Eng- 
lish posts, and receive tho civil treatment their humanity and their 
aflVetion for the English entitled them to. 

** if the French plan of policy had admitted of similar exertions of 

*This statement of tho English loss is evidently as much below 
the fact as Pouehut's is above, and the number given as wounded in 
proportion to tho killed, is not reasonable. 

f The surrender of Isle Royal was announced by the following 
proclamation of Governor Golden : 

** Ry the Hon. Csulwiilliuler Cdtlen, Esquire, President nfliis Majesty's Council, 
ami Cunimamlf! -iri-L-Iiii'f i>f tlio Province of New York, and tho terri- 
tories depuiiding thtToun in America. 

"A PROCLAMATION. 

*' iV/iercas, His aiujesty's forces, under the inmicdiiito command of Ilis Excel- 
lency GLMieral AnitiLMSt, have Intely reduced the fortrcs.-* and \vork>) ereitted liy 
the enemy on nn islanii in the St. Liiwri-nce, culled I'y Iho Fi-eiich Isle Koyiil, 
n few uiiies 1h!(iw ().swe;;iitcliie, an Indian si'ttli-nient with a Idock-honse fort, 
wlncli tho eiiomy liiid befure aNanduneil, fruni whence the inhabiliints of this 
province, sit anted nn the Mohawk river, have been so mucli annoyed by iiurties, 
Bent t.i hiirass and di^turb tlieni that tliey were kept in constant ahirni, and 
miiny, under strung apprehensions of their d;inK*'r,nl):indonpd tlicir settlements. 
And wherejis, ly this iniporliuit ttc<jni>itian, the ]ieoplo along the Muluiwk river 
will lor the fntnru lenniin quiet in Iheir pussea^^ions, iind hs the improvement 
of I 111! setllemenis tliere, and the cull i vat ion of the adjacent unch>ared country, 
caiinct bnt prove uf the greatest ndviintage to tho province, the general, liy 
liiti letter Xa> nie, dated below, the I-<le Royjile. the liOlh ultimo, huth recom- 
mended that I Would invite the inhabitants thereto, and assure theni of a 
peaceable abode in their habitation. I have heretofore thought fit with tho 
advice of his majesty's cunneil to is-!Uc this proclamation, hei'eliy inviting tho 
pei'aouB who, through Iciir of the incureions of tlie enemy on that Bide, Imvo 
left their setileinents, to retnrn to their lurnis, where they may now reap tho 
fruit of their industry, in the utmost seruiity ; and, as a further oncouragcmoiit 
to others to beeouio settlers in that part o( the country, I do pmrnlso his 
majesty's grant uf any of the vac.uit lands there to buch persons as ^ha11 np]>ly 
for the same, on the usual terms, and on condition of immediate setllemenls 
of tho tmclB ilint shaU be su apprupriiitod. 

"Given under my hand and seal at arms, in Fort George, in the city of New 
York, the fourth day of Sejitember, 17(10, in the thirty-foutth year of tho reign 
of our sovereign. Lord George the Second, liy the grat.e of Gud uf Great Britain, 
Franco and Iicland, king, dclender of the faith, and so forth. 

" Cauwaj-lauku Coldkn. 

"By His Honor's commnnd, G. \V. Baxy \r, 1>. .S(<>. 
"God Save tub King." 



fi..s.] 



humanity towards their prisoners, there is no doubt but they might 
thereby have equally prevented the commission of acts which, even 
had they conquered, would have been sufficient to sully the glory of 
their greatest achievements. 

"Till the .'Ullli, the army was cmph'yed in levelingthe batteries and 
repairing boats and rafts fur the artillery, wliieh was now embarked 
with tho necessary stores ; and on the lilst the general, with the first 
division of the army, consisting of the artillery, the grenadiers, and 
tho light infantry, the 4-lth and &5th regiments, the 4th battalion of 
Koyal Aniericans, and three rcginients of pro\ incials, embarked about 
noon, and in tiio evening reached tho Isle-Aux- Chats [opposite 
Louisville landing], having passed the first rapids. On the 1st of 
September, they proceeded about ten miles farther, and encamped. 
On the 2d, Brigadier Gage, with the other division, joined the gen- 
eral, having lost three Highlanders in going over the falls. The 
whole now proceeded together, entered Lake ?t. Francis, and that 
very evening reached Pointc-Aux-Boudets, where, the weather being 
extremely bad, tho general halted. 

* * On the ."id, a jirisoner was brought in, who gave intelligence (hat 
Colonel Haviljunl had taken possession of the Islc-Aux-Noix, tho 
eneuiy having nbandoned it on his npproat h. 

" The navigation of the river St. Lawrence is in this plnce, perhaps, 
the most intricate and dangerous of any actually used in North 
America, without the assistance of pilots accustomed to the force and 
direction of its various eddies. Though the French have been con- 
stantly going up and down the river ever since their possession of 
Canada, General Amherst's attempt to navigate it in the ma,nner he 
did was judged in)j)racticablc. No doubt the route by Lake George 
nnd Lake Champlain might have been the easiest to penetrate by 
into Canada : but this by the Mohawk river, Oswego, and the river 
St. Lawrence opened a passage which had as yet been unexplored by 
the English, and effectually deprived the French of the opportunity 
of carrying on the war another campaign by retreating to their un- 
conquered posts at Detroit and elsewhere to the south. Those who 
declared the river impracticable to the English, grounded their opinion 
on the unsuccespfulness ( f the attempt made on La (jialette the pre- 
ceding year by General Gage; not considering the difference between 
a feeble, irresolute eObrt, and a strong, determined stroke. 

" The pilots taken nt Fort Levis contributed much to the safety of 
the array in this navigation, or it would have been equally tedious. 

** The chief art of getting through these rapids with a numl)er of 
boats consists in the making them keep a proper distance. AVithout 
the greatest attention to this precaution the lives of those who pass 
the Cedar Falls, especially, must be in the utmost danger. 

" It must be confessed that the appearance of broken rocks and in- 
accessible islands, intersjtersed in the currtnt of a rapid river, and 
the foaming surges rebounding from them, without a direct ehnnncl 
to discharge itself by, presents a scene of horror unknown in Europe; 
yet the mind by degrees soon loses the scniintion of terror, and be- 
comes free enough to direct the actions of the body. 

'* On the 4th of September the general put the army in motion, nnd 
it soon cleared the Lake St. Francis and entered a country lately 
well inhabited, bnt now a mere desert. About noon the van of the 
army enlered the Cedar Falls. 

" This, as we have already hinted, is by far the most dangerous part 
of the whole river, and had tho boats crowded too close upon each 
other most of them must have ])erished. 

"Accordingly, for the want of sufficient precaution, twenty-nine 
boats belonging to the regiments, seventeen whale-boats, seveutceu 
artillery-boats, and one row-galley were dashed to pieces, with the loss 
of eighty-eight men: and this too before, on account of the night's 
approaching, the whole of the army could get thnuigh ; what did 
encamped on the Isle-Perrot. On tho 5th, in the morning, the re- 
mainder, taking care to preserve a proper distance, passed the rapid 
with ease. During the stay the general was obliged to make to repair 
the damaged boats the inhabitants came flocking in, and took the 
oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty. 

"linmaiiity and clemency ever attended on the victories of the 
Romans; the princes and the people who submitted to their arms 
were sure of protection; and those who dared to oppose them were 
made to feel the weight of their greatness and power. 

"True policy might alone be thought sufficieut, especially after such 
an illustrious example, to make the generals of every nation adojit 
such conciliating measures. It would have been justly a matter of 
surprise if, from the natural feelings of his own heart, independent 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



43 



of" any otlicr motive, Geiicnil Amherst h:id neglected to i^treteh forth 
tlie hand of commiseration to the number of tremi)liiig, ciespairing 
wretches who now appeared before him. The blood that liad been 
shed in the wantonness of cruelty had expunged from their l)reas;s 
every liope of mercy; and they advanced like culprits approacliing 
a judge to receive ttie sentence due to tlieir crimes. 

'• Full as they were of conscious guilt, how great must have been 
their joy to find themselves forgiven, restored to their possessions 
and to their families : to be received as friends, and have every neces- 
sary provided for them ns such, and to crown all, to know for certain 
that they uiight securely depend on a continuance, or rather au in- 
crease, of these blessings." 

PICQUET AND POFCHOT. 

Two personages connected with the history of La Pre- 
sentation and Fort Levis deserve particular mention here 
from their prominonco, and the fact that one was the 
original founder of the mission where now stands the flour- 
ishing city of Ogdensburg, and the other the gallant com- 
mander of the last fortress held by the French in America. 
These are Father Picquet and M. Pouchot. We will begin 
with the latter. The fticts are from his memoirs, translated 
by Dr. F. B. Hough. 

M. Pouchot was born at Gretioblo, in 1712. His wor- 
thy father died when he was young, and his mother soon 
married again. The young Pouchot entered the military 
service as a volunteer etiginoer in 1733. The next year he 
was transferred to the famous regiment of Beam, iti which 
he contitiued to study the art of Cohorn and Vauban. 
His genius attracted the attention of M. de Blaillebois, who 
assisted him, and was instrumental in placing him under 
the direction of M. Bourcet, who employed him upon the 
intrenchments of Borgo-Forte and of Jlouiit Baldo, two 
strong posts in Corsica, then at war with the Genoese. M. 
Pouchot served with distinction in the various campaigns 
of the French army in Italy, Flanders, and Germany. In 
1744 he was charged by the government with examining 
the route into the Tyrol, and in preparing a map, which he 
accompanied with a memoir. He had subsequently the 
charge of the intrenched camp at Tourtiai, under the orders 
of M. de Villemur. These services obtained him the rank 
of captain by brevet and the cross of St. Louis. Upon the 
breaking out of the war in America M. Pouchot was sent 
with his regiment to the St. Lawrence. His services in 
America were many and remarkable. His first work was 
upon the fort at Frontenao, which ho thoroughly refitted 
and made almost impregnable. In October, 1755, he was 
put in command of the post at Nitigara, which he also re- 
built in the best manner during the winter of 1755-56. 
He was present at the siege and capture of Oswego by the 
Marquis Montcalm,* in August, 175(), and the result of 
the expedition was in no small degree owing to his superior 
placing and handling of the French batteries after the death 
of M. Descoinbles, the chief engineer. 

After the capture of Oswego M. Pouchot was employed 
by Montcalm to open a road from La Prairie towards Lake 
Champlain, atid subse(|Ueiilly in working upon the fortifi- 
cations of Fort Carrillofi, now ktiowti as Ticondcniga. In 
September of that year (1756) he returned with a portion 
of his regiment to Niagara, where he labored diligently to 
complete a strong work. During the succeeding winter he 



* Louis Joseph, Marquis de Montc.ilm de Saint Verou, born 1712. 



was employed in strengthening the works. At this post he 
was very successful in gaining the confidence of the Indians, 
and in attaching them to the French interests. 

In August, 1757, Montcalm captured Fort William 
Henry, at the southern extremity of Jjake George, which 
event spread eonsternatiufi far and wide among the English 
colonies, and led to most determined efforts on the part of 
the English government to drive back the French from 
their strongholds upon Luke Champlain and along the 
northern frontier. 

In October M. Pouchot was relieved from the command 
of Niagara, and returned to Montreal. On the 7th of July, 
1758, he joined Montcalm at Fort Carillon, and took part 
in the great battle fought on the 8th, between the French 
army, consisting of about 3000 men in their intrenchments, 
and the Anglo-American array, amounting, according to 
English accounts, to 15,391 men, but estimated by the 
French at 22,000. 

The Fretich regiments which fought in this action were 
those of Beam, Sarre, Languedoc, Berri, Guienne, the 
Queen's, and the Royal Roussillon. The English were de- 
feated with terrible loss, and retreated with the greatest 
precipitation. This battle ruined the reputation of Sir 
Ralph Aberorombie, the commander of the English army, 
while it correspondingly added to that of the Mar(|uis de 
Montcalm, undoubtedly the ablest commander the French 
ever had in America. 

In the fall of 1758, M. Pouchot was employed, along 
with the Chevalier de Levis, in selecting the best points for 
erecting fortifications for the defense of Canada, which the 
English were threatening. In March, 1759, M. Pouchot 
w;is again ordered to take command of Niagara, where, in 
July following, he sustained a memorable siege by Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson during fifteen days, defending the place until 
it was cotupletely ruined and untenable, when he was forced 
to surrender, as the defeat of M. d' Aubrey, who wa.s ap- 
proaching for the relief of the place, destroyed all hope of 
succor. During the operations the garrison, which origi- 
nally consisted of 525 men, including laborers, had 109 men 
killed and wounded. 

In November, M. Pouchot was exchanged, and arrived 
in Montreal on New Year's eve. He had met General 
Amherst at Saratoga, on his way north, and the English 
commander had intrusted letters in his care to the French 
commander in Canada. 

In March, 17G0, just one year from the time ho had 
taken command of Niagara, he was placed in command of 
the new Fol't Levis on Oraconenton island, where he sus- 
tained another and most remarkable siege, in August fol- 
lowing, defending his post to the litst, and only surrendering 
when further resistance was u.seless. Upon his rcturti to 
France after the surrender of Canada, he experienced the 
fate of many a brave defetider of his country, through the 
misrepresentations and calunuiies of insidious enemies, who 
envied iiim the honors and emoluments that were justly his 
due. Chtirgcs were preferred against the gtillant soldier, 
and he was ordered to be thrown into the Bastile. Upon 
hearing of these proceedings he presented himself at once 
to the minister of war, atid said, '• 1 have come from Canada, 
where 1 liave a thou.saiid times exposed my life for the in- 



44 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



terests of my country. Her enemies offered me employ- 
ment, money, and an advantageous position, but I rejected 
their olfcr.s. The loss of my patrimony is all the fruit left 
me for my labors and my services. What do you want? 
Of what do they accuse me?" 

After the battle of Carillon the Marquis Montcalm 
recommended him for a bn^vet lieutenant-colonel's position, 
but instead he only received a very moderate pension. 
" The man .so distinguished in that memorable combat, and 
who af'terwanls defended with such valor Forts Niagara and 
Levis, could not break down the barriers which separated 
the employed subalterns from the superior grades, an ob- 
stacle over which intrigue would triuinjih without difficulty." 
He soon after returned to Grenoble, and, when the difficul- 
ties broke out in Corsica, entered the service of the govern- 
ment, and was killed on a reconnoiteriiig expedition May 8, 
1769, in his fifty-seventh year, a gallant soldier to the last. 

FATHER PICQUET. 

The memoirs of Father Picquet have been written by SI. 
de la Lande, a celebrated astronomer of the Academic des 
Sciences, and are published in the fourteenth volume of a 
work entitled, " Lettres Edifiantes et Curieusas" (Lyons 
edition, 1819, p. 262, et seq.), from which an abridged 
translation is published in the Documentary History of 
New York, from which, and from the original esssay, we 
derive the following : 

" A missionary, remarkable for his zeal, and the services 
which he has rendered -to the church and the state, born in 
the same village as myself, and with whom I have enjoyed 
terms of particular intimacy, has given to me a relation of 
his labors, and I have thought that this notice deserved to 
find a place in the Lclfri's EtJIJiinitcs, having exactly the 
same object as the other articles in that collection, and I 
flatter myself that I shall be able to render an honorable 
testimony to the memory of a compatriot, and of a friend 
so amiable as M. I'Abbe Picquet. 

" Frangois Picquet, doctor of the Sorbonne, King's Mis- 
sionary and Prefect Apostolic to Canada, was born at Bourg, 
in Bres.so, on the 6th Dec, 1708. The ceremonials of the 
church, from liis infancy, were to him so engaging, that 
they seemed to announce his vocation. 

"The good instruction which he received from an estima- 
ble father, seconded by a happy disposition, enabled him to 
accomplish his earlier studies with the ajiprobation of all 
his superiors and of his professors, althougii, in the dissipa- 
tion and folly of youth, he was relieved by occupations al- 
together foreign to his studies. M. Picquet, in fact, loved 
to test his abilities in various ways, and in this he suc- 
ceeded ; but his first pastimes had announced his first pref- 
erences, and the church was his principal delight. 

" As early as the seventeenth year of his age, he suc- 
cessfully commenced the fnnctions of a missioiuiry in his 
country, and at twenty years, the Bishop of Sinope, Suffra- 
gan of the diocese of Lyons, gave him, by a flattering es- 
ce]itioii, permission to jiroach in all the parishes of Brosse 
and Franche-Conile which depended on his diocese. The 
enthusiasm df lils new state rendered liiin desirous to go to 
Rome, but the Archbishop of Lyons advised him to study 
theology at Paris. He followed this advice, and entered 



the congregation of St. Sulpice. The direction of the new 
converts was soon propo.sed to him ; but the activity of his 
zeal induced him to seek a wider field, and led him beyond 
the seas, in 1733, to the missions of North America, where 
he remained thirty years, and where his constituti(in, invig- 
orated by labor, ac(|uircd a force and vigor which secured 
for him a robust health to the end of his life. 

" After having for some time labored at Montreal, in 
common with other missionaries, he desired to undertake 
some new enterprise, by which France might j)rofit by re- 
storing peace to our vast colonics. 

" About 1740, he established himself at the Lake of Two 
Jlountains,* to the north of Montreal, to draw the A/i/oii- 
qiiiiis, the Ni'j>issiiir/R, and the savages of the Lake Tcniis- 
caming to the head of the colony, and u]i<in the route of all 
the natidiis of the north, which descend by the great i-iver 
of Michilimakina, to Lake Huron. 

" There had been an ancient njission upon the Lake of 
Two Mountains, but it had been abandoned. M. Picquet 
took advantage of the peace which the country then enjoyed, 
in constructing a stone fort. This fort commanded the vil- 
lages of the four nations, which composed the mission of 
the lake. He next caused a palisade to be built around 
each of the villages, of cedar posts, flanked by good re- 
doubts. The king defrayed half of this cxpen.se; the 
missionaries incurred the rest by labor. 

" He there fixed the two nomadic nations of the Algon- 
qiniis and the Nijn'ssfiiffs, and caused them to build a fine 
village, and to sow and reap, a thing before regarded as next 
to impossible. These two nations, in the event, were first 
to give succor to the French. The pleasure which they 
experienced in this establishment attached them to France 
and the king, in whose name JL Pie<|uet procured them 
assistance in money, in provisions, and idl that the wants 
of these two nations re(|uired. 

" He there erected a Calvary, which was the finest monu- 
ment of religion in Canada, by the grandeur of the crosses 
which were planted upon the summit of one of the two 
mountains, by the different chapels and the difi'erent 
oratories, all alike built of stone, arched, ornamented with 
pictures, and distributed in stations for the space of three- 
quarters of a league. 

" He here endeavored to gain an exact understanding 
with all the northern tribes, by means of the Alffoiiquius 
and the AVyv's.siHy.s-, and with these of the south and west, 
by means of the Iroquois and the lluroiia. His negotia- 
tions resulted so well that he annually, at the feast of the 
Passover and the Pentecost, baptized to the faith thirty to 
forty adults. 

•' When the savage hunters had pa.ssed eight months in 
the woods, they remained a month in the village, which 
made it a kind of mission, receiving many each day with 
the two catechisms, and with spiritual confereiucs. He 
taught them the prayers and the chants of the church, and 
he imposed penances upon those who createil any disorder. 
A portion were settled and domiciled. 

" Li short, he succeeded beyond all hope in persuading 
these nations to submit entirely tn the king, and to render 



* About tliirty-si.x milus uurlhwest of Montreal. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



45 



liim the master of their national assemblies, with full liberty 
to make known his intentions and to nominate all their chiefs. 
From the commencement of the War of 1742 his savages 
showed their attachment to France and to the king, whose 
paternal character M. Ficquct had announced to them, 
and who was regarded as the beloved and the idol of the 
nation. 

" M. Piequet was among the first to foresee the war which 
sprang up about 1742 between the Eiigli.sh and the French. 
He prepared himself for it a lung time beforehand. He 
began by drawing to his mission (at the Lake of the Two 
Mountains) all the French scattered in the vicinity, to 
strengthen themselves and afford more liberty to the savages. 
These furnished all the necessary detachments; they were 
continually on the frontiers to spy the enemy's movements. 
M. Picquct learned by one of these detachments that the 
English were making preparations at Sarasto [Saratoga?], 
and were pushing their settlements up to Lake St. Sacra- 
ment.* He informed the general of the circumstance, and 
proposed to him to send a body of troops there, at least to 
intimidate the enemy if we could do no more. The expe- 
dition was formed. M. Piequet accompanied M. JIarin, 
who commanded this detachment. They burnt the fort, 
the Lydius establishmentSjf several saw-mills, the planks, 
boards, and other building timber, the stock of supplies, 
provisions, the herds of cattle along nearly fifteen leagues 
of settlement, and made one hundred and forty-five prisoners, 
without haviu<i; lost a sinj;le Frenchman or without havins; 
any even wounded. J This expedition alone prevented the 
English undertaking anything at that side during the war. 

" Peace having been re-established in 1748, our mission- 
ary occupied himself with the means of remedying, fur the 
future, the inconveniences which he had witnessed. The 
road he saw taken by the savages and other parties of the 
enemy sent by the English against us, caused him to select 
a post which could hereafter intercept the passage of the 
English. He proposed to M. de la Galissoniere § to make 
a settlement of the mission of La Presentation, near Lake 
Ontario, an establishment which succeeded beyond his 
hopes, and has been the most useful of all those of Canada. 

" M. Rouille, minister of the marine, wrote on the 4th 
of May, 1749 : 

" ' A large number of Iroquois liavint; declaieil that they were de- 
sirous of embracing Christianity, it has been proposed to establish a 
mission towards Fort Frontenac, iu order to attract the greatest num- 
ber possible thither. It is Abbe Piequet, a zealous missionary, and 
in whom those nation? seem to have confidence, who has been in- 
trusted with this negotiation, lie was to have gone last year to select 

* '* I am building a fort at this lake, which the French call Lake 

St. Sacrament, but I have given it the name of Lake George, not 
only in honor to his Majesty, but to ascertain bis undoubted domin- 
ion here." — Sir Win. Johnson to the fi'taitl n/ Triulr, Sept. ^, l'J7 3. 

Loud. Doc. xxxii., 178. 

f Now Fort Edward, Washington county. 

j*' I received nn account on the I'.Jth inst., by express from Al- 
bany, that a party of French and their Indians had cut oil' a settlenicnt 
in this province called Saraghtoge. about tifty miles from Albany, and 
that about twenty houses with a fort (which tlie public would not re- 
pair) were burned to ashes, tliirly persons killed and scalped, and 
about sixty taken prisoners." — Gov. CUntou it> the fhntrd, ?t<\th Xnv.j 
1745. Lnml Doe. xxvii., 187, 235. 

^Tliis officer comiuHnded the French force which enptun'd the 
Island of Minorca from the English in June, 1750. 



a suitable site for the establishment of the mission, and verify as pre- 
cisely as was possible what can be depended upon relative to the dis- 
positions of these same nations. In a letter of the 5tli of October 
last, M. de la GalisonniSre stated that, though an entire confidence 
cannot be placed in those they have domesticated, it is, notwithstand- 
ing, of much importance to succeed in dividing them ; that nothing must 
be neglected that can contribute to it. It is for this reason that hia 
majesty desires you shall prosecute the design of the proposed settle- 
ment. If it could attain a certain success, it would not be difiicult then 
to make the savages understand that the only means of extricating 
themselves from the pretensions of the English to them and their 
lands is to destroy Choueguen,|| so as to deprive them thereby of a 
post which they established chiefly with a view to control tiieir tribes. 
This destruction is of such great importance, both as regards our 
possessions and the attachment of the savages and their trade, that 
it is proper to use every means to engage the Iroquois to undertake 
it. This is actually the only means that can be employed, but you 
must feel that it requires much prudence and circumspection.' 

" M. Piequet eminently possessed the qualities requisite 
to effect the removal of the English from our neighbor- 
hood. Therefore, the general, the intendant, and the bishop 
deferred absolutely to him in the selection of the settle- 
ment for this new mission ; and, despite the efforts of those 
who had opposite interests, he was intrusted with the un- 
dertaking. 

''The fort of La Presentation is situated at 302° 40' 
lonfjitude,^ and at 44° 50' latitude, on the Presentation river, 
whieh the Indians named Soegasti; thirty leagues above 
Mont-llcal ; fifteen leagues from Lake Ontario or Lake 
Frontonae, whieh, with Lake Champlain, gives rise to the 
river St. Lawrenee ; fifteen leagues west of the source of 
the river Hudson, which falls into the sea at New York. 
Fort Frontenac had been built near there in 1671 [1673] 
to arrest the incursiuns of the English and the Iroquois; 
the bay served as a port for the mercantile and military 
marine whicli had been formed there on that sort of sea, 
where the tempests are as frequent and as dangerous as on 
the ocean. But the post of La Presentation appeared still 
more important, because the harbor is very good, the river 
freezes there rarely, the barks can leave with northern, east- 
ern, and southern winds, the lands are excellent, and that 
quarter can be fortified most advantageously. 

" Besides, that mission Was adapted by its situation to 
reconcile to us the Jroquois savages of the Five Nations, 
who inhabit between Virginia and Lake Ontario. The 
Marquis of Beauharnois, and afterwards M. de la Jou- 
quiere, governor-general of New France, were very de- 
sirous that we should occupy it, especially at a time when 
English jealousy, irritated by a war of many years, sought 
to alienate from us the tribes of Canada. 

" This establisliment was as if the key of the colony, be- 
cause the English, French, and Upper Canada savages could 
not pass elsewhere than under the cannon of Fort Presen- 
tation when coming down fniui the south ; the Iroquois 
to the south and the Mtssissagiies to the north were within 
its reach. Thus it eventually succeeded in collecting them 
together from over a distance of one hundred leagues. The 
officers, interpreters, and traders, notwithstanding, then re- 
garded that establishment as chimerical. Envy and oppo- 
sition had effected its failure had it not been for the tirm- 



II Oswego. 

^ There is some mi.stakc in tluso figures. The longitude of this 
place is 74° 30' west roin Greenwich, and latitude 44° 40' north. 



46 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ness of the Abbo Picquct, supported by that of the admin- 
istration. This establishment served to protect, aid, and 
comfort the posts already erected on Lake Ontario. The 
barks and canoes for the transportation of the king's effects 
could be constructed there at a tiiird less expense than else- 
where, because timber is in greater quantity and more ac- 
cessible, especially when M. Picquet had had a saw-mill 
erccti^d there for preparing and manufacturing the timber. 
In fine, he could establish a very important settlement for 
the French colonist.s, and a point of reunion for Europeans 
and savages, where they would find themselves very conve- 
nient to the hunting and fishing in the upper part of 
Canada. 

" M. Picquet left with a detachment of soldiers, me- 
chanics, and some savages. He placed himself at first in 
as great security as possible against the insults of the 
enemy, which availed him ever since. On the 20th of Oc- 
tober, 1749, he had built a fort of palisades, a house, a 
barn, a stable, a redoubt, and an oven. He had lands 
cleared for the savages. His improvements were estimated 
at thirty to forty thousand livres, but he introduced as 
much judgment as economy. He animated the workmen, 
and they labored from three o'clock in the morning until, 
nine at night. As for himself, his disinterestedness was 
extreme. He received at that time neither allowance nor 
presents ; he supported himself by his industry and credit. 
From the king he had but one ration of two pounds of 
bread and one half pound of pork, which made the savages 
say, when they brought biiu a buck and some partridges, 
' We doubt not, father, but that there have been disagree- 
able expostulations in your .stomach, because you have had 
nothing but pork to eat. Here's something to put your 
affairs in order.' The hunters furnished him wherewithal 
to support the Frenchmen and to treat the generals occa- 
sionally. The savages brought him trout weighing as 
many as eighty pounds. 

" When the court had granted him a pension he em- 
ployed it only for the benefit of his establishment. At first 
he had six heads of families in 1749, eighty-seven the year 
following, and three hundred and ninety-six in 1751. All 
these were of the most ancient and most influential fami- 
lies, so that this mission was, from that time, sufficiently 
powerful to attach the Five Nations to us, amounting to 
twenty-five thousand inhabitants, and he reckoned as many 
as three thousand in his colony. By attaching the Jrotjiu/is 
cantons to France, and establishing them fully in our in- 
terest, we were certain of having nothing to fear from the 
other savage tribes, and thus a limit could be put to the 
ambition of the English. M. Picquet took considerable 
advantage of the peace to increase that settlement, and he 
carried it in le.ss than four years to the most desirable per- 
fection, despite of the contradictions tliat he had to combat 
against, the obstacles he had to surmount, the jibes and un- 
becoming jokes which he was obliged to bear; but his 
hajipincss and glory suffered nothing therefrom. People 
saw with astonishment several villages start up almost at 
once ; a convenient, habitable, and pleasantly-situated fort ; 
vast clearances, covered almost at the same time with the 
finest maize. More than five hundred families, still all in- 
fidels, who congregated there, soon rendered this settlement 



the most beautiful, the most charming, and the most abun- 
dant of the colony. Depending on it were La Presentiition, 
Jja (jlalett<!, Suegatzi, Lisle au Galoji, and [>'isle Picquet in 
the river St. Lawrence. There were in the fort seven small 
stone guns and eleven four- to six-pounders. 

" The most distinguished of the IriKjiiols families were 
distributed at La Presentation in three villages. That which 
adjoined the French fort contained, in 1754, forty-nine 
bark cabins, some of which were from sixty to eighty feet 
long, and accommodated threi^ to four families. The place 
pleased them on account of the abundance of hunting aeid 
fishing. This mission could no doubt be increased, but 
cleared land sufficient to allow all the families to plant and 
to aid them to subsist would bo necessary, and each tribe 
should have a separate location. 

" M. Pie<(uet had desired that, in order to draw a large 
number, they should clear during a certain time a hun- 
dred arpents of land each year, and build permanent cabins, 
and to surround their village with a palisade; that they 
.should construct a church and a house for seven or eight 
missionaries. The nations desired it, and it was an effects 
ual means tc establish them permanently. All this he 
could do with fifteen thousand livres a year, and he pro- 
posed to assign them a benefice, as tending to promote re- 
ligion. Meanwhile our missionary applied himself to the 
instruction of the savages, and ba])tized great numbers. 

" The bishop of Quebec, wishing to witness and assure 
himself personally of the wonders related to him of the 
establishment at La Presentation, went thither in 1749, 
accompanied by some officers, royal interpreters, priests 
from other missions, and several other clergymen, and spent 
ten days examining and causing the catechumens to be ex- 
amined. He himself baptized one hundred and thirty-two, 
and did not cease, during his sojourn, blessing heaven for 
the progress of religion among these infidels. 

" Scarcely where they baptized when M. Picquet de- 
termined to give them a form of government. He es- 
tablished a council of twelve ancients; chose the most 
influential among the Five Nations; brought them to Mont^ 
Real, wntre, at the bands of the Marquis du Quesne, they 
took the oath of allegiance to the king, to the great astonish- 
ment of the whole colony, where no person dared to hope 
for such an event. 

" Attentive as well to the good of the administration as 
to the cau-se of religion, M. Picquet notified the chiefs of 
the colony of the abuses which he witnessed. He made, 
for example, a remonstrance against the establishment of 
traders who had come to locate at the Long Saut and at 
Carillon, to bold traffic and commerce, who cheated the 
savages, and sold them worthless things, at a dear price, 
and hindered them from coming to the mission, where they 
were undeceived, instructed in religion, and attached to 
France. 

"In the month of June, 1751, M. Picquet made a voyage 
around Lake Ontario, with a king's canoe and one of bark, 
in which he had five trusty savages, with the design of at- 
tracting some Indian fiimilies to the new settlement of La 
Presentation. There is a memoir among his papers on the 
subject, from which it is proposed to give an extract. 

" lie visited Fort Frontenac or Catnrucoui, situated twelve 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



47 



le,ip;ucs west of La Presentation. He found no Indians 
there, though it was formerly tlie rendezvous of the Five 
Nations. The bread and milk there were bad ; they had 
not even bnuidy there to staunch a wound. Arrived at a 
point of Lake Ontario called Kaoi, he found a negro 
fugitive from Virginia. He assured him on this occasion 
that there would be no difficulty to obtain a great part of 
the negroes of New England, who were received well in 
Canada, and supported the first year, and that lands were 
conceded to them as to habitants. The savages served 
them voluntarily as guides. 

" The negroes would be the most terrible enemies of the 
English, because they have uo hope of pardon if the Eng- 
lish become mastere of Canada, and they contribute much 
to build up this colony by their labor. The same is the 
case witli natives of Flanders, Lorraine, and Switzerland, 
who have followed their example, because they were ill at 
ease with the English, who loved them not. 

" At the Bay of Quinte, he visited the site of the ancient 
mission which M. Doiliere.s de Klous and Abbe D'Urfe, 
priests of the Saint Sulpice .seminary, had established there. 
The quarter is beautiful, but the land is not good. He 
visited Fort Toronto, seventy leagues from Fort Frontenac, 
at the west end of Lake Ontario. lie found good bread 
and good wine there, and everything requisite for the trade, 
whilst they were in want of these at all the other po.sts. 
He found J/(s.sm«^Ke'A- there, who flocked around him; they 
spoke first of the happiness their young people, the women 
and children, would feel, if the king would be as good to 
them as to the Ii-oquois, for whom he procured missionaries. 
They complained that instead of building a church, they 
had constructed only a canton fur them. M. Picquet did 
not allow them to finish, and answered them that they had 
been treated according to their fancy ; that thej' had never 
evinced the least zeal for religion ; that their conduct was 
much opposed to it ; that the Jroqiiois, on the contrary, 
had manifested their love to Christianity; but, as he had no 
order to attract tliem to his mission, he avoided a more 
lengthy explanation. 

" He passed thence to Niagara. He examined the situa- 
tion of that fort, not having any savages to whom he could 
speak. It is well located for defense, not being commanded 
from any point. The view extends to a great distance ; 
they have the advantage of the landing of all the canoes 
and barks which land, and arc in .safety there ; but the rain 
was washing the .soil away by degrees, notwithstanding the 
vast expense which the king incurred to sustain it. M. 
Pic(juet was of opinion that the space between the land 
and the wharf might be filled in so as to support it and 
make a glacis there. This place w;is important as a trading- 
po.st, and as securing pos,se.ssion of the carrying-place of 
Niagara and Lake Ontario. 

" From Niagara M. Picquet went to the carrying-place, 
which is six leagues from that post. He visited on the 
same day the famous Fall of Niagara, by which the four 
great Canada lakes discharge themselves into Lake Ontario. 
This cascade is as prodigious by its lieight and the quantity 
of water which falls there as by the variety of its falls, 
which are to the number of six principal ones divided by 
a small island, leavin'r throe to the uorth and three to tlie 



south. They produce of themselves a singular symmetry 
and wonderful efiect. He measured the height of one of 
those falls from the south side, and he found it about one 
hundred and forty feet.* The establishment at this carry- 
ing-place, the most important in a commercial point of view, 
was the worst stocked. The Indians, who came there in 
great numbers, were in the best disposition to trade ; but 
not finding what they wanted, they went to Choueguen or 
Choeguenn [Oswego], at the mouth of the river of the 
same name. M. Picquet counted there as many as fifty 
canoes. There was, notwithstanding, at Niagara, a trading 
house, where the commandant and trader lodged ; but it 
was too small, and the king's property was not safe there. 

" M. Picquet negotiated with the Scnecas, who promised 
to repair to his mission, and gave him twelve children as 
hostages, saying to him that their parents had nothing dearer 
to them, and followed him immediately, as well as the chief 
of the Little Rapid, with all his family. 

" The young Indians who accompanied Picquet had 
spoken of this old man as a veritable apostle. M. Picquet 
withdrew with him to say his breviary ; and the savages 
and the Sonnotoans, without losing time, assembled them- 
selves to hold council with M. de Touraine, who addressed 
them for some time at length, and said : 

'"You savngcs anJ the Sonnotoans know your firmness in your 
resolutions, and know that you have designed to pass liy Choeguen 
[Oswego] in returning. Let me request you nt once that you attcmjit 
to do nothing. They are informed of tlie bad disjiosition of the Eng- 
lish, whom you regard as tlic formidahle enemy of their colony, and 
as tlie (me that has done tliem the most harm. They are disposed to 
destroy tliemselves. rather than that you should suffer the least harm ; 
but all this amounts to notliing, and the savages will always lose by 
the approaches of this people, who hate you. .\s for myself,' added 
M. de Touraine, * I entreat you earnestly not to pass that way. The 
Indians have told me nothing more.' 

"M. Picquet immediately replied, — ' Etlimiciiiouiii (\\\a.t 
is, ' As you desire, my children'). 

" He set out with all those savages to return to Fort Ni- 
agara. M. Chabert de Joncaire would not abandon him. 
At each place where they encountered camps, cabins, and 
entrepots, they were saluted with musketry by the In- 
dians, who never ceased testifying their consideration for 
the missionary. M. Picquet took the lead with the sav- 
ages of the hills, Messrs. Joncaire and Rigouille following 
with the recruits. He embarked with thirty-nine savages 
in his large canoe, and was received on arriving at the 
fort with the greatest ceremony, even with the discharge of 
cannon, which greatly pleased the Indians. On the mor- 
row he assembled the Seuccus, for the first time, in the 
chapel of the fort, for religious services. 

" M. Picijuet returned along the south coast of Lake 
Ontario. Alongside of Choeguen, a young Seneca met her 
uncle, who was coming fnini his village with his wife and 
children. This young girl spoke so well to her uncle, 
tliough .she had but little knowledge of religion, that he 
promised to repair to La Presentation early the fiillowing 
spring, and that he hoped to gain over also seven other 
cabins of Senccas of which he was chief. Twenty-five 

* These are French feet. The falls on the .American side are 1(U 
feet high. — Burr's Atlas lutrod., p. 31. 



48 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



leagues from Niaj^ara he visited the river Gascouchagou,* 
where lie met a number of rattlesnakes. The young In- 
dians jumped into the midst of them, and killed forty-two 
without having been bitten by any. 

" He next visited the falls of this river. The first which 
appear in sight in ascending resemble much the great c;is- 
cade at St. Cloud, except that they have not been orna- 
niontod and do not seem so high, but they possess natural 
beauties which render them very curious. The second, a 
quarter of a mile higher, are less considerable, yet are re- 
markable. The third, also a quarter of a league higher, has 
beauties truly admiratjle b}' its curtains and falls, which form 
also, as at Niagara, a charming proportion aiid variety. They 
may be one hundred and some feet high ■]■ In the intervals 
between the falls there are a hundred little cascades, which 
present likewise a curious spectacle ; and if the altitudes of 
each chute were joined together, and they made but one as at 
Niagara, the height would, perhaps, be four hundred feet; 
but there is four times less water than at the Niagara Fall, 
which will cause the latter to pass, forever, as a wonder per- 
haps unique in the world. 

" The English, to throw disorder into this new levy, 
sent a good deal of brandy. Some .savages did, in fact, 
get drunk, whom M. Picquet could not bring along. He 
therefore desired much that Choeguen were destroyed and 
the English prevented rebuilding it ; and in order that we 
should be absolutely masters of the south side of Lake On- 
tario, he proposed erecting a fort near there at the bay of 
the Cayugas,;j; which would make a very good harbor and 
furnish very fine anchorage. No place is better adapted for 
a fort. 

" He examined attentively the fort of Choeguen, a post 
the most pernicious to France that the English could erect. 
It was commandjd almost from all sides, and could be very 
easily approached in time of war. It was a two-story 
very low building, decked like a ship, and surmounted on 
the top by a gallery ; the whole was surrounded by a stone 
wall, flanked only with two bastions at the .side towards the 
nearest hill. Two batteries, each of three twelve-pounders, 
would have been more than sufScient to reduce that estab- 
lisliment to ashes. It was prejudicial to us by the facility 
it atl'orded the English of communicating with all the tribes 
of Canada, still more than by the trade carried on there as 
well by the French of the colony as by the savages ; for 
Choi'guen was supplied with merchandi.se adapted only to 
the French at least as much as with what suited to the 
savages, a circumstance that indicated an illicit trade. Had 
the minister's orders been executed, the Choeguen trade, at 
least with the savages of Upper Canada, would be almost 
ruined. But it was necessary to supply Niagara, especially 
the Portage, rather than Toronto. The difl'eroncc between 
the two first of these posts and the last is, that three or 
four hundred canoes could come loaded with I'urs to the 
Portage, and that no canoes could go to Toronto, except 



* The Genesee riyer. In Bolin's map of Pxitie Ovcidentnte rle la 
Nonmlle, France, 1755 (No. 992, \V. C. State Lib.), it is acsciibcd as 
a'" Kivor unknown to Geographers, filled with Kapids and Water- 
falls." 

f The highest fall on the river is 105 feet. 

X tSodus hay. 



those which cannot pass before Niagara and to Fort Fronto- 
nac, sueh as the Otnoix of the head of the lake ( Fond du 
Lac) and the Mlssissagaes ; so that Toronto could not but 
diminish the trade of these two ancient po.sts, which would 
have been sufficient to stop all the savages had the stores been 
furnished with goods to their liking. There was a wish to 
imitate the English in the trifles they sold the .savages, such 
as silver braceli^ts, etc. The Indians compared and weighed 
them, as the storekeeper at Niagara stated, and the Choe- 
guen bracelets, which wore found as heavy, of a purer silver, 
and more elegant, did not cost them two beavers, whilst 
those at the king's posts wanted to sell them for ten beavers. 
Thus we were discredited, and this silver-ware remained a 
pure loss in the king's stores. French brandy was jireferred 
to the English, but that did not prevent the Indians going to 
Choeguen. To destroy the trade the king's posts ought to 
have been supplied with the same goods as Choeguen, and 
at the same price. The French ought also have be(Mi for- 
bidden to send the domiciliated Indians thither; but that 
would have been very difficult. 

" M. Picquet next returned to Fronteaac. Never was a 
reception more imposing. The Nipkitings and Algonqiiins, 
who were going to war with M. do Belleslre, drew up in a 
line of their own accord above Fort Frontenae, where three 
standards were hoisted. They fired several volleys of mus- 
ketry and cheered incessantly. They were answered in the 
same style from all the little craft of bark. M. de Verchere 
and M. de la V^altrie caused the guns of the fort to Ix; dis- 
charged at the same time, and the Indians, transported with 
jov at the honors paid them, also kept up a continual fire, 
with shouts and acclamations which made every one rejoice. 
The commandants and officers received our missionary at 
the landing. No sooner had he debarked than all the Algon- 
qnims and Nipii!f:inr/s of the lake came to embrace him, 
saying that they had been told that the English had ar- 
rested him, and had that news been confirmed they would 
soon have themselves relieved him. Finally, when ho re- 
turned to La Presentation, he was received with that affection, 
that tenderness which childi-en would experience in recover- 
ing a father whom they had lost. 

" In 1751-5, JM. Picquet repaired to France to render an 
account of his labors, and solicit assistance for the benefit 
of the colony. He took with him three natives, the ap- 
pearance of whom might create an interest in the success 
of his establishments, and who, in the quality of hostages, 
might serve to control the mission during his absence. 
The nations there assembled consented to it, and even ap- 
peared to desire it, as well as the chiefs of the colony. He 
conducted his savages to Paris, and to the court, where they 
were received with so much kindness and attention that they 
saiil, without ceasing, that could their nations know as well 
as themselves the character and the goodness of the French, 
they would not fail to be otherwise than of the same heart 
and interests with that of France. 

" While M. Piojuet was in Paris in 1754, M. RouilI6, 
then minister of the marine, caused him to draw up sundry 
memoirs, especially a general memoir upon Canada, in 
which he suggested infiiUible means for preserving this 
colony to France. He also made observations upon the 
disturbances which certain inquiet spirits, rash and bolster- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



49 



ous, had occasioned in Canada. The minister highly ap- 
proved of them, and assured him that ho would write to 
the general to prevent in future the reeurrence of like dis- 
orders, whieh could nut fail to be pernicious in a colony still 
weak, and too distant from succors should they be necessary. 

" The minister wished to give him a pension of a thou- 
sand crowns, but M. de Laport, the first steward, conferred 
it upon the Abbe Maillard. The minister was displeased, 
while M. Picquet had only the pleasure of receiving a thou- 
sand crowns, of which in truth the ordinance was conceived 
in terms the most honorable. The king presented him some 
books, and when he took his leave the minister said to him, 
' His niajenti/ slil/ ffives you new marks of his pleasure.' 

" The king always evinced the same sentiments towards 
him whenever he took occasion to mention him at Ver- 
sailles or at Bellevue. 

" Meanwhile, M. de Laporte was displeased with this 
journey of the Abbe Picquet, because it was leaving the 
other ecclesiastic jealous of the impression which this abbe 
was making with the court and the city. He restrained 
him from continually exhibiting his savages, and attempted 
to justify himself in what he had done. 

" At length he departed, at the close of April, 1754, and 
returned to La Presentation with two missionaries. 

" The sojourn of the three natives in France produced 
a very good effect among the nations of Canada. 

" War was no sooner declared in 1754, than the new 
children of God, of the king, and of M. Picquet, thought 
only of giving fresh proofs of their fidelity and valor, as 
those of the Lake of the Two Mountains had done in the 
war preceding. The generals were indebted to M. Picquet 
for the destruction of all the forts as well on the river Cor- 
lac (Corlear) as on that of Choeguen. His Indians dis- 
tinguished themselves especially at Fort George and on 
Lake Ontario, where the warriors of La Presentation alone, 
with their bark canoes, destroyed the English fleet, com- 
manded by Capt. Beccan, who was made prisoner with a 
number of others, and that in sight of the French army, 
commanded by M. de Villiers, who was at the Isle Galop. 
The war-parties, which departed and returned continually, 
filled the mission with so many prisoners that their numbors 
frequently surpassed that of the warriors, rendering it 
necessary to empty the villages and send them to headquar- 
ters. In fine, a number of other e-xpeditions of which M. 
Picquet was the principal author have procured the promo- 
tion of several officers; notwithstanding .some have declared 
that there were neither honors, nor pensions, nor favors, nor 
promotions, nor marks of distinction, cimferred by the king 
upon those who had served in Canada, who were prevented 
from receiving these by M. Picquet. 

" M. du Quesne, on the occasion of the march of General 
Braddock, recomiuended him to send as large a detachment 
of savages as was possible, and gave him on this occasion 
full powers. In fact, the exhortations which M. Piccjuet 
made them to give an examj)le of zeal and courage for the 
king their father, and the instructions which he gave them, 
produced the entire defeat of this general of the enemy in 
the summer of 1755, near Fort du Quesne, upon the Ohio.* 



* This is altogetlicr probk-niatical. — (En.) 



" This event, which conferred more honor upon the arms 
of the king than all the rest of the war, is due principally to 
the care which 51. Picquet bestowed upon the execution of 
the commands of M. the Marquis du Quesne in this expe- 
dition, and by the choice which he made of warriors equally 
faithful and intrepid. 

" He frei|uently found himself in the vanguard when the 
king's troops were ordered to attack the enemy. He dis- 
tinguished himself particularly in the expeditions of Sarasto 
(Saratoga), Lake Champlain, Pointe a la Chevelcure (Crown 
Point), the Cascades, Carillon (Ticonderoga), Choeguen 
(Oswego), River Corlac (Mohawk), Isle au Galop, etc. The 
posts he established for the king protected the colony pend- 
ing the entire war. M. du Quesne said that the Abbe 
Picquet was worth more than ten regiments. 

" He wrote to him on the 23d September, 1754 : ' I shall 
never forget — as a good citizen, I shall remember as long as 
I live — the proofs which you have given me of your gene- 
rosity, and of 3'our unquenchable zeal for all that concerns 
the public good.' 

" On the 9th of June, 1755, M. du Quesne, upon the 
point of departing, sent word to him that the English 
thoughtof abandoning Niagara. He added : ' The precautions 
to be taken must all emanate from your zeal, prudence, and 
foresight.' 

" The English then endeavored, as well by menaces as by 
promises, to gain the savages, especially after the lesson 
which Du Quesne had given them at the Belle Rivifere (the 
Ohio). 

" In the month of May, 1756, M. de Vaudreuil got M. 
Picquet to depute the chiefs of his mission to the Five 
Nations of Senecas, Cui/itgas, Oiwnlaqui'S, Tuscaroras, and 
Oneidas, to attach them more and more to the French. The 
English had surprised and killed their nephews in the three 
villages of the Loiips (Delawares?). M. de Vaudreuil re- 
((uested him to form parties, which could succeed each other 
in disquieting and harassing the English. He asked of 
him his projects in forming a camp ; he prayed him to give 
a free expression to his ideas, and exhibited on his side the 
greatest confidence, and made him a part of all the opera- 
tions which he proposed to undertake; and declared that 
the success of his measures was the work of M. Picquet. 

"The letters of M. de Vaudreuil from 1756 to 175"J, 
which are among the papers of our missionary, are filled with 
these evidences of his confidence and satisfaction ; but as 
those of M. Picquet are not to be found, it would be diffi- 
cult wherewith to make a history of these events, of which 
alone M. Picquet has the greatest part. 

" In proportion as our circumstances became more em- 
barrassing, the zeal of AL Pic(|uct became more precious 
and more active. 

" In 175S he destroyed the English forts on the banks 
of Corlac, but at length the battle of the i:>th of Sept., 
1759, in which the JLinpiis of Montcalm was killed, brought 
ruin on Quebec, and that of Canada followed. When he 
saw all thus lost, M. Picquet terminated his long and labo- 
rious career by his retreat on the 8tli of 5Iay, 1760, with 
the advice and consent of the general, the bishop and in- 
tendant, in order not to fall into the hands of the English. 

" The esteem which he had gained by his nierit, the 



50 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



praises wliii^'li in ;iii espoeial inaniipr he. liad received, mifclit 
have iiiduecd liini to remain tliere, Init lie had resolved never 
to swear alle>;iancG to another power. Inducements were 
held out as motives by many French, by missionaries, and 
by the savages themselves, who proposed to eng;age him, 
and Uibored to make him sec the advantages that would 
result. 

" lie still hoped to take with liim in his retreat the gren- 
adiers of each battalion, according to the advice of M. the 
Marquis de Levis, to tlius preserve the colors and the honor 
of their corps, but of this he was not the master. 

" He had the materials of subsistence abundantly, but 
was obliged to content himself with twenty-five Frenchmen, 
who accompanied him as far as Louisiana ; and he thus 
escaped with them from the P]nglish, although he had been 
the most exposed during the war, and although he did not 
receive the least help in so long a journey; but he had with 
him two little detachments of savages, one of which pre- 
ceded him several leagues and the other accompanied him, 
who were successively relieved by similar detachments, as 
he passed through different tribes. 

" Those whom lie left he sent each to his own nation, and 
advised them as a father. Everywhere they received him 
admirably, notwithstanding the deplorable circumstances in 
which he was in ; everywhere he found the natives with the 
best dispositions, and he received their protestations of zeal 
and inviolable attachment to the king their father. 

" He passed to Michilimackinac, between Lake Huron and 
Lake Michigan, but the savages, consisting of Iroquois or 
Alffonquins, here left him, that M. Picquet might not be 
embarrassed from this cause ;* proceeded thus by way of 
Upper Canada to the Illinois country and Louisiana, and 
sojourned twenty-two months at New Orleans. 

" Here he occupied himself in recovering his spirits, in 
quelling a sort of civil war which had sprung up between 
the governor and the inhabitants, and in preaching peace, 
both in public and in private. 

" He had the satisfaction of seeing this happily restored 
during his .sojourn. 

" General Amherst, on taking possession of Canada, imme- 
diately informed himself of the place where M. Picquet had 
taken refuge, and upon the assurance which was given him 
that he had departed on his return to France by the west, 
he said, haughtily, ' I am mistaken in him, if this abb6 
had not been as faithful to the King of p]ngland, had he 
taken the oath of allegiance to him, as he had been to the 
King of France. We would then have given him all our 
confidence, and gained him to ourselves.' 

" This general was mistaken. M. Pic(juet had an ardent 
love for his country, and he could not have adopted 
another. 

" Soon the English would have finished by proscribing 
him and offering a reward for his head, as a dangerous 
enemy. 

" Meanwhile the English themselves have contributed to 
establish the glory and the services of this useful nfission- 



-■ I liave much desired to find in liis* papers his iiiciiuiirs upon the 
eustoins of Ciinada; Ijut 1 liave heard M. IMequct say that tliis sulijecL 
was well treated of in ttie works of Fattier Latitau, wlio had dwelt 
five years at the Saut St. Louis, near Montreal. ^.Vo/c in the Oriyhml. 



ary ; we read in one of their gazettes : ' The Jesuit of the 
west has (Ictaclii'd all the nations from us, and placed them 
in the interests of France.' They called him a Jesuit be- 
cause they had not then seen his girdle, nor the buttons of 
his cassock, as SI. de Galissoniore wrote to him jocosely, in 
sending him the extract of their gazette; or, to speak se- 
rioasly, the zeal of the Jesuits, so well known in the new 
world, makes them believe that out of so great a number of 
mis.sionaries there can be none but Jesuits. They are rep- 
resented as the authors of all the losses of the English, and 
the advantages which the French have gained over them. 
Some even insinuate that they possess supernatural powers. 
In short, our enemies believed themselves lost when they 
were in the army, on account of the horde of savages that 
always attended them. 

" They spoke of nothing but of Picquet, and (f his good 
luck; and this became even a proverb throughout the 
colony. 

" An English ofScer, having wished to make himself 
conspicuous, once ofi'ered a bounty for his head, whereupon 
the savages conspired to seize this English chief; he was 
led into their presence, and they danced around him with 
their tomahawks, awaiting the signal of the missionary, 
who made it not, in his courtesy to an enemy. 

" Thus did he endeavor, by every possible means, to act 
neutral, at least between the English and the French. 

" They had recourse to the meditition of the savages, and 
offered to allow him freely to preach the Catholic faith to 
the nations, and even to domiciliated Europeans ; to pay 
him two thousand crowns pension, with all the assistance 
necessary for establishing himself; to ratify the concession 
of Lake Ganenta and its environs, a charming place which 
the six cantons of the Iroquois had presented to M. Pic- 
quet in a most illustrious council which they had held at 
the Chateau of Quebec. The belts, which are the contracts 
of these nations, were deposited at his ancient mission, the 
Lake of Two Mountains, but he constantly declared that 
he preferred the stipend which the king gave him, and that 
all the overtures that could be made and all the advantages 
that could be offered by a foreign power were vain ; that 
the idea of neutrality, under the circumstances, was idle, 
and an outrage upon his fidelity ; in a word, that the 
thought itself was horrible. That he could make his for- 
tunes without them, and that his character was very re- 
mote from this species of cupidity. The .services, the 
fidelity, and the disinterestedness of Father Picquet merited 
for him a higher destiny. 

" Likewise the generals, commandants, and the troops 
failed not by military honors to evince their esteem and 
their respect for him in a decisive manner and worthy of 
the nature of his services. He received these honors as 
well from the army as at Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers; 
and at all the forts which he passed, and even at the Cedars, 
notwithstanding the jealousy of certain menial subjects, such 

as M. de , who had sought to tarnish the glory of the 

missionary ; but he had been too vindictive in his as.saults 
to effect bis object. 

" We have seen him at Bourg even, a long time after, 
receive tokens of veneration and regard from the officers of 
regiments who had seen him in Canada. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



51 



" We see rendered in many letters of the minister.'? simi- 
lar testimonials rendered to his zeal and .success. Tiiey 
give him the more credit because they saw his anxieties of 
heart under the obstacles he had to surmount and upon 
the ancient hostility of the.se nations, who had been almost 
perpetually at war, but their experience with the English 
had led them to bestow their attachment upon the French, 
in proof of which the conduct of these people for a long 
time after the war was cited. 

" We see in the work of T. Raynal (vol. vii. p. 292) 
that the savages had a marked predilection for the French ; 
that the missionaries were the principal cau.se of this ; and 
that he says that this fact is especially applicable to the 
Abb<5 Picquct. 

" To give probability to what he says of his services, 
allow me to quote the testimony which he rendered in 1769 
to the governor-general after his return to France and the 
loss of Canada : 

" 'We, Marquis du Quesne, commander of the royal and military 
order of Saint Louis, chief of the squadron of the naval arm, ancient 
lieutenant-general, commandant of New France and the governments 
of Louisburgh and Louisiana: 

"'Certify, that upon the favorable testimony which we have re- 
ceived in Canada of the services of the Abbe Picquct, mis-^^ionary of 
the king among savage nations; upon the confidence which our pre- 
decessors in this colony have bestowed upon him ; and the great rep- 
utation which he has acquired by the fine establishments which he 
has formed for the king, the numerous and supernatural conversions 
of infidels, which he has attached not less to the state than to reli- 
gion, by bis zeal, his disinterestedness, his talents, and his activity, 
for the good of the service of His Majesty: that we have employed 
him on ditferent objects of the same service during the whole period 
of our administration as governor-general, and that he has always 
acted equal to our expectations, and ever beyond our hope. 

"'He has equally served religio.n and the state, witlt incredible 
success, during nearly thirty years. 

" ' He had directly rendered the king absolute master o the na- 
tional assemblies of four nations who composed his first mission to 
the Lake of Two Mountains, with liberty to nominate all their chiefs 
at his will. He had caused all the chiefs of the nations which com- 
posed his last mission, at La Presentation, to swear allegiance and 
fidelity to His j\Iajesty ; and at these places he created most admira- 
ble establishments; in a word, he has rendered himself so much 
more worthy of our notice, that he would rather return to C:inoda 
and continue his labors than to live in his country and recover the 
heritage of his parents, who have disowned him, as we have learned, 
for his not wishing to live in France, ten years since, when he was 
accompanied by three savages. 

"'We would detail the important services which this abbe has 
rendered, if his Majesty or his ministers require it, and render jus- 
tice to whom it is due, to obtain of the king those marks of approba- 
tion which are deserved ; in the faith of which we have signed the 
present certificate and sealed it with our arms. 

"'Signed "'Thk Marquis no Quesm-:.* 

" M. de Vaudreuil, governor and lieutenant-general for 
the king in all of New France, certified the same in 17G5, 
that M. Picquet had served nearly thirty years in this 
colony, with all the zeal and distinction possible, as well in 
relation to the direct interests of the state as, relatively, to 
those of religion ; that his talents for gaining the good will 
of the savages, his resources in critical moments, and his 
activity, have uniformly entitled him to the ])rai.ses and the 
confidence of the governors ;iiid the bi.shops ; that, above 
all, he had proved u.seful by his services in the late war, by 
sundry negotiations with the Iroquois and the domiciliated 
nations ; by the establishments which he had formed, and 



which had been of great service, by the indefatigable and 
incessant care which he had taken to keep the savages for- 
tified in their attachment to the French, and at the same 
time confirmed in their Christianity. 

" M. de Bougainville, celebrated by his maritime expe- 
ditions, and who participated in the first acts of the war in 
Canada, certified, in 1760, that M. Picquet, king's mission- 
ary, known by the establishments which he had made alike 
serviceable to religion and the state, in all the campaigns 
in which he had been with him, had contributed by his 
zeal, his activity, and his talents to the good of the service 
of the king and to the glory of his arms; and his standing 
among savage tribes and his personal services had been of 
the greatest service, as well in military as political afi"airs. 

" All those who had returned from Canada labored to 
make appreciated the services so long and so constantly 
rendered to France during nearly thirty years, and to make 
known the merit of a citizen who had expatriated himself 
to gratify the inclinations of his heart; who had sacrificed 
his youth, his heritage, and all the flattering hopes of 
France ; who had exposed a thousand and a thousand times 
his life, preserving often the subjects of the king and the 
glory of his arms, and who could himself say that he had 
nothing in his actions but the glory of France during his 
residence in Canada, in which he had spent much of his 
life. 

" His services had not the same result in the last war for 
the preservation of Canada, but the brilliant and almost 
incredible actions by which he contributed to it have not 
the less preserved, with the savages, the notion and the 
high idea of French valor, and, possibly, this feeling may 
hereafter result to our advantage. 

" I would wish to be able to report all of the letters of 
ministers, governors-general, and private persons, of bishops, 
of intendants, and of other persons in authority, who wit^ 
nessed with surprise the projects, the negotiations, and the 
operations of which this missionary had the charge, the 
congratulations which he received on his successes, as 
prompt as they were inspiring, upon his resources, upon 
the expedients which he suggested, his zeal and his expe- 
rience in critical situations, and which liis activity always 
put into execution. 

" I have often asked him to make a history of them, that 
should be alike cnrious and honorable for France. 

" We find a part of these letters among his papers ; I 
have there seen, among others, those of M. de Montcalm, 
who called him, '■My dear and very worthy patriarch of 
the Five N<itium.' 

" M. the Marquis de Levis desired especially to make 
known the labors and the succes.ses of M. Pictpiet, of which 
he had been a witness, and which he had admired both for 
their disinterestedness, as well for regard to France as 
against the English, after tin; con(|uest of Canada ; and I 
have witnessed the solicitations which ^L de Levis made 
to excite his ambition, or direct towards some important 
place, a zeal which was worthy of a bishopric. 

"The evidence of his ecclesiastical superiors was not less 
favorable to the zeal of our missionary. The bishop of 
Quebec, in 1760, departing for Europe after having visited 
the new mission which 1\L Picquet had founded among the 



52 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Iroquois, and where ho had baptized more than a hundred 
adull.<, enjiiiiicd upon all the priests of liis diocese to aid 
hiui as nmcli as tiiey might be able ; he conferred upon 
him all his powere, even those of approving the other 
priests, and of absolving from censures, reserved to the 
sovereign Pontifl'. 

" M. I'iequct, after returning to Franco, passed several 
yojirs in Paris, but a portion of his time was engaged in 
exercising the ministry of all the suburbs, where the arch- 
bishop of Paris deemed that he could be most useful. His 
alacrity for labor fixed him a long time at JMount Valerian, 
where he erected a parish church. 

" He had been compelled to make a journey to sell books 
which the king had presented him in 1754, which had sur- 
vived the treatment he had experienced in Canada, and, 
although he was reduced to a very small patrimony, he 
failed to employ his activity in obtaining the recompense he 
had 60 well merited. 

" Meanwhile, the general assembly of the clergy of 1765 
offered him a gratuity of twelve hundred livres, and charged 
M. the archbishop of Rheims and M. the archbishop of 
Aries to solicit for him a recompense from the king. 

" Tlie as.sianhly next ensuing, in 1770, gave him also a 
similar gi-atuity, but his departure from Paris interrupted 
the success of the hopes which his friends had entertained 
of the recompenses from the court. 

" In 1772 he wished to retire to Bresse, where a numer- 
ous family desired it, and urged it with much earnestness. 

" Ho afterwards went to Verjon, where he caused to be 
built a house, with the view of making an e.stablislmient for 
the education of young people. He preached, he catechised, 
he confessed, and his ze;il was never so much manifested. 

" The chapter of Bourg decreed him the title of honorary 
canon. The ladies De la Visitation asked him to become 
their director, and they thus attracted him to the capital of 
the province. 

" In 1777 he made a journey to Rome, where his repu- 
tation preceded him, and where the Holy Father received 
him as a missionary worthy of being held dear by the 
church, and presented him with a gratuity of five thousand 
livres for his journey. 

" Tiiey there made the ineffectual endeavors to detain 
him. He returned to Bresse, and carried thither relies, 
which he displayed, for the veneration of the faithful, in 
the collegiate church at Bourg. 

" The rejiutation of the Abbey of Cluny, and the friend- 
ship which M. Picquet felt towards one of his nephews, 
established at Cluny, brought him to this habitation so cele- 
brated in Christianity. He purchased for himself, about 
1779, a house and plat of land, which he wished to improve, 
but in 1781 he repaired with a .sister to Verjon, for the 
settlement of affairs, where he was repeatedly attacked by 
an obstinate cold and by a hemorrhage, which reduced him 
considerably, and also by a kind of drojisy ; lastly, a hernia, 
which had existed a long time, became aggravated, and 
caused his death on the loth of July, 1781. 

" M. Picfjuet had a very prepossessing and commanding 
figure, and a countenance open and engaging. He pos- 
sessed a gay and cheerful humor. Notwithstanding the 
austerity of his manners, he exhibited nothing but gayety, 



which he turned to account in his designs. He was a theo- 
logian, an orator, and a poet ; he sung and composed songs 
in French as well as in Jiocjiiois, with which he interested 
and amused the savages. He was a child with one and a 
hero with others. His mechanical ingenuity was often ad- 
mired by the natives. In short, he resorted to every means 
to attract proselytes and to attach them to him, and he ac- 
cordingly had all the success which can reward industry, 
talents, and zeal. 

" It is thus I have thought best to make known a com- 
patriot and a friend worthy of being offered as an example 
to incite those who are burning with zeal for religion and 
for their country." 

Picquet was as much an object of abhorrence by the 
English as he was of esteem by the French, — a very natural 
result from the active partisan spirit which be evinced, and 
the zeal and success with which he prosecuted his plans for 
the aggrandizement of his faith and his allegiance, which 
appear to have been equally the objects of bis ambition and 
the aim and end of his life. Having given in the above 
biographical notice his memoirs drawn up in that florid 
style of panegyric so common with the people and the age 
in which it was written, we will quote from an English his- 
torian of the French war. (Thos. Mante, in a work entitled 
"The History of the Late War in America," London, 
1772, quarto, page 231.) It is probably as much biased by 
prejudice as the other by partiality. 

"As to the Abbe Piequet, who distinguished himself so much by 
his brutal zeal, as he did not expose himself to any danger, he re- 
ceived no injury, and he yet lives, justly despised to sueh a degree by 
every one who knows anything of his past etinduct iu America, that 
scarce any officer will admit him to his table. 

"However repugnant it must be to every idea of honor and hu- 
manity not to give quarter to an enemy when subdued, it must bo 
infinitely more so not to spare women and children. Yet such had 
often been the objects of the Abbe Picquet's cruel advice, enforced 
by the most barbarous examples, especially in the English settlements 
on the back of Virginia and Pennsylvania." 

A French writer, whose initials only are given (S 

de C ), has left a memoir upon the war in Canada, and 

the affairs of that province from 1749 till 1760, which was 
published under the direction of the Literary and Histori- 
cal Society of Quebec in 1835, and which makes frequent 
mention of the past at Oswegatchie. From this work we 
will translate a few extracts. 

The rancor with which he as.sails Picquet almost leads 
us to believe that he was actuated by a personal enmity, 
although it appears not have been limited to this mission- 
ary, but to have been directed towards the religious estab- 
lishments of the country in general. 

We shall endeavor to preserve the spirit of the original 
in our translation. We are thus furnished with two ver- 
sions of the conduct of Pic<juet, and prevented from being 
misled by an cx-parle narrative, like that which Lalande 
the astronomer has given us. 

"Thus M. do la Jonqnicre, persuaded that peace could not long 
continue, labored to inspire the savages with a hatred to the English, 
and especially endeavored to attach the Five Nations or Iriiqmna. 
These people had been always distinguished by their bravery; the 
French bad waged with them long and cruel wars, and the inhab- 
itants bad boon compelled to labor arms in hand, as we see in the 
history of Charlevoix, a Jesuit, who has written an eeclesiastical 
history of this country. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



53 



" This nation is divided into five branches, named the Oiionlaguev, 
the Ooifoffnhm, the StoinioutotctfJis [Se)iccaH], the Auin'cra [^MohaicJis], 
and the domiciliated tribes. 

"The Oiioiidar/ae dwell upon a Inke, at no greiit distance from the 
Mohawk river, in a fertile country, and the English pretend that it 
belongs to thera. The Giiyoyuine and the Stainioiitoiraiis are a little 
beyond in the same direction, and approaching Niagara. The Au- 
viers dwell upon the river Mohawk, not far from a dwelling belong- 
ing to Mr. Johnson, an English officer, who understands the Indian 
language, and has been very active during this war. The others 
reside at the Suut St. Louis, three leagues from Montreal, some at a 
place called La Presentation, and some at the Lake of Two Mountains. 

" The general can well rely upon the fidelity of those who dwell 
near him, but it is not so of the others. Their Cantons, situated as 
we have seen above, furnish, in one way and another, difficulties not 
easy to surmount. 

** M. the Abbe Picquet, priest of the Seminary of St. Sulpice, was 
to this Canton what the Abbe de la Loutre was to Acadia. He had 
as much ambition as he had, but he turned it to a different account.* 
He understood the Irv'/uoiH language, and this gave him a great ad- 
vantage, and enabled him to put on foot the negotiations which he 
wished with the Five Nations to draw them to our cause, and engage 
them to come and dwell with us. This abbe, who could not endure 
the restraint of the seminary, was very willing to seize an occasion 
like that which offered of freeing himself, and of forming a commu- 
nity over which he might rule and reign. He labored to decoy the 
Five Nations, and to form upon the River Cataraqui, or Frontenac, 
above the rapids, a village. 

" The place which he selected for his establishment announced his 
little genius, and caused the fort which he had built to be called 
Picquet's Folly; as for himself, he called it La Presentation. 

"When the Abbe Picquet had assembled some families, he talked 
of building a fort, under the pretext of protecting them, and they 
sent him a commandant and a magazine guard, and enjoined it upon 
the commandant to have much regard for the abbti, and placed him, 
80 to speak, under his tutelage, and gave full permission to this priest 
to conduct and administer the magazines; in short, every tiling was 
under his orders. 

"This jiriest, meanwhile, did not prosper much, and it was felt 
that there was great difficulty in inducing the Innjuuh to leave a fat 
and fertile country to eorne and fix themselves upon an uncultivated 
tract, and to beg for their life of a priest. It was for this reason that 
De la Jonquierc the elder was sent to go and remain among them, 
and in the village which he might deem the most convenient for his 
negotiations, and they gave him a brevet of ca|itain, without a com- 
pany, to the end that he might nut be disturbed in his residence, on 
account of his services. 

" There could not have been chosen a more suitable person to re- 
main with them. He understood their language perfectly, and for a 
long time had lived among them as one of their number, and, al- 
though ho had b:;en married in Canada, he had among the Inxjntna 
many children; and, in short, he had been, as it were, adopted among 
them, and was regarded as one of their nation. 

"He had his cabin. His instructions were to second the Abbe 
Picquet in his project, and, above all, to induce the Mohuirku to leave 
entirely the vicinity of the English, and to offer them such induce- 
ments and advantages as they desired to make them abandon their 
settlements and come and live with us. If, indeed, he had been able 
to succeed in this, there can be no doubt that the remainder of the 
Five Nations would have followed their example. They alone were 
directly attached to the English, who had all along preserved in them 
a hostility to our nation. But Mr. Johnson, who was not ignorant 
of the designs of the French, labored, on the contrary, to maintain 
them in the alliance of his nation. 

*' The Jesuits, who had always sought their own aggrandizement 
under the pious pretext of instructing the people, had not failed to 
seek to establish themselves in Canada. 

"Wishing to remain the sole masters, they crossed, as much as 
possible, the R^colltts in their projects of returning to the country, 
after the English had restored Canada [in the treaty of St. Germain 
in lfiiJ2j. From the earliest times that these fathers (the Jesuits) 

* Hocquart has given him the title of the Aponth of Ote Iroquoie, 

and the English called him the Jittttit vf the West. — {Xote in the 
origitial,) 



were established in the country they detached some of their number 
to go and preach the gospel to the savages. They followed them in 
their marches; but, wearied with their wandering life, which agreed 
not with their designs which they had to accumulate large proper- 
ties, they took great care to endeavor to establish their neophytes, 
without embarrassing themselves by those whom they abandoned. 

" They made great account of their zeal at the court, and showed 
large numbers of converts ; and, under the specious pretext of uniting 
them, to civilize them, I they demanded concessions of lands and 
pensions. The court, persuaded of tlio justice of their demands, 
accorded both the one and the other. 

" It was thus that they acquired the seigniories of Charlesbourg, 
New and Old Lorette, Kastiean, and the Prairie de la Magdelcine, 
and others, which are very well established, and of considerable re- 
pute. These concessions were given them under the titles of seigneur ie 
et ventes {loda et ventea)." . . , 

To adopt either of these as a true account of the charac- 
ter of Picfjuet would be equally unjust. Now that the 
tiraes and circumstances in which he lived have both passed 
away, and even the consequences resulting from his actions 
have ceased to exist, we tnay perhaps, from the data before 
us, in view of the times and the circumstances in which he 
acted, deduce the following conclusion : 

That he was actuated by a controlling belief of the im- 
portance and the truth of the religion which he labored 
with sucli zeal to establish, and that this was the ruling 
passion of his life. That his energy and ability for the 
promotion of this object at times led him to disregard the 
common claims of humanity, and to the performance of acts 
derogatory to our nature and abhorred by civilized man. 

That he evinced a capacity for the transaction of busi- 
ness and tlie promotion of the interests of his government 
highly creditable to his character, and such as to entitle 
him to the esteem in which he was held by those in 
authority; and that especially in the selection of a location 
for a new settlement, which was the great act of his life, he 
proved himself the possessor of a sound mind, and a capa- 
city for judiciously combining and comparing the probable 
effects of causes, which must have made a prominent station 
of the post he selected. 

The prophecy that a beautiful town might hereafter be 
built on the elevated plain opposite his fort has been fully 
realized in the present village of Ogdensburg, which the 
combination of favorable causes now existing is destined 
soon to give a rank second to but few on our inland watera. 

The portrait of Picquet is preserved at the Sulpician 
mission of the Lake of Two Mountains, the scene of his 
early labors and first success as a missionary. Picquet was 
succeeded in the mission of La Presentation by Pierre Paul, 
Frs. de la Garde, who came to Canada in 1755, and died at 
Montreal, April 4, 1784. (»S'ee «o^e, ante.) 

EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE CONQUEST OP CANADA. 

With the fall of the fortress of Isle Royal ceased the 
French dominion in St. Lawrence County.^ It was sub- 



■f The author id the MSS. neither renders justice to the motives nor 
the conduct of the Jesuits. — {Xolc in the oritjiiiaf.) 

J Antoino St. Martin, a Frenchman, said to have inhabited the 
country since its occupation by the French, in 17G0, died at an oi- 
tremo age (supposed to exceed by several years a century), on the 
4th of March, 18-19, at Ogdensburg. In his latter years he attracted 
some attention from his being made the persimago of a ronianoe, 
written and published at Pot.-'dam, by C. Bi>ynton. His longevity 
appears to have been to him, us much as it was to others, a wonder, 



54 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sequontly occupied by a small guard of British troops, and 
held till surrendered, in accordance with the stipulatimis of 
Jay's treaty, in the summer of 179G, to Judge Ford, who 
received it for the proprietors. The remains of a cemetery 
still exist on the west side of the Oswegatchic, and several 
liead-stones mark the place where British soldiers were 
buried. The history of this station, so far as our knowl- 
edge extends, from the time of the Englisii conquest to the 
surrender under the treaty, is nearly or quite lost. 

Such data as have fallen under our notice will here be 
given : 

In the summer of 1776 the following minute was for- 
warded from Oswego by Lieutenant Edward McMichael 
(see " American Archives," fifth series, vol. i. page 815) : 

" Was informed at Oswego that three regiments of Ministerial 
troops had arrived at Oswcgatchie, at which place they were joined 
by a nnmbcr of Tories ami Indians uniler the command of Colonel 
Johnson, and were to embark immediately on board two armed ves- 
sels, bateaux, and canoes, and ])r<)ceed to Oswego, at which place 
they were to be joined by Colonel Butler, with nil the Indians under 
his command, and likewise by Colonel Caldwell, with what regulars 
could be spared from Niagara. 

*' They intended repairing Oswego Fort as soon as possilde. in 
order that they might hold a treaty with the Indians, and be able to 
defend themselves against any attack." 

Li April, 1779, Lieutenants ISIeClellan and Ilardon- 
burgh, of the Revolutionary army, were dispatched from 
Fort Schuyler on an expedition, at the head of a body of 
Indians, against the British garrison at Oswegatchie, in- 
tending to steal upon it and take it by surprise, but falling 
ill with some straggling Indians, several shots were impru- 
dently exchanged, which alarmed the garrison. They then 
attempted to draw the enemy from the fort by stratagem, 
and partly succeeded, but could not draw them to a suffi- 
cient distance to cut off their retreat, and on approaching 
the fort themselves, the assailants were so warmly received, 
that they were compelled to retreat without unnecessary de- 
lay. The only service performed was to send a Cnuglina- 
waga Indian into Canada with a letter in French by a French 
general, probably the Marquis de Lafayette, and addressed 
to the Canadians, and wiittcn the preceding autumn. 
The expedition was dispatched from Fort Schuyler on the 
day before Colonel Van Schaick moved upon Onondaga ; 
and from a letter addressed by General Clinton six weeks 
afterwards to General Sullivan, there is reason to believe 
one object was to get clear of the Oiu-idd Indians, then in 
the fort, until Colonel Van Schaick should have proceeded 
so far upon his expedition that they or their people should 
not be able to give the Oiwndngas notice of his approach. 
All the Indians still remaining in Fort Schuyler on the 18th 
were detained expressly for that purpose. Although pro- 
fessedly friendly, and reliable as scouts, they could not be 
trusted in expeditions against their fellows. 

The expedition of Lieutenants McClellan and Harden- 
burgh returned to Fort Schuyler without having effected 
their purpose on the 30th of April. 

An incident happened in a military expedition from 
Fort Schuyler to Oswegatchie, during the Revolutionary 

and ho would at times weep, and lament that '* God had forgotten 
him." With him perished the last survivor of the French period 
of our history, and it is much to be regretted that iiis narrative and 
recollections were not preserved. 



war, and probably in the one just described, which shows 
in an amiable light the finer feelings of the Indian charac- 
ter, and will serve as an offset for some of the darker phases 
of Indian warfare. The subject of the adventure after- 
wards for several years resided in St. Lawrence County, 
and oft«n related the incident to the one from whose lips 
the account is written. 

Belonging to the military party that was proceeding 
through the forest was a little boy, about twelve years old, 
who .served as a fifer to the company. Light-hearted and 
innocent, he tripped along, sometimes ruiniing in advance 
to gather flowers, and at others lingering behind to listen 
to the music of the birds, which made the forest vocal 
with their songs. Seeing the unguarded deportment of 
the lad, his captain cautioned him against wandering from 
the company, for fear that some hostile Indian, who might 
bo lurking in the thicket, should take him off. Tiie warn- 
ing was heeded for some time, but ere long forgot, and he 
found himself many rods in advance of the party, culling 
the wild-flowers which were scattered in his path and in- 
haling the fragrance which the morning air, with its exhil- 
arating freshness, inspired him, when he was .suddenly 
startled by a rude grasp upon the shoiilder, which, upon 
looking around, he saw was that of a sturdy Indian, who 
had been secreted behind a rock, and had darted from his 
concealment upon the unsuspecting victim, who had wan- 
dered from his protectors. 

He attempted to scream, but fear paralyzed his tongue, 
and he saw the glittering tomahawk brandished over his 
head, which the next moment would terminate with a blow 
his existence ; but the savage, seeing the unarmed and 
terror-stricken child, with no warlike implement but his 
fife, and doubtless touched with the innocence and terror 
of his trembling prisoner, relaxed his grasp, took the fife 
from under his arm, and having playfully blowed in its end 
he returned it to its owner, and bounded off into the forest. 
No further caution was needed to keep him within the 
ranks, and they the next day reached their destination, 
which was Fort Oswegatchie. 

In after-years, when age had made him infirm, in re- 
lating this incident, he would weep with ciuotion at this 
perilous adventure, and always ended with the heartfelt ac- 
knowledgment " that God had alwaj-s protected him, and 
guarded him from dangers seen and unseen, and from 
childhood to old age." 

Isaac Weld, Jr., published in London, in 1799, in two 
12mo volumes, a journal of travels in the States of North 
America, and the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, 
in the years 1795-97, which describes, among other inter- 
esting subjects, the condition and appearance of our fron- 
tier, and the fort at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, which 
we will quote. [ Vul. ii. p. 38, et seq.'] The voyage was 
undertaken in the month of August, 1796: — 

" The Indians not only retain possession of the different islands, 
but likewise of the whole of the southeast shore of the St. Lawrence, 
situateil within the bounds of the United States ; they likewise have 
considerable strips of land on the opposite shore, within the liritish 
dominions, bordering upon the river; these they have reserved to 
themselves, for hunting. The Iruquoii Indians have a village upon 
the Isle of St. Hegis, and another also upon the mainland, on the 
suutheaiit shore; as wo passed, several of the inhabitants put off in 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



55 



canoCT, and exchanged unripe heads of Indian com with the men for 
bread; thi-y also brought with them some very fine wild duck and 
fish, which they disposed of to us on very moderate terms. 

" On the fourth night of our voj'age we encamped, as usual, on the 
mainland, opposite the island of St. Kegis, and the excellent viands 
which we hnd procured from the Indians having liecn cooked, we 
sat down to supper before a large fire, materials for which are never 
wanting in this woody countrj'. The night was uncommonly serene, 
and wo were induced to remain to a late hour in front of our tent 
talking of the various occurrences in the course of the day ; but we 
had scarcely retired to rest when the sky became overcast, a dreadful 
storm arose, and by daybreak the next morning we found ourselves, 
and everything belonging to us, drenched with rain. 

"Our situation now was by no means agreeable. Torrents still 
came pouring down; neither our tent nor the woods afforded us any 
shelter, and, the wind being very strong and as averse as it could 
blow, there was no prospect of our being enabled speedily to get into 
better quarters. In this state we had remained for a considerable 
time, when one of the party, who had been rambling about in order 
to discover what sort of a neighborhood we were in, returned with 
the pleasing intelligence that there was a house at no great distance, 
and that the owner had invired us to it. It was the house of an old 
Provincial officer, who had received a grant of land in this part of the 
country for his past services. We gladly proceeded to it, and met 
with a most cordial welcome from the captain and his fair daughters, 
who had provided a plenteous breakfast, and spared no pains to make 
their habitation during our stay as pleasing to us as possible. 

" We felt great satisfaction at the idea that it would bo in our power 
to spend the remainder of the day with these worthy and hospitable 
people, but, alas! we had all formed an erroneous opinion of the 
weather : the wind veered suddenly about, the sun broke through the 
thick clouds, the conductor gave the parting order, and in a few min- 
utes we found ourselves once more seated in our bateau. From 
hence upwards for a distance of forty miles the eurreht of the river 
is exceedingly strong, and numberlcijs rapids are to be encountered, 
which, (hough not so tremendous to appearance as those at the Cas- 
cades and le Coteau du Lac, are yet both more dangerous and mure 
difficult to pass. The great danger consists, however, in going down 
them. It arises from the shallowness of the water and the great 
number of sharp rocks, in the midst of which the vessels are hurried 
along with such impetuosity that if they unfortunately get into a 
wrong channel nothing can save them from being dashed to ])ieces, 
but so intimately are the people employed on this river acquainted 
with the different channels that an accident of the sort is scarcely 
ever beard of. ' Le Long Saut,' the Long Fall, or Rapid, situate 
about thirty miles above Lake St. Francis, is the most dangerous of 
any on the river, and so difficult a matter is it to pass it that it. re- 
quires not less than six men on shore to haul a single bateau against 
the current. 

" There is a third canal, with locks, at this place, in order to avoid a 
point which it would be wholly impracticable to weather in the ordi- 
nary way. These different canals and locks have been made at the 
expense of government, and the profits arising from the tolls paid by 
each bateau that passes through them are placed in the public treasury. 
At these rajiids, and at several of the others, there are very extensive 
flour- and saw-mills. 

** On the fifth night we arrived at a small farm*house at the top of 
the Long Saut, wet from head to foot, in consequence of having been 
obliged to walk past the rapids through woods and bushes still drip- 
ping after the heavy rain that had fallen in the morning. The woods 
in this neighborhood are far more majestic than on any other part of 
the St. Lawrence; the pines, iu particular, are uncommonly tall, and 
seem to wave their tops in the very clouds. In Canada pines grow 
on the richest soils, but in the United States they grow mostly on 
poor ground; a tract of land covered with lofty pines is there gen- 
erally denominated *a pine barren,' on account of its great poverty. 

*' During a considerable part of the next day we also proceeded on 
foot, in order to escape the teilious passage of the Rapidc Plat, and 
some of the other dangerous rapids in this part of the river. As we 
passed along we had an excellent diversion in shooting pigeons, 
several large fiights of which wc met with in the woods. The wild 
pigeons of Canada are not unlike tlic common English wood-pigeon, 
except that they are oi' a much smaller size; their flesh is very well 
flavored. Ihiring particular years these birds come down from the 
northern regions in flights that are marvelous to tell. A gentk-mau 



of the town of Niagara assured me that once as he was embarking 

there on board a ship for Toronto, a flight of them was observed 
coming from that quarter; that as he sailed over Lake Ontario to 
Toronto, forty-five miles distant from Niagara, pigeons were seen 
flying overhead the whole way in a contrary direction to that from 
which the ship was proceeding, and that on arriving at the pbice of 
his destination the birds were still observed coming down from ihe 
north in as large bodies as had been noticed at any one time during 
the whole voyage. Supposing, therefore, that the pigeons moved no 
faster than the vessel, the flight, according to this gentleman's account, 
must at least have extended eighty miles. 

" Many persons may think this story surpassing belief; for my own 
part, however, I do not hesitate to give credit to it, knowing as I do 
the respectability of the gentleman who related it and the accuracy 
of his observation. When these birds appear in such great numbers 
they often light on the borders of rivers and lakes, and in the neigh- 
borhood of farm-houses, at which time they are so unwary that a man 
with a short stick might easily knock them down by hundreds. 

** It is not oftcner than once in seven or eight years, perhaps, that 
such large flocks of these birds are seen in the country. The years 
in which they appear are denominated 'pigeon years.' 

*' There are also '^bear years' and 'squirrel years.' This was both 
a bear and a squirrel year. The former, like the pigeons, come down 
from the northern regions, and were most numerous in the neighbor- 
hoods of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and along the upper part of the 
river St. Lawrence. On arriving at the borders of these lakes, or of 
the river, if the opposite shore were in sight, they generally took to 
the water and endeavored to reach it by swimming. Prodigious 
numbers of them are killed in crossing the St. Lawrence by the In- 
dians, who had hunting encampments at short distances from each 
other the whole way along the bank of the river from the island of 
St. Regis to Lake Ontario. One bear of very large size boldly entered 
the river in the face of our bateau, and was killed by one of our men 
while swimming from the mainland to one of the islands. . . . 

" The squirrels this year, contrary to the bears, migrated from the 
south, from the territory of the United States. Like the bears, they 
took to the water on arriving at it, but as if conscious of their ina- 
bility tct cross a very wide piece of water, they bent their course 
towards Niagara river, above Ihe falls, and at its narrowest and most 
tranquil part crossed over into the British territory. It was calculated 
that upwards of fifty thousand of them crossed the river in the course 
of two or three days, and such great depredations did they commit 
on arriving at the settlements on the opposite side, that in one part 
of the country the farmers deemed themselves very fortunate where 
they got in as much as one-third of their crops of corn. These 
squirrels were all of the black kind, said to be peculiar to the conti- 
nent of America. 

"On the sixth evening of our voyage we stopped nearly opposite 
to Point aux Iroquois, so named from a French family having been 
cruelly massacred there by the Iroquois Indians in the early ages of 
the colony. The ground being still extremely wet here, in conse- 
quence of the heavy rain of the preceding day, we did not much relish 
the thoughts of passing the night in our tent; yet there seemed to be 
no alternative, as the only house in sight was crowded with people, 
and not capable of aff"ording us any accommodation. Luckily, how- 
ever, as we were searching about for the driest spot to pitch our tent 
upon, one of the party espied a barn, at a little distance, belonging 
to the man of the adjoining house, of whom we procured the key ; it 
was well stored with straw, and having mounted to the top of the 
mow, wc laid ourselves down to rest, and slept soundly there, till 
awakened in the morning by the crowing of some cocks that were 
perched on the beams over our heads. 

" At an early hour we pursued our voyage, and before noon passed 
the last r:ii)iil, about three miles below the mouth of the Oswcgatchio 
river, the most considerable of these within the limit of the United 
States which full into the St. Lawrence; it consists of three"' branches 
that unite about fifteen"' miles above its mouth, the most western of 
which issues from a lake twenty mileS in length and eight in 
breadth.^' 

"Another of the branches issues from a smull lake or pond, only 
about four miles distant from tlie west branch of the Hudson river, 
that flows past New York. Both the Hudson and the Oswegalchie 
are said to be capable of being ma<le navigable for light bateaux as 

^ The writer makes some very erroneous statements. 



56 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



far ns this spot, where they approach within so short a distance of 
each other, except only at a few places, so that the portages will bo 
but very trifling. This, however, is a mere conjecture, for Oswe- 
gatchic river is but very imperfectly known, the country it passes 
through being quite uninliabited ; but should it be found at a future 
period that these rivers are indeed cnpni)le of being rendered navi- 
gable so far up the country, it will probably be through this channel 
that the greatest of the trade that there may happen to be between New 
York and the country bordering upon Lake Ontario will be carried 
on." 

The small lake referred to by tlie author was doubtless 
Raquette lake, in Hamilton eouiity, whicli is even nearer 
the head-waters of tlie Hudson than above stated, but it 
lies at the source of the Raquette river, instead of the Os- 
wegatchie. 

*'Thc trade is at present carried on Itetwccn that city antl the lake 
by means of Kudsnn river as far as Albany, and from thence liy 
means of the Mohawks' river, Wood creek. Lake Ontario, and Oswego 
river, which falls into Lake Ontario. The harbor at the mouth of 
Oswego river is very bad; on account of the sand-banks none but 
flat-bottomed vessels can approach with safety nearer to it than two 
miles, nor is there any good harbor on the south side of Lake Onta- 
rio, in the neighborhood of any large rivers. Sharp-buiit vessels, 
however, of a considerable size can approach with safety to the mouth 
of Oswegatchie river. The * Seneca,' a Critish vessel of war of twenty- 
six guns, used to i)Iy constantly formerly between Fort de la Galctte, 
situated at the mouth of that river, '^^ and the fort at Niagara; and 
the British fur ships on the lakes usee! also at that time to discharge 
the cargoes there, brought down from the upper country. 

" As, therefore, the harbor at the mouth of Oswegatchic is so much 
better than that at the mouth of the Oswego river, and as they are 
nearly an equal distance from New York, there is reason to suppose that 
if the river navigation should prove equally good, the trade between 
the lakes and New York will be for the most part, if not wholly, carried 
on by means of Oswegatchie river, rather than Oswego river. With a 
fair wind the passage from Oswegatchic river to Niagara is accom- 
plished in two days, a voyage only one day longer than from Oswego 
to Niagara. 

" Fort de la Galettc was erected by the French, and though not built 
till long after Fort Frontenac, now Kingston, yet they esteemed it by 
f.vr the most important military post on the St. Lawrence, in the upper 
country, as it was impossible for nny boat, or vessel, to pass up or 
down that river without being observed, whereas they easily escape 
uuseen behind the many islands opposite to Kingston. Since the 
close of the American war Fort de la Galetto has been dismantled, as 
it was within the territories of the United States,* nor would any ad- 
vantage have arisen from its retention, for it was never of any im- 
portance to us but as a trading-post, and as such, Kingston, which 
is in our own territory, is far more eligibly situated in every point 
of view ; it has a more safe and commodious harbor ; the fur ships 
coming down from Niagara by stopping there are saved a voyage of 
sixty miles up and down the St. Lawrence, which was often found to 
be more tedious than the voyage from Niagara to Kingston. In the 
neighborhood of La Galettc, on the Os\vegatchie river, there is a vil- 
vage of the 0«iccgntrhie Indians, whose numbers are estimated at one 
hundred warriors. 

"The current of the St. Lawrence, from Oswegatchie upwards, is 
much more gentle than in any other part between Montreal and Lake 
Ontario, except only where the river is considerably dilated, as at 
Lakes St. Louis and St. Francois ; however, notwithstanding its being 
so gentle, we did not advance more than twenty-five miles in the 
course of the day, owing to the numerous stops that wc made, more 
from motives of pleasure than necessity. The evening was uncom- 
monly fine, and towards sunset, a brisk gale springing up, the con- 
ductor judged it advisable to t:ike advantage of it and to continue 
the voyage all night, in order to make up for the time wc had lost 
during the day. We accordingly proceeded, but towards midnight 
the wind died away ; this circumstance, however, did not alter the 
determination of the conductor. The men were ordered to the oars, 



* Fort dc la Galettc was below the Oswegatehie, on the Canada 
side. 



and, notwithstanding that they had labored hard during the preceding 
day and had had no rest, yet they were kept closely at work until 
daybreak, except for one hour, during which they were allowed to 
stop to cook their provisions. Where there is a gentle current, as in 
this part of the river, the Canadians will work at tiie oar for many 
hours without intermission. They seemed to think it no hardship to 
be kept employed in this instance the whole night; on the contrary, 
they plied as vigorously as if they had but just set out, singing 
merrily the whole time. The French Canadians have in general a 
good ear for music, and sing duets with tolerable accuracy. They 
have one very favorite duet amongst them, called the ' rowing duet,' 
which, as they sing, they mark time to, with each stroke of the oar; 
indeed, when rowing in smooth water, they mark time the most of 
the airs they sing in the same manner. . . . The Lake of a Thousand 
Islands is twenty-five miles in length and about six in breadth. From 
its upper end to Kingston, at which place we arrived early in the 
evening, the distance is fifteen miles. 

'* The lengtli of time required to ascend the river St. Lawrence, 
from Montreal to Kingston, is commonly found to be about seven 
days. If the wind should be strong and very favorable the passage 
may be performed in a less time; but should it, on the contrary, 
be adverse, and blow very strong, the passage will be protracted 
somewhat longer; an adverse or favorable wind, however, scblom 
makes a difference of more than three days in the length of passage 
upwards, as in each case it is necessary to work the bateaux along by 
means of poles for the greater part of the way. The passage down- 
wards is performed in two or three days, according to the wind. The 
current is so strong that a contrary wind seldom lengthens the pas- 
sage in that direction more than a day." 

The Enu;lish are believed to have maintained the fort at 
Oswegatchie as a protection to their fur trade, and this was 
made the cover of a pretension to justify their retaining;- it 
after the peace which followed the Revolution. The Oswe- 
gntchies continued to reside in the vicinity after the Eng- 
lish conquest, adopted the new allegiance, and as usual 
became corrupted in morals by their vicinity to the garri- 
son. They are believed to have acted with the British in 
the War of the Hevolution. 

In the enumeration of Indian tribes made by Sir Wra, 
Johnson, in 1763,| the tribe is represented as numbering 
eighty warriors, at peace with the English. In the same 
enumeration the Cnughiiawagas are reported at three 
hundred men, emigrants from the Mohawks^ and with a 
colony at Aghquissasne (St. Regis), which was the scat of 
a mission. The latter had been founded but three years 
previously. 

A portion of the Mohawk emigration had settled at the 
mission of the Lake of Two Mountains. The English were 
careful not to molest them in their religious observances, 
which remain to this day the same as when first estab- 
lished among them. The Oswegatclues^ at the time when 
the present class of settlers came on, were occupying a 
village of twenty-three houses, on Indian Point, in Lisbon, 
about three miles below Ogdensburg. Spafford, in his 
"Gazetteer," published in 1813, thus mentions them : 

"This village was built by the British government after the Revo- 
lution, and when, of course, that government had no title to the land. 
The Indians remained hero several years after the settlement of the 
country by the present proprietors, and were removed by order of 
the government of New York, on the complaint of the inhabitants. 
These Indians, driven from New Johnstown, in Upper Canada, re- 
ceiveil this spot, with improvements, in exchange, from which driven 
by our government, they became destitute of a local habitation and a 
name, and the OttcptjaU-hit: tribe no longer exists, although a few indi- 
viduals remain, scattered among the surrounding tribes." 

f Documentary History of New York, vol. i. page 27. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



57 



Thia dispersion took place about 1806 or 1807, and the 
remnants of the tribe, or their descendants, are found at 
St. Regis, Onondaga, and elsewhere. While in Lisbon, 
they were under the direction of one Joseph Reoani, a 
Frenchman, who spoke their dialect of the Iroquuis lan- 
guage, and is said to have been a chief, and to have married 
an Indian woman. They planted corn on Galloo island, 
and elsewhere in the vicinity. 

Their village is described by one who saw it in 1802 as 
consisting of a street, running parallel with the river, with 
the houses ranged in a regular manner on each side of it, 
all uniformly built, with their ends to the street, .sharp 
roofed, shingled with pointed shingles, and with glass 
windows. Every house was built for two families, had two 
doors in front, and a double lire-place and single chimney 
in the centre, with a partition equally dividing the interior. 
Iii 1802 there were about twenty-four families. 

These Indians were accustomed to spend most of their 
summers on Black lake, in hunting and fishing, returning 
to their cabins for the winter. They used bark canoes, 
which they carried around rapids and across portages with 
perfect ease. As many as forty Indians at a time were 
often seen in the settlement when new. 

Directly opposite to the site of the Indian village of the 
Oswegatchies is the island that w;»s fortified by the French, 
and taken by the English under Lord Amherst in 1760.* 
The ruins of the fortress upon it are still to be seen, 
although mostly obi iterated, and have given it the name of 
Cliimn3y island. This island is low, and in shape irregular. 
It is on the American side of the channel, and has an area 
of six acres. There are said to be still seen on an island 
opposite this, under the Canada shore, the traces of works 
erected by the English to assist in its reduction. 

A great number of iron shot and other metallic relics 
have been found on this island and the adjoining shores, as 
tomahawks, hoes, axes, picks, the hangings of gates, and 
other relics of the French and Indian occupation of the place. 

Like many other places having associations connected 
with the olden time, Chimney islandf has been the scene 
of money-digging, on a somewhat extensive scale, by those 
who were weak enough to be led astray by the pretended 
indications of the divining-rod or the impositions of for- 
tune-tellers. As uniformly happens, there has been money 
lost instead of gained in these operations, and if stories 
are to be believed, certain of these adventurers have lost 
somewhat of credit and standing in the community by these 
speculations. 



CHAPTER IV. 

HISTORY OF LAND TITLES. 

InJiaQ Titles, Trcitius. anil Cesdioii of Lands — Laml Titles Proper: 
Macomb's and Otiier Purchases — Early SuttleuicDts. 

This subject has been exhaustively treated by Dr. Hough 
in his History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, from 
which we take the following accounts, with revisions and 
corrections by the doctor. It involves more or le.ss the 



* Oraoonenton island. 

8 



t Its present name. 



history of the various ludian reservations and missions ia 
this reii;ion. We give it in as condensed a form aa is pos- 
sible, and preserve the meaning and connections: 

INDIAN TITLES. 

ST. REGIS. 

*' Tlie sovereignty of the soil of the northern part of the 
State was anciently vested in the Mohawks^ who, from the 
earliest period of authentic history, exercised jurisdiction 
over it. Upon the emigration of a part of this people to 
Canada, they claimed to carry with them the title from 
whence the villagers of St. Regis asserted their claim to 
the northern part of the State in common with the other 
Mohawk nations of Canada. 

" The Mohtiwks, it is well known, espoused the royal 
cause in the Hevolution, through the influence of the 
Johnson family, and emigrated to Grand River, in Upper 
Canada, where they still reside on lauds given them by 
government. Whatever title to the land remained with 
them was surrendered by the following treaty, held at 
Albany, March 21), 1795: 

** ' At a treaty, held uuder the authority of the Uaited States, with 
the Mrfhuwk naiioii of ludiaiis, residing in the province of Upper 
Canada, within the dominions of the King of Great Britain. Present, 
the Hon. Isaae Smith, commissioner appointed by the United States 
to hold this treaty, Abram Ten Uroeck, Egbert Benson, and Ezra 
L'Hommcdieu, agents for the State of New York, Capt. Joseph 
Brant and Capt. John Deserontyon, two of the said Indians, and 
deputies to represent the said nation at this treaty. 

'* * The said agents having in the presence, and with the approba- 
tion of the said commissioners, proposed to and adjusted with the 
said deputies the compensation, as hereinafter mentioned, to be made 
to the said nation for their claim, to be extinguished by this treaty, 
to all lands within the said State. It is thereupon finally agreed and 
done betweu the said nations and the said deputies as follows : that is 
to say, the said agents do agree to pay to the said deputies the sum 
of one thousand dollars for the use of the said ntvtion, to be by the 
said deputies paid over to and distributed among the persons and 
families of the said nation, according to their usages, the sum of 
five hundred dollars for the expenses of the said deputies ihiring 
the time they have attended this treaty, and the sum of one hundred 
dollars for their expenses in returning and for carrying the said sum 
of one thousand dollars to where the said nation resides. And the 
said agents do accordingly, for and in the name of the PeopU of thf 
State of New York, pay the said three several sums to the deputies 
in the presence of the said commissioners. And the said deputies do 
agree to cede and release, and these present witness that they ac- 
cordingly do, for and in the name of the said nation, in consideration 
of the said compensation, cede and release to the people of the State 
of New York, forever, all the right or title of the said nation (o lands 
within the said State, and the claim of the said nation to lands within 
the said State is hereby wholly and finally extinguished. 

"* In testimony whereof, the said commissioner, the said agents, 
and the said deputies have hereunto, an«l to two other acts of the 
same tenor and date, one to remain with the United States, one to re- 
main with the said State, and one delivered to the said deputies, to 
remain with the said nation, set their hands and seals at the city of 
Albany, in the said State, the twenty-ninth day of March, in the 
year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five.* 

"Signed, sealed, and acknowledged. 

" [C'lpied/roin a MSS. volume vtttitUd * Indian Dteda and Treaties, 
1712-1810," i« theujfficeo/ Secretai-y of State, at Albany, Page 187.) 

" Treaties with the Indians for their lands were, by a pro- 
vision of the first constitution of the State, adopted April 20, 
1777, reserved to the legislature. It wa:s therein ordained 

" * That no purchases or contracts for the sale of lands made since 
the 1-lth day oi Oct., 1775, ur which may Uoroaftor bo made with or 



58 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of llic suiil Indians witliin the limits of this State, shall be binding 
on the said Indians, or doenied valid, unless made under the author- 
ity and with the consent of the legislature of the Slate.' {Laws nf 
New Yu>k, vol. i. p. IG, 1813.) 

" By an act pas-sed April 4, 1801, it was provided : 

'"That if any person should, without the authority and consent of 
the legislature, in any manner or form, or on any terms whatsoever, 
purchase any lands within this State of any Indian or Indians re- 
siding therein, or make any contract with any Indian or Indians for 
the sale of any lands within this State, or shall in any manner give, 
sell, demise, convey, or otherwise dispose of any such lands or any 
interest therein, or offer to do so, or shall enter 0!i, or take possession 
of, or to settle on any such lands by ]irotc.\t or color of any right or 
interest in the same, in consequence of any such purchase or con- 
tract made since the 14th day of Oct., 177a, and not with the au- 
thority and consent of the legislature of this State, every such person 
shall in every such case be deemed guilty of a public offense, and 
shall, on conviction thereof bolbro any court having cognizance of 
the same, forfeit and pay to the people of this State two hundred and 
fifty dollars, and bo further punished by fiuu and imprisonment, at 
the discretion of the court.' 

" The State being accordingly the only party whom the 
Indians could recognize, to them they applied for the settle- 
ment of their claims to lands in the northern part of the 
State. These claims wore based upon ancient and primitive 
occupation, and especially upon the rights which they con- 
ceived they had for compensation for services which some 
of them, particularly Col. Louis Cook, their head chief, 
had rendered in the war. The nature and amount of these 
services we will give in our notice of that chief 

" In 1789 he applied for a confirmation of a tract of 
land in the present town of Massena, which he claimed 
was his own individual right, and this was subsequently 
confirmed to him by the legislature. In 1792, the Caugh- 
nawiiga and St. Regis tribes, claiming to represent the 
Seven Nations of Canada, sent a deputation to the governor 
of the State of New York to assert their claims, but this 
embassy produced no action in their favor. 

" As we shall have frequent occasion to allude to these 
Seven Nations, it would be well to understand who and 
what they were ; but here our knowledge is less definite 
than might be desired, especially in relation to the origin 
of the term and of the league or combination of tribes of 
which it consisted. They appear to have been made up 
of several of the detached settlements of Iroquois emi- 
grants from New York, and of Algonqiiius, etc.. whom the 
Catholic missionaries had domiciliated and settled in vil- 
lages. 

" The St. Regis branch did not originally form, it is said, 
one of the seven, which consisted, according to the Rev. F. 
Marcoux, of an Iroquois, an Algonquin, and a Nippissing 
nation at the Lake of Two Mountains ; an Iroquois tribe at 
Caughnawaga ; the Oswcgalchic tribe of Iroquois at La Pre- 
sentation ; a colony of Huroiis at Lorette, nine miles north 
of Quebec ; and a settlement of Ahcnakis at St. Francois, 
below Montreal, near the Sorel. 

" After the breaking up of the French at La Presentation 
and the partial dispersion of the Oswegatchies, tradition 
relates that a grand council was held, and it was therein 
resolved that the St. Regis, who had formed a i)art of the 
Caughnawagas at the formation of the league, should take 
the place of the scattered tribe, and they thenceforth repre- 
sented them in the assemblies. According to the gentlemen 



above mentioned, the tribes which represented the Seven 
Nations have at present the following numbers (June, 
1852): 

" At the Lake of Two Mountains, of Iroquois, 250 ; at 
the Lake of Two Mountains, of Algonquins and Nipjiissing, 
together, 250 ; at Caughnawaga, of Iroquois, 1300 ; at St. 
Regis, 1100; at Lorette, of Ilurons, a very few; at St. 
Frangois, of Abenakis, a few only. The numbers of the 
two latter were not known. 

" Failing in their first negotiation with the State, the St. 
Regis people prosecuted their claims, and in 179-3 again 
appeared, by their deputies, at Albany, and laid their ca.se 
before the governor, but without success. The following 
credentials are without date, but are believed to have been 
those furnished these Indians on this occasion : 

'• ' The Chic/a at Cfilc-ue-wa-ffe, head of the Seven Nations. 

" * To our brother. Commander, and Governor, Ni-h(tron-tft-ffn->ca, 
George Clinton, at the State of New York. Brother, this is what we 
agreed upon: that we should have -councils and conversations to- 
gether of peace nnd unity. 

'* ' Now, brother, we beg that you will pay attention, that you can 
take the matter into good consideration betwixt you and us. AVe 
have seiit the bearers, which will give you to understand our real 
minds and meaning, which is : 

'"TnOMAS ARACnENTE, 

Thomas Tbahacwaneges, 

Lumen Tiatoharo.ngiven, 

William Gray, 

Attiiinaton. 
'"AH the chiefs' compliments to you, and beg you will not let (he 
bearers want for victuals or drink, as much as may be for their good. 
'• ' Teuannitasen, O.nasategen, 

O.NATRITSIAWANE, On WAXIENTENI, 

Sganawate, Thanaha, 

Tehasen, Sgahentowarose, 

Thaiaiakge, Sinohese, 

TnAHENTEUTHA, SaIEGISAGEN E, 

Gauo.niaragon, Gauo.niatsigowa.' 

(Signed by their marks.) 

" This negotiation also failed in its object, and the 
deputies returned home in disappointment. 

" In the winter of 1793-94, Colonel Louis, with three 
other warriors, again repaired to Albany, to get, if possible, 
some specific time designated when the State would meet 
with them for their claim. They held an interview with 
the governor, but he declined at that time any negotiations 
with them on the subject without referring their ease to 
the legislature. 

"The journal of the assembly for 1794 (page 106) con- 
tains the following record in relation to the St. Regis In- 
dians : 

'"Mr. Havens, in behalf of Mr. Foote, from the committee ap- 
pointed to take into consideration the communication made to this 
house by His Excellency the Governor, relative to the .S'(. 7i'c(/i« In- 
dians, reported that they have inquired into the several circumstances 
connected with the claim of the said Indians to certain lands within 
the jurisdiction of this State, and are of the opinion that it will be 
necessary to ajipoint commissioners to treat with the said Indians, 
and to authorize them, by law, to extinguish the said claim, or to 
take such measures relative to the said business as shall be most 
beneficial to the State and to the Uuitod States.' 

" The following was the message of the governor above 
alluded to. It was reported on the 21st of February of 
that year : 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



59 



" * Gentlemen, — ^Tou will receive with this message the conclusion 
of my conference with the Oiifir/a Indians, and a copy of an addi- 
tional sj)eech of the Cat/itfftta, .and my answer thereto. 

** ' I also transmit to you a speech made to me by Colonel Ijouis, of 
St. Regis, who, with three other warriors, arrived here some days 
ago, as a deputation from the chiefs of the Seven Nations of Lower 
Canada. You will perceive by my answer to them that I have, for 
the reasons therein mentioned, declined entering into conference with 
tliein on the subject of their cleputation, other than that of receiving 
their communication, which is now subnutted to the consideration of 
the legislature. 

'"Qko. Clinton.' 

" So far as we have been able to learn, the course advised 
by the committee was not adopted, and no encouragement 
was given the deputies further than the indefinite and un- 
satisfactory assurance that their claim should be examined 
at as early a day as might be consistent. 

" What the probable result would be might, perhaps, be 
surmised, when we consider that the State had already 
patented to Macomb and his associates the territory claimed 
by these Indians, reserving only a tract equal to six miles 
square, near the Indian village. It is very probable that 
the Indians did not know of this sale, and still honestly 
believed themselves entitled to a large tract in the north 
part of the State. 

" In December, 1794, they again appeared at Albany to 
urge their claim. The governor appears to have been 
absent, and a communication intended for him was deliv- 
ered to John Taylor, of Albany, who addressed the gov- 
ernor the following letter, inclosing that which he had 
received from the Indians : 

'" Albany, 10th jHnu:iry, 1795. 
"'Sir, — The inclosed message was delivered me by one of the men 
who came down last winter, Col. Louis, and attended the legislature 
at this place on the subject of their lands. He says he was deputed 
by the Seven Nations for that purpose, and had directions to proceed 
to New York if I could not do the business. As a journey to New 
York would have been attended by e.\pense to the State and trouble 
to you, I ])romised to transmit the message, and recommended him to 
return home. I am your Excellency's 

** ' Most obedient servant, 

'"John Taylor.' 

" The letter referred to in the foregoing was as follows : 

" ' .\ld.\nv, December, 179t. 
*' ' Newataghsa Lewey. 

" * Brother, — The Seven Nations of Upper Canada are still of the 
same mind as they were when you spoke with them last wiuter, but 
they expected you would have met them this summer on the business 
that they came about to your great council last wiuter. They sup- 
pose that the business of the war, which was expected, prevented 
your meeting of them. They hope you will attend to the business, 
and meet them, as you promised, as early as possible next summer, 
as they are still of the same mind they were when they spoke to you, 
and expect you are so likewise.' 

" The governor accordingly appointed Samuel Jones, Ezra 
I'Hommedieu, N. Lawrence, Richard Varick, Egbert Ben- 
son, John Lansing, Jr., and James Watson, commissioners, 
to hold an interview with the Indians to settle some pre- 
liminaries with them, but without the power to treat defi- 
nitely with them on the subject. The following is the result 
of their negotiations, which was addressed to Governor 
Clinton : 

" ' Nkw York, G March, 1795. 

" ' Sir, — In consequence of your Excellency's appointment of us to 

that trust,. we have this morning had an interview with the eleven 

Tndians now in the city, from the nation or tribe distinguished as 

the .S'(. Iltijii Indiaus, or the Indians of the Seven Nations of Can- 



ada, and Colonel Louis, one of their number, as their speaker, made 
a speech to us, purporting that during the last winter they had come 
to Albany, while the legislature was sitting there, and made known 
their desire that a future meeting might be appointed, in order to 
treat, and finally conclude and settle, with them respecting their 
right and claim to lands within the limits of this State; that they 
had returned home with what they received as assurances that such 
future meeting would have been appointed; that they had waited in 
expectation of it during the wh(de of the last season; that they are 
not authorized to treat or conclude therefor; that the only object of 
their present journey is again to propose such meeting, when all the 
chiefs will attend, so that whatever may then be agreed upon should 
be binding on all the tribes. 

** ' To this speech we have deferred giving an answer, supposing it 
most fit that we should previously be informed of the sense of the 
legislature on the subject, it being most probably the interest of both 
houses that the act of the 5th instant should be limited to an agree- 
ment or an arrangement to be made at this time, and with the Indians 
who are now present. 

" * We have the honor to be, sir, with due respect, your most obe- 
dient, humble servants, 

"'Samuel Junes, Kichard 'Varick, 

Ezra L'Hommedieu, Egbert Benson, 

N. Lawre.nce, John Lansing, Jr., 

Jaues Watson. 

'"His Excellency, Governor Clinton.' 

" The foregoing communication of the agents was trans- 
mitted to the legislature on March 7, 1795, by the gov- 
ernor, in the following message : 

*" Gentlemen, — With this message you will receive a communica- 
tion from the agents appointed to confer with the representatives of 
the Si. Regit Indians, which will necessarily require your immediate 
attention. 

" ' It must readily occur to you that no legislative direction exists 
with respect to the greater part of the expense incident to this 
occasion. 

"' The concurrent resolution of the 3d instant only refers to the 
accommodation of the Indians while in the city, and neither pro- 
vides for the customary gratuities, nor the expenses arising from 
their journey here and their return. 

" ' I also transmit a letter from some of the chiefs of the Oiwudaga 

nation, respecting the agreement made with them in 1793 by the 

commissioners appointed for the purpose. 

"'Geo. Clinton. 

"'Geeenwich, 9 March, 1795.' 

" In pursuance of this advice the following resolution was 
introduced in the Senate, and passed : 

'" Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to di- 
rect that suitable accommodations ho provided for twelve St. Rojis 
Indians, who are expected in town this afternoon on business relative 
to the claims on the State, and that the legislature will make pro- 
vision for defraying the expense.' 

"On the 9th of March, 1795, the resolution of the Senate 
was referred to the Assembly, and the following record 
appears on their journal : 

" ' Resolved, as the sense of both houses of the legislature, That it 
is advisable a future meeting should be appointed by his Excellency 
the Governor to be held with the Indians generally known and dis- 
tiui'ui.shed as the Indians of St. Regis, in order to treat, and finally to 
agree, with the saiil Indians touching any right or claim which they 
may have to any lands within the limits of this Slate; and further, 
that his Excellency the Governor, in addition to the request contained 
in the concurrent resolution of both bouses of the third instant, be 
also requested to cause the twelve Indians mentioned in said concur- 
rent resolution to bo furnished with such sum of money as may be 
requisite to defray the expenses of their journey to this city and on 
their return home; and al^o that bis Excellency the Governor be re- 
quested to cause such presents or gratuities as he shall deem proper 
to be given to the said Indians, in behalf of this Slate, and thai the 
Legislature will make the requisite j.rovision lor carrying these reso- 
lutions into effect. 



GO 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" * Onfer€(f, Thnt the consideration of the said rccioliitinriB be post- 
poned until to-morrow.' 

"The agents aj)[)ointed by the governor held anotiier 
interview with the Indians, and the speeches that were ex- 
changed on the occasion are preserved, and were as follows : 

"'SPEKCII OF TUB AGKNTS FOR THE STATE OF NKW YOItK TO COLONEL 
I>(»UIS AND OrnER ST. REGIS INDIANS. 

" ' /irothern: "When we met ^'ou. a few days ago, on your arrival in 
this city, we told you our chief the Governor was sick, and that he 
bad appointed us tu meet you in his stead. 

'* * firofhem : \Vc then also bid you welcome, and which we now 
repeat to you. 

" * JJrothei-H : You then told us that you had come to see us, and only 
to propose that there should be another meeting between us and you, 
when all your chiefs would attend, and treat and settle with us about 
land which is within our State, and which you say belongs to you. 

" ' Brothers ; This was the substance of what you then told us, and 
we have told it to our chief the Governor, and our council the Legis- 
lature, and they have listened to it, and have directed us to tell you 
that they very willingly as-seut to what you have proposed, and that 
a message will be sent to you during the next summer to inform you 
of the time and place, when and where, we will meet you on the busi- 
ness; and we can now only promise that the place will be as near 
where you live as conveniently may be, so ns to save you the trouble 
of a long journey, and that the time will not be later in the next fall 
than when the traveling is good. 

*' * lirothers : We wish you in the mean time to possess your minda 
in peace, for it is as much our wish n.s it is yours that the business 
should be talked over and settled between you and us in friendship 
and integrity, as between brothers ; fur as we do not desire any land 
which belongs to you without paying you for it, so we hope you do 
not desire we should pay you for that which does not belong to you. 

"'Brothers: We now bid you farewell for the present, and wish 
you a safe journey home, and that we may meet each other again in 
peace and in healfh at the intended future meeting.' 

'* To this speech of the commissioners the St. Regis 
Indians, through Colonel Louis, their speaker, replied as 

follows : 

" * Brothers : It is usual when brothers meet, if it is even the next 
day, to thank Providence for preserving each of them so as to meet 
again. 

*" Brothers: We are very thankful that you have taken so much 
pity on your brothers, who have come so great a distance to see you 
that they were almost barefooted and uncovered ; and you, at our first 
arrival in the city, gave us a pair of shoes and a hat each, for which 
we are thankful. 

"' Brothers : When we first arrived here we told you the business 
we had come upon, and which we had come upon several seasons be- 
fore, and particularly last winter. You then promised that you would 
meet us, but you have not done it. We have business at home as well 
as you, brothers, and for that reason we request you to consider about 
the matter deliberately. 

" * Brothers, — We think it is a long time hence that you have fixed 
upon. We told you when we came that we had other business with 
the king, who also is on our lands. All the other nations to the west- 
ward are concerned in that business, and I expect I have that to see 
to, as they depend on my council. If that should take place at the 
same time as yours it will be inc()nvenient ; we therefore wish to have 
our business with you first settled before we settle with the king. 

'' * Brothers, — We were at Albany when you received the si)eceh of 
the king ; I then told you the minds of our chiefs upon that subject, 
for I know it. 

"* You told us then your minds were to do us justice, iiiid that made 
our breasts cool. We returned home and told the king to perform 
the promise he had made to us.* [Here Col. Louis produced a printed 
proclamation, in ])archmcnt, by the late Sir William Johnson.] ' For 
this reason we expect our matters with you first settled. For the 
king told us that about midsummer he would come and settle with us 
for the lamls of ours which he had pttsscssed and improved. 

" • Then, brothers, we ?hall be able to coiue and iiilnmi you how we 
have settled with him.' 



" The Legislature, by an act passed March 5, 1785, pro- 
vided : 

** * That it shall and may be lawful for the person administering the 
government of this State, cither by himself or by such agent or agents 
as he shall thereunto ajipoint, to make such agreement and arrange- 
ments \vith the Indians of St. Regis, or with the representatives of 
the said Indians, respecting their claims to any lands within this 
State, or any part or parts thereof, as shall tend to insure their good- 
will and friendship to the people of the United States, and to extin- 
guish any and every such claim, iind in such manner as he or such 
agents so to be appointed may think proper; but no such agreement 
or arrangement by such agents shall be valid unless ratified and con- 
firmed by the person administering the government of this State, any 
thing in the "act relative to Indians resident within the State," passed 
the 27th of March, 1794, to the contrary hereof n<itwithstanding.* 

" The act here referred to was a law relative to the In- 
dians resident within the State, which appointed the gover- 
nor, with William North, John Taylor, Abraham Van 
Vechten, Abraham Ten Broek, Peter Gansevoort, Jr., and 
Simeon Dewitt, trustees for the Indians within the State, 
and for each and every tribe of them, with full power to 
make such aj^reements and arrangements with the tribes of 
central New York, respecting their lands, as shall tend to 
produce an annual income to the said Indians, and to insure 
their good-will and friendship to the people of the United 
States. 

'* Commissioners were again appointed, who met the 
deputies at Fort George, at the south end of Lake George, 
in September, 1795, where an interview was held, but 
without arriving at satisfactory results, or an agreement 
between the parties. We have not been able to procure the 
speeches that were made on this occasion, or what tran- 
spired between them, furtlier than the intimations contained 
in the following pages. 

" The results were communicated by the agents of the 
State to Governor Jay, who, in the month of January, 
transmitted the following message to the legislature : 

"'Gentlkmex, — I have now the honor of laying before you the 
proceedings at a treaty with the Indians, denominated the Seven 
Nations of Canada, comprising those usually clenominated the St. 
Reijis Indians, held at the south end of Lake George, in this State, 
on the 2611) day of September last, with a letter of the 2d instant, 
from the agents who were appointed to attend it on the part of the 
State. 

"'It appears from the above-mentioned letter that the expenses in- 
cident to the said treaty have been paid, and the accounts duly 
audited and passed, except the allowance usually made by the United 
States to the commissioners whom they employ for holding treaties 
with Indiana. 

"'The compensation due to the said agents for their services still 
remains to be ascertained and ordered by the legislature. 

" 'John J.w." 

"'New York. January 23, 1796. 

*' March 26, 1796, the governor transmitted to the legis- 
lature a message, accompanying a letter from the department 
of war, dated the 19th Inst., together with the report of the 
secretary of state on the subject of claims made by the 
Indians called the Seven Nations of Canada to lands witliin 
the State, 

'* This message, with the accompanying papers, was re- 
ferred to the committee of the whole, and subsequently to 
a joint committee of the two houses, who reported, on the 
1st of April, as follows ; 

"• That although tlie several matters staletl by the agents of this 
State to tlie saitl Indians at the late treaty held with (hem at Lake 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



61 



George are to bo relied on as true, and to be considered an sufficient 
to prevent the supposition that the said Indians have ii right to lands 
chiimed by tliem, and that although these matters both in respect to 
fact and inference remain unanswered by the said Indians, yet that it 
will be proper whenever a treaty shall be held for the purpose by the 
United States with the said Indians that agents for this State should 
again attend, in order further to examine and discuss the said claim, 
and, if they shall deem it eligible, then also further to propose and 
adjust with the said Indians the compcusatiun to bo made by this 
State for the said claim.' 

"This resolution met with the concurrence of the house. 

" In pursuance of this concurrent resolution of the sen- 
ate and assembly, the governor appointed Egbert Benson, 
Richard Vurick, and Jas. Watson agents on the part of 
the State to meet the deputies of the St. Regis and Cangh- 
nawaga tribes, who then claimed, and have since been 
recognized by the State, to be the representatives .of the 
Seven Nations of Canada, to negotiate, in the presence of a 
commissioner appointed by the government of the United 
States, for the extinguishment of the Indian title to lands 
in the northern part of the State. The following is an 
account of the proceedings at this treaty, which we derive 
from the original manuscript in the office of the secretary 
of state at Albany : 

" ' At a treaty held at the city of New York by the United States 
with the nations of Indians denominating themselves the seven 
nations of Canada, Abraham Ogden, commissioner for the United 
States, appointed to hold the treaty, Ohnawiio, (dhis Good Stream, a 
chief of the Caughnawatfa^, Oteatohatongwan, alias Colonel Louis 
Cook, a chief of the St. Regis Indians, Tt-holagwanegen, nliaa 
Thomas Williams, a chief of the CunghnfitctftfftH, and William Gray, 
deputies authorized to represent these nations or tribes at the treaty, 
and Mr. Gray also serving as interpreter. 

*' ' Egbert Bensen, Richard Varick, and James Watson, agents for 
the State of New York. 

"'May 23, 1796. 

" ' The deputy, Thomas Williams, being confined to his lodging in 
this city by sickness, was unable to be present; the other three dep- 
uties proposed, nevertheless, to proceed to the business of the treaty. 
The commissioner thereupon informed them generally that he was 
appointed to hrdd the treaty ; that the sole object of it was to enable 
the State of New York to extinguish by purchase the claim or right 
of these nations or tribes of Indians to lands within the limits of the 
State; and that, agreeably to his instructions from the president, he 
would take care that the negotiations for that purpose between the 
agents for the State and the Indians should be conducted with candor 
and fairness.' " 

After a great amount of negotiating, and many long 
speeches on both sides, continued through a period of eight 
days, the deputies on behalf of the Indians accepted the 
terms of the couimissioners on the last day of May, as 
appears from the following: 

"'3lst May, 1796. 

" * The deputies having declared their acceptance of the compensa- 
tion, as proposed to them by the agents, three acts of the same tenor 
and date, one to remain with the United States, another to remain 
with the said Seven Nations or tribes, and another to remain with 
the State, were thereupon this day executeil by the commissioners for 
the United States, the deputies for the Indians, the agents for the 
State, anil Daniel McCormick and William Constable for themselves 
and (heir associates' purchase under Alexander Macomb, containing 
a cession, release, and quitclaim from the Seven Nations or tribes of 
Indians of all lands within the State, and a covenant (or the State 
for the payment of the said compensation, and also certain reserva- 
tions of land, to be applied to the use of the Indians of the village 
of St. Regis, as by the said acts, reference being had to either of them, 
more fully may appear. 

" ' Signed, Abuam Ot;uKN. 



** The following is a copy of this treaty: 



" ' The People, of the State of New York, by the grace of God free and Inde- 
pendent. To all to whom these presenta shall come, greeting. Know ye tliat 
we having inspected tlie records renininingin our Secretary's office, do find tliere 
filed a certain iuetrument in the wonls following, to wit: 

"*At a treaty held in the city of New York with the nation or tribe of 
Indiana denominating thetnaelvea the Seven Nations of Canada, Abraham 
Ogden, commissioner appointed under the authority of the United Statrs to 
hold the treaty, Ohnjiweio, oluu Good Stream, Teliaragwanegen, alias Thus. 
Winiams, two chiefs of tlic t'amjhnawngan, Atiatoharongwan, alius Colonel Louis 
Cook, a chief of tlio H. Jieijis Indians, and William Gray, deputies authorized 
to represent these Seven Nations or tribes of Indians at the treaty, and 5Ir. 
Gray serving also as iiitei'pretL'r, Kgbert Benson, Richard Varick, and James 
Watson, agents for the State of New York, Wm. Constable and Daniel McCor- 
mick, purchasers under Alex. Macomb. The agents for the State having in 
the presence and with the approbation of the commissioners proposed to the 
deputies for the Indians the compensation hereinafter nieniiuned for the ex- 
tinguiBhrnent of their claim to nil lands wiihin the States, and the h&vl deputies 
being willing to aecept the same, it is thereupon granted, agreed, and concluded 
between the said deputies and the said Hgents as follows: The said deputies do 
for and in the name of the said Seven Nations or tribes of Indians cede, re- 
lense, and qnitclaini to the people of the Stale of New York, forever, all the 
claim, right, or title of them, the said Seven Nations or tribes of Indians, to 
lands within the said State; providi'd, nevertheless, that the tract equal to nix 
miles square reserved in the sale made by the commissioners of the land-oftic© 
or the said State to Alexander Macomb, to be applied to the use of tlie Indians 
of the village of St. Itegis, shall still n-main so reserved. The said agents do 
for and in the name of the people of the State of New York grant to the «aid 
Seven Nations or tribes of Indians that the jieople of the State of New York 
shall pay to them at the month of the river Chazy, on Lake Champlain, on the 
third Monday of August next, the snm of one thousand two hundred and three 
pounds, six shillings, and eightpencc, lawful money of the said State; and on 
the third Stonday in August, yearly, forever thereafti-r, the further sum of two 
hundred and thirteen pounds, six shillings, and eightpeuce of the SJiid State. 
Provided, nevertheless, that the people of the State ol New York shall not be 
held tu jtay tlie saiil anniM nuless, in respect to the two sums to be paid on the 
third Slonday in August next, at leaht twenty, and in respect to the said yearly 
sum to be paid thereafter, at least five, of the principal men of ihe said Seven 
Nations or tribes of Indians shall attend as deputies to receive and to give re- 
ceipts for the same. The said deputies having suggested that the Indians of 
St. Regis have built a null on Salmon river and another on Grass river, and 
that the meadows on Grass river are necessary for hay, in order, therefore, 
to secure to the Indians of the said village the use of the said mills an'i meadows, 
in case they should hereafter appear not to be included in the ab'>ve tract, so 
as to remain reserved, it is therefore also agreed and concluded between the 
said deputies and the said agetits and the said William Constable and Daniel 
McCormick, for themselves and their associates, purchasers under the said 
Alexander Macomb of the adjacent lands, that there shall be reserved to l»e 
applied to the use of the Indians of the said village of St. Regis, in lik^ manner 
as the said tract is to remain reserved, a tract of one mile square at each of the 
said mills, and the meadows on both sides of the said Grass river, from the said 
mills thereon to its confluence witli the river St. Lawrence. 

'"In testimony whereof, the said Commissioners, the said deputies, the said 
agent-s, and the said William Constable and Daniel McCormick, have hereunto, 
and to two other acts of the Siimo tenor and date, one to remain with the United 
States, another to remain with the Stite of New York, and another to remain 
with the Seven Nations or tribes of ludians, set their hands and seals in the 
city of New York, the thirty-fii-st day of May, in the twentieth year of the 
Independenceof the United StUes, one thousand seven hundred and ninety -six. 
Abraham Ogden (L.S.), Ohnaweio, ali.iH Good Stream (mark L.S.\ Otiatoha- 
rongwan, nlias Colonel Louis Cook (mark L.S.), Wm. Gray (L.S.), Tehamgwa- 
negen, alius Thos. Williams (mark L.S.), Kgbert Benson (L.S.), Richard Varick 
(L.S.), James Watson (L.S. ), Win. Constable (L.S.), Daniel McCormick (L.S.). 

'•^Signed, sealed, and dclivoied in the presence of Samuel Jones, recorder 
of the city of New York; John Taylor, reconler of the city of Albany; Jo's 
Ogden Hoffmann, attorney-general of the State of New York. 

" ' May ;J0, 17D7. Acknowledged before John Sloss Hobart, justice of supremo 
court of judicature. 

"*Feb. 2S, 18au. Exemplified, signed, and sealed by the Governor, John Jay.' 

*' The above treaty is enirrosscd upon a large-sized sheet 
of parchment, to which is affixed a larire waxen seal, having 
on one side the State arms and inscription, ' The great seal 
of the State,' and on the otlier the device of waves beating 
against a rock, and the word ' Frustra,' • 1798.' The back 
and margins are covered with receipts. 

" This and other treaties which luive been held between 
the St. Regis Indians and tlic State of New York arc 
carefully preserved by tiic clerk of the American party at 
St. Regis. 

*' The agreements made at this treaty were confirmed by 



62 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



an act passed April 4, 1801. The act allows of a treaty 
for the purchiuse of the mill site at Massena, St. Lawrence 
County. 

" This treaty had prcviou.sly received the .sanction of the 
general government, as appears from the following : 

"On the 20th of February, 1797, the governor sent to 
the Senate the following message : 

'"Gentlkmen, — r have the honor of laying before you a lettnr of 
the 18th lilt., from the Secretary of the United Stales, fur the tlciiart- 
ment of war, inclo.siiig a copy of the resolution of the .Senate advising 
and consenting to the ratification of the treaty concluded on behalf 
of the State with the Indians calling themselves the Seven Nations 
of Canada. "'John Jay.' 

" In the negotiations between these Indians and the State 
the name of Brant, the celebrated partisan half-breed Indian, 
was used in connection with proceedings which the Mohnivlcs 
had held with the State, in the cession of their lands, in 
such a manner as to awaken a controversy between him 
and the deputy superintendent, which ultimately became 
embittered by mutual allegations of pecuniary delinquency. 
The Six Nations had bargained with Colonel Livingston, in 
1787, as we have previously stated, for a large tract of land, 
which the Caiighnaicoga and St. Regin Indians insisted was 
fraudulent. 

" As Brant was a witness to the treaty, and was one of 
the most prominent of those by whom it was made, this 
denial of their right amounted to little else than a charge 
that tliose who made it had pocketed the avails for their 
own benefit. This charge Brant indignantly repelled, 
denying that the Caughnaicngax had a right to a loot of 
the lands which had been sold to Livingston, and demand- 
ing of them their authority for their charges against him 
and the Grand River Indians. They replied that their 
information was derived from the representations of the 
officers of the State of New York, at Albany. To ascer- 
tain the ground there might be for this he addressed a letter 
to Governor Clinton, which received the following reply: 

" ' Greenwich, Dec, 1, 1799. 

"'Dkau Sir, — On my return from the country, about a month 
ago, I was favored with your letter of the 4th of September. 1 am 
much gratified by the determination you express of furnishing Doctor 
Miller with the information he requested of you. and I hope, as the 
work for which it is wanted is progressing, you will find leisure to do 
it soon. I am confident he will make a fair and honorable use of it: 
unit, as far as he shall be enabled, correct the erroneous representa- 
tion!* of former authors respecting your nations. 

"' I am surprised to find that you have not received my letter of 
the 11th of January last. It was inclosed and forwarded as re- 
quested, to Mr. Peter W. Yates, of Albany. Had it reached you, I 
presume you will find, from the copy I now inclose, it would have 
been satisfactory ; but as a particular detail of what passed between 
the Cnittjlniniruffaa and me respecting their lanils may be more 
agreeable, I will now repeat it to you as far as my recollection will 
enable me. 

" * In the win'er of 1792-9:1, our legislature being in session in Al- 
bany, a committee from the Seven Nations or tribes of Lower 
Canada attended there, with whom I had several conference?. They 
complained that some of our people Iiad settled on their lands near 
Lake t^hamplain and on the river St. Lawrence, and requested that 
commissioners might be appointed to inquire into the matter and 
treat with them on the subject. In my answer to their speeches I 
answered that it was difficult to define their rights and their bounda- 
ries, and that it was to be presumed that the Indian rights to a con- 
siderable part of t'.ie lands on the borders of the lake had been 
extinguished by the French govornmeat before the conquest of 



Canada, as those lands, or a greater part of them, had been granted 
to individuals by that goverument before that period. In their reply 
they described their southern boundary as commencing at a creek or 
run of water between Forts Edward and (Jeorge, which empties into 
South Bay, and from thence extending on a direct lino to a large 
meadow or swamp where the Canada creek, which empties into the 
Mohawk opposite Fort Hendriok, the lilaek and Oswegatchic rivers 
have their sources. Upon which I observed to them that this lino 
would interfere with lands patented by the British government pre- 
vious to the Revolution, and particularly mentioned Totten and 
Crossfield's purchase and Jessui)'s patent ; but I mentioned at the 
same time that I was neither authorized or disposed to controvert 
their claims; that I would submit to the legislature, who, I could not 
doubt, would pay due attention to them and adopt proper measures to 
effect a settlement with them upon fair and liberal terms. This I 
accordingly did, and some time after commissioners were appointed 
to treat with them in the presence of an agent of the United StatoSi 
the result of which I find you are informed of. 

" ' I believe you will readily agree that no inference could bo drawn 
from anything that passed on the above occasion to countenance the 
charge made against your nations. The mentioning and interference 
of their boundaries, as above stated, with tracts patented under the 
British government could certainly have no allusion to the cessions 
made by the Six Nations or either of them to the State, especially as 
(if I recollect right) those cessions are of the territory of the respect- 
ive nations, by whom they were made without defining them by any 
particular boundaries, and subject only to the reservations described 
in the deed. 

*' ' I wish it was in my power to transmit to you copies of their 
speeches and my answer at full length ; but it is not, for the reasons 
mentioned in my former letter. Should they, however, be deemed 
necessary to you, I will endeavor to procure and forward them ; in 
the mean time you may rest assured that what I have related is the 
substance of them. 

" * I am, with great regard and esteem, 

" ' Your most obedient servant, 

'" Cor.. JosRpn Brant. '" Gko. Clistos.' 

" This correspondence, and that which ensued with Gov- 
ernor Jay, did not satisfy Brant, and he accordingly caused 
a deputation of his tribe to repair to Albany, at the head 
of which was his adopted nephew, John Norton, to meet 
a siiuilar deputation of the CauylinaiDagns face to face, 
and require his accusers connected with the government of 
the State of New York either to substantiate their charges 
or acquit him in the presence of both delegations. 

" The result of this double mission is not known, save 
that the chiefs were not satisfied with it. 

"In July of the same year (1799) Brant proceeded to 
the Caughnawaga country in person, accomjianied by a body 
of chiefs of several of the tribes, for the purpose of a 
th(]rough investigation in general council. Such a council 
was convened, and the difficulties, from the reports of speeches 
preserved in writing by Captain Brant, were fully discussed ; 
and that, too, in a most amicable manner. From several inti- 
mations in these speeches, it appears that the whole of these 
difficulties had been caused by ' chattering birds,' and by the 
machinations against Captain Brant of the old Oneida 
sachem. Colonel Louis.* The council fire was kindled on 
the 8th of July; on the 9th, Captain Brant was satisfied 
by the explanation given, and remarked, ' that he had 
pulled up a pine and planted down beneath it the small bird 
that tells stories.' 

" On the 1 0th the Cuiighnawagct chief replied : ' Brothers, 
we return you thanks ; we also join with you to put the 

■^ We quote the langu.age of Stone in his ** Life of Brant." This 
author was mistaken in supposing Col. Louis an Ontida Indian. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



63 



chattering bird under ground from where the pine was 
taken up, there being a swift stream into which it will fall 
beneath that will take it to the big sea, from whence it never 
can return.' (/See Stones Life of Brant, vol. n, p. 410, 
414.) 

" The evident partiality of the writer of the ' Life of Brant' 
has, perhaps, prevented hira from giving to the Canada 
Indians their due in discussing their claims to the lands in 
the northern part of the State. 

" The *SV. Regis people having decided the question of the 
amount of land they were to receive, were desirous of having 
the boundaries known. To settle definitely, however, their 
rights, they addressed the following letter to the governor: 

'* * To our Great Brttihcr, John Jtty, Gorcruor of the State of New YorJc. 

*' * lirother, — We, the chiefs and chief warriors at St. Regis, have 
sent the Bearers, Louis Cook, Sag Shaketlay, Loren Tarbell, and 
William Gray, our interpreters, to inquire of you. Brother, how wo 
are to know the distance of our Reserve, equal to six miles square, 
reserved to us by a treaty held at the city of New York, the 30th of 
May, 1790, with our deputies Louis Cook, Ohnaweio, Good Stream, 
Thomas Wiliiauis, and William Gray, and another reserve of one 
mile square on Salmon Creek, twelve miles below St. Regis, at a saw- 
mill belonging to us chiefs. 

'" lirother, — The reason of our sending the Bearers to you is, that 
some time in the latter part of last fall, some of your children, our 
brothers of this State, were marking and running lines within what 
we expect is our reserved lands, and we know no other way but to 
come and inform you that we might know what to do, and we beg 
that you will inform the Bearers that they, as soon as is convenient 
to you, may return home and inform us what to do. 

** ' We hope you will not let the Bearers want for victuals and drink, 
what will be for their gooil. We wish you health and happiness with 
your family. From your Brothers, the chiefs of St. Regis. 

ChteJ'n. 
"* For the Chiefs at " ' Tio-na-to-gena, 

St. Regis, William Gray. Tha-ron-ia-he-ne, 

Ta-te-ga-ien-ton, 

To-TA-RO-WA-NE.* 

" This petition led to the passage, on the 30th of March, 
1799, of the following act: 

"'The surveyor-general be, and he is hereby directed in his proper 
person, to lay out and survey, in such manner as the chiefs of the 
*SV. lieyia Indians shall deem satisfactory, all the hinds reserved to 
the said Indians by the treaty held at the city of New York, and 
conformable thereto, the twenty-third day of May, in the year one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-six; and the treasurer is hereby 
required to pay him, out of any money in the treasury, four hun- 
dred dollars to defray the expense thereof, which sum the surveyor- 
general shall account for with the comptroller.' 

" The surveyor-general performed this duty, and reported 
as follows : 

"SbVr, — Pursuant to the act of the legislature, directing the sur- 
veyor-general to lay out and survey the lands reserved to the Indians 
residing at St. Regis, I have surveyed in a manner satisfactory to 
the chiefs of that tribe the tract, equal to six miles square, reserved 
to them at their village; as also the two tracts of one mile square 
each at the mills on Salmon river and Grass river. Maps descriptive 
of the boun4laries of these I have the honor herewith to deliver. 

" * When I was about to commcnee the survey of the meadows re- 
served to the use of these Indians on Grass river, they informed me 
in council that they considered themselves entitled to a tract of half 
a mile on each side of the river, from its mouth up to the mill, and 
that they had caused it to be run out in that munner for their meadow 
reservation, and intimated a desire that my survey should be made 
in a corresponding manner. I was obliged to inform them that I 
had no guide but their treaty, and consequently could regard no sur- 
vey made without authority, and that nothing but the meadows 
barely, along that river, was pointed out as their property. They 
then pointedly desired me to make no marks on that ground, observ- 



ing at the same time that as a deputation from their nation would 
have to repair to Albany on other business, during the sitting of the 
Legislature, they wished by that opportunity to obtain an explana- 
tion of what they considered to be a misapprehension between the 
parties of the treaty. 

" ' Not being permitted to make a survey of the meadows, I availed 
myself of the opportunity of going up and down the river, of mak- 
ing an estimate of them, with a view to report the same as an article 
of information that might be serviceable in case a compromise re- 
specting them should be contemplated, 

*■' ' These meadows consist of narrow strips along the margin of the 
river, where inundations have prevented the growth of timber. They 
lie in a number of patches, of from half a chain to three or four 
chains in width, making in the whole extent, which is about ?ix miles, 
not exceeding sixty acres altogether, as nearly as I could judge. ■■■' 

" * The grass on them, with small exceptions, is all wild grass. Their 
value, though of no very great consideration as an appendage to the 
adjoining lands, is however esteemed as almost inestimable by In- 
dians, who consider the clearing of land as a matter entirely beyond 
their power to accomplish. It will be impossible, moreover, that the 
Indians should ever inclose the meadows with fences so as to prevent 
their destruction by the cattle of the white inhabitants, who soon 
will settle thick in their neighborhood, and this will inevitably become 
the cause of disagreeable differences. 

"'It is. proper for me to observe that the ground on which these 
meadows are situated as well as the mile square at the mill on Grass 
river, has been patented in tracts distinct from Macomb's purchnse; 
and therefore the sanction which the proprietors of that purchase 
gave to the treaty will not exonerate the State from the duty of 
compensating the owners of the lands from which these parts of the 
reservation are taken. 

[The remainder of the report relates to other subjects.] 

" * Simeon De Witt.' 

"'Alda.vv, January 14, 1800. 

" The troubles from trespass anticipated in the above 
were soon realized ; for the particulars of these the reader 
is referred to our account of Massena. 

"On February 20, 1800, there was received in as- 
sembly, from the senate, a resolution : 

'* * That the commissioners of the land office be directed to settle 
with the St. Regis Indians for such tracts of land, included in the 
lands confirmed to them by the late treaty, and before located by in- 
dividuals, and granted by this State, by making compensation for 
the lands so granted, or by satisfying the individuals owning such 
lands in such manner as they shall judge most advantageous to the 
State, and the Legislature will make j)rovision for carrying into 
effect any agreement which may be made by the commissioners for 
extinguishing the claims of the said Indians, or of the individual 
proprietors aforesaid.' 

" This resolution was postponed by the assembly, nor is 
it known what was the final action of the legislature upon it, 

"On the 9th of April, 1801, a law was passed making it 
lawful for the governor to cause a treaty to be holden with 
the *SV. Regis Indians, for the purpose of extinguishing their 
right to a tract of a mile square at the mill on Grass river, and 
for that purpose to appoint an agent on the part of the 
State, and procure the appointment of a commissioner on 
the part of the United States, to attend the holding of such 
treaty. Provided, that the consideration to be paid the 
said Indians for the said tract shall not exceed a permanent 
annuity of $200. A sum not exceeding S500 was appro- 
priated to defray the expense of holding this treaty, 

" The surveyor-general was directed to cause the meadows 
reserved to the use of the said Indians upon Grass river, 
and which had been disposed of by the St;ite, to be sur- 

- When surveyed in 1815, they were found to contain 210 4-10 



6-t 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



veyed, aiul tlic quantity ascertained, and to report the same 
to the legisUiture at the next session. It was further made 
hxwful for the agent to extinguish the right of ferriag(i be- 
longing to the said Indians over the river St. Lawrence, 
adjoining their reservation, for such reasonable annuity as 
they may deem proper. 

" The future payments of the annuity stipulated with 
the said Indians was directed to be made at the town of 
Plattsburgh, in the county of Clinton. The act referred to 
makes a provision for the patenting by the State to William 
Gray of two hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, including 
the mill on Salmon river. 

" The president of the United States, by a message 
making sundry nominations, and addressed to the senate, 
February 2, 1802, recommended the nomination of John 
Taylor, of New York, to be a commissioner to hold a treaty 
between the State of New York and the St. R<;gis Indians. 

" He was led to this, from having received a communi- 
cation from the governor of New York, purporting that the 
St. Regis Indians had proposed ceding one mile srfuare, in- 
cluding the ferry, to the State of New York, and requesting 
a commissioner to be appointed on the part of the United 
States to sanction the business, which it was proposed 
should be accomplished during the ensuing winter at 
Albany.* 

" In 1802 agents were appointed to treat with the Si. 
Regis Indians for the sale of their mile square and meadows. 
The following communication, made to the assembly by 
Governor Clinton, IMarch 1.5, 1802, contains the results of 
their negotiations. It was first reported to the senate: 

'"Gestlf.mkn, — I now submit, to the legi.^^lature the report of the 
agents iipiiointed to treat with the .St. lier/is Indians for the CKtin- 
gui^'hment of the mile square and the meadows on Grass river. I 
also present to you a petition from those Indians praying, among 
other things, for legislative provisions to enable them to lease a part 
of their lands to establish a ferry across the St. Regis river, and to 
apply the income to the sujiport of a school for the instruction of 
their children. It may be proper to observe that, as the petitioners 
have uniformly evinced a warm attachment to the State, and have 
made uncommon advances towards civilization, they have a claim 
to the attention of the legislature, arising as well from principles of 
policy as benevolence. They discover an anxiety to return home as 
soon as possible, but at the same time are unwilling to leave this 
city until the result of their application to the legislature is known. 

•" Geo. Clinton.' 

" The report of the agt^nts referred to in his Excellency's 
said message, and the petition of the .SV. Regis Indians, 
were also severally read, and together with the message 
referred to the committee of the house. The petition was 
as follows ; 

"'to OUn CUKAT AND nONOUAIlLK BIIOTIIKK, .lOUN JAV, GOVERNOR 
OF TIIK STATE OF NEW YORK : 

"'BnOTHER, — We, the chiefs and warriors of the village of St. 
Regis, have sent the bearers, Colonel Louis Cook, Jacob Francis, 
Peter Tarbell, as deputies, and William Gray as interpreter, to act 
and settle all business for us that may concern this State, or us, the 
above-mentioned village, or any individual belonging to this State. 

" ' Virtttliiy we beg you, brother, to order means to have our meadows 
on Grass river surveyed, and the number of acres contained there, 
to have as many acres cleared near our village, within the reservation 
made to us by this State, and then to have the use of (he meadows 
on Grass river till such time as those lands will be fit to mow grass 
on. 



* "American State Papers," Indian Affairs, vol. i. p. 565. 



** * .Serutnlfi/, brother, we wish to inform you that, at the west end of 
our meadows on Grass river, we have one square mile of land, like- 
wise reserved to us by the State, with a saw-mill in the centre of the 
mile square, for which Amable Foshee is bound to pay us the sum of 
two hundred dollars per year as long as he keeps it in his custody, 
and we are not satisfied with his usage to us. 

" ' Tlilrdli/, brother, there is a route that leads from Plattsburgh, on 
Lake Champlain, crosses the Chateaugay river, and comes straight 
to the village of St. Regis, where there ought to be a ferry kept up 
for the accommodation of the public, and the use of this ferry is like 
to create quarrels and disputes. 

"* Now, brother, in order to prevent all these disagreeable conten- 
tions, we wish to pro]>o8e to you for to take one hundred acres, and 
the ])rivilege of the ferry, and where there may be a g(K>d jirttash 
works erected for those people who wish to give us two hundred and 
fifty dollars as a yearly rent. 

" ' Fniirthlii, brother, we wish to inform you that there are nine 
miles between houses, however the route runs through our reserva- 
tion, and we mean to rent a part of our lands in order to make it 
convenient for travelers, and as some benefit to ourselves and chil- 
dren who may follow us, and we began to inform all our brothers 
who may see fit to rent the lands of us, that we expect they will pay 
their rents according to contract, as you have law and justice in your 
power, and wc are not acquainted with our brother white people's 
laws. 

"* Fifthltf, brother, there is a request from your sisters of the vil- 
lage of St. Regis, the women of families, which is that you pity 
them, and send them a schotd-master to learn their children to read 
and write. 

'" Ilri'lher, your compliance to these requests will cause us ever to 
pr.iy youi welfare and happiness, who remain your brothers, chiefs, 
and their wives in the St. Regis, 

" ' Te-H A-TON-WEN-HEON-GATUA, 
Tl-E-HEN-NE, 

Te-ga-ri-a-ta-ko-cen, 

On-wa-ri-en-te, 

Ori-wa-ge-te, 

To-TA-TO-WA-NE, 

At-ti-ax-to-tie. 
'" Witness, William Gray. 

" Accordingly, two laws were enacted relating to these 
people at the ensuing session of the legislature. The first 
was passed March 8, 1802, which provided, 'that it shall 
and may be lawful for his Excellency the Governor, and 
the surveyor-general, to treat with the St. Regis Indians 
for the extinguishment of their claim to the mile square, 
and the meadows on Grass river, ceded to them in 1796, 
on such terms as they shall deem most conducive to the 
interests of the State, or to purchase the same from the 
individuals to whom it has been granted by the State 
before it was ceded to the said Indians, in case the latter 
])urchase can be made on more favorable terms than the 
extinguishment of the Indian claim.' 

" The meadows were subsequently purchased of the pat- 
entees for the Indians. During the same session an act 
was passed relating to the St. Regis Indians, March 2G, 
1802, as follows: 

" ' /?f ll eiini'trtl hi) the peopl'. nf the Stale of New York, in Seiintc mid 
Asiciiilili/. That William Gray, Louis Cook, and Loren Tarbell, be- 
longing to the tribe of the St. Iteijii Indians, be and they arc hereby 
appointed trustees for the said tribe, for the purpose of leasing the 
ferry over St. Regis river, with one hundred acres of land adjoining, 
and also one mile square of land on Grass river, within their reserva- 
tion within this State, for such term of time as they shall judge 
proper, not exceeding ten years, .and it shall and may be lawful for 
the said trustees to apply the rents and profits of the said ferry and 
lands for the su]iport of a school for the instruction of the children of 
the said tribe (of which the said trustees shall have the superintend- 
ence) and for such other purposes as the said trustees shall judge 
most conducive to the interests of the said tribe, and the powers 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



65 



hereafter vestei) in the said trustees may bo exorcised l»y them or any 
two of them. 

" ' Ami be If Jiirlher enacted, That it shall and nmy be lawful for the 
said .St. Jiefjis Intlians, on the first Tuesday of May next, and on the 
first Tuesday of May in every year thereafter, to hold a town-meeting 
on their said reservation within the State, and by a majority of male 
Indians, above twenty-one years of age, to choose a clerk, who shall 
keep order in such meeting, and enter in a book, to be provided by 
him for that purpose, the proceedings of the said meetings. 

" * And be it further enneted, That it shall be made lawful for the 
said tribe, at any such meeting aforesaid, to make such rules, orders, 
and regulations respecting the improvement of any other of their 
lands in the said reservation as they shall judge necessary, and 
to choose trustees for carrying the same into execution, if they shall 
judge such trustees to be necessary. 

" ' And be it further enacted. That it shall and may be lawful for the 
said William Gray, Louis Cook, .and Loren Tarhell to procure a bell 
for the church belongiug to the said tribe, to bo paid for out of their 
annuity. 

*** And be it fnrther enacted. That it shall and may be lawful for 
the person administering the government of this State to cause to 
be sent to the said tribe, at the place where their annuity is paid, two 
suits of silk colors, one with the .arms of the United States, and the 
arms of this State as a gratuity, and to draw a warrant on the treas- 
ury for the expenses of the same.' 

" On tlie approach of the war the .situation of St. Regis, 
on the natioHiil boundary, placed these people in a peculiar 
and delicate position. Up to this period, althoui^h residing 
in both governments, they had been as one, and in their 
internal affairs were governed by twelve chiefs, who were 
elected by tlie tribe, and held their offices for life. 

" The annuities and presents of both governments were 
equally divided among them, and in the cultivation of their 
lands, and the division of the rents ;ind profits arising from 
leases, they knew no distinction of party. 

" The war operated with peculiar severity against them, 
from the terror of Indian massacre, which the recollections 
and traditions of former wars had generally inspired the 
inhabitants. 

" So great was the terror which these poor people excited 
that they could not travel, even where acquainted, without 
procuring a pass, which they were accustomed to obtain 
from any of the principal inhabitants whose names were 
publicly known. A paper stating that the bearer was a 
quiet and peaceable Indian, with or without a signature, 
they were accustomed to solicit, and this they would hold 
up in sight, when still at a distance, that those who might 
meet them should not be alarmed. They were likewise 
accustomed to require persons traveling across their reserva- 
tion to have, if strangers, a pass purporting the peaceable 
nature of their business. The chiefs, it is said, appointed 
certain persons to grant these passes, among whom was 
Captain PoUey, of Massena Springs. As few of them could 
read, it became necessary to agree upon some emblem by 
which the signification could be known, and tlie following 
device was adopted : If a person were going through to 
French Mills, a bow was drawn on the paper, but if its 
bearer was designing to visit St. Regis village, an arrow 
was added. 

" Thus cut ofl" from their usual means of subsistence, 
they were reduced to a wretched extremity, to obtain relief 
from which Col. Louis repaired to Ogdensburg and sent the 
following letter to Gov. Tompkins : 

" ' I address you these lines, for the jmrpose of expressing the sit- 

9 



nation of my nation, and of giving you assurances of our constantly 
cherishing good-will and friendship towards the United States, and 
of our determination not to intermeddle with the war which has 
broken out between them and the English, and which has placed us 
in so critical a situation. Our young men being prevented from 
hunting, and obtaining a subsistence for their families, are in want 
of provisions, and I address myself in their behalf, to the justice and 
liberality of the governor of this Stnte, to obtain a supply of beef, 
pork, and flour, to be delivered to us at St. Regis, during the time 
that we are compelled to give up our accustomed pursuits, which it 
seems, if continued, would give alarm to our white brethren. I have 
come myself to this place to communicate the distressed situation of 
our nation to Col. Benedict, wlio has promised to submit the same to 
you, and in hopes of soon receiving a favorable answer to my request 
I subscribe myself, with much attachment, your affectionate brother 
and friend. 



(Signed) 



hia 

* LouiR >.- Cook, 

mark. 



'^ ' One of the chiefs of the nation of the St. Reffin Indiana, and a It. -vol. 
in the service of the United States of America.' 

" In consequence of the foregoing letter, orders were 
issued that the St. Regis Indians should be supplied with 
rations during the war at French Mills. They accordingly 
received during the war about 500 rations daily at the 
hands of Wareham Hiistings, the agent for the government. 

" The Indians, while drawing their rations, begged some 
for their priest, from the best of motives, which the latter 
received as a kindness from them ; but this circumstance 
gave him more trouble than it conferred benefit, for it was 
with the greatest difficulty that he was able to justify or 
explain this course with the British and ecclesiastical au- 
thorities. He narrowly escaped imprisonment on suspicion 
of receiving bribes from tlie American government. It 
will be remembered that the priests house is on the Cana- 
dian side of the boundary. 

"In 1812 it was agreed between a British and an Ameri- 
can commissioner that the natives should remain neutral in 
the approaching contest. 

" It is said tliat in the month of June, Isaac Le Clare, a 
Frenchman, then and still living at St. Regis, being down 
at Montreal with a raft of wood, was met by an uncle, who 
suggested an interview with the governor, which resulted 
in his receiving a lieutenant's commission, on the recom- 
mendation of Col. De Salaberry. 

" Before his return the British company stationed at St. 
Regis was captured as below stated, and Lieut. Le Clare 
succeeded to the pay but not to the rank of captain, in place 
of Montigney. He raised a company' of about 80 Indian 
warriors, and crossed to Cornwall. These Indians partici- 
pated in several engagements during the ensuing war. At 
the taking of Little York they were posted at Kingston. 
At the attack upon Sacket's Harbor twenty British St. 
Regis Indians were present under Lieut. St. Germain, and 
at Ogdensburg, in February, 1813, about thirty of the 
same, under Capt. Le Clare, crossed to the town. At the 
battle of Chrysler's Field they were at Cornwall, and pre- 
vented by Col. McLean, of the British army, from engaging 
in the battle. 

" Chevalier Lorimier, an agent of the British govern- 
ment, in 1813 came up from Montreal with the customary 
presents to the Indians, and offered them on condition of 
their crossing the river and taking up arms against the 
Americans. They would not do this, and he returned with 



66 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



his presents. This was after ('apt. Lc Clare had raised his 
company, or ahout the time. 

" Puriiiii the full of 1812, Capt. Montigney, with a small 
company of British troops, in violation of the previou.s 
agreement, arrived and took post at St. Regis. Maj. Guil- 
ford Dudley Young, of the Troy militia, stationed at French 
Mills, receiving an account of this, resolved to surprise and 
if possible capture this party, considering himself justified 
in entering upon neutral ground, as the enemy had first 
broken their agreement. He accordingly, about the first of 
October, 1812, proceeded quietly through the woods by an 
obscure path, guided by William Gray, the Indian inter- 
preter ; but on arriving opposite the village of St. Regis he 
found it impos.sib]e to cross, and was compelled to return. 

" Having allowed the alarm which his attempt had ex- 
cited to subside, he resolved to make another descent be- 
fore the enemy should be reinforced, and for this purpose 
he marched a detachment, at eleven o'clock at night on the 
21st of October, crossed the St. Regis river at Gray's Mills 
(now Hogansburg) on a raft, of boards, and arrived about 
five o'clock in the morning within half a mile of the vil- 
lage, without attracting the notice of the enemy. Here the 
major made such a judicious disposition of liis men that the 
enemy were entirely surrounded, and, after a few discharges, 
surrendered themselves, with the loss of five killed, among 
whom was Captain Rolhalte. The fruits of this capture 
were forty prisoners, with their arms and equipments, and 
one stand of colors, two bateaux, etc. They returned to 
French Mills by eleven o'clock the next morning, without 
the loss of a man, and the prisoners were sent forward to 
Plattsburg. Ex-Governor Wm. L. Marcy held a subor- 
dinate ofiice in this affair. 

"This was the first stand of colors taken by the Amer- 
icans during the war, and these were received at Albany 
with great ceremony. An account of the reception of the 
colors is taken from tlie Albuni/ Gazette of January, 1813 : 

" 'On Thursd.iy, the 5th inst., at ono o'clock, a detachment of the 
volunteer militia of Troy entered this city with the British colors 
taken at St. Regis. The detachment, with two superb eagles in the 
centre and the British colors in the rear, paraded to the music of 
Yankee Doodle and York Fusileers, through Market and State streets 
to the capitol, the officers and colors in the centre. The remainder 
of the vestibule, and the grand staircase leading to the hall of justice, 
and the galleries of the senate and assembly chambers, were crowded 
with spectators. His excellency the governor, from illness, being 
absent, bis aids, Cols. Lamb and Ijush, advanced from the council 
chamber to receive the standards. Upon which. Major Young, in a 
truly military and gallant style, and with an appropriate address, 
presented it to the people of New York; to which Col. Lush, on the 
jiart of the State, repliid in a highly complimentary speech, and the 
standard was dejiosited in the council room, amid the loud huzzas of 
the citizins and military saltites. Subsequently (o this achievement 
Major Young was appointed a colonel in the United States army.' 

" This officer was a native of Lebanon. Connecticut. 

*** After the war he entered the jiatriot service under Gen. Mina, 
and lost his life in the struggle for Mexican independence in 1817. 
The patriots, 269 in number, had possession of a small fort, which 
was invested by a royalist force of 36U0 men. The supplies of pro- 
visions and water being cut off, the sufferings of the garrison and 
women and children in the fort became intolerable; many of the 
soldiers deserted, so that not more than 150 effective men remained. 
Col. Young, however, knowing the perfidy of the enemy, determined 
to defend the fort to the last. After having bravely defeated the 
enemy in a number of endeavors to carry the fort by storm, Col- 



Young was killed by a cannon-shot from the battery raised against 
the fort. On the enemy's last retreat, the colonel, anxious to observe 
all their movements, fearlessly exposed his person by stepping on a 
large stone on the ramparts; and while conversing with Dr. Hennes- 
sey on the successes of the day and on the dastardly conduct of the 
enemy, the last shot that was fired from their battery carried off his 
head. Col. Young was an officer whom, next to Mina, the American 
part of the division had been accustomed to respect and admire. In 
every action he had been conspicuous for his daring courage and 
skill. Mina reposeil unbounded contidence in him. in the hour of 
danger he was collected, gave his orders with precision, and. sword in 
hand, was always in the hottest of the combat. Honor and firmness 
marked all bis actions. He was generous in the extreme, and en- 
dured privations with a cheerfulness superior to that of any other 
oflicer of the division. He has been in the United States service as 
lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-ninth Regiment of Infantry. His 
body was interred by the few Americans who could be spared from 
duty with every jiossible mark of honor and respect, and the general 
gloom which pervaded the division on this occasion was the sin- 
corest tribute that could be offered by them to the memory of their 
brave chief.' * 

" In the affair at St. Regis the Catholic priest was made 
prisoner, and this surprisal and attack soon after led to a 
retaliatory visit from the enemy, who captured the company 
of militia under Capt. Tilden, stationed at French Mills, a 
short time after. Those who were taken in this affair 
were mostly the identical troops who had been the ag- 
gressors at St. Regis, and for these they were subsetjuently 
exchanged. 

" During the war con.siderable quantities of pork, flour, 
and cattle, from the State of New York, it is said, were 
brought by night to St. Regis, and secretly conveyed across 
the river for the subsistence of the British army. These 
supplies were purchased by emissaries under a variety of 
pretexts, and by offering the highest prices. 

" An Indian of the British party at St. Regis was lately 
living who was employed as a secret messenger to carry in- 
telligence, and was very successful in avoiding suspicions 
and in accomplishing his errands. 

" It is a well-known fact that there were American citi- 
zens who secretly countenanced these movements, and who 
openly denounced the war and its abettors; who hailed a 
British victory as a national blessing, and who mourned 
over the success of the American arms with a pathos that 
proved their sincerity. Impartial (ruth would re(|uire tiieir 
names to be held up to the execration of honest men through 
all coming time, but charity bids us pass them unnoticed, 
that they may perish with their memories. 

" By virtue of powers supposed to be vested in them by 
the law of 1802, the trustees of these Indians had leased 
considerable tracts of the reservation in the vicinity of Sal- 
mon river, which had thus become settled and cleared up ;■(■ 
but this measure was found to produce jars and discords, 
which led to the passage of a general enactment, passed. 
June 19, 1812: 

'"That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons other than 
Indians to settle or reside upon any lands belonging to any nation 
or tribe of Indians within this State; and if any person shall settle 
or reside upon any such lands, contrary to this act, he or she shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, on conviction, be pun- 
ished by tine not less than twenty-tive dollars, nor more than five 

* See Barber's "Hist., Coll., and Antiquities of Ct." 
t This was done under the direction of John Hansdeu, their clerk, 
who was an Irishman, and i)0S6essed much influence over them. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENjCE COUNTy, NEW YORK. 



67 



hundred dollars, or bo imprisoned not less than one month, nor more 
than six months, in the discretion of the court having cognizance 
thereof; and it shall be the duty of the courts of oyer and terminer 
and general sessions of the peace in the several counties of this State, 
in which any part of said lands are or may be situated, to charge the 
grand juries of their respective counties specially to indict all offend- 
ers against the provisions of this section.' 

" Meaawhile many persons had in good faith expended 
consideral)le sums in improvements, which it was desirable 
should be secured to them by a more reliable tenure than 
Indian leases, which led, in ISIG, to the passage of a law: 

"* That in case the St. Hcgia Indians may be desirous of selling 
the mile square of land reserved by them at or near the village of 
French Mills, in the to\vn of Constable, in the county of Franklin, or 
any other lands lying within the State, to which the St. Reijh Indians 
have any tiile or claim, the persun administering the government of 
the State shall be and is hereby authorized to purchase the said lands 
from the said Indians in behalf of this State, and that the treasurer 
be and is hereby authorized on the warrant of the comptroller to pay 
to the order of the governor such sum of money to defray the expense 
of completing the said purchase as the governor may think reason- 
able to givo for the said lands.' 

"The following treaty was accordingly held March 15, 
1816: 

'"A treaty made and executed between Daniel D. Tompkins, gov- 
ernor of the State of New York, in behalf of the people of the said 
State, of the one part, and Peter Tarbell, Jacob Francis, and Thomas 
Williams, for and in behalf of the nation or tribe of Indians known 
and called the *SV. Regis Indians, of the second part (at the city of 
Albany, this fifteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixteen), witnesseth. 

•* * Article 1. The said tribe or nation of Si. Regis Indians do hereby 
sell and convey to the people of the State of New York, for the con- 
sideration hereinafter mentioned, a certain piece or parcel of their 
reservation, called the one mile square, situated in the county of 
Franklin, on Salmon river, to have and to hold the same, to the said 
people of the State of New Y^ork and their assigns forever ; and also a 
separate and additional tract of land of their said reservation, situate 
in the county aforesaid, containing five thousand acres of the easterly 
part of their said reservation, adjoining their aforesaid mile square of 
land, within the territorial limits of the State of New York, to be 
measured from the east boundary line of said reservation, so as to 
make the said west boundary line of said five thousand acres to run 
due north and south ; to have and to hold the said live thousand acres 
of land, to the said people of the State of New York, and their assigns 
forever. 

*** Article 2. The said Daniel D. Tompkins, governor, as aforesaid, 
for and in behalf of the people of the State of New York, covenants 
and agrees with the Sf. Regis nation of Indians that the said people, 
for the said several tracts of one mile square of land and of five 
thousand acres of laud hereinbefore granted and conveyed, shall pay 
to the said nation annually forever hereafter the sum of one thousand 
three hundred dollars, at French Mills, on said jircmises; the first 
payment of the said annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday of 
August next, and the whole annuity to be paid on the first Tuesday 
of August in each year thereafter. 

**' Article 'i. The said St. Regis tribe or nation of Indians also 
covenant and agree to depute and authorize three of the chiefs or 
principal men of their tribe to attend at the times and the ])laces 
aforesaid to receive the said annuity. And that the receipt of the 
said chiefs or principal men so deputed shall be considered a full 
and .'Satisfactory discharge of the people of the State of New York 
from thu annuities which may bo so received.' 

" Signed, sealed, witnessed, acknowledged and recorded. 

" Tn consequence of the great distress among the *SV. 
Regis and other Indian tribes of tlie 8tate from the short 
crops in the cold summer of 181 G, the legislature, at the 
recommendation of the governor, by an act passed February 
12, 1817, authorized the payment of annuities to be antici- 



pated for that year for the purchase of the necessaries of 
life. 

" The concessions of the last treaty being found not to 
cover the territory that had been leased, another treaty was 
held on the 20th of February, 1818, as follows: 

"'At a treaty held at the city of Albany the 20th day of Febru- 
ary, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, 
between his oxcelleney De Witt Clinton, governor of the State of 
New York, on behalf of the people of the said State, and Loren Tar- 
bell, Peter Tarliell. Jacob Francis, and Thomas Williams on behalf 
of the nation or tribe of Indians known and called the St. Rcf/i« In- 
dians, it is covenanted, agreed, and concluded as follows, to wit: 

"'The s.iiii iSV. Regis Indians sell and convey to the people of the 
State of New Y'ork two thousand acres out of the lands reserved bv 
the said Indians, to be bounded as follows, to wit: On the north and 
south by the north and south bounds of said reservation ; on the east 
by the lands ceded by said Indians to the people of the said State 
by a treaty dated IGth March, 18 IG ; and on the west by a line run- 
ning parallel thereto, and at such a distance therefrom as to contain 
the said two thousand acres ; also four rods wide of land through the 
whole length of their reservation for a public road, to the west 
bounds thereof, together with four rods wide of land for the same 
purpose, commencing at the boundary-line near the village of St. 
Regis, to run in a direction so as to intersect the aforementioned road 
a little westerly of the place where it shall cross the, St. Regis river, 
which will be about one mile and three-quarters in length. On con- 
dition that both the said roads be laid out by Michael Ilogan, with 
the assistance of Lorcn Tarbell, and such other person as his excel- 
lency the governor of the said State shall appoint ; and further, that 
in case a turnpike gate or gates shall be established on said road, all 
the Indians of the said tribe shall be allowed to pass free of toll, and 
on th-i further condition that those on the lands they have now and 
heretofore sold shall be compelled, before the State gives them or 
any other person title thereto, to pay up the arrearages of rent due 
on the lands occupied by the said settlers. 

"'In consideration of which cession or grant it is hereby cove- 
nanted, on the part of the said people, to pay to the said Indians an- 
nually forever hereafter, on the first Tuesday of August, at Platts- 
burgh, an annuity of two hundred dollars. And it is further cove- 
nanted by and between the said parties that the annuities payable to 
the said Indians, in consequence of the former treaties betwef*n them 
and the said State, shall hereafter bo paid them on the said first 
Tuesday of ,\ugust at Plattsburgh, instead of the places where they 
are made payable by such treaties. In testimony whereof the said 
governor, on the part of the people of tho said State, and the said 
Loren Tarbell, Peter Tarbell, Jacob Frauds, and Thomas Williams, 
have hereunto set their bands and seals the day and year first above 
mentioned.' 

'* Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and recorded. 

" The lands ceded by the treaty of 1818 were by an act 
of April 20 of that year directed to be laid out into lots and 
farms and sold. The report of the commissioners appoint<3d 
by the governor to perform this duty will be given in our 
account of Fort Covington. 

The following memorial explains itself, and indicates the 
necessity of the course which was subsequently to be 
pursued : 

"'Albany, February IG, 181S. 
"' 7o his Excellency Governor CliiitonfO/ the State oj Xcw Y'ork: 

"' The chiefs of tho St. Regis Indians, by their petition, most re- 
spectfully approach your excellency, to show that in March, 1802, a 
law was passed for the benefit of our tribe, appointing tho trustees, 
namely, William Gray, Louis Cook, and Lorcu Tarbell, to manage 
and improve their affairs. From thai i)criod until the late war thoy 
continued happy amongst themselves, but the war having produced 
a feeling of opposite interests in the tribe, they became divided 
Almost equally in number of young men, having your old chiefs 
with their adherents steady in the cause and interests of tho United 
States. In the course of the war their trustee William Gray was 
taken prisoner at St. Regis, and carried to Quebec, where ho died a 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



prisoner of war. Their other trustee. Colonel Lonis Cook, after being 
actively engaged with General Brown near Buffalo, died at that 
place. Since his death, your oxoellcnoy's petitioner, Lorcn Tarbcll, 
the surviving trustee, taking to his private council Peter Tarbell and 
Jacob Francis, old chiefs, in whom the tribe have full faith, has con- 
tinued to act as for the whole, and has the satisfaction of assuring 
your excellency that the trust reposed in him has been discharged 
conscientiously, and with full regard to justice. 

*** Now, your excellency'.'! petitioner growing old, and desirous to 
be relieved in part from the responsibility which he has felt in the 
discharge of his duties, humbly prays your excellency to get a law 
passed appointing the above-mentioned Peter Tarbell and J.acob 
Frauois to his aid, to fill the vacancies occasioned by the death of the 
former trustees, and confirming the acts of your petitioner done in 
conjunction with the latter since the death of the former trustees. 

*' * And your petitioner will, as in duty bound, ever pr.av, etc. 

'"LonEN Tarbeli.. (Signed by his mark.) 

**' William L. (tray, Interpreter.' 

" In consequence of the foregoing petition and memorial, 
an act was passed on the 3d of April, 1818, appointing 
Peter Tarbell and Jacob Francis, chiefs of the said tribe, to 
be trustees in place of Colonel Louis and William Gray, 
deceased, and to act with the surviving trustee, Loren Tar- 
bell. 

" Much difficulty aro.se between the Indians and their 
former tenants in relation to their arrearages of rent, con- 
cerning which they memorialized the legislature, and on the 
10th of March, 1824, procured an act directing the comp- 
troller to draw his warrant on the treasury for the payment 
of any sum not exceeding $735.07 in favor of Asa Hascall, 
district attorney for the county of Franklin, upon his cer- 
tificate or certificates of the amount of rents due to the 
said St. Reffis Indians from the settlers on ceitain lands 
ceded to them by the people of this State, by treaty dated 
Feb. 29, 1818, and it was made the duty of the said dis- 
trict attorney on receiving the said money to pay it over to 
the Indians as a full satisfaction and discharge of their 
claims. 

" On the 10th of April, 1824, the foregoing act was ex- 
tended to include the lands ceded March 15, 181G. 

" The mill on Grass river and one mile square reserva- 
tion continued to be the property of these people until 
March 16, 1824, when, at a treaty held at Albany between 
Joseph C. Yates, governor, and Thomas Williams, Mitchel 
Cook, Lewis Doublehousc, and Peter Taibell, they sold and 
conveyed for the sum of $1920 this property. 

" The following is a copy of the power of attorney under 
which the deputies of the foregoing treaty acted : 

" ' Knoio all men hi/ ihcue preseitttt, That we, the undersigned chief 
warriors of the tribe called ^SV. lieijin Indians, constitute and appoint 
Thomas Williams, Lewis Doublehousc, and Peter Tarbell as our true 
and lawful attorneys, to go to Albany and sell such a quantity of our 
lands to the people of this State as they may think proper, anil to 
transact all other business which shall bethought best for the welfare 
of our nation, and whatsoever our attorneys shall lawfully act or do 
we will ratify and confirm. Done at .St. Regis in general council this 
eighth day of March, 1821. 

»"'Eleajer Skarestocowa, Charles Sabahawita, 

Peter Trewesti, Icsace Garhwkas, 

liORAN Cook, .TosErii Uer.v, 

CoAKLKS Williams, Evrer Gagaoen, 

Thomas Turble, • Bapti.ste Satchweiks, 

Lewev Sabosra.ni.' 
(Signed mostly by their marks.) 

*Rev. Eleazer Williams. 



"The appointment made by the legislature in 1818, of 
trustees to fill the vacancy made by the death of Cook and 
Gray, appears to have been unsatisfactory to the tribe, as 
is seen from the following petition that was signed by the 
same parties as those who furnished the credentials of the 
deputies at the previous treaty : 

"' To the lionorttblr l/ic Lef/islatitre of the Stn/e oj' Xew York^ in 
acuHte and aHienibli/ convened : 

"'Wo the undersigned, chiefs and warriors of the ,S'/. Hcijin tribeof 
Indians, humbly represent to your honorable body that our old chiefs 
that were appointed as trustees are all dead, except one, who is old 
and unable to transact public business. We therefore earnestly pray 
that your honorable body will appoint Thomas AVilliains, Mitchel 
Cook, Lewis Doublehousc, and Peter Tarbell as trustees to oversee 
and control the affairs of the St. Heijin Indians. 

'"Done in general council at St. Regis, this ninth d.ay of March, 
1824.' 

" The following memorial was also prepared to be for- 
warded to the legislature : 

"'At a public council or town-meeting of the chiefs, head men, 
and warriors of that part of the Si. Uei/in nation, or tribe of Indians, 
which claim the protection and countenance of the State of New 
York, and which receive annuities from and held lands under the 
authority of the said Slate, assembled on this 31 st day of May, 
1824, on their reservation lands in the said State, it is unanimously 
resolved that, in order to put an end to all quarrels for power, we will 
not henceforth encourage auy other individuals to be chiefs, or trus- 
tees, exccjit Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, Lewis Doublehouse, 
Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook; and we do hereby fully authorise 
and empower them to transact for and on behalf of our said tribe of 
American St. Reijia Indians all manner of business which they may 
deem for the general good. 

" ' We authorize them, especially, to receive all annuities payable 
to us by virtue of any bargains or treaties made, or to be made, by 
the State of New York, or of individuals under the sanction of law, 
and others, and to distribute all money or property, as received 
amongst the said tribe of American St. Regin Indians, according to 
our claims. We also authorize and require them to execute to the 
governor of the said State, or other proper authority, all necessary 
grants, conveyances, releases, or receipts which may be required, in 
consequence of any bargain or treaty heretofore made, or hereafter in 
their discretion to be made on our behalf, and for our benefit, with 
the governor of the said State. 

" 'We do further authorize and require them to endeavor to make 
such a bargain with the governor as that all the moneys which we 
are now, or shall be entitled unto, shall in future be paid on our reser- 
vation lands, to our said chiefs and trustees, and not elsewhere. We 
also authorize them to make such arrangements with the governor 
that some individual in whom the governor, as well as our said chiefs, 
can place confidence, may hereafter be considered the only proper 
channel of mutual communication between the governor and our said 
chiefs on behalf of cur said tribe, excepting all occasion.s in which 
our said chiefs may be at Albany. We fully approve all that was 
done by our deputies and chiefs, Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, 
Louis Doublehouse, and Peter Tarbell. in the bargain or treaty made 
at Albany on the lOth March last. We earnestly request that the 
governor will bear in mind these resolutions of the American St. 
Reij!ii Indians ; and, that our minds may be known, we have each of 
us caused our several names and seals to bo affixed to this paper and 
another like it, and ordered one copy to be delivered to the governor 
and one to be kept by our said chiefs. ' 

"'{Signed by about sixty Indians.) 

'"Copieil from the duplicate at St. Regis.' 

" As a further evidence of authenticity, the foregoing 
was accompanied by a declaration of allegiance, a copy of 
which is here given : 

" ' A'lioir all iihom it may concern, That ive, whose names are hereto 
annexed, do solemnly declare ourselves to belong to the American 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



69 



tribe of St, Regis Indians ; that we owe no fealty to the British gov- 
ernment, nor receive any annuities or benefits from the same; that 
we were friendly to the United States during the late war, and have 
continued to be so since; and that it is our fixed determination to 
establish and continue our residence within the limits of the said 
United States, the protection and countenance, and especially of the 
State of New York, we hereby claim for said tribe. In witness of all 
which we have hereto caused our names and seals to be afiixed this 
31st day of May, in the year 1824, within our reservation lands in 
the State of New York, done in duplicate, one copy to be kept by our 
chiefs, and one copy to bo delivered to the governor of the State of 
New York. 

"'(Signed by about sixty Indians).' 

" The author has been unable to ascertain what action, if 
any, was taken on this subject by the legishiture, further 
than that in a treaty, held on the 29th of June, 1824, between 
Governor Yates, and Thomas Williams, Mitchel Cook, 
Louis Doublehouse, Peter Tarbell, and Charles Cook, the 
latter are recognized as trustees. 

"By this treaty they ceded, in consideration of seventeen 
hundred and fifty dollars down, and an annuity of sixty 
dollars, payable on the first Tuesday in August, at the vil- 
lage of Plattsburg, to the said chiefs and trustees, a tract 
of one thousand acres of land, bounded as follows : 

"'On the northeast, by a line commencing on the easterly side of 
St. Regis river, at the termination of the roll-way, so called, about 
four or five chains northerly from the mast road, and running thence 
southeast to the south bounds of the said reserved lands; on the 
south by the said south bounds; on the northwest by the said St. 
Regis river and the land leased by the said Indians to Michael 
Ilogan ; and on the southwest by a line to be run southeast from the 
said St. Regis river to the south bounds of said reserved lands.' 

" On the 14th of December, 1824, the same Indians, 
who are styled 'principal chiefs and head men,' confirmed 
to the people of the State of New York, for a payment of 
one dollar and an annuity of $305, a certain tract of land 
which their predecessors had in ' two certain indentures of 
lease, or instruments in writing, under seal, bearing date 
respectively on the 20th and 23d days of October, in tiie 
year of our Lord 1817, and made and executed by and be- 
tween their predecessors in office and Michael Ilogan, and 
subsequently confirmed by an act of the legislature.' 

" The grass meadows on Grasse river, in the town of Mas- 
sena, were purchased from the St. Regis Indians by the 
commissioners of the land-office, in pursuance of powers 
vested in them by the legislature, on the 21.st of February, 
1845. 

" The amount purchased was, according to Lay's Map 
of 1801, two hundred and ten acres, at three dollars per 
acre. It was stipulated, that if the amount of land should 
be found to overrun, the excess should be paid for at the 
same rates. 

" The Indian meadows on Grasse river were surveyed 
by John W. Tate, in 1845, and patented in small lots in 
the years 1846, '47, '48, '49, and 1851." 

These transactions are believed to cover all pertaining to 
or concerning St. Lawrence County. The history of the 
St. Regis Indians more properly belongs to Franklin county, 
and is not deemed of sufficient importance to be given in 
this work. A very full account of the community is fur- 
nished in Dr. Hough'.s History of St. Lawrence and Frank- 
lin Counties, published in 1853, together with biographical 



notices of many of the most prominent individuals connected 
with it. 

LAND TITLES PROPER. 

" The title of lands, by an established law recognized by 
all civilized nations, is niturally vested in the primitive 
occupants, and cannot be taken from them justly, without 
their consent. ' The law of occupancy, or the taking pos- 
session of those things which belong to nobody,' says 
Blackstone,* ' is the true ground and foundation of all 
property, or of holding those things in severalty which, 
by the law of nature, unqualified by that of society, were 
common to all mankind. But when once it was agreed 
that everything capable of ownership should have an 
owner, natural reason suggested that he who should first 
declare his intention of appropriating anything to his own 
use, and in consequence of such intention actually took it 
into possession, should thereby gain the absolute property 
of it.' 

" The manner in which the primitive title to soil was ex- 
tinguished is detailed in the first part of this chapter. 

'• Soon after the Revolution, there began to be evinced a 
strong tendency fur the extension of the settlements, to 
which the newly-ttcquired freedom gave an impulse before 
unknown. As a natural consequence, this led to a series 
of speculations on a scale proportionate to the progressive 
movement ; and it will be noticed that many of those who 
engaged in these operations had been associated in the 
camp, and had thus acquired, by frequent contact, that 
familiarity with each other's character, and that degree of 
mutual confidence, which led to the exercise of trust and 
reliance upon honor, in many of the negotiations which 
they carried on, to an extent unknown at the present day. 

" But little was known of the country, at the time of 
purchase, beyond that which lay on the border of the 
St. Lawrence river. Previous to the Revolutionary War 
an extensive portion of the State on the Hudson and 
Mohawk rivers, and to a great distance on each side of 
these, had been granted in patents by the English crown, 
and surveyed. The most northern of these was ' Totten's 
and Crossfield's purchase,' which forms the southern 
boundary of our two counties. This w;is purchased at the 
request and expense of Joseph Totten and Stephen Cross- 
field and others, from the Mohawk and Caiiajoharie tribes 
of Indians, at Johnson's Hall, in Trj'on county, in the 
month of July, 1773. It was described as lying on the 
west side of Hudson river, and contained by estimation 
about 800,000 acres of land.f This is believed to have 
been subsequently confirmed by a royal grant. The sur- 
veyors employed in running out the tract found it a rugged 
and iiihospiUtble wilderness, and the farther north they 
went the worse they found it, from which it was inferred 
that the whole northern country was of the same cliaracter.t 

" In a map of Canada and the north part of Louisiana, in 
Jcfiery's ' French Dominions in America,' the country 
north of this tract is described as tiie ' deer-hunting 
grounds of the Iroquois.' Map Xo. 74, in Delisle's Atlas 

* Coinmentarics on the Laws of England. Book 2, obnp. xvi. 

t See MSS., Council Minutes, vol. 31, p. 31. 

J On the authority of Henry E. Pierrepont, Esq., of Brooklyn. 



70 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of 1785 (State library), namos it aud the north of Ver- 
mont ' Irocotsid,' or the land of the Iroquois ; and in an 
old map, republished in the fourth volume of the Docu- 
mentar}' History of the State, it is called ' Coiif/hsn//riicie,' 
or the beaver-hunting country of the Sis Nations. Across 
our two counties is written the following sentence : 

'"Through this tract uf liiud riin» a chain of mountains which, 
from Lake Chaniplaiu ou one side aud tlic river St. Lawrence on the 
other side, show their tops always white with snow, but although this 
one unfavorable circumstance has liitherto secured it from the claws 
of the harpy land-jobbers, yet no doubt it is as fertile as the land on 
the east side of the lake, and will in future furnish a comfortable 
retreat for many industrious families.' 

"A desire to promote the settlement of the State led the 
legislature to take early measures for bringing into market 
the unpatented lauds. An act was passed. May 5, 178G, 
entitled ' an act for the speedy sale of the unappropriated 
lands of the State,' creating land commissioners and em- 
powering them to dispose of such unsold lands as they 
might see proper, within the limits of the State. The out- 
lines of the tracts were first to be run into townships of 
64,000 acres, as nearly square as circumstances would per- 
mit. Each township was to be subdivided into mile square 
lots, to be numbered in arithmetical progression, from first 
to last, and on every fourth township to be written ' to be 
sold J>y single lots' The maps so numbered and lotted 
were to be filed iu the secretary's office, and the original 
thereof in the surveyor-general's office : 

"'And the said secretary ami surveyor-general respectively shall 
cause maps so to be filed, to be put up in some conspicuous part of 
their respective offices, and shall permit any person whatever freely 
to inspect such maps, between the hours of nine and twelve in the 
morning and throe and si.\ in the afternoon in every day, Sundays 
only excepted, paying for inspecting in morning si.\peuce, and the 
like in the afternoon.' 

" Advertisement for the sale of these lands at public ven- 
due was to be duly given. The surveyor-general was to put 
up, as nearly as might be, one-quarter part of the unappro- 
priated and unreserved lands in every township, in lots con- 
tiguous to each other, and sell them to the highest bidder ; 
reserving five acres out of every hundred for roads, but not 
selling any laud for a less price than one shilling an acre. 

"The first, and every fourth township, was to be sold in 
single lots. One-fourth of the purchase-money was to be 
paid down, and the remainder was due within sixty days. 

" In every township the surveyor-general was directed to 
mark one lot ^gospel and schools,' and another \for. pro- 
moting literature,' which lots were to be as nearly central 
as may be. The former was reserved for the support of the 
gospel and schools of the town, but the latter was reserved 
for promoting literature within the State. 

" The land commissioners were directed to designate each 
township which they might lay out by such name as they 
might deem proper, and such name was to be respectively 
mentioned in the letters patent for granting a township or 
part of a township. 

" It was made a condition that there .should be an actual 
settlement made for every six hundred and forty acres 
which may be granted to any person or persons, within 
seven years from the first day of January ne.\t, after the 
date of the patent by which such lands shall be granted; 



in failure of which the lands would revert to the people of 
the State. 

" Accordingly, in pursuance of powers vested in them, 
the board above created, on the 25th of May, 1787, passed 
the following resolution : 

" * lieanlvefl, That the surveyor-general be, anfi he is hereby required 
and directed, to lay down, on a map, two ranges of townships for sale, 
each township to contain as nearly as may be si.xty-four thou.sand 
acres, ancl as nearly in a square as local circumstances will permit, 
and to subdivide each township into lots, as nearly square as may be, 
and each lot to contain si.\ hundred and forty acres, as nearly as 
may be. 

" ' That each range contain five townships adjoining each other, and 
one of the said ranges to bo bounded on the river St. Lawrence, and 
the said ten townships to be laid out within the following limits and 
bounds, to wit : 

" ' Between a line to be run S. 28° E., from a point or place on the 
southern bank of the river St. Lawrence, bearing S. 28° E., from the 
N. W. end of the Isle au Long Saut, and a line parallel with the said 
first line, and also to run from the south bank of the said river, and 
the said parallel lines to be distant fifty miles from each other; and 
that the said surveyor-general advertise the said townships, and pro- 
ceed to the sale thereof, agreeably to law, and that two of the said 
townships be sold in single lots.'^" 

" The value of this tract was then but little known, and 
of the position and courses of lakes and streams there was 
scarcely more knowledge than we now possess of Central 
Africa. The .shores of the river were well known, and 
served as a guide in the laying out of the ten towns. 

"Accordingly, in pursuance of the statute, the following 
advertisement appeared iu the papers. We copy from the 
Albany Gazette of June 7, 1787 : 

" * By virtue of an act of the Legislature entitled "An act for tho 
speedy sale of the unappropriate 1 lands within this State, and lor 
other purposes therein mentioned," passed the oth of May, ITSO, and 
pursuant to a resolution of the Honorable the Commissioners of the 
Land Office: — 

TEN TOWNSHIPS OF UN.lPPROPRIATEn LANDS, 

On the southeast side of the River St. Lawuence, will bo sold at 
Public Vendue, at the Coffee House in the City of New York. The 
sale to commence on Tuesday, the 10th of July next, at XI. o'clock, 
in the forenoon. Maps are* filed for inspection in the offices of the 
Secretary of the State, and Surveyor Gener.al. 

" ' The fourth and eighth Townships will be sold by single Lots, the 
rest by Quarters of Townships. 

" ' Such securities as are made receivable by law on the sales of for- 
feited lands, will bo received in payment. The one Quarter of the 
Purchase Money on tho day of sale, and the remainder within sixty 
days after. 

" ' Simeon De Witt, 

"'.Tune, 1787. "^Surveyor GcneraL* 

"The names of the ten townships were established by a 
formal resolution of the commissioners of the land-office, 
Sept. 10, 1787, and with their corresponding numbers were 
as follows : 

" 1, Louisville ; 2, Stockholm ; 3, Potsdam ; 4, Madrid ; 
5, Lisbon ; 6, Canton ; 7, De Kalb ; 8, Oswegatchie ; 9, 
Hague; 10, Cambray. 

" They have been known by these names exclusively, and 
not by their numbers. All but the last two are still re- 
tained. No. 9 was changed to Morristown, and No. 10 to 
Gouverncur. Four new towns have since been formed 
from these, viz. : Macomb, from Gouverneur and Morris- 
town ; De Peyster, from De Kalb and Oswegatchie ; Nor- 
folk, from Stockholm and Louisville; and Waddingtou, 

* Land-Office Minutes, vol. i. p. 256. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



71 



from Madrid. A part of Hague has al.?o been attached to 
Hammond, and of De Kalb to Ilernion. 

" III accordance with tlie law, and previous advertisement, 
an auction sale took place at the Merchants' coffee-house, 
in the city of New York, at the time advertised, at which 
the ten towns were offered for sale, in quarters, except Os- 
wegatchie and Madrid, which were sold in mile squares. 

" The obvious intention of the law in causing these lands 
to be offered in small parcels was to afford an opportunity 
for those of limited means to compote at the sales ; but 
this intention was defeated by a previous agreement, it is 
said, among the purchasers, in which they delegated one 
of their number to bid, and agreed to not compete in the 
sale. 

" The principal purchaser was Alexander Macomb, who 
subsequently acted a distinguished part in the northern land 
purchases. Gen. Philip Scliuyler owned a oiic-fourtecntli 
interast in these ' ten towns,' or, as they were sometimes 
called, the ' Canada towns.' His share equaled 49,860 
acres, which were patented in Macomb's name. Watts 
owned one-fifteenth of tracts Nos. 1 , 2, and 3 Great Pur- 
chase. 

" Mr. Macomb had, for many years, resided in Detroit, 
and is said to have been a fur-trader. In the course of his 
business he had often passed up and down the St. Law- 
rence, and thus became acquainted with the general aspect 
and probable value of the lands, and better qualified to en- 
gage in these purchases than most of his associates. Alex- 
ander Macomb was the father of Gen. Alexander Macomb," 
commander of the United States army. 

" To cover the private agreement certain persons were 
employed to bid for Macomb, and the lots so sold were sub- 
sequently conveyed to him before patenting. In this man- 
ner lots Nos. 11, 13, 14, IG, 17, 18, 20, and 21, in Madrid, 
were bid off by Michael Connolly ; lots Nos. 47, 56, and 
57, in the same town, by John Meyers ; lots Nos. 48 and 
49, in the same town, by Daniel jMcCormick ; lots Nos. 
18 and 19, in Oswcgatchie, by John Meyers; and lot No. 
23, in the same, by Thomas McFarren, and afterwards 
made over to Macomb. 
' " The ten townships were sold as follows to the original 
patentees. Lots No.s. 55 and 56 were not included in the 
first patents, but were sold long after. 

, " Reference is made to the volume and page of patents 
in the ofiice of the Secretary of State, where they are re- 
corded. The quarters were numbered as follows : No. 1 , 
the northeast; No. 2, the southeast; No. 3, the southwest; 
and No. 4, the northwest quarters. The gospel and school 
lot (No. 55) usually came out of No. 3, and the literature 
lot (No. 56) out of No. 2. As these towns wore designated 
to be each ten miles square, the full (juarters (1 and 4) 
would contain 16,000 acres, and the smaller quarters (2 
and 3) 15,360 acres. 

" 1. Loukville, patented in (|uarters, to Alexander Ma- 
comb, on the 17th of Dec, 1787 (b. 20, p. 64). The 
literature lot was patented to Erastus Hall, Jan. 18, 1833 
(b. 32, p. 10). A tier of lots, numbered from 1 to 12, 
along the St. Lawrence, sold June 4, 1788, to John Taylor 
(b. 20, p. 311, 322). These contained five hundred acres 
each. 



" 2. Stochholni was patented in quarters, to Alexander 
Macomb, Doc. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 68-70). The literature 
lot was sold to Henry Foster, Sept. 25, 1834 (b. 32, p. 
265). 

" 3. Potsdam was patented in quarters, to Alexander 
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 50, p. 72, 75). 

" 4. Madrid was sold in lots of 640 acres, or one mile 
square each, as follows: Nos. 1 to 6, to Jeremiah Van 
Ren,s.selaer, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 332). Nos. 7 to 49, 
to Alexander Macomb, but on different dates, viz. : Nos. 7 
to IS, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 96-99 j; No. 11, April 19, 
1788 (b. 20, p. 267) ; No. 12, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 
100) ; Nos. 13—14, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p. 268-69) ; 
No. 15, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 101) ; No. 16, April 19, 
1788 (b. 20, p. 270); Nos. 17—18, April 19, 1788 (b. 
20, p. 271-72); No. 19, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 101); 
Nos. 20—21, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p. 273-74) ; Nos. 
22 to 30, Dec. 17, 1797 (b. 20, p. 104-112); Nos. 31 to 
40, Dec. 20, 1787 (b. 2(1, p. 112-127); Nos. 47 to 49, 
April 19, 1787 (b. 20, p. 275-277). No. 51, Hterature 
lot, sold to Thomas Peacock, March 24, 1837 (b. 33, p. 
226). Nos. 52 to 95, to Alexander Macomb, but at dif- 
ferent times as follows: Nos. 52 to 55, Dec. 20, 1787 (b. 
20, p. 128-131) ; Nos. 50—57, April 19, 1788 (b. 20, p. 
278-79) ; No,s. 58 to 86, Dec. 20, 1787 (b. 20, p. 132- 
160); Nos. 87 to 95, Dec. 22, 1787 (b. 20, p. 161-169). 
The river lots, of 500 acres each, numbered from 12 to 17, 
sold to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 322). 

" 6. CaiitOH was patented in quarters, to Alexander Ma- 
comb, Deo. 16, 1787 (b. 20, p. 80, 83). The literature lot 
was conveyed to the trustees of Lowville Academy, Nov. 
20, 1818 (b. 26, p. 678). 

" 7. De Kalb was patented in quarters, to Macomb, Dec. 
17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 84, 87). The go.spel and school lot 
was subdivided and sold in small lots to individuals between 
1829 and 1836. The literature lot was subdivided and 
sold in small parcels to individuals between 1829 and 
1834. 

" 8. Osicegatchie was patented in mile squares, as fol- 
lows: Nos. 1 to 9, to Alexander Macomb, Dec. 22, 1787 
(b. 20, p. 170, 175) ; No. 10, to Henry llemsen, Jr., Oct. 
15, 1787 (b. 20, p. 55) ; Nos. 11 to 12 (the latter of 1160 
acres) to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 328) ; No. 
13, to Henry llemsen, Jr., Oct. 15, 1787 (b. 20, p. 56); 
500 acres at the mouth of Oswegatchie river, to John Tay- 
lor, April 22, 1789 (b. 21, p. 178); Nos. 14 to 15 (1700 
acres) to John Taylor, June 4, 1788 (b. 20, p. 329) ; Nos. 
16 to 17, to Henry Reiusen, Jr., Oct. 15, 1787 (b. 20, p.^ 
54, 58); Nos. 18 to 53, to Alexander Macomb, Dec. 22, 
1787 (b. 20, p. 180, 201) ; No. 54, to Alexander Macomb, 
Dec. 24, 1787 (b. 20, p. 210); Nos. 57 to 100, to Alex- 
ander Macomb, Dec. 24, 1787 (b. 20, p. 211, 244); 500 
acres to John Taylor, April 22, 1789 (b. 21, p. 178). 

" 9. Hague was patented in quartere to Macomb, Dec. 
17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 88, 91). The greater part of the gos-' 
pel and school lots of this town came in Black Lake. 

" 10. Camhray was patented in quarters to Alexander 
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787 (b. 20, p. 92). 

"July 4, 1788, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer conveyed to 
Macomb, for £275, lots Nos. 1 to 6, in Madrid, and 10 and 



72 



mSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11, in Lisbon. (See's office. Deeds, b. 2, 4, p. 305.) On 
tbo same date Taylor sold lii.s lands to Macomb, containing 
10,830 acres, for £580. These were lots Nos. 1 to 11, in 
Louisville, containing 5500 acres; No. 12, in Madrid and 
Louisville, of 500 acres; Nos. 13 to 17, in Madrid, con- 
taining 2500 acres; and Nos. 11 to 15, in Oswegatchie, 
containing 2330 acres. (B. 24, p. 307.) April 5, 1788, 
Henry Renisen conveyed to Macomb, for £120, the four 
lots he had bid off in Oswegatchie. 

" Macomb thus became the nominal owner of nearly the 
whole of the ten towns. April 16, 1791, he appointed 
Gouverneur Morris, then in France, his attorney to sell any 
portions of the ten towns whicli he might deem proper, ex- 
cepting a tract in Lisbon previously sold.* So far as our 
information extends, no sales were made by virtue of this 
power. 

" By an instrument executed May 3, 1792, Macomb 
conveyed to Samuel Ogden, in trust for himself. Gen. Henry 
Knox, Robert Jlorris, and Gouverneur Morris, four of his 
associates, for the consideration of .£3200, the four town- 
ships of Hague, Cambray, Oswegatchie, and De Kalb, with 
the stipulation that Ogden should convey to H. Knox 
44,114 acres; to 11. i^Iorris, 60,641 acres; and to Gouv- 
erneur Morris, 60,641 acres of this tract.f In 1792, Ma- 
comb became involved by transaction with Wm. Duer, Isaac 
Whippo, and others of New York, J by which he was com- 
pelled to assign his interest in a tract of land of 1,920,000 
acres, for the benefit of his creditors, to William Edgar and 
Daniel McCormick. On the .same date with the foregoing 
he sold to William Constable, for £1500, the towns of 
Madrid, Potsdam, and the west half of Stockholm, and 
Louisville, and to William Edgar, for £12,000, the towns 
of Lisbon and Canton, excepting a tract in the former, pre- 
viously sold to John Tibbets. The towns of Potsdam and 
Canton appear to have been at first included in this con- 
veyance, which Edgar, in an in.strunient dated Oct. 24, 
1793,§ acknowledged to have been a deed of trust, and ob- 
ligated himself to reconvey the same to Macomb when 
required. 

" The failure of Macomb was in some way connected with 
a bank which it was attempted to get established, as a rival 
of the Bank of New York, in 1792. The shares of this 
bank were to have been $500 each, and 2000 in number. 
He was very much blamed for the course he took in the 
matter, and on his failure was lodged in the debtors' 
prison. It is said that even in this retreat he was assailed 
by a rabble, and owed his preservation only to the strength 
of the building. Macomb's failure prevented the sale of 
northern lands to the celebrated ' Holland Laud Company,' 
who afterwards made the ' Genesee Purchase.' At the 
time this embarrassment occurred, Macomb was largely in- 
debted to Alexander Ellice, and others of London. To 
satisfy this debt, he had conveyed, June 6, 1792, the 
towns of Lisbon, Canton, Madrid, and Potsdam, with the 
west half of Louisville and Stockholm, but Ellice dis- 



» See Deeds, b. 23, p. 140. Secretary's office, 
t lb., h. 24, p. 309. 

% Kccital in a conveyance of Oct. 10, 1792. Deeds, b. 24, p. 437, 
See's office. 

§ fb., b. 26, p. 42. 



claimed this transfer, and quitclaimed his title to the con- 
veyance. 

" The following is a brief summary of the transfers of the 
several towns of the first purchases, so far as we have been 
able to obtain it : 

" Louisville. — We have shown how Constable became 
the owner of the west half of this town. James Constable, 
John McViekar, and Hezekiah B. Pierrcpont, executors of 
William Constable, on Dec. 15, 1803, conveyed 2854 acres 
in a square at the .southwest corner to Gouverneur Morris, 
excepting parts previously sold.|| G. Morris, Jr., received 
the above by will from his father, and this is called the Morris 
tract, at the village of Norfolk. At one period it was 
owned by Lc Ray, and a part was afterwards purchased by 
Russel At t water. The remainder of the west half of the 
town was conveyed by Wm. C. to Ewcretta Constable, Jan. 
3, 1803. T[ James McViekar and Eweretta, his wife, con- 
veyed the above to Wm. Stewart, Dec. 4, 1807, who recon- 
veyed it to McViekar, Dec. 5, 1807.** The latter, Aug. 16, 
1816, deeded lots 58, 59, 60, 68, 69, 70, 78, 79, 80, 88, 
89, 90, to Henry McVickar,ff who by will conveyed it to 
Edward McViekar. The remainder of the west half of 
Louisville became the property of the McViekar families. 
The southern half of Nos. 16, 17, and the whole of 26, 27, 
36, 37, became the property of John Jay, who married a 
daughter of William Constable. This is called the Juy 
tract. 

" The east half of Louisville and Stockholm were con- 
veyed, June 2, 1792, by Macomb to Wm. Edgar, Wm. 
Laight, and John Lamb, in trust, to be divided as follows : 
to Edgar, 30,618 acres; to Laight, 11,127 acres; to Lamb, 
22,255 acres. Jl Edgar sold his share April 3, 1795, to 
Nicholas Low, John Delafield, and Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 
for §30,618. The latter, July 15, 1797, sold 5103 acres 
to Elkanah Watson. 

" To divide their lands, the proprietors entered into a 
contract in August, 1798, with Amos Lay, to survey it and 
subdivide the lots by three qualities. Macomb also agreed 
with him for a similar survey of the west half The sur- 
vey having been made, and a deficiency being found, this 
was proportionally divided among the several proprietors, 
and they drew by lot for their tracts Feb. 18, 1799. Mr. 
Lay received, for his survey and maps of Louisville, the 
sum of 8500, and a further sum of $70 for cutting a road 
through the town. 

" In a communication of E. Watson to the proprietors, 
accompanying the survey, was the remark that a road from 
Louisville to St. Regis was expected to be completed in 
May or June, 1799. 

" Stockholm. — The west half of this town was sold by 
William Constable to John Constable, Jan. 3, 1803, §§ 
and the latter conveyed the same to Hezekiah B. Pierrc- 
pont Sept. 28, 1809. nil This was a deed in trust for 
Pierrcpont to settle and sell the lands to raise $45,000 
to pay Constable. The lands remaining unsold to be 
divided equally between them. By an agreement dated 

|] lb., b. 2, p. 149. ft /*., b. 4, p. 306. 

1 lb., b. 1, p. 86. XX lb., b. 24, p. 280, Scc.'s Office. 

«» /*., b. 1, p. 322, 323. ^§ lb., b. 1, p. 85. 
nil /*., b. 2, p. 390. 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



73 



April 10, 1813,* C. withdraws the 4th quarter of the 
town, which agrecinent P. signs. P. conveys to D. MoCor- 
niick the 3d quarter of town, April 14, 1813. f iNIcC. con- 
veys back the same April 15, 1813. By a .subsequent 
deed, John Constable, as heir of Wiu. Constable,! deceased, 
releases with the other heirs of Wm. C. all their interest to 
H. B. Pierrepont. This half of the town has mostly been 
settled under agents of Hezekiah B. Pierrepont and his 
heire. Henry E. Pierrepont, Esq., of Brooklyn, has at 
present the management of this estate, and of other exten- 
sive tracts in Franklin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and 
Oswego counties, which form a part of the Macomb pur- 
chases. 

" Of the eastern half of this town we have been unable 
to obtain the chain of title. Edward W. Laight, Samuel 
Reynolds, Wm. Onderdonk, Richard Gouverneur, Nicholas 
Low and others, were concerned in the early transfers. 

" Potsdam. — Macomb, by way of Edgar to Constable, 
as above. The latter by deed, dated Nov. 18, 1802,§ con- 
veyed to Garret A''an Home, David M. Clark.son, and their 
associates, as 'joint tenants, and not as tenants in common,' 
the town, except two miles wide on the northwest side. 
G. Van Home conveyed the above by deed of trust, on the 
9th of April, 1821, || excepting parts previously sold to 
Matthew Clarkson, to be conveyed to the following proprie- 
tors, in separate parcels, and by separate deeds, viz. : Levinus 
Clarkson, Hermon Le Roy, Nicholas Fish, John C. 
Clarkson, Garret Van Home, Wm. Bayard, the executors 
of Jas. McEvers, deceased, Thos. S. Clarkson, Levinus 
Clarkson, and G. Van Home. April 10, 1821, M. Clarkson, 
as such trustee, executes conveyances of separate lots and 
parts of lots, in said town, to Said persons. 

" All subsequent titles in this town (except the two-mile 
strip) have been derived from the foregoing proi)rietors. 

" The strip by the side of Madrid was divided into two 
tracts, of which the western is railed the Ogdcii Tract, and 
the eastern the Le Roiix Tract. The latter was sold to 
Charles Le Roux, by Constable, April 30, 1802. Le Roux 
died in 1810, and in his will directed that this should be sold 
by his executors (^John Doughty, Charles L. Ogden, and 
Thomas L. Ogden) as expeditiously as found convenient. 

" These executors deeded it June 26, 1811,^ to David A. 
and Gouverneur Ogden, as joint tenants in fee-simple. The 
latter, by deed, Oct. 2, 1823,** conveyed to Joshua Wad- 
dington and Thomas L. Ogden, who, Nov. 1, 1824,ff con- 
veyed to Waddington. 

" We have not the title of the western tract. 

" Madrid. — Macomb to Edgar, Oct. 24, 1793, as above. 
Edgar, by a conveyance dated June 12, 1794, sold to Wm. 
Constable the towns of Madrid and Potsdam, for five shil- 
lings, N. Y. currency. II 

" Constable sold to Abraham Ogden, Josiah Ogden Hoff- 
man, David A. Ogden, and Thomas L. Ogden, this town, 
June 6, 1790, for $G0,000.§§ This was further confirmed 



* Clerk's Office, b. 3, p. 488. || lb., b. 7, p. 51, 76. 

t IIj; b. .•!, |). -190, 902. f lb., b. .3, p. 293, 6. 

J Wm. Constable died May 3, 1803. «^» Ih., b. 7, p. 442, etc. 

§ Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 46. ft ^*-. b. 8, p. 17, etc. 

X% Secretary's Office, deeds, b. 26, p. 41. 
?? lb., deeds, b. 28, p. 391. 
10 



by a deed from Thomas Cooper, master in chancery, June 
30, 1801, to John MeVickar,|||| who, by deed dated July 
10, 1801,T1^ conveyed to David A. and Thomas L. Ogden, 
as tenants in common. These brothers, April, 1803,*** 
deeded an undivided third of the town to Joshua Wad- 
dington. June 29, 1811, these parties executed partition 
deeds of lands previously contracted and mortgaged.|ff 

" Canton and Lisbon. — Macomb to Edgar, as above. 
Edgar to Alexander Von Pfister, by deed, June 12, 1794, 
for five shillings. This was doubtless in trust. \n this 
was excepted a tract of nine thousand six hundred acres, 
sold by Macomb to John Tibbets, of Troy, Nov. 20, 1789, 
for £960.^ 

" Von Pfister conveyed, March 3, 1795, to Stephen Van 
Rensselaer, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, and Richard Harrison, 
for £5008 lGs.§§§ This is said to have been conveyed to 
them in payment for money loaned. On the 21st of Jan- 
uary, 1805, Hoffman, by deed, released to Van Rensselaer 
his interest in the two towns. 

" By an agreement between the parties, Harrison retained 
one third of the eastern part of the tract (about 39,400 
acres), and Van Rensselaer the remainder (78,932 acres). |||1|| 
Stephen Van Ren.sselaer, by deed dated Sept. 13, 1836, 
conveyed all his estate in these towns to his son, Henry Van 
Rensselaer,^^][ in whom the title of unsold portions is 
still vested. 

" De Kalb. — Macomb to Ogden, as above. The subse- 
quent transfers we have not obtained. Wm. Cooper, of 
Cooperstown, subsequently purchased the town and com- 
menced its first settlement. After his death it was divided 
up ii>to a number of tracts among his heirs. 

" OswEGATCHiE was patented by ninety-eight patents, as 
above stated. Macomb to S. Ogden, May 3, 1792, with 
three other towns. Col. Ogden purchased the share of 
Robert Morris, as appears in a deed recorded in the Secre- 
tary's ofiice, January, 1793, and conveyed to the others their 
shares in the townships of Hague and Cambray. On the 
29th of Feb., 1808, S. Ogden conveyed by quitclaim this 
town to his son, David B. Ogden.**** On the 21st of Jan- 
uary, 1847, the latter quitclaimed to David C. Judson, 
Esq., of Ogdensburg.tttt 

" Nathan Ford and others purchased large tracts in this 
town. By a deed of Aug. 17, 1798, Ogden conveyed to 
Fordjm an undivided half of three certain tracts, one of 
which contained 10,000 acres, and lay south of the outlet 
of Black lake. 

" The lot of 500 acres on which stood the original village 
of Ogdcnsburg was sold by John Taylor, the patentee, 
June 13, 1789, to Alexander Macomb, for £25.§§§§ 

" Haguk AND Cambkay.— To S. Ogden, as above. May 
3, 1792, indorsed in a release from Robert Morris for his 
proportion, and an acknowledgment, signed by General 



J^J Secretary's Office. 
mill Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 111. 
f 1[f lb., deeds, b. 25, p. 486, etc. 
•»»» lb., deeds, b. 2, p. 132. 



nil Clerk's Office, b. 1, p. 17. 

f If lb., b. 1, p. 20. 

«»« lb., b. 1, p. 78. 

ttt Ik; b. 3, p. 191. 

XXX /&., deeds, b.3, p. 100. 

tttt !>>■< B- A. 39, p. 676, etc. Mr, Judsou died in 1875. 

XXXt Oneida Clerk's Office, book B, No. 7, of deeds, p. 49. 

im Secretary's Office, deeds, b. 24, p. 308. 



74 



HISTOKY 0¥ ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Knox, of the receipt of his conveyiiiicc, dated May 23, and 
Juno 2G, 1792. 

" Tlio jHjilion of the above whicli came to the share of 
General Knox lay alon^ the west side of Hague and Cam- 
bray, extending from the river to the rear line, and wa.s two 
miles, forty-six chains, and twenty-one links wide. This is 
known among early jiurchases as the Knox Tract, conveyed 
May 23, 24, 1792. It was supposed to contain 32,994 
acres, but was afterwards found to embrace only 32,748 
acres. To make up the deficiency of his 44,114 acres, 
lands in 0.swegatcliie were conveyed to General Knox. 

" Henry Knox conveyed the above to Benjamin Walker, 
June 8, 1792, by warranty deed. Walker, March 3,1794, 
executed an agreement for the sale and exchange of lands 
with Samuel Os'^en, including the Knox tract, for the con- 
sideration of $1G,497. Deeded as proniif^ed Dec. 2, 1794. 
A strip three chains forty-one links in width, bounded 
on the northeast corner of the Gfl,641 acre tract, was con- 
veyed by S. Ogdeii to David Ford, May 27, 1800. Ford 
exchanged lands Sept. 19, 1808, with Morris, by which the 
former received a tract on the east border of the town. S. 
Ogden, March 4, 1795, conveyed 20,000 to John Delafield, 
for £t)000. This tract lay near the west border of the town. 
Feb. 12, 1796, D. sold to J. O. Hoffman, for $10, one-sixth 
of this 20,000 acre strip. This strip was subsequently 
owned by Messrs. Nicholas Low, John Delafield,* and 
Benjamin Seixas, and the tract was still further divided by 
lines running from the St. Lawrence to the rear. Of these 
the first on the west was subsequently conveyed to Philip 
Kearney. It was (54 chains 71 links wide, and embraced 
10,000 acres. A portion of this, adjoining the town of 
Rossie, was sold to Mr. Parish. The next strip, 42 chains 
75 links wide, was purchased by Nicholas Low. It embraced 
6G()6.66 acres. A tract 18 chains 71 links wide, next east 
of this, embracing half the above number of acres, became 
the property of Nicholas Gouverneur. A strip 52 chains 
80 links wide, embracing 8000 acres, was sold to Hoffman 
and Ogden ; and about 5000 acres, or a strip 26 chains 
52 links wide, constituting the remainder of the Knox 
tract, was conveyed to Colonel Samuel Ogden. Adjoining 
the Knox tract, and embracing 20,000 acres, was sold by 
Samuel Ogden to William Constable, for £1000, on the 
24th of February, 1794. (^Secretary s office, h. mortgages 
36, p. 341, etc.) 

" William Constable to Gouverneur Morris. Deed of the 
same 20,000 acre strip, Nov. 17, 1798. (Clerk's office, b. 
No. 1, p. 39.) Gouverneur Morris acquired of Samuel 
Ogden, by purchase, a second tract, adjoining the last, 
embracing 60,641 acres. May 13, 1799. (^Qerk's office, b. 
No. 2, p. 401.) About 9500 acres remained in the.se two 
towns, which Samuel Ogden and wife conveyed to David 
B. Ogden,t Feb. 29, 1808. {Clerk's office, b. No. 2, p. 
132-33.) David B. Ogden conveyed to Gouverneur Mor- 
ris, July 1, 1808, all that was conveyed to him by Samuel 
Ogden. (Clerics office, b. No. 2, j). 151.) Gouverneur 
Morris' title was subsequently sold to Edwin Dodge, 

"^^ Delatield was a great operator in financial matter.", but was ulti- 
mately unfortunate in his speculations. Sei.xas was a Jew, and lived 
in New York. 

f A son of Samuel Ogden. 



David C. Judson, Augustus Chapman, Abraham Cooper, 
and others. 

" THE GOSPEL AND SCHOOL LOTS 

were located near the centre of the town, and were usually 
Nos. 55 and 56. The former have since been sold by the 
authority of the legislature, who, on April 21, 1825, pa.ssed 
an act authorizing the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
several towns, at their annual town-meeting, to vote direct- 
ing the whole of the income of the gospel and school lots to 
be apfiropriated to the schools in town. 

" The money received for the sale of these lands has in 
most or all cases been invested, and the interest arising 
therefiom applied for the annual expenses of schools. 

" The literature lot in Canton was given to the Lowville 
academy, in Lewis county, and that of Potsdam to the St. 
Lawrence academy in that town. 

" The literature lots of Stockholm, Louisville, Lisbon, 
0.swegatchic, Hague, and Cambray were sold by the sur- 
veyor-general, in pursuance of an act of the legislature, in 
1832, and the avails placed in the general literature fund 
of the Stat«, for the common benefit of the academies and 
colleges under the direction of the Regents of the Univer- 
sity. 

" By an act passed March 23, 1823, the literature lot in 
Madrid was appropriated to Middlebury academy, in the 
county of Genesee ; and to settle the boundaries a law was 
passed on the 17th of March, 1824, by which the east, north, 
and west bounds, as surveyed in 1797, were declared the 
bounds of the mile square, and the southern line so ran as 
to make six bundled and forty acres. Upon receiving a 
fee simple conveyance of this from the proprietors, the 
State released to them their claim to the remainder of the 
township. 

" By an act of March 4, 1830, the inhabitants of any of 
the towns of St. Lawrence County having gospel and school 
lots therein were authorized to apply the rents and profits 
to the gospel and schools, or either, as the people assembled 
in town-meeting might direct. The part applied to schools 
was to be paid to the school commissioners, and that to the 
gospel was to be distributed to the different Christian orders 
in the ratio of resident members iu full communion with 
any regularly organized church. It is believed that in no 
instance were the funds applied to the latter use. 

" OLD MILITARY TRACT IN CLINTON AND FRANKLIN 
COUNTIES. 

" By the same act under which the ' Ten Townships' 
were sold (passed May 5, 178G), a provision was made for 
the laying out of a tract of land to pay for military services 
rendered by persons in the Revolutionary War. 

" Four of the ten townships so set apart constitute the 
present towns of Burke, Chateaugay, Belmont, and Frank- 
lin, in Franklin county. 

"By a resolution of the land commissioners, of June 19, 
178G, the surveyor-general was directed to lay out the tract 
as indicated in the act. J This was accordingly done, but 
no part of the tract was ever patented to military claimants, 

J Land-office Minutes, vol. i. p. 182. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



75 



being sold like the other lands by the commissioners. 
Townsliips Nos. G and 7, the former now in Clinton and the 
latter in Franklin counties, were patented by the State to 
James Caldwell, of Albany, on Feb. 25, 1785, with the 
usual conditions of patents. On IMarch (j, 1785, Caldwell 
sold to Colin McGregor, of New York, for £500, currency, 
the above townships. On Dec. 19, 1795, Colin McGregor 
sold to John Lamb, William Bell, George Bowne, Joseph 
Pearsall, Henry Haydock, and Edmund Prior, merchants 
of New York, as tenants in common, but in different pro- 
portions, of the lands in townships Nos. 6 and 7. The tract 
was to be divided into lots, for which the purchasers agreed 
to ballot, according to their respective interests therein. The 
following is the list of the lots that fell to the share of each, 
so for as relates to No. 7, or the present towns of Chateau- 
gay, Burke, and a small part of Belmont. Colin Mc- 
Gregor drew Nos. 1, 2, 6 to 12, U to 21, 23 to 27, 30, 

33, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 44, 50, 53, 54, 56 to 59, 61 
to 65, 08, 69, 70, 72, 75, 78 to 81, 84 to 87, and 90. 
John Lamb drew Nos. 76, 71, 3, 13, 22, 55, 82, 77. 
William Bell drew Nos. 43, 32, 66, 20, 75, 36, 52, 60, 
313, 89. George Bowne drew Nos. 473 and 33. Joseph 
Pearsall drew Nos. 34 and 40. Henry Haydock drew No. 
88. Edmund Prior drew No. 5. Thomas H. Branting- 
ham, who owned a part of each of these townships, drew 
lots Nos. 51, 28, and 67, which were conve3'ed to Colin 
McGregor. 

" These lots subsequently passed through various hands, 
and township number seven at present forms almost the 
entire settled portion of the military tract in Franklin 
county. 

" No. 8 was patented to Colin McGregor Feb. 25, 1795, 
who sold to several parties, and the latter divided* it by 
ballot, as follows : William Bell, Nos. 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 18, 

34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 87, 88, 93, 94, 99, 43, 71, 72, 
20, 26, 28 ; in all 25 lots. B. Swartwout, Nos. 2, 12, 16, 
30, 53, 57, 66, 69, 78, 80, 92; in all 11 lots. R. L. 
Bowne, Nos. 1, 2, 9, 33, 7fl, 90, 91, 96; in all 7 lots. 
Leonard Gansevoort, Nos. 17, 21, 22, 45, 55, 56, 59, 60, 

73, 79, 84 ; in all 11 lots. Sir W. Poultncy, Nos. 9, 15, 
27, 41, 44, 46, 52, 58, 64, 68, 81, 82, 97, 1)8, 100 ; in all 
15 lots. His first agent was Col. K. Troop ; present agent, 
Joseph Fellows, of Geneva. Edmund Prior, Nos. 62, 67, 

74, 86; in all 4 lots. Wm. Rhodes, Nos. 36, 51, 54, 76, 
85; in all 5 lots. Wm. Haydock, Nos. 32, 47; in all 2 
lots. Barent Staats, 20 lot.s, which he sold to the following 
individuals: P. Van Rensselaer, Nos. 48, 49, 50, 61, 63, 
65, 75, 77, 83, 82, 95 ; in all 11 lots. P. Van Loon and 
J. P. Douw, Nos. 6, 8, 11 ; in all 3 lot.s. A. Van Schaak, 
No. 25. J. Plush, Nos. 10, 23, 31 ; in all 3 lots. M. 
Gregory, No. 19. J. Benson and D. B. Slingerland, No. 
24. A considerable number of the above lots have been 
sold for taxes, and many of the present owners hold their 
titles in this way from the State. 

" Township No. 9 was patented by the State as follows ; 
Lots Nos. 1 to 48, to Gerrit Smith, Aug. 10, 1849 ; b. 34, 
p. 505. Lot No. 51, to Guy Meigs and Samuel C. Wead, 
June 20, 1849; b. 36, p. 291. Lots Nos. 61 to 87, to 

» Secretary's office, patents, b. 23, p. 393. 



Gerrit Smith, Aug. 10, 1849; b. 34, p. 505. Lots 91 to 
113, also 116 to 126, also 129 to 180, also 182 to 201, also 
202, and 205 to 215, 217 to 228, 231 to 270, 272, 275 to 
287, 290 to 292, 295 to 304, 321 to 323, 325 to 329, 331, 
334 to 342, 355 to 360, to the same, at the same date 
as the other purchases. Portions of the remainder have 
been sold to individuals, ami a part is still owned by the 
State. 

"Township No. 10 was surveyed by John Richards in 
1813, and sold in part to individuals between 1827 and the 
present time. A large part was sold to Gerrit Smith, 
August 10, 1849, and some lots arc still owned by the 
State. 

" IVfcvsSENA. — This town was mostly granted in small 
and separate patents to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and 
others. The first of these grants was made Oct. 23, 1788, 
adjoining the present reservation, and at the mile square. 
These tracts were designated by letters, and extended to the 
letter N. 

" Colonel Louis, the Indian chief to whom a tract in this 
town was conditionally granted in 1789, did not receive a 
patent. He, however, drew lots Nos. 72 and 98, of 600 
acres each, and 55, 11, and 34, of 500 acres each, in Junius, 
N. Y., for his military services. 

" macomb's great purchase. 

" The legislature of the State of New York, at their ses- 
.sion in 1791, in order to promote the settlement of their 
lands, pas.sed a law authorizing the commissioners of the 
land-office to dispose of any of the waste and unappropriated 
lands of the State, in such quantities and on such terms 
and in such manner as they should judge most conducive 
to the interest of the public. 

" The extraordinary powers granted by this law have 
been rightly pronounced, in the language of a report made 
not long since to the legislature on another subject, ' too 
great to be intrusted to mortal hands.' 

" Governor Clinton, in his annual message of 1792, com- 
municated a report of the land commissioners, in which 
they said that they had during the year sold 5,542,170 
acres, in less than forty parcels, for £412,173 16s. 8d., and 
that they had endeavored to serve the public interests 
therein. 

" In a list of applications that had been received for the 
tract was one from Macomb in A])ril. for all the vacant 
lands between Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence, for 
Sd. per acre, in 6 years, without interest, which was rejected 
on account of its extent, 'and because it contained lands 
joining old patents, and front.s too great a proportion of 
water communication.' 

" On May 2 he applied as before, and it was accepted, 
the quantity being reduced. 

" Win. Henderson had applied for all the military land 
at dd. per acre, which was rejected. Macomb liad no com- 
petitors in his purchase. 

" This report being in order, Mr. TalbotI , of Mont- 
goniery, moved a series of resolutions, in whieli, after enu- 
merating the several acts which had been passed relative to 
the waste lands, and declaring that the spirit and design of 
these had been to afford to those of small means the ability 



76 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to purchase, and to prevent the accumulation of lar<^e landed 
estates in the hands of a few, he directly intimated that the 
commissioners had violated the trust reposed in them. It 
appeared a mystery to him that this immense tract had 
been sold for 8(^., while adjoining tracts had been sold to 
the Roosevclts for 3s. !(/., to Adgate for 2s., to Caldwell, 
McGregor, and Henderson at Is. Sd. per acre. 

" The sale, without interest and privilege of discount by 
paying down, was severely censured. 

" These resolutions were warmly discussed but not passed. 
They were evidently designed as the foundation for an im- 
peachment, but failed in their purpose. Colonel Burr, not 
having attended the meetings of the board, was not included 
in the charges, as he appears to have been absent omtfficial 
business. 

" The discussion continued till a late hour, whiMi the 
house adjourned, without decision, until the next day. On 
the 10th of April, 1792, Mr. Melancthon Smith moved the 
following resolution, with a preamble, as a substitute for 
those formerly offered : 

"' liesolved, That this house do highly approve of the conduct of 
the commissioners of the laud-office in thr Jiidieious sales by them as 
aforesaid, which have been productive of the befoi-c-mentioned bene- 
ficial effects.* 

" This resolution was adopted by a vote of 35 to 20. 
The following is a copy of the application of Macomb, 
which was received by the commissioners : 

■ "* At a meeting of the commissioners of the land-office of the State 
of New York, lield at the city hall, iu the city of New York, on Wed- 
nesday, the 22il day of June, 1791. 

" 'Present — His Excellency George Clinton, Esquire, governor ; 
Lewis A. Scott, Esquire, secretary ; Gerard Bancker, Esquire, 
treasurer : Peter T. Curtenius, Esq., auditor. 

"'The application of Alexander Macomb, for the purchase of the 
following tract of land, was read, and is in the following words, to 
wit: 

" 'To thp conmiissionei*s of the laiid-offlce of the State uf New York. 

"'Grntlemrn,— I take tho liberty of requesting to withdraw my application 
to your bonoraltle board of April last, ami t«i substitute the following proposal 
for tho purchase of the waste and unappropriated lands conipriacd within the 
bounds licn-inafter mentioned, and all tho islands hdonging to this State in 
front of said lands, viz.: Beginning at the northwest corner of tho township 
calletl Hague, on tlie river St. Lawrence, anil thence extending southerly along 
the westerly bounds of the said township, and the township called Cambray, 
to tho most southerly corner of the latter; thence extending easterly, north- 
erly, and southerly along the linos of the said township of Cambray, and of the 
townships of De Kalli, Canton, and Putsdani and Stockholm to tho eastermost 
corner of the latter; thence nortliwesterly along the line of the said township 
of Stockbf>lm, and tho township of Louis Villo, to tho river St. Lawrence; 
thence along the shore thereof to tho line, run for t)ie north line of this State, 
in the 4')th degree of north latitude; thence east along the same to the west 
bounds of the tract fomicrly set apart aa bounty lands for the troops of this 
State serving in the army of tho United States; thence southerly along tho 
anmo to tho north bounds of the troct known by the name of Totten and Cross- 
field's purchase; thence westerly along tho north bonmls of the trart last men- 
tioned to tho westermost corner thereof; thence southerly along the westerly 
bounds thereof to the most westerly corner of township No. n in the said 
traet ; thence westerly on a direct line to the uortbwestermo.vt corner of tho 
tract>< granted to Oothoudt; thence westerly on a direct line to the month of 
Salmon river, where it empties itself into Lake OnUirio : thence northeasterly 
along the shore of the said hike and the river St. Lawrence to the place beginning, 
including all the islands belonging to this Stale fronting tho said tract in Lake 
Ontario and tho river St. Lawrence, five per cent, to bo deducted for Iiighwaye, 
and all lakes whoso area exceeds one thousand acres to bo also deducted ; for 
which, after the above deductions, I will give eight pence per acre, to he paid 
in the following mannir, to wit: One-?ixth part of the purchaHc-money at tho 
end of one year fiom the iliiy on which this proposal shall be accei)ted, and tho 
residue in live equal annual installments on tin- same day in tho five next suc- 
ceeding yeara. Tho first payment to bo secured by bond to tho satisfaction of 
your honorable boaiil ; and, if paid on the time limited, and new bonds to the 
aatisfaction of the board executed for another sixth of the purchase-money, 
then I shall bo entitled to a patent for oncsixth part of said tmct, to be sot off 



in a s(jnare in one of the cornei-s thereof, and the same rule to be observed as 
to the payments and securities and grants or patents until the contract shall be 
fnlly completed. But if at any time I shall think fit to antlcii)atothe payments, 
in wlnile or in part, in that case I am to have a deduction on the sum so iwiid 
of an Interest at the rate uf six per cent, per annum for the time I shall have 
paid any such siun before the time hereinbefore stipulated. 
" ' I have the hocor to be, gentlemen, 

"'With great respect, your most obedient servant, 

*" Alkxandek Macomb. 

" ' Nkw York, May 2, 1791. 
" ' I do hereby consent and agree that tho islands called Calcton's or Buck's 
islands, in the entrance of Lake Ontario, and the Isle Au Long Saut, in the 
river St. Lawrence, and a tract e<|ual to six miles square in the vicinity of the 
village of St. Regis, be excepted out of the above ccntract, and to remain the 
property of the Stale: Provided always, That if tho said tract sliall not be 
hereafter ajipUed for the use of the Indians of the said village, that then the 
same shall be considered as included in this contract, and that I shall be enti- 
tled to a grant for the same on my jjerfonnancc of the stipulations aforesaid. 

*"Ai,KXANPEa Macomr.' 

" The board, by a resolution, accepted this proposition, 
and directed the surveyor-general to survey the said tract, 
at the expense of Macomb, and requiring him to secure 
the payment of the first-sixth part of the purchase-money. 
(Land-Office MimiteSj vol. Up. 192.) 

'' On Jan. 10, 1792, the surveyor-general having made a 
return of the survey above directed, and the security re- 
quired having been deposited for the payment of the 
southern half of the tract, containing 1,920,000 acres, the 
secretary was directed to issue letters patent accordingly,* 
which was done Jan. 10, 1792."]* This portion was tracts 
Nos. 4, 5, 6, situated in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego 
counties. 

" In the returns of the survey made under the direction 
of the surveyor-general the lands were laid out into six 
tracts, of which No. 1 lies entirel}' in Franklin county, and 
Nos. 2 and 3 in St. Lawrence County. 

" These were subsequently subdivided into townships 
named and numbered as follows, with the origin of each so 
far as is known :;|; 

" Number One embraced twenty-seven townships. 



Macomh,fvon\ Alexander Macomb. 

Cormachus^'^ from Daniel McCor- 
mick. 

Constable, from Wm. Constable. 

Moira^ from a place m Ireland. 

Buugor, from a town in Wales. 

Jl/a/oHp, from a name in the family 
of It. Harrison. 

Amtaetawn, from a daughter of 
Constable. 

St. ratrt'clcy from the Irish saint. 

Sheiah, from a place in Ireland. 

^yiUiunlsoiU^\ from a son of Con- 
stable. 

Westerly. 

Kiocrettuviltc, from a daughter of 
Constable. 

iMtjtov, from .Tonatlmn Dayton. 



15. FowleVj from Theodosius Fowler. 
Ui. Johnsjiianor, from a sou of Con- 
Stable. 
17. Gilchrist^ from .Jiuiathan (.Jilchrist. 
IS. 2Jnj/A(o», from a town in Knghimi. 

19. C/ieltenli'im, from a town in Eng- 

land. 

20. Margate, from a town in England. 

21. JIa7'ri€tslow7i, from a daughter of 

ConstJtble. 

22. ific/i«c«i///,fromalake in Ireland. 
•j:j. Killanfif, from a lake in Ireland. 

24. Jiarrymore, from a place in Ire- 

land. 

25. Mount Miyrrif. 

26. Cove Hilt'. 

27. Tippfrary, from a county in Ire- 

hind. 



"Those were numbered from west to east, and from 
north to .south. 



® Land-office Minutes, vol. ii. p. 2.*J2. 

f See Office Patents, h. 23. \). IfiO: soo recital in patent to McCor- 
mick, ih., h. 18, p. 1118, etc. 

J In obtaining the origin of these names tlie author has been 
assi:«tcd by A. 0. Brodic, of N. Y., ond Henry E. Pierrepont, of 
Brooklyn. 

g Or McCorniick. Tliis word is but a pla,v upon the name. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



77 



" Number Two embraced eighteen townships, in the 
eastern part of St. Lawrence County, and soutli of the ten 
towns, viz. : 



"1. Sfirrwood. 

2. Oiikham. 

3. Mirrtluke. 

4. Horewood. 

5. Jonestown^ from a diuighter of 

Constable. 

6. I\erce/ield. 

7. (inniBlitn'k, 

8. H(ilhjw<iod. 

9. KiUUire. 



10. Matildavale. 

11. Wick. 

12. Riversitale. 

13. Coofc/aim. 

14. Calfiun'nevilie. 

15. IslingUm. 

16. CliettfTJieli. 

17. Grange. 

18. Crumack. 



" This tract wa.s numbered from we.st to east, commencing 
at the southwest corner, and ending at the north. 

" Number Three was divided into fifteen townships, 
viz. : 



*'l. ITammnnd^ from Abijali H«in 
luund. 

2. SmnerviUe, from a town in New 

Jersey. 

3. DcwUt, from the Burveyor-generHl. 

4. Fil: \fWiam. 

5. Ballijheen, from McCormick'8 na- 

tive place. 

6. Ctare, from a county in IrelantJ. 

7. Kiltarnfy, from a county in Ire- 

land. 



8. Edwards, from a brother of B. 

BlcCormick. 

9. Sunt/KstHry. 

10.- Cliftrm, from a town in England. 

11. Porta/erry, fn>m a town in Ire- 

land. 

12. Scriba, from George Scrilm.(?) 

13. Cfiaummit, from the name of J. D. 

Le Kay. 

14. Bloomfield. 

15. EmihjvUh, from a daughter of 

Constable. 



" The numberinp; of this tract began at the northwe.st, and 
ran irreguhirly from west to east. Most of the others have 
been discarded, or are used only in designating tracts of 
land. 

" Macomb, soon after his purchase, appointed William 
Constable to go to Europe and sell lands, which he did ; 
but as they are not within our propo.sed limits, the details of 
these transactions will not be given. The report of this 
sale naturally spread through the State, and put a stop to 
further applications, which led the commissioners to direct 
the surveyor-general (Oat. 11, 1791 ) to advertise in all the 
papers in the State that the Old Military tract, and large 
tracts lying on the cast and south of this, were still for 
sale. 

" This was accordingly done.* The failure of Macomb 
interrupted the sale and prevented him from receiving the 
patents. On June 6, 1792, he released to William Con- 
stable his interest in tracts 1, 2, and S.f 

" As many of the transfers that ensued were confidential, 
it would be tedious to follow them, if our space allowed. 
William Constable and Daniel McCormick were the leading 
negotiators in this business, and after the death of the 
former, in May, 1803, James Constable, John McVickar, 
and Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, as his executors, as.sumed the 
settlement of the estate and sale of lands. Macomb's in- 
terest in the three tracts was sold June 22, 1791, to William 
S. Smith, Abijah Hammond, and Richard Harrison, but the 
patents for tliese tracts were not issued till several years 
afterwards. 

"On March 3, 1795, the commissioners of the land- 
office directed the secretary of state to prepare letters patent 
to Daniel McCormick for the third tract of 040,000 acres, 

* Land-ofiice records, p. 220. 

f Scc.'s office, jiatcntp, b. 2;i, j>. IGO. 



the latter, who was an original proprietor with Macomb, 
having paid the sum required into the treasury. This was 
accordingly done.| 

" On July 10, following, McCormick satisfied the claims 
of Smith, Hammond, and Harrison by deeding one-fifleenth 
part of the third tract, and two undivided tenths remaining 
after deducting the said one-fifteenth part, and also one-third 
part of the remainder.§ 

" May 14, 1798, McCormick applied for patents for the 
first and second tracts of Macomb's purchase, which were 
ordered, and on the day following approved and Aug. 17 
passed by the commissioners.|| The first embraced 821,879 
acres, and the second 553,020 acres. 

"The fees charged for issuing a patent for 1,374,839 
acres, granted to McCormick, amounted to $820, of which 
half was paid into the treasury, and the rest the land com- 
missioners divided between them, by virtue of an act of 
Feb. 25, 1789, establishing the fees, which were a certain 
rate per townsliip,Tf and of course proportioned to the mag- 
nitude of the sales. 

"On June 21, 1797, the surveyor-general was directed 
by the land commissioners to finish and return a survey of 
the lands contracted and sold to Macomb, and to employ 
none but competent and trusty surveyors on this duty. If 
difficulty arose in finding the starting-point, he was to at- 
tend personally to the matter.** 

" McCormick, by deed to Constable, Sept. 20, 1793, con- 
veyed an undivided third of great lot No. 2,tt and Dec. 19, 
1800, a partition deed between Macomb and McCormick to 
Constable was executed. Theodosius Fowler, Jonathan 
Dayton, and Robert Gilchrist, having become interested in 
the tract, a partition deed was executed Jan. 19, 1802, in 
which Hammond, Harrison, Fowler, Gilchrist, and Dayton 
released to McCormick, Constable, and Macomb. In July, 
1804, James D. Le Ray, by purcha.se from Constable, be- 
came interested in the townships of tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3. 
He appointed Gouvcrneur Morris as his attorney. 

" We have prepared a detailed statement of the shares 
received by each in these transfers, but our space will not 
admit of its insertion. The following statement shows the 
names of those to whom the difiFerent townships were as- 
signed. It is taken from a copy of an original map. kindly 
furnished to the author by P. S. Stewart, Esq., of Carthage, 
the agent of Mr. Le Ray. 

" To condense the statement, the following abbreviations 
will be used ; L. — Le Ray de Chanmont ; M. — Alexander 
Macomb; M. C— Daniel McCormick ; W. C.—Wm. Con- 
stable ; F.— Theodosius Fowler ; G. F.— Gilchrist Fowler ; 
II. H. — Richard Harrison ; H. — Abijah Hammond ; P. — 
David Parish. 

" Grcdt Tract No. 1, including twenty-seven townships. 
1, M. ; 2, W. C. ; 3, W. C. ; 4, G. F. ; 5, M. C; 6, R. 
H. ; 7, W. C. ; 8, H. ; 9, N. J W. C, middle * H., S. J 
M. C. ; 10, W. C. ; 11, R. H. ; 12, W. C. ; 13, N. W. 1 



X See's office, patents, b. 23, p. 394. 
2 Scc.'s office, deeds, 29, p. l.iT. 

II Land-office records, iii. ji. fill. Patents, b. IS. pp. 198, 394, seo.'s 
office. 

f Ih , iii. p. 57. ** Ih., iii., page 18. 

ft Deeds, secretary's office, b. 32. 



78 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



R. H., E. J not marked ; 14, not marked ; 15, N. W. i 
G. F., N. E. i M. C, south part not marked ; 16, W. C. ; 
17, N. i R. H., middle i M. C, S. i W. C. ; 18, H. ; 19, 
F. ; 20, G. F. ; 21, L. ; 22, M. C. ; 23, M. C. ; 24, N. W. 
i H., N. E. i G. ¥., S. E. i R. H., S. W. i M. C. ; 25, 

5. i G. F., the rest not marked ; 20, M. C. ; 27, N. W. i 
M. C., the remainder L. 

" Great Tract No. 2, including eifrhteeu townships. 1, 
N. W. k M. C, N. E. i L., S. E. i M. C, S. W. i U. F. ; 
2, N. W. i M., S. W. i G. ¥., E. i L. ; 3, W. C. ; 4, N. 
W. i L., N. E. i H., S. E. } M. C, S. W. } C. ; 5, M. ; 

6, S. i M. C, N. i M. C, R. H , H., G. F., and L. ; 7, 
M. C. ; 8, N. i n. M., S. i M. C. ; 9, R. H. ; 10, W. C. ; 

11, W. C. ; 12, N. W. J P., N. E. ] R. 11., S. E. i H., 
S. W. i M. ; 13, P. ; 14, P. and M. ; 15, H. ; 16, R. H. ; 
17, E. part M. C, middle part L., W. part G. F. ; IS, not 
marked. 

" Great Tract No. 3, including fifteen township.s. 1, 
H. ; 2, not marked ; 3, not marked ; 4, E. part H., middle 
part M. C, W. part S. (Madame de Stael?j ; 5, M. C. ; 6, 
E. i L., W. J S. ; 7, G. F. ; 8, M. C. ; 9, M. ; 10, N. W. 
i M., N. E. J L. ; S. E. i R. H., S. W. \ H. ; 11, M. C. ; 

12, M. C; 13, L. ; 14, not marked; 15, N. E. k M. C, 
N. W. \ G. F., S. J L. ; 15, N. E. 1 L., N. W. \ M. L., 
S. E. } M. C, S. W. i G. F. 

"THE ISLANDS IN THE ST. LAWRENCE 

were not patented with the land.s oppo.site which they lay, 
nor included in the jurisdiction of any of the towns, al- 
though embraced in the contract of Macomb, with two ex- 
ceptions. It was not deemed advisable to patent any of 
these until the national boundary was decided. By an act 
passed March 17, 1815, they were declared to bo a part of 
the respective towns opposite which they lay, and this ex- 
tended to the islands in Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the 
Niagara river. 

" The i-slands were patented as follows : All the islands 
which lie within this State, between a line drawn at right 
angles to the river, from the village of Morristown, situated 
on the shore of the river, and a meridian drawn through 
the western point of Grindstone island, in the county of 
Jefferson, containing 15,402 J^^ acres, were granted to Elisha 
Camp, Feb. 15, 1823. In the above grant is included 
Grindstone island, containing 5291 acres; Wells' island, 
containing 8068 acres; Indian Hut island, contiiining 309 
acres ; and some small islands without names. 

" Lindy's island, 7.92 acres, to Elisha Camp, Dec. 9, 1823 ; 
nine small i.slands, 178.8 acres ; Isle du Gallop, 492.5 
acres; Tick island, 11 acres; Tibbits island, 17.5 acres; 
Chimney island,* 6.2 acres; other small islands, 3 acres, 
to Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, Oct. 21, 1824. 

" Rapid Plat, 9763 acres. January 28, 1814, the com- 
missioners of the land-office recognized the right of Daniel 
McCurniick to this island. He conveyed it, on the 13th of 
March, 1815, t« David A. Ogden. On the 15tli of De- 
cember, 1823, the following, with the number of acres in 
each, were patented to McCormick. (The title is recorded 
in book 25, p. 480, of patents, at Albany.) 

* Oraeum-'iitun i^laml, OL;fujiiL'il by Foil Levis. 



" Smugglers' island and Johnson's island, 17.72. An 
island near Johnson's island, between that and the United 
States shore, 2.40 ; Sny island, 55.20 ; Ciiat i.sland, 95.20 ; 
Chrystler's i.sland, 52.80 ; Hog island, 5.29 ; Goose Neck 
island, 405.87 ; Upper Long Saut island, 808.80 ; C island, 
3.1 ; D island, 2.5 ; Ilaynes' island, 134.50. 

" The Isle au Long Saut was reserved by the State in 
the original sale, from its suppos('(l importance in a military 
point of view, and s"old to individuals by the surveyor- 
general, in pursuance of statute, between May 5, 1832, and 
the present time, at the land-office in Albany. 

" Barnhart's island, 1092.95 acres; two-thirds to David 
A. Ogden and one-third to Gouverneur Ogden, Dec. 15, 
1815. 

" This island, near St. Regis, lies very near the Canadian 
shore, and a considerable part of it north of the line of 45° 
N. latitude. It was accordingly regarded as British terri- 
tory, and in 1795 it was leased of the .S'^ Regis Indians, 
by George Barnhart, for a term of 999 years, at an annual 
rent of $30. The British government had made a practice 
of granting patents upon the issue of similar leases, and 
would doubtless have done so in this instance had applica- 
tion been duly made. 

" In 1806, a saw-mill was built, and arrangements were 
made for the erection of a grist-mill, when the Indians be- 
came dissatisfied and insisted upon a renewal of the lease, at 
an increased rent. Accordingly a lease was given for 999 
years, at $00 annual rent. Deeds had been granted by 
Barnhart, who, with all the other inhabitants of the i.sland, 
were treated as British subjects, until upon running the line 
between the two nations, after the treaty of Ghent, the 
commissioners assigned the island to the United States, as 
an offset for the half of Grand i.sland, at the outlet of Lake 
Ontario, which in justice would have been divided. In 
1823, D. A. Ogden and G. Ogden purchased the islands in 
St. Lawrence County, and with them Barnhart's island. 
The settlers not complying with the offers made, were 
ejected by the State, and they in 1849 applied for redress 
at the State legislature. By an act passed April 10, 1850, 
Bishop Perkins, George lledington, and John Fine were 
appointed commissioners to examine the.se claims, and 
awarded to the petitioners the aggregate of $6597, which 
was confirmed by an act passed at the following session of 
the legislature. The claimants received as follows: Wm. 
Geo. Barnhart, $1475 ; Jacob Barnhart, $3284 ; Geo. 
Robertson, S1127 ; Geo. Gallinger, $402; and Geo. Snet- 
zinger, $309. 

" The State, in disposing of its lands, conveys them by 
an instrument called a patent, in which there appears no 
consideration of payment, and which purports to be a gift, 
and to be executed by but one party. As reference is often 
made to the reservations of the patent, the form of one is 
here inserted : 

" • THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By Ihc grace 
of UOD, free and indepeiulent. TO .\LL to whom ttiese Presents 
shall come greeting: KNOW YK, Tliat WE HAVE (Jivcn, (Jrantcd, 
and Confirmed, and by these Presents DO GIVE, (jrant, and Con- 
firm unto [here follows name, hounds of lands, .tc], TOGETHER 
with all and singular the Rights. Hereditaments, and .Ajipurtenances 
for the same helouging, or in any wise appertaining : EXCEPTING 
and RESERVING to ourselves all Gold and Silver Klines, and five 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



79 



Acres of every Hundred Acres of tlie said Tract of Land for Iligh- 
wa.Ys: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described and granted 
Premises unto the said . . ., Heirs and Assigns, as a good and 
indefeasible Estate of Inheritance forever. 

•"OX CONDITION, NKVERTHELESS, That within the Term of 
Seven Years, to be computed from the . . . Date hereof, there 
shall be one family actually settled on the said Tract of Land hereby 
(iranted for every six hundred and forty acres thereof, otherwise 
these our Letters Patent and Estate hereby Granted shall cease, de- 
termine, and become void: IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, WE have 
caused these our Letfprs to he made Patent^and the great Seal of our 
said State to be hereunto afhxed : WITNESS our trusty and well be- 
loved [George Clinton] Esquire tJovernor of our State, General and 
Commantler-in-Chief of all the Jlilitia, and Admiral of the Na\y of 
the same.' 

" These instruments are made out by the Secretary of 
State, on the order of the land commissioners, and bear the 
signature of the Governor and the great seal of the State, 
which, in former times, was a large waxen disk, with paper 
on each side, bearing the arms of the State on the face, 
and an imjiression ou the back, which was styled the ' re- 
verse." 

" ' Tax sales' have caused large tracts of land in the rear 
townships of the great purchase to change hands, and many 
of the present owneis hold their titles from this source. In 
March, 1834, 110,873* acres were sold in St. Lawrence, 
and 28,323 acres in Franklin counties, amounting, in the 
latter, to §841.73 only. At this sale Peter Smith' bid off 
large amounls in these and otlier counties. In 1839, 43,1G4 
acres in St. Lawrence, and (15,881 acres in Franklin coun- 
ties were sold. In 1843, 93,01)0 acres in the former, and 
45,457 acres in the latter. These sales, which formerly 
took place at Albany, have, by a recent act of the legis- 
lature, been very judiciously transferred to the county- 
seats. 

" These lands have usually been sold at prices scarcely 
nominal. The following are examples: 17,140 acres, 
$185.09; 20,.^GS acres, $203.02; 21,105 acres, §071.03. 
The State is said to own considerable tracts which have been 
forfeited for taxes. 

" ' Landholders' Reserves' have very frequently been 
made in the northern counties, and generally applj' to 
mines and minerals. In some deeds these reserves embrace 
certain specific ores or minerals, and in others the reserva- 
tions are extended to mill seats and mill privileges. A 
clause is commonly inserted by which it is stipulated that 
all damages arising from entering upon the premises, in 
pursuance of the conditions of the reservation, shall be 
paid. 

'• This has undoubtedly, in some cases, operated as a 
drawback upon the mining interests, as the occupant, 
having no claims upon ores that might exist upon his 
premises, would feel no solicitude about their discovery ; 
and even would take pains to conceal their existence, pre- 
ferring the undisturbed enjoyment of his farm to the an- 
noyance and disturbance that might arise from mineral 
explorations. 

" These reservations of ores are superfluous in sections 
underlaid by Potsdam sandstone, or any of the sedimentary 
series of rock that overlay this formation, as none have 
hitherto been discovered or suspected to exist in any of 
these rocks. 

" It b only in primitive rock, or along the borders of 



this and sedimentary or stratified rocks, that useful ores 
have hitherto been discovered in this section of the State. 

" THE ORIGINAL SURVEY OF MACOMB's PURCHASE. 

'• The following account of these surveys was obtained 
from Mr. Gurdon Smith, a pioneer settler and one of the 
surveyors who run out the great purchase. The north line 
of Totten and Crossfield's purchase was run during the 
Revolutionary War by Jacob Chambers, and forms the 
southern boundary of the great tract. 

" The ten towns had been supposed to be surveyed pre- 
vious to 1799, but some of the lines, if ever marked, could 
not then be found, and a part of them were run out, under 
the direction of Benjamin Wright, of Rome, in 1799. 

" The outlines of the great tract had been surveyed by 

Medad ^litchell and • Tupper, — the former from New 

York, — who laid out the great tracts Nos. 1 , 2, and 3, but 
did not subdivide it into townships. On finishing their 
work they were at the extreme southeast corner of Franklin 
county, from whence they proceeded through the woods 
towards Rome, but bearing too far to the north, they crossed 
Black river below the High Falls, and when they first 
recognized their situation were in the town of Redfield, 
Oswego county, where one of them had previously surveyed. 

" When they reached Rome they were nearly famished, 
having been several days on close allowance, and for a short 
time entirely destitute. From one of these surveyors Tup- 
per's lake, on the south border of the county, derives its 
name. In the winter of 1798-99, Benjamin Wright, 
originally from Connecticut, but then a young man, residing 
in Rome, and by profession a surveyor, obtained from the 
proprietors in New York a contract for surveying the three 
great tracts of Macomb's purchase into townships. He had 
been engaged from 1795 till 1798, in company with bis 
cousin Moses Wright, in surveying large tracts, and, among 
others, the Black river tract in JeflFerson, Lewis, and Oswego 
counties. 

" From his excellent reputation as a surveyor he was em- 
ployed as a suitable person to superintend the survey of the 
great northern purchase. 

" Early in June, Mr. Wright, with a party of about 
twenty men, started by way of Oneida lake and the St. 
Lawrence river, with a six-handed bateau, to commence 
their operatit)ns at St. Regis. They left arrangements for 
three of their number, G. Smith, Mo.ses Wright, and Eben- 
ezer Wright, with eight other men, to come through the 
woods to meet them at Penet's bay, now the village French 
Creek. The latter party started on the 11th of June, 1799, 
having been prevented by the absence of one of their 
number* from getting oflf till several days after the main 
part of the company had left ; and arrived after a march of 
about four daj's at the point designated, but, instead of 
finding their companions, they found a letter stating that, 
after waiting in vain several days, they had gone down the 
river. With the exception of a small supply left for their 
support, they were destitute of provisions; but, making a 
virtue of the necessity, they divided their little stock equally 
between them, and pulling down the little log cabin which 



■^ Gurdon Smith. 



80 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



had served for their shelter, and which was then the only 
tenement in the country, they made of its timber a raft, 
and, following on, came to where some Canadian timber- 
thieves were at work on the American shore, near the head 
of Chippewa bay. 

" Here ihey found provisions for supplying their most 
pressing hunger, and from hence they v!en taken in a boat 
to where Brockville now is, then a small settlement. 

" From this they proceeded to Oswegatchie, where they 
overlook the others, and being assembled, they descended 
to St. Regis to commence their operations at that place. 
At the head of the Long Saut two of the number, intimi- 
dated by the swiftness of the current, slipped out of the 
company and attempted to gain St. Regis by land ; biit., on 
arriving at the mouth of Grasse river, they were obliged to 
hire some Indians who were passing to convey them to 
Cornwall, from whence they proceeded to St. Regis. A 
small party, under the direction of G. Smith, was put on 
shore to proceed by land from the Long Saut to St. Regis, 
to make a traverse of the river, who arrived two or three 
days later than those who proceeded by water. 

" The arrival of so many men upon their lands at first 
greatly alarmed the Indians, who suspected evil designs 
upon their persons or their property, and they assembled in 
arms to repel them ; but at length, being satisfied that their 
designs were altogether peaceable, they were received and 
treated witb much kindness. The names of tho.se assem- 
bled at this place for surveying were as follows : 

" Benjamin Wright (principal surveyor), Gurdon Smith, 
Moses Wright, and Ebenezer Wright (the latter cousins of 
B. Wright), Clark Putnam, E. Hammond, Benjamin Ray- 
mond, surveyors at the head of parties, and each having 
his lines assigned him. Each had two axe-men to mark the 
lines, and two chain-men. B. Wright superintended the ope- 
rations of the others, and had the direction of supplying 
the several parties with provisions at camps that were estab- 
lished at different points. He had his headquarters at the 
mouth of Rafjuette river. 

" One of the first duties to be done was to explore the 
Raquette river, and ascertain how far that stream was navi- 
gable, and at what points it was most eligible to establish 
camps. To G. Smith was a.ssigned this duty, and ho with 
two men followed the shore as far up as the present village 
of Potsdam, and, in consequence of this and other explora- 
tions, a camp was established at the present site of Norfolk 
village, at the foot of the rapids on the west side ; another 
near Coxe's mills in Pierrepont ; another at the Canton high 
falls ; and another at Cooper's falls, in De Kalb, and at each 
of these a man was left to take charge of provisions. 

" In commencing operations, Mr. Wright found it a 
matter of the first importance to ascertain the point where 
the line formerly run between the great lots of Macomb's 
purchase intersected the south line on the southern border 
of the county. 

" To determine this Mr. Hammond was dispatched to 
find the point of intersection, but not only failed in this, 
but also was detained so long by various causes that his 
absence became a serious source of uneasiness with those 
who were left. He at length came in nearly famished, 
having failed to accomplish his object. 



"Still in hopes of ascertaining these important data, Mr. 
Smith was next sent, with directions to make the most 
careful examinations and not return until, if possible, they 
were found. After traveling nearly as far as was necessary 
to reach the point, the party camped near a river to spend 
the night, in hopes of being so fortunate as to find the 
object of their search the following day. Next morning 
one of their party related a curious dream which he had 
dreamed during the night, in which he related that they 
seemed to be traveling along and carefully examining every 
object for land-marks, when they came to a bog meadow, 
with scarcely any vegetation but moss, and that on a solitary 
bush whieh grew apart from all others might be found the 
mark. This dream was treated with derision ; but they 
had scarcely proceeded a quarter of a mile when they came 
to a mansh which the dreamer declared was like that which 
had appeared in his vision, and on careful examination he 
detected the bush and the mark, much to the surprise of 
all. 

" The manner in which this anecdote was related leaves 
no doubt of its truth, and it remains a subject for the 
speculation of the psychologist to offer a solution. He 
might have heard it related casually, and years before, tliat 
such a mark had been made in such a place, and this, from 
its trifling nature, might have made no impression at the 
time and was forgotten, but when it became an object of 
solicitude to ascertain it, the busy thoughts flitting through 
the mind in dreams, without the control of the will, and 
following each other in a succession of which we know no 
law or order, might have brought, unbidden, the welcome 
fact long forgotten, and which no effort of memory in the 
waking state could have recalled. In no other rational 
manner can this singular instance of apparent revelation be 
satisfactorily explained. 

" These different surveying parties spent the summer in 
running some of the principal lines of the great purchase, 
meeting at times with great hardships, from exposure to the 
elements, want of provisions, and misunderstanding of in- 
stiuctions, from the imperfect knowledge possessed of the 
difiV-rent lakes, streams, and rivers in the country. 

" Towards fall the several parties proceeded back to Rome, 
where they all resided, some by water, and two parties 
(Smith's and Raymond's) through the forest. 

" An incident occurred in Mr. Smith's party worthy of 
record. He had procured a supply of provisions, about 
twenty-five miles below Tupper's lake, of a party who had 
been sent by Mr. Wright for this purpose, and thence, in 
pursuance of instructions, he had turned back to the south 
line, and had proceeded on this to the extreme southwestern 
corner of St. Lawrence County, where they camped for 
the night. In the morning, it being foggy and misty, two 
of his men had conceived that the course he proposed to 
take, in order to reach the High falls on Black river (S. 
25° W.), was not in the direction of their homes, notwith- 
standing the evidence of the compass, and peremptorily re- 
fused to accompany him. The course they projiosed to 
take was back on the south line towards Lake Champlain, 
and no argument or expostulation could convince them that 
they were in error. 

" Mr. Smith endeavored to remonstrate by showing that 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



81 



the liiiu was obscure, and would soon be lost, and that they 
must then wander at random and perish in the forest, which 
had then no limits but the St. Lawrence, Black, and Mo- 
hawk rivers. But finding entreaties vaiu, he divided his 
provisions equally between theui, and they shouldered their 
knapsacks and started. At this trying moment those that 
remained, tortured with fear that the missing men would 
be lost, and that their blood would be required at their 
hands, resolved to remain in the place they were a short 
time, in hopes that the deluded men would lose their course 
and call for assistance before they had got beyond hailing 
distance; and so it providentially proved, for their receding 
forms had scarcely disappeared in the distance than, from 
the very anxiety they felt to keep their Hue, they became 
confused and perplexed, and a faint shout in the distance 
conveyed back to those who remained the joyful news that 
the misguided men had discovered their folly iu time to be 
saved. 

" Mr. Smith, who had been listening intently to learn 
whether such would not be the result, instantly sprang 
upon his feet, and bidding his men remain in the place 
they were, he darted off in the direction of the cry, and at 
length overtook them, much to the relief of all parties. 

" Being by this time convinced of their error, and willing 
to trust that most reliable guide the compass, they willingly 
consented to follow the others, thankful for having dis- 
covered their folly in season. Had not the others remained 
where they were, the two parties would have been beyond 
hailing distance, and the consequences must have been 
fatal. The company on the third day arrived at the High 
falls, having struck the road, then newly cut from that 
place to Brown's tract, at a point seven miles from the 
falls. 

"Li May, 1800, Mr. B. Wright, Mr. M. Wright, G. 
Smith, and B. Raymond returned with men by way of 
Lake Ontario, and finished during that season the survey 
of their contract, embracing the first three great lots of 
Macomb's purchase. The headquarters during this summer 
was also at St. Regis, but nothing worthy of notice oc- 
curred. In the latter part of the summer they returned 
home with their work finished." 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The posts and missions established by the French were 
abandoned at the close of the war in 17G0, and the occu- 
pants and those connected with La Presentation wore scat- 
teied in various directions, mostlj' going into Canada and 
to the Indian settlement at St. Regis. 

The earliest settlements succeeding the French occupa- 
tion were made under the patronage and direction of the 
various landholders, corporate and individual, who had 
purchased tracts in the region uow occupied by St. Law- 
rence County. 

The very earliest settlement seems to have been made in 
the town of JIadrid, in 1793. Following this were others 
at Ogdensburg, 179G; JIassena, 1798; LouLsville and Can- 
ton, 1800 ; Lawrence, 1801 ; Stockholm, llopkinton, and 
De I'cyster, 1802 ; De Kalb and Potsdam in 1803, and in 
various parts of the county from that time until about 
1812, when nearly every town had been settled more or 
11 



less. The latest settlements were made in Fine in 1823 
and Pitcairn in 1824. 

A large number of the early settlers were from New 
England, and principally from Vermont, whose hardy sons 
filled the valle3's of the St. Lawrence and Black river very 
rapidly in the beginning of the present century. 

Many were also from the older settled counties of the 
State of New York, and there were a few from New Hamp- 
shire, Ma.ssachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, (^uite 
a colony of Scotch .settled during the years 1818-19-21 in 
the town of Hammond, and a few Canadians have at va- 
rious times made their homes in the county. 

" The proprietors seldom made their tracts their homes, 
but their agents were generally from the eastern States, 
and men of influence in their own localities, and we find 
that the first settlers in the several towns were often from 
the same neighborhoods. 

" Winter was usually selected for moving, as the streams 
and swamps were then bridged by ice, and routes became 
passable which at other times would be wholly impractica- 
ble. A few of the first settlers entered with their families 
by the tedious and expensive navigation of the Mohawk 
river to Fort Stanwix, and thence, by the canal at that 
place, through Wood creek, Oneida lake and river, Oswego 
river. Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence to their desti- 
nation, and others by the equally toilsome and more dan- 
gerous water route from Lake Champlain and up the St. 
Lawrence. 

" Had any accidental circumstances thrown the fortunes 
of the War of 1758-1760 into the oppiosite scale, giving to 
the French the ascendency, this district might have con- 
tinued as it began, inhabited by a French population, and 
exhibiting that stationary and neglected aspect still seen in 
their settlements below Montreal ; unless, perhaps, the com- 
mercial wants of the country might have called forth the 
expenditure of extraneous capital in the opening of lines of 
communication. Thus the events of a remote historical 
period have modified the character of all that follow, and 
with those who take a pleasure in watching the relations of 
cause and efiect there can be nothing more instructive tljau 
observing how necessarily dependent upon the past arc the 
events of the future. 

" The claims of history upon the attention of those who 
seek probabilities iu precedents is, therefore, direct, and of 
an importance proportionate to the proximity of time and 
place rather than the magnitude of the events. The mighty 
changes in nations and empires, and the records of the vir- 
tues and vices of mankind which adorn or disgrace the pages 
of ancient history, are instructive as showing the lights and 
shades of human character, but they have, to a great degree, 
lost their practical bearing I'rom their dissimilarity to ex- 
isting conditions. Their consequences remain, but so inter- 
woven in the fabric of our civilization as to be insejiarable. 
The nearer we approach the present the more obvious are 
the effects of causes, and there are few prominent events of 
American history which have not left their operation upon 
existing conditions, and between which may be traced the 
direct relation of cause and consequence. 

" In pursuing the history of any district, nothing is more 
obvious than the fact that causes apparently the most trivial 



82 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



often produce the most lasting effects ; and Ijenee tlie minor 
details of a settlement may jio.ssess in reality more impor- 
tance tbnn was attached to thcui at the linic of their occur- 
rence. To borrow tlie figure of Macaulay, ' the sources of 
the noblest rivers that sjiread fertility over continents, and 
bear ricldy-ladcn fleets to the sea, are to bo sought in wild 
and barren mountain tracts, incorrectly laid down in maps 
and rarely visited liy travelers.' To extend this figure, we 
may add that the slightest causes may give direction to tlie 
mountain rill, and thus influence the course of the river 
and the consequent fertility of the country which it irri- 
gates. The origin of our various institutions, literary, civil, 
religious, and social, are especially susceptible of receiving 
tlieir future direction from cau.ses operating at the time of 
origin ; and hence ari.ses the importance of knowing these 
data, to be able to appreciate in its various bearings existing 
relations and tigencies." 

A particular account of the settlements will be found in 
the liistorics of the several towns and villages which consti- 
tute another department of this work. 



CHAPTER V. 

CIVIL OKGANIZATION. 

The Colony under Dutch an J English Rule — First Formation of Coun- 
ties — Boundaries of Albany, Tryon, Montgomery, Clinton — Act 
of Erection of St. Lawrence — Boundaries of 181,! — Erection of 
Towns — The Law Courts — Their Derivation — Colonial Courts — 
Courts of St. Lawrence County — Present Tribunals — Board of 
Supervisors — Public Buildings — CourtHouses and Jails — Poor- 
Houses — Asylums— Children's Houio. 

A GLANCE backward from the stand-point of to-day 
shows civil government was first established, in what is now 
the State of New York, by the Dutch, in 1621. In 1664 
their colony passed under the English rule, where it re- 
mained until the Revolution, e-xcept for a brief interval in 
1673-74, when the Dutch regained a temporary supremacy. 

Under the Dutch the only civil divisions were the city 
and towns. In 1G65 a district or shrievalty, called York- 
shire, was erected, comprising Long island, Staten island, 
and a part of the present county of Westchester. For 
judicial purposes it was divided into the east, west, and 
north ridings. Counties were first erected by the Colonial 
Assembly in April, 1683, and were twelve in number, as 
follows : Albany, Cornwall, Dukes, Dutchess, Kings, New 
York, Orange, Queen's, Richmond, Suflblk, Ulster, and 
Westchester. In 1766 Cumberland county was erected, 
and Gloucester county in 1770, and Tryon and Charlotte 
counties were erected in 1772. Cornwall was in the jnesent 
State of Maine, and Dukes in Massachu.sett«, and were re- 
ceded to the latter colony, so that at the time of the Revo- 
lution there were fotirteen counties in the State, or rather 
province, of New York. Since then Gloucester, Cumberland, 
and a part of Charlotte counties have been ceded to Vermont. 

The county of Albany, as originally erected, contained 
within it,s boundaries the present area of St. Lawrence, and 
was thus limited in the act of erection : "To conteync the 
towne of Albany, the colony of Renssclacrswyck, Schonec" 



tade, and all the villages, neigborhoods, and Christian habi- 
tacoiis on the ea.st of Hudson's river, from Roeleffe Jausen's 
creek, and on the west from Sawyer's creek to the Saraagh- 
tooga." Tryon county, so named in honor of the governor 
of the province at the date of its erection (1772), was taken 
from Albany (the latter named in honor of the Duke of 
Albany, one of the younger scions of the royal family, in 
1()(!5), and its boundaries comprised the country west of a 
north and south line extending from St. Regis to the west 
bounds of the township of Schenectady ; thence running, 
irregularly, southwest to the head of the Mohawk branch 
of the Delaware river, and along the same to the southeast 
bounds of the present county of Broome ; thence in a north- 
westerly direction to Fort Bull, on M'^ood creek, near the 
present village of Rome; all west of that la.st-named line 
being Indian territory. 

On the adoption of the Constitution, in 1777, the four- 
teen counties, into which the State was divided as above 
named, were recognized and continued. On April 2, 1784, 
Tryon county was subdivided, and several counties erected 
from its territory, and its own name lost in that of Mont- 
gomery. The boundaries of the latter county were defined, 
in 1788, as follows: " Bounded easterly by Albany, Ulster, 
Washington, and Clinton counties ; southerly, by the State 
of Pennsylvania ; and west and north, by the bounds of the 
State in those directions." March 7, 1788, Clinton county 
was erected from Washington, and, in 1801, an act rede- 
fining the boundaries of the counties in the State thus 
limited Clinton: "To contain all that part of the State 
bounded southerly by the county of Essex and the north 
line of Tottcn and Crossfield's purchase; east, by the east 
bounds of the State ; north, by the north bounds of the 
State; and west, by the west bounds of the State ; and the 
division line between great tracts Nos. 3 and 4 of Macomb's 
purchase continued to the west bounds of the State." 
March 6, 1801, the ten towns so called had been formed 
into a town called Lis^bon and annexed to Clinton county, 
and the act redefining the boundaries of the counties at- 
tached to Lisbon all the balance of the present area of St. 
Lawrence. 

The next important movement was the erection of the 
county of St. Lawrence, and concerning that act we quote 
from the excellent history of the county compiled by Dr. 
Franklin B. Hough, of Lowville, in 1852. 

** The causes which led to 
the organization of St. Law- 
rence County are set forth in 
the following interesting docu- 
ment, which is the original 
petition for its erection, and is 
preserved among the archives of 
the State, and possesses mucli 
value, from its being snid to 
contain the signatures of nearly 
all the citizens then living in 
the county. The original is 
written in a remarkably neat 
and elegant hand, and thi: sign.aturcs are in every instance in the 
autograph of the signers.^ 




"■' The original petition is in the handwriting of John King, father 
of Hon. Preston King. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



83 



"' To the Honorable the Senate and Asxeiubfi/ of the State nf New 
York : 

" ' Tho petition of the inhabitants, residin<^ within the ten town- 
ships upon the river St. Lawrence, bef; leave humbly to represent the 
great inconvenience and harilships they labor under, by the ten town- 
ships being formed into one town, and annexing the same to the 
county of Clinton. The principal inconvcuicnee your petitioners 
labor under is the very remote distance they arc placed from Platts- 
burgh, which is the county town of the county of Clinton. Not any 
i)f your petitioners are less than one hundred and twenty miles from 
IMattsburgh. and a great majority of them are from one hundred and 
thirty to forty miles. 

^""Between the ten townships and Plattsburgh much of the way 
there is no road, and the remainder of the way is a very b.id one; 
this, together with the great inconvenience and expense which neces- 
sarily must arise to tlioae who?e private business (as plaintiffs and 
defendants) lead them into the county courts, is such as to almost 
place your petitioners without the reach of that justice which the 
laws of our country so happily provide for. This is a mchvncholy 
fact, which several of your petitioners have already experienced, and 
to which all are equally exposed, and when wc add to this the extreme 
difficulty, troubles, and expenses jurors and witnesses musst bo sub- 
jected to, in attending at such a distance, together with the attend- 
ance at Plattsburgh, for arranging and returning the town business, 
increases the burthen and expense beyond the ability of your peti- 
tioners to bear. Your petitioners forbear to mention many other in- 
conveniences, though sensibly felt. Your petitioners presume they 
will naturally oc»«r to the minds of every individual member of your 
honorable body. Some of your petitioners presented a petition to 
your honorable body, at their last session, praying far the formation 
of the town and annexing it as it now is, but they did not then 
(n('ither could they) anticipate the inconvenience and expense they 
find upon experiment attaches to their being so connected. 

••'Your petitioners therefore beg leave humbly to state that much 
less hardship and expense \vould arise to them by having a county 
set off, upon the river St. Lawrence, and 3'our petitioners humbly 
pray that a county may be set off upon the aforesaid river, in such 
manner as your honorable body shall deem most proper; and your 
petitioners would beg leave further to shew that one of the old stone 
buildings at the old Oswegatchie fort (which the proprietors are will- 
ing to appropriate until the county is able to build a court-house) 
may, at a small expense, be repaired, and which, when so repaired, 
will make good accommodations not only for the purpose of holding 
courts, but also for a gaol, and your petitioners pray that place may 
bo assigned for the above purpose. 

" ' Your petitioners would beg leave further to state that Platts- 
burgh is totally out of their route to the city of All)any, which is the 
place to which they must resort for their commercial business. 
Plattsburgh being as far distant from Albany as the ten towns, con- 
se((uently your petitioners are turned out of their way tho whole dis- 
tance, between the ten towns and Plattsburgh, which is not less than 
one hundred and thirty miles from the centre of the townships. 

■* ' The peculiar inconvenience and hardships your petitioners labor 
under is such that your petitioners doubt not that relief will be cheer- 
fully granted by your honorable body, and your petitioners as in 
duty bound will ever pray. 



" * Nathan Ford, 
John Tibbets, 
ElishaTibbetts, 
Joseph Edsall, 
Alex. J. Turner, 
John Tibbits, Jr., 
Alex. IJough, 
Jacob Redington, 
Benjamin Stewart, 
Joel Burns, 
James (}. Stewart, 
Ashael Kent,* 
Challis Fay, 
Joseph Gihlorslieve, 
Elias Demmick, 
Ephraim Smith Ray- 
mond, 
Moses Patterson, 
Henry Allen, 
Edward Lawrence, 
Jonathan Allen,'* 
James Pennock, 
Asa Freeman, 
Truman Wheeler, 
Coney Rice, 
Andrew Rutherford, 
AV alter Rutherford, 
Richard Rutherford, 
Thtunas Rutherford, 
Isaac Parll,* 
Jonathan Ingrabam, 
Joseph Thurber, 
J<)hn Thurber, 
Thomas J. Davics, 
Reuben Kurd, 
Aaron Wclton, 



Jacob Fleramen, 

John Lyon, 
Daniel Barker, Jr., 
Jacob Morris, 
S.imuel Fairchild, 
Alexander Leyers, 
Daniel Sharp,--- 
Festus Tracy, 
Septy Tracy, 
John Armstrong, 
Martin Easterly, 
Alexander Brush, 
James Harrison, 
Stillman Foot, 
Ale.x. Armstrong. 
Jacob Cerner, Jr.,* 
Christian Cerner,* 
Jonathan Tuttle, 
Benj. Bacon, Sr., 
Benj. Bacon, Jr., 
Oliver Linsley, 
Henry Erwin, 
Nathan Shaw, 
Caleb Pumroy, 
Capt. Eben Arthur, 
William Scott, 
Jacob Pohlman, 
David Rose, 
John Stewcrt, 
Samuel Thacher, 
John Sharp, 
John Armstrong, 
David Linsley, 
Jacobus Bouge,* 
David (iiffin, 
William Peck, 



James Sweeny, 
George Foot, 
Ashbel Sikes, 
John Farwell, Jr., 
Joseph Erwin, 
Moses McConnel, 
Benjamin Campbell, 
Godfrey Myers, 
Seth Gates, 
James Kilbom, 
James Ferguson, 
Solomon Lin■^ley, Sr., 
Isaac Bartholomew, 
Solomon Linsley, Jr., 
Nathan Smith, 
Jacob Cerner, Sr.,* 
William Sweet. 
William Morrison, 
Daniel Barker, 
Samuel Avens, 
Elisha Johnes, 
John Smith. 
Benjamin Walker, 
David Layton, 
John Pecor, 
Peter Woo.leok. 
John Barnard, 
Benj. Nichols, 
Seth Ranncy, 
Lazar Laryors,* 
Titus Sikes, :Jd, 
William Lyttle, 
William Lyttle, Jr., 
William Osborn, 
Ilira Pain, 
Joseph Orcut, 



George Davies, 
Rial Dickonson,"-- 
Major Watson, 
Thomas Le Gard,* 
Benj. Mellis,* 
Elijah Carley, 
Adam AVilliams, 
David Carter, 
William Sharp, 
John King, 
Thomas Kingsbury, 
Peter Sharp, 
James Salisbury, 
Zina B. Hawley,* 
John Lyttle, 
Ezekiel Palmer, 



Jeduthan Baker, 
Kelsey Thurber, 
John Cook, 
James Harrington, 
Joel Harrington, 
Samuel Umberston, 
Stephen Foot, 
Jeremiah Com^tock, 
Daniel Mackneel, 
Robert Sanford, 
Justin Hitchcock, 
Jeduthan Farrell, 
H olden Earns worth,* 
Richard Harris, 
James Higgins, 
Samuel Steel, 



Eliphalet Eiswortb, 
Robert Sample, 
Isaac Cogswell, 
Reuben Field, 
Henry Reve,* 
Asa Fenton, 
Joshua Fenton, 
Jason Fenton, 
Joseph Freeman, 
Josiah Page, 
Peter Dudley, 
Ahab Harrington, 
Calvin Hubbard, 
Amos Lav, 
David ^-.« 
John Storring.' 



^ Uncertain. 



'*This petition was received in the assembly on the 8th of Feb- 
ruary, 1802, read and referred to a committee consisting of the 
following gentlemen: Mr. Dirck Ten Broek, of Albany county; Mr. 
Solomon Martin, of Otsego county; Mr. Archibald Mcfntyre, of 
Montgomery county ; Mr. William Bailey, of Clinton county ; Mr. 
Abel French, of Denmark, then Oneida county. 

" The bill passed the house of assembly on the I8th of that month, 
and subsequently resulte i in the passage of the following : 

"* AN ACT TO ERECT PART OF THIS STATR INTO A CODNTY, BY THE SAME 
OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LAWRRNCB. 

Passed March 3, 1802. 

" ' r. Be it enacted b// th*: people 0/ the State of Netc York, repfesented 
in Senate and Aesembtif, That all that tract of land beginning? in the 
line of the river St. Lawrence, which divides the United States from 
the dominions of the king of Great Britain, where the same is in- 
tersected by a continuation of the division-line of great lots numlicrs 
three and four of Macomb's purchase; thence running southeasterly 
along the said line until it comes opposite to the westerly corner of 
the township of Cambray :t then in a straight line to the said corner 
of Cambray : then along the rear lines of the said township of Cam- 
bray, and the townships of De Kalb, Canton. Potsdam, and Stock- 
holm, distinguished on the map of the said township, and filed in 
the secretary's office by the surveyor-general; then by a line to be 
continued in a direct course from the line of the said township of 
Stockholm, until the same intersects the division-line of the great 
lots numbers one and two in Macomb's purchase; thence northerly 
along the same to the lands reserved by the -S>. Hetjis Indians ; then 
westerly along the hounds thereof to the dominions of the king of 
Great Britain ; thence along the same to the place of beginning, 
shall be, and is hereby erected into a separate county, and shall be 
called and known by the name (jf St, Lawrence. 

"'It. And br it fnrther enartt'd. That all that part of the said 
county lying westward of the boundary lines of the townships of 
Lisbon and Canton, as distinguished on the map aforesaid, shall be. 
and hereby is erected into a town by the name of Oswegatchie: and 
the first town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house 
of Nathnn Ford: and the said townships of Lisbon and Canton 
shall continue and remain one town by the name of Lisbon. And that 
all that part of the said county known and distinguished in the map 
aforesaid by the townships of Madrid and Potsdam, shall be. and 
hereby is erected into a town by the name of Madrid: and the first 
town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house of Joseph 
Edsall. And that all the remaining part of the said county shall be, 
and hereby is, erected into a town by the name of Mas«ena; and that 
the first town-meeting in the said town shall be held at the house of 
Amos Lay. 

''' 111.' And be it fiti'ther enacted. That the freeholders and inhab- 
itants of the several towns erected or continued by this act shall be, 
and are hereby empowered to hold town-meetings, and elect such 
town-officers as the freeholders and inhabitants of any town in this 
State may do by law : and that the freeholders and inhabitants of 
the several towns, and the town-nffiecrs to be by them elected respec- 
tively, shall have the like powers and privileges as the freeholders, 
inhabitants, and town-officers of any (own in this State. 

*' ' IV. And be it fnrthei- rnai-ted. That there shall be held, in and 
for the said county of St. Lawrence, a court of common pleas and 
general sessions of the peace, and that there shall be two terms of 
the same courts in every year, to commence and end as follows, — 
that is to say: The first term of the said court shall begin on the 
first Tuesday in June, in every year, and may continue to be held 
until the Saturday following, inclusive: and the second term of tho 
said court shall begin on the sciv.nd Tuesday of November, in every 
year, and may continue to be held until the Saturday following, in- 
clusive; and the said courts of common pleas and general sessions 
of the peace, shall have tho same jurisdiction, powers, and authorities, 
in the same county, as the courts of common pleas and general ses- 
sions of the peace in the other counties of this State have in their 
respective counties. Provided ahcai/t, That nothing in this act con- 
tained shall be construed to affect any suit or action already com- 
menced, or that shall bo commenced, before the first Tuesday in 
June next, so as to work a wrong or prejudice to any of tlie parties 
therein, or to affect any criminal or other proceedings nn tho part of 



f Goarerneur. 



84 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



I 



tliL- poftple of this State: but all such civil and criminnl proceedings 
ghall and may l>c prfisecuted to trial, judgment, and execution, as if 
this act had never been ]fassed. 

*" V. Aittt tjf it /nrtlitr eitnctcil, That until legislative provision 
be made in the premises the said court of common pleas and general 
sesjiionH of llio peace shall be hcM in the old barracks, so called, in 
the said town of Oswegatchie, which fliall be deemed in law the 
court-house and jail of the said county of St. Lawrence. 

" ' VI. And be it further eiutctftl, That the freeholders and inhabi- 
tants of the saiil county shall have and enjoy, within the same, all 
and every of the said rights, powers, anil privileges, as the free- 
holrlcrs and inhabitants oi' any county in this State are by law en- 
tilled to have and enjoy. 

'" VII. And be it further enacted^ That it shall not be the duty (»f 
the supreme court to hold a circuit court in every year in the said 
county, unless, in their judgment, they shall deem it proper and 
ntteessary ; any law to the contrary notwithstanding. 

*''Viri. And be it further enacted. That the saiil county of St. 
Lawrence shall be considered us part of the western district of this 
State. 

"* rX. And be it further enacted, That all the residue of the tract 
of land lying between the division lines aforesaid, of great lots 
numbers three and four, and of great lots numbers one and two, in 
M:i«oinb'.*i purchase, and the north boun<]s in Totten and Crossfield's 
urchase, shall, u[itil further legislative provi.-?ion in the premises, 
be considered a.s part of the town uf Massena, in the said county of 
St. Lawrence; antl all that part of Miu;omb's jturcbase included in 
great division number one, and the Indian reservation at the St. 
Kegis village, shall be annexed to, and form part of, the town of 
Chateaugay, in the county of Clinton. 

** * X. And be it further enacted. That the Paid County of St. Law- 
rence shall bo annexe<l to, and become part of the district now com- 
posed of the counties of Herkimer, Otsego, Oneida, and Chenango, 
as it re.^peetfl all proceedings under the act entitled, ** An act rela- 
tive to district attorneys." 

***XI. And be it further enacted. That until other provision be 
made by law, the inspectors of election in the several towns in the 
said county of ,St. Lawrence, shall return the votes taken at any 
ciecti(»n for governor, lieutenant-governor, senators, member.* of the 
assembly, and members of Congress, to the clerk of the county of 
fJneida, to be by him estimated as a part of the aggregate number 
of votes given at such elecliou, in the county of Oneida.' " 



By referring to the first section of the act above recited, 
it will be seen that the boundaries there given of St. Lttw- 
rence County include but a small portion of territory aside 
from that included in the limits of the ten towns so called ; 
the balance of the present area of the county being, by .sec- 
tion IX., annexed temporarily to the town of Massena. In 
the revision of the statutes of the State, in 1813, the act 
dividing the State into counties, passed April 2G of that 
year, redefined the boundaries of St. Lawrence County as 
follows : 

" Beginning at a place in the St. Lawrence river, where 
a continuation of the divi.sion line between great lots num- 
bers three and four of Macomb's purchase intersects the 
line dividing the United States and the dominions of the 
king of Great Brihiin ; thence southeasterly along said line 
between said great lots three and four to the northwest 
corner of Totten and Crossfield's purchase; thence along 
the north bounds thereof easterly to the division line be- 
tween great lots numbers one and two of Macomb's pur- 
chase ; thence northerly along said division line to lands re- 
served to the St. Regis Indians ; thence along the west 
bounds of said reservation to the dominions of the king of 
Great Britain ; thence westwardly along the litie of said 
dominions to the place of beginning."* 

The boundaries thus defined have obtained ever sincei 
unchanged in any particular. 

Down to 1849 towns were erected by the legislature, at 
which date power was given to the several boards of super- 
visors (except in New York county), by a vote of two- 
thirds of the members elected, to divide or alter the bounds 
of any town, or erect new ones, when such division does not 

* Revised Statutes, 1813, vol. ii. page 37. 



place parts of the same town in more than one assembly 
district. (See Laws of 1849, chap. 194, p. 293.) 

The towns of St. Lawrence County were erected as 
follows : 

LLsbon Hncluding the ten towns), March 6, 1801. 

Oswegatchie, from Lisbon, March 3, 1802. 

Madrid, from Lisbon, March 3, 1802. 

Ma.ssena, from territory attached to Li.sbon, March 3, 
1802. 

Canton, from Lisbon, March 28, 1S0.5. 

Hopkiiiton, from Mas.sena, March 2, 1805. 

DeKalb, from Oswegatchie, Feb. 21, 1806. 

Potsdam, from Madrid, Feb. 21, 180G. 

Stockholm, from Mas.scna, Feb. 21, 180G. 

Russell, from Hopkinton, March 27, 1807. 

Gouveniour, from Oswegatchie, April 5, 1810. 

Louisville, from JIassena, April h, 1810. 

Rossie, from Russell, Jan. 27, 1813. 

Pari.shville, from Hopkinton, March 18, 1814. 

Fowler, from Rossie and Russell, April 15, 1816. 

PierrepoDt, from Russell and Potsdam, April 15, 1818. 

Morristown, from Oswegatchie, March 27, 1821. 

Norfolk, from Louisville and Stockholm, April 9, 1823. 

Brasher, from Massena, April 21, 1825. 

De Pey.ster, from Oswegatchie and De Kalb, March 24, 
1825. 

Edwards, from Fowler, April 7, 1827. 

Hammond, from Rossie and Morristown, JIarch 30, 1827. 

Lawrence, from Hopkinton and Bra.sher, April 21, 1828. 

Hermonf from Edwards and I)e Kalb, April 17, 1830. 

Pitcairn, from Fowler, March 29, 1836. 

JIacomb, from Gouverneur and Morristown, April 3, 
1841. 

Colton, from ParLshville, April 12, 1843. 

Fine, from Rus.sell and Pierrepont, March 27, 1844. 

Waddington, from Madrid, Nov. 22, 1859. 

Clifton, from Pierrepont, April 21, 1868. 

City of Ogdensburg (three wards), April 27, 1868. 

City of Ogden.sburg (fourth ward), 1873. 

City of Ogdensburg first incorporated as a village, April 
15, 1817. 

Canton village first incorporated May 14, 1845. 

Gouverneur village first incorporated April 19, 1868. 

Potsdam village first incorporated March 31, 1831. 

Norwood J village first incorporated 1872. 

Waddington village fir.st incorporated April 26, 1825. 

THE L.\W COURTS. 

The line of descent of the judicial system of New York 
can be traced backward, by those curious to do so, through 
colonial times to Magna Ciiarta, and beyond into the 
the days of the Saxon Heptarchy in England. The great 
instrument wrested by the barons from the king at Runny- 
mcde, A.n. 1215, was but a regathering of the rights and 
privileges of which John and his Norman predecessors had 
despoiled the order of nobles of the realm. A comparison 
of the charters of liberties, drawn up by the colonial ;.sseni- 



t As Depcau; changed to Ilerinon Feb. 28, 1S34. 
X As Pot.«ilntn .lunction. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



85 



blies of 1683 and 1601, and the bill of rights adopted by 
the State in 1787. with the great charter, will disclose many 
provisions of like import. 

But the courts were first introduced into what is now 
the State of New York, by the Dutch, at the institution of 
their rule in 1621, the director-general and his council 
being a trinity of legislative, executive, and judicial au- 
thority. In 1 641 —12 the " Nine Men" held a weekly court, 
and in 1653 the Burgomasters and Schepens of New Am- 
sterdam (New York) and Fort Orange (Albany) were 
created, and held courts corresponding to the present Mayor 
and Aldermen's courts to which the Dutch tribunal 
was changed on the accession of the English, in 1664. 
The Dutch Knickerbocker, Killian Van Rensselaer, held a 
Patroon's court, in his manor of Rcnsselaerswyck (now 
Troy), where he di-spensed justice (?) after the manner of 
feudal times, and practically made his tribunal a court of 
liLst resort, by rendering nugatory all rights of appeal there- 
from by a pledge exacted from his tenants in advance to 
forego their privilege in that respect, as a condition pre- 
cedent to occupancy of his estates. The director-general 
and council held the Oqihan court as their prerog-ative, 
the Burgomasters being, on their creation, ex-ojjicio orphan 
ma.sters, until, on their own application, they were relieved 
of the burden, and special orphan masters appointed. 

The first English court established in the colony was the 
court of assizes, created by the code known as the " Duke's 
Laws," promulgated by an assembly at Hempstead, L. I., 
in 1665. Courts of sessions and town courts were also 
provided by this code, and a commission for a court of 
oyer and terminer, for the trial of capital oifense-s, when 
the information was filed in the court of se.ssions more than 
two months before the sitting of the assizes. These courts 
were abolished by the assembly of 1683, which passed an 
act "to settle courts of justice," under which courts of 
sessions, oyer and terminer, town and justices' courts were 
re-established with increased jurisdiction, and a court of 
chancery created. The assembly of 1691 repealed all legis- 
lation of the former assembly, and of the governor and 
council, and established, as a temporary expedient, the 
courts of sessions, confining their jurisdiction to criminal 
matters; courts of common plea.s, with civil jurisdiction; 
justices' courts in the towns, the court of chancery, and a 
supreme court of judicature. These courts were enacted 
in 1691, 1693, and 1695, and cea.sed in 1698, by limita- 
tion. The court of oyer and terminer was not continued 
in 1691 as a separate tribunal, hut its name was retained 
to distinguish the criminal circuit of the supreme court. 
On the 15th of May, 1699, the governor ( Earl Bellomont), 
and council, by an onliiinnre continued the courts of the 
assembly of 1691, with the exception of the court of 
chancery, which last, however, was revived August 28, 
1701, by Lieutenant-Governor Nanfan, who declared him- 
self the chancellor thereof; but Lord Cornbury, then gov- 
ernor, on the 13th of June, 1703, suspended the tribunal. 
On the preparation by the chief and second judges of the 
province of a fee-bill and code of practice for the same, 
Cornbury finally, Nov. 7, 1704, re-established the court, 
and revived the cases pending therein at the date of his 
suspension of it. All of the above tribunals, continued or 



revived by the ordinances before named, were held by that 
authority alone until the Engli.sh rule was abrogated by the 
Revolution for American Independence. 

A court of appeals, for the correction of errors only, was 
established in 1691, but appeals in certain eases would lie 
from it to the king in privy council. It was composed of 
the governor and his council, who sat in the fort when con- 
vened in that capacity. The prerogative court (court of 
probates) was held by the governor during the colonial 
period by virtue of the instructions received by that official 
from the crown ; the granting of probates being a part of 
the royal prerogative retained by the king. The courts of 
common pleas, in remote counties, were authorized to take 
the proof of wills, and transmit the papers for record in the 
office at New York. Surrogates, with limited powers, were 
appointed previous to 1750 al.so in other counties. A court 
of admiralty was held by the governor and council under 
the Dutch rule ; and under the English, it was at first held by 
the governor's special commissions until 1078, when authority 
was given to appoint a judge and other officers; it event- 
ually, however, depended from the lords of the admiralty in 
England. 

The constitution of 1777, of New York, provided for a 
court for " the trial of impeachments, and the correction of 
errors," the same being the president of the senate for the 
time being, the senators, chancellor, and judges of the 
supreme court, or a majority of them. This court re- 
mained the same under the constitution of 1821, with 
some change in its composition, and ceased with the adop- 
tion of the constitution of 1846, after nearly seventy years' 
existence. 

The court of Chancery was recognized by the first con- 
stitution, and a chancellor appointed for it by the governor. 
It was reorganized in 1788, and ceased its existence pur- 
suant to the constitution of 1846, on the first Monday of 
July, 1847. 

The supreme court of judicature was recognized by the 
first constitution, as the tribunal then existed, and was 
reorganized in 1778, the judges being appointed by the 
council of appointment. The court of exchequer was a 
branch of the supreme court, the same as during the colo- 
nial perioil, and was reorganized in 1786, " for the better 
levying and accounting for fines, forfeitures, i.ssues, and 
amercements, and debts due to the people of the State." 
It was abolished by the general repealing act of December 
10, 1828. Circuit courts were established April 19, 1786, 
to be held by jastices of the supreme court in the respective 
counties. Under the second constitution, the circuit courts 
were held by circuit judges, appointed by the governor, 
there being eight circuits in the State. The constitution 
of 184G abolished the circuits as then established, and pro- 
Tided for the holding the circuit court by the justices of 
the supreme court. 

Courts of oyer and terminer were provided by an act 
passed February 22, 1788, to be held by the justice of the 
supreme court at the .same time with the circuit. Two or 
more of the judges and assistant judges of the court of 
common pleas, in the respective counties, were to sit in the 
oyer and terminer with the justice. Under the constitu- 
tion of 1821 the oyer and terminer was held by the circuit 



86 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



judge. Any justice of the supreme court could, however, 
hold a circuit or preside at an oyer and terminer. The 
court of admiralty existed but a short time under the State 
government, the court ceasing at the adoption of the Federal 
Constitution in 1789; that instrument vesting admiralty 
jurisdietijn solely in the federal courts. 

The court of probates was created in 1778, by the act to 
" organize the government of the State," pa.ssed March 16, 
in that year. This act divested the governor of the powers 
he possessed in the colonial period in the prerogative and 
probate courts, and transferred them to the judge of the 
court of probates, except in the appoiiitmi^nt of surrogates. 
In 1787 surrogates were empowered to be appointed. Tlie 
judge of the court of probates held his office at New York 
until 1797, when an act was passed, March 10, requiring 
the court to be held in Albany, and the records to be 
removed and kept there. The court had appellate jurisdic- 
tion over the surrogates' courts, and was abolished March 
21, 1823, its jurisdiction transferred to tlie chancellor, and 
its records deposited in the office of the clerk of the court 
of appeals in Albany. 

Surrogates were appointed under the first constitution for 
an unlimited period by the council of appointment, and an 
appeal lay from their decisions to the judge of the court of 
probates of the State, as before stated. Under the second 
constitution they were appointed by the governor and sen- 
ate for four years, and appeals lay to the chancellor. Un- 
der the constitution of 184G, the office was abolished, except 
in counties having more than 40,000 population, in which 
counties surrogates may be elected, the term being first for 
four years, but by an amendment adopted in 1SG9, the term 
was extended to six years. Appeals lie to the supreme 
court. In counties of less population than 40,000, the 
county judge performs the duties of surrogate. 

The court of common pleas was continued from the col- 
onial period by the first constitution, and under that instru- 
ment had a large number of judges, as high as twelve being 
on the bench at the same time, in some counties. By an 
act pa.ssed March 27, 1818, the office of assistant justice 
was abolished, and the number of judges limited to five, 
including the first judge. The court was continued with- 
out material change, by the second constitution, and expired 
with that instrument in 1847. 

The constitution of 1846 provided for the following 
courts : A court of impeachments, to take the place of the 
former tribunal of that nature, and composed of the presi- 
dent of the senate, the senators, and judges of the court of 
appeals, or a majority of them. A court of appeals, organ- 
ized at first with eight judges, four chosen by the people for 
eight-year terms, and four selected from the class of justices 
of the supreme court having the shortest time to serve. 
By the article in relation to the judiciary, framed by the 
convention of 1867-68, and adopted by the people Novem- 
ber, 1869, the court of appeals was reorganized. In ac- 
cordance with the provisions of this article, the court is 
now composed of a chief judge and six a-ssociatc judges, 
" who hold their office for the term of fourteen years, from 
and including the first day of January after their election." 
The first election of judges was in the year 1870. This 
court has full power to correct or reverse the decisions of 



the supreme court, five judges constituting a quorum, four 
of whom mu.st concur to pronounce a judgment. In case 
of non-concurrence, two rehearings may be had, and if the 
non-concurrence still obtains, the judgment of the court be- 
low stands affirmed. The clerk of the court is appointed 
by the court, and holds his office during its pleasure. 

The supreme court, as it existed in 1846, was abolished, 
and a new one established, having general jurisdiction in 
law and equity. The State is divided into eight judicial 
districts, in each of which four justices are elected, except 
the first (comprising the city of New York), where there 
are five. The term of office, as originally established, was 
eight years, but the amended judiciary article provided 
that, on the expiration of the terms of justices then in 
office, their successors shall be elected for fourteen years. 
They are so classified that the term of one justice expires 
every two years. The court possesses the powers and exer- 
cises the jurisdiction of the preceding supreme court, court 
of chancery, and circuit court, consistent with the constitu- 
tion of 1846, and the act concerning the judiciary, of May, 
1847. The legislature abolished, April 27, 1870, the gen- 
eral terms of the court then existing, and divided the State 
into four departments, and provided for general terms to be 
held in each of them. The governor designates a presid- 
ing justice and two associate justices for each department, 
the former holding his office during his official term, and 
the latter for five years, if their terms do not sooner expire. 
Two terms at least, of the circuit court and court of oyer 
and terminer are held annually in each county, and as many 
special terms as the justices in each judicial department may 
deem proper. A convention, composed of the general term 
justices, the chief judges of the superior courts of cities, 
the chief judge of the court of common pleas of New 
York city, and of the city court of Brooklyn, appoint the 
times and places of holding the terms of the supreme and 
circuit courts, and the oyer and terminer, which appoint- 
ment continues for two years. The county clerks and clerks 
of the court of appeals are clerks of the supreme court. 

THE COUNTY COURTS. 

. The constitution of 1846 provided for the election in 
each of the counties of the State, except the city and 
county of New York, of one county judge, who should hold 
the county court, and should have such jurisdiction in cases 
arising in justices' courts and in special ca.ses as the legis- 
lature might provide ; but should have no original civil 
jurisdiction, except in such special cases. The legislature, 
in pursuance of these provisions, has given the county 
judge juri.sdietion in actions of debt, assumpsit, and cove- 
nant in sums not exceeding $2000; in cases of trespass and 
personal injury not to exceed $500; and in replevin, $1000. 
The county court has also equity jurisdiction for the fore- 
closure of mortgages, the sale of real estate of infants, 
partition of lands, as.signment of dower, satisfaction of 
judgments, whenever $75 is due on an unsatisfied ex- 
ecution, and the care and cu.stody of lunatics and habitual 
drunkards. The new judiciary article (1869) continued this 
jurisdiction, and gave the courts original jurisdiction in all 
cases where the defendants reside in the county, and in which 
the damages claimed shall not exceed $1000. The term of 



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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



87 



office of the county judge, originally four years, was then 
extended to six years, upon the election of successors to the 
incumbents then in office, the new tenure beginning Jan. 
1, 1871. 

COURTS OP SESSIONS. 

Two justices of the peace, to be designated by law, were 
associated with the county judge, by the constitution of 
1846, to hold courts of sessions, with such criminal juris- 
diction as the legislature shall prescribe. 

Special judges are elected in counties, to discharge the 
duties of county judge when required, by provision of the 
legislature on application of the board of supervisors. 

THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 

of St. Lawrence County, as will be seen by the act of 
erection of the county, was to be held on the first Tuesday 
in June, 1802. Accordingly, on that day, the .same being 
the first day of the month, Judge Nathan Ford appeared at 
the old barracks in Oswegatchie, with the sheriff and clerk, 
ready for business; but no associate judges appearing, the 
court was adjourned until five o'clock on Wednesday. 
Pursuant to adjournment the same officials came together 
and adjourned twenty-four hours longer for the same 
rea-son, and so again on Thursday and on Friday, until ten 
o'clock Saturday morning, when a full bench appeared, as 
follows : Nathan Ford, first judge ; Alexander I. Turner, 
judge; Stillman Foot« and John Tibbitts, Jr., assistant 
justices. Mathew Perkins, Esq., was admitted to the prac- 
tice of the law before the court, and the court adjourned to 
the next court in course. Louis Hasbrouck signing the 
record as clerk. 

The second term of the court was held Nov. 9, 1802, 
with the same presence, except Joseph Edsall appeared as 
assistant justice in place of Esquire Poote. The court ad- 
journed till the afternoon, and then until the next morn- 
ing, for want of business, when a judgment was taken by 
confession against one of the members of the court for 
8400 debt and $9.42 costs in favor of Chas. B, & Geo. W. 
Webster. Another cognovit was entered up against Jacob 
Pohlman, at the suit of John B. Finncane, for $281.84 
debt, and $9.54 costs; and Benjamin Skinner was admitted 
to practice before the court, and then the court adjourned 
till June, 1803. This term was held by Judges Turner 
and Edsall with Justices Tibbitts and Foote. Andrew 
MeCollum and Morris S. Miller were admitted as attorneys 
to practice, and the court adjourned till November, when 
all of the before-named judges and justices were present. 
A jury brought in a verdict for $110.00 debt, and six 
cents cost, in favor of Jonathan Scott against another mem- 
ber of the court; and the clerk was ordered to assess the 
damages in another case against another member of the 
court, which resulted in a judgment of $67.84, and then 
the court, not caring probably to monopolize the docket, 
adjourned till November. 

This term, — November, 1804, — was hold in the court- 
house, all of the other terms being hold in the old barracks. 
Mr. Perkins entered up judgments at this term amounting 
to $138.98; McCoUum, the same, to $80.79; and there 
was one jury trial. In June, 1805, there were judgments 



amounting to $2507.86, entered by confession and default 
mostly. 

At the November term, 1805, Amos Lane was admitted 
to the bar, having been granted an examination " speciali 
ffratia," as the record says. A license was granted John 
Fulton to run a ferry across the St. Lawrence, between his 
house on lot No. 21 in Massena and the house of George 
Barnhart in Canada, and also to run a ferry across Grasse 
river. An insolvent debtor was discharged from the im- 
portunities of his creditors, on his assignment of his prop- 
erty to Thomas J. Davies and Andrew MeCollum for the 
benefit of said creditors, under the bankrupt act of 1801. 

At the June term, 1806, the clerk got a little mixed on 
the sheriff's returns of certain papers, expressing it thus, 
" tunc pro nunc" "then for now;" when it probably was 
intended for " now for then." The October term, 1806, 
opened with one senior judge, three judges, three assistant 
justices, and one justice of the peace on the bench, and the 
June term previous had two judges, three associate justices, 
and five justices of the peace present. Mathew Perkins, 
the first attorney, died in 1808. 

GENERAL SESSIONS OP THE PEACE. 

The first term of this court was convened June 1, 1802, 
at the old barracks in Oswegatchie, and, like the common 
pleas, adjourned from day to day till Saturday the 5th, 
when Judges Ford and Turner and Assistant Justices 
Foote and Tibbitts, and Thomas J. Davies and John Reed, 
justices of the peace, proceeded to hold the sessions. The 
court was duly opened by proclamation, and the sheriff, 
Elisha Tibbitts, returned his venire with the following 
panel of grand jurors : 

Benj. Stewart, foreman, James Akin, Andrew O'Neil, 
Uri Barber, Reuben Turner, John Delance, Benj. Gallo- 
way, John Sharp, Henry Erwin, Jonathan Tuttle, Robert 
Huggins, Samuel Allen, John Lyttle, Wm. Lyttle, John 
Farewell, Jr., Jacob Redington, John Lyon, Adam Mil- 
yers, George Davis, Joseph Thurber, David Giffin, Benj. 
Wilson, George Morris, Thomas Lee. 

The jury was sworn and charged by the senior judge, 
and withdrew for consultation, and in the afternoon re- 
turned into court and reported no presentments, and the 
court adjourned till November. 

The November sessions were held by the same judges, 
and Alexander Brush was the foreman of the grand jury, 
which found five indictments, — two for grand larceny, and 
three for coining and passing counterfeit money. John 
Brooker, indicted for grand larceny, was convicted on one 
indictment and sentenced to pay a fine of $40 and costs, 
and to stand committed till same was paid, and recognized 
to the next oyer and terminer on the other. The court 
estreated four forfeited recognizances, and recognized two 
witnesses to the next oyer and terminer, and then adjourned 
till the next term. There were no presentments at the 
June term, 1803, and the June sessions, 1805, was held 
by a bench of two judges, three assistant justices, and 
seven justices of the peace. T. Skinner being present as 
district attorney-general, at the June term, 1806, the first 
sentence to state's prison was passed, the same being on 
Elijah Hor,— two years for perjury. 



88 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



At the June term, 1809, of the coinmou pleas, the first 
alien was admitted to eitizoiiship in the county courts, the 
same being James Thomson, who was born in Ulster, Ire- 
land, and emigrated to New York in 1801. 

CIRCUIT COURT AND COPRT OF OYER AND TERMINER. 

The first record we find of this court is of the June term, 
1810, which began the 2'Jth day of that niontli, with the 
following presence on the bench : Hon. Ambrose Spencer, 
one of the judges of the supreme court ; Nathan Ford, 
first judge ; Russell Attwater, Benj. Raymond, Joseph 
Edsall, and Alexander I. Turner, judges; Daniel W. 
Church and Stillman Foote, assistant justices. 

Wm. Groat and Richard Van Arnam were committed to 
jail on an indictment found by the general sessions, and on 
their trial the former received ten years in the penitentiary, 
and the latter was found " not guilty." Judge Van Ness 
held the June oyer and terminer, 1811, whereat Reuben R. 
Seely, indicted for petit larceny, was sentenced three months 
to the county jail, " to be fed on bread and water, unless 
the sheriff shall think his health required other food." An 
indictment for rape procured a home for life in the state's 
prison for the miscreant charged with the crime. 

At the July term, 181G, Louis Gerteau was convicted of 
the murder of his wife, and sentenced to be hung on July 
12, just nine days after his sentence. 

The county court was convened for the first time October 
5, 1847, Hon. Edwin Dodge, county judge, presiding, and 
Joseph Barnes, justice of the sessions. Smith Stilhvell 
was the foreman of the grand jury. 

THE surrogate's COURT 

was first convened April 27, 1805, by Mathew Perkins, 
surrogate, the following business being done : The last will 
and testament of Ezekiel Colburn was proven by Elisha W. 
Barber and David White, witnesses, and admitted. The 
next court was held August 24, the same year, when the 
will of John Harris was admitted to record. The first 
intestate esjtate was presented to the court and administra- 
tion granted thereon in 180G, the same being the estate 
of Royal Chapman, of Madrid, Stephen Eldridge being 
appointed administrator. 

Mathew Perkins, the first surrogate, died, and his estate 
was administered upon by his successor, Andrew McCollom. 

The first letters of guardianship were granted June 21, 
1813, by Gouverneur Ogden, surrogate, Luther Abernethy, 
aged seventeen years, being the infant. The first inventory 
filed in the court was that of the estate of Allen Barber, 
deceased, of Madrid, which was filed November 23, 180G. 
The appraisal footed up 8148.29. 

A term of the supreme court was held in Canton, 
Oct. 13, 1847 — Judge David Cady presiding — for equity 
busine&s. 

The tribunals which exercise legal jurisdiction over the 
people of St. Lawrence County at the present time, and the 
constitution of the courts, are as follows : 

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED ST.\TES. 

AppointetJ. 

Morrison R. Waite, Ohio, Chief Justice (4th circuit) IS71 

Nathnn Clifford, Muinc, Associate Justice (1st circuit) 1858 



Appointed. 

Ward Hunt, N. Y., Associate Justice r2d circuit) 1873 

Wm. Strotig.Penn., " " (3d " ) 1870 

Joseph P. Bradley, N. J., " " (5th " ) 1870 

Noali II. Swaync, Ohio, " " (6th " ) 1862 

James M. Harlan, Kentucky, " " (7th " ) 1877 

Samuel F. Miller, Iowa, " " (8th " ) 1862 

.Stephen J. Field, Cal., " " (9th " ) 1862 

I). Wesley Middleton, Washington, Clerk. 
Wm. T. Otto, Indiana, Reporter. 
John (i. Nicolay, Illinois, Marshal. 

The court holds one general term annually at Washing- 
ton, D.C., commencing on the second Mondaj'in October. 

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 

for the second circuit (including New York, Vermont, and 
Connecticut) : 

Ward Hunt, Associate Justice Supreme Court. 
Ale.\ander S. Johnson, Circuit Judge. 
William J. Wallace, District Judge. 

Terms in the northern district (which includes St. Law- 
rence County), Albany, second Tuesday in October ; Canan- 
daigua, third Tuesday in June; also adjourned term, for 
civil business only, at Albany, third Tuesday in January, 
and at Utica, third Tuesday in March. Charles Mason, 
clerk of northern division ; oflBce, Utica. 

THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES 
for the northern district of New York : 

William J. Wallace, Syracuse, Judge. 
Richard Crowley, Lockport, .■Vttorney. 
Winlield Robbins, Ruffalo, Clerk. 
Isaac F. Quinby, Rochester, Marshal. 

Terms. — Albany, third Tuesday in January ; Utica, third 
Tuesday in March ; Rochester, second Tuesday in May ; 
Buffalo, third Tuesday in August ; Auburn, third Tuesday 
in November. A special term by appointment at Oswego, 
Plattsburgh, or Wateitown, and a special session in ad- 
miralty at Buffalo, on Tuesday of each week. 

THE COURT OF APPEALS. 

Term Expires. 

Sanford E. Church, Chief Judge, Albion Deo. 31, 1884 

William F. Allen, Associate Judge, Oswego " 1878 

Charles A. Rapallo, " " N. Y. City " 1884 

Charles Andrews, " *' Syracuse " 1884 

Charles J. Folgor, " " Geneva " 1884 

Theodore Miller, " " Hudson " 1886 

Robert Earl, " " Herkimer " 18U0 

Edwin 0. Perrin, Clerk, Jamaica. 
F. Stanton Perrin, Deputy Clerk, .\Ibany. 
Hiram E. Sickels, Reporter, " 

Amos Dodge, Crier, " 

Andrew J. Chester, Attendant, " 

Jeremiah Cooper, " Lenox. 

THE SUPREME COURT — GENERAL TERMS — 

for the third department, consisting of the third, fourth, 
and sixth judicial districts. 

William L. Learned, Presiding Justice. 
Augustus Bockcs, Associate Justice. 
Douglass Boardman, '* ** 

CIRCUIT COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER 

and special terms of the supreme court for the fourth judi- 
cial district, comprising the counties of Clinton, Essex, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



89 



Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, 
Schenectady, Warren, and Washington. 

Term Expires. 
Charles 0. T.appan, Potsfiam, Justice Su)>rcmc Court.... Dec. 31, 1891 
Joseph Potter, Whiteball, " " .... " 1885 

Jurlson S. Landon, Schenectady, Justice Sup. Court " 1887 

Augustus Bockcs, Sar.atoga Springs, *' *' .... " 1888 

Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk. 

John R. Brinokerhofl", Norfolk, District Attorney. 

Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheritf. 

THE CO0NTY COURT. 

Leslie W. Russell, Canton, County Judge, term empires Dec. 31, 
1883. 

Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk. 
Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheriff. 

GENERAL SESSIONS OF THE PEACE. 

Leslie W. Russell, County Judge. 

Cornelius Carter, Justice Sessions. 

George B.ackus, Justice Sessions. 

Murray N. Ralph, Canton, Clerk. 

John R. Brinckerhoff, Norfolk, District Attorney. 

Orson 0. Wheeler, Canton, Sheriff. 

THE SURROGATE COURT. 

Dexter A. Johnson, Gouverceur, Surrogate, terra expires Dec. 31, 
1883. 
Joseph Y. Chapin, Ogdensburg, Special Surrogate. 

THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 
of the several towns and city of Ogdensburg. 

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. 

The board of supervisors, as the fiscal manager of the 
county, has come down from the " good old colony times, 
when we lived under the king," and dates its beginning iu 
an act of the colonial assembly of New York, passed in 
April, 1691.* By this act it wa.s provided that the free- 
holders of the colony should elect two assessors and one 

supervisor in their respec- 
tive towns ; the former to 
assess and establish the 
rates on each freeholder 
and inhabitant, and deliver 
the list to the supervisor, 
who took it up to a general 
meeting of the supervisors 
of the county, who ordered 
the same collected by the 
constables or collectors of the several towns. The super- 
visors as a board also elected a county treasurer, who re- 
ceived and disbursed the funds for county charges. This 
act w;is repealed October IS, 17(11, and courts of general 
or special sessions, held by the justices of the peace of the 
county, or any five of them, were created, to make the 
neces.sar3' levies of taxes and audit claims, and certify the 
same to two assessors and a collector iu each town for col- 
lection pro rata. This court also appoioted the county 
treasurer. On June 10, 170i5, the supervisors were restored 
again and put in charge of the strong box of the treasury, 
and the courts of sessions relieved of the care of the fiiian- 




* Bradford's Ed. ColoDiiil Laws, 



12 



cial interests of tlie county, and the supervisors required to 
meet as a board at the county town, annually, on the first 
Tuesday in October, and at such other times as they might 
deem proper for the transaction of their business. The 
board received back again, also, the power of appointment 
of county treasurer, who was allowed a sixpence on the 
pound for his fees, the collector.s getting ninepence for their 
fees of collection. The system of the supervisors has been 
continued under the several con.stitutions of the State to 
the present time. 

The records of the board of supervisors of St. Lawrence 
County previous to 1814 were lost in a fire at Ogdensburg 
in the spring of 1839, and consequently no abstract of the 
early business of the board can be obtained. The first 
board is said to have been composed as follows : Nathan 
Ford, of Oswegatchie ; Alexander J. Turner, of Lisbon ; 
Joseph Edsall, of Madrid; Matliew Perkins, X)f Massena. 
In 1814 the board was composed of the following super- 
visors : 

Canton, Daniel Walker: De Kalb, Issac Burnham ; Gouvcrneur, 
Richard Townsend : Hopkinton, Roswcll Hopkins; Louisville, Tim- 
othy W. Osborn ; Madrid, -Joseph Freeman ; Massena, Willard Seaton j 
Parisbville, Daniel W. Church; Potsdam, Benjamin Raymond: Os- 
wegatchie, Louis Hasbrouck : Rossie, Reuben Strcctcr ; Russell, 
Reuben Ashman; Stockholm, Nathaniel F. Winslow; Lisbon, Geo. 
C. Conant. 

Roswell Hopkins was unanimously chosen chairman, and 
Geo. C. Conrad clerk, pro tern. This meeting was the 
annual one, and convened on the first Tuesday in October, 
at the court-house in Oswegatchie. 

On motion of Benjamin Raymond, seconded by a fellow- 
member, it was " Resolved, that the sheriff be directed to 
cause a bi-ick fraiiie work to be built under the iron stove 
in the court room, and as many brick flues to be built on 
the top thereof as the stove will contain ; also to cause to be 
repaired the damage done the court-house by the enemy."f 
The board then adjourned until the la.st Tuesday in the 
month, when they mot again and continued business. 

A bounty of ten dollars was laid on wolves' heads, the 
possessors of which were full grown, and five dollars on 
" whelps of sufficient age to see or travel abroad," provided 
always if these same animals were not slaughtered b^' an 
Indian. Five hundred dollars were appropriated to pay 
the bounties. 

The following town accounts were audited : Canton, 
roads, 8250 ; wolf bounties, S-tO ; sundries, $100.22 ; total, 
$390.22. De Kalb, roads, §250 ; schools, §30 ; the poor, 
S150 ; total, $430. Gouvcrneur, roads, §250 ; sundries, 
§104.46; total, §354.4G. Hopkinton, roads, §250 ; schools, 
§24.72; the poor, §150; wolf bounties, §100; sundries, 
§157.13; total, $681.85. Lisbon, schools, $60 ; sundries, 
§177.98 ; total, §237.98. Louisville, roads, §250 ; schools, 
$16.72 ; sundries, §50.68 ; total, $316.95. Madrid, roads, 
$250 ; schools, $150 ; the poor, §200 ; sundries, §236.81 ; 
total, §836.81. Massena, roads, §250; schools, §66.76; 
sundries, $96.61 ; total. $413.37. Oswegatchie, .sundries, 
§62.50; total, $62.50. Farishville, schools, §21.66 ; sun- 
dries, $142.51 ; total, $164.17. I'otsdam, suialries, §90.75; 
total, $90.75. Ro.ssie, roads, §250 ; sundries, $153.37 ; 

t The Britinh in 1812-13. 



90 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



total, $403.37. Russell, roads, $250; .schools, $40.98; 
the poor, $250; sundries, $5(5; total, $596.98. Stock- 
holm, roads, $250 ; schools, $31.92; sundries, $51.11 ; total, 
$333.03. 

Totiils.— Roads, $2500 ; schools, $442.31 ; the poor, $750 ; 
wolf bounties, $140; sundries, $1480.13; total, $5312.44. 
The county accounts allowed amounted to $739.40 ; and 
the towns were allowed for money already expended on 
bridges, $693.51. Besides the above-named sums, a general 
appropriation, levied on the county at large for the build- 
ing of bridges, was made to the amount of $1000. A 
committee, consisting of Supervisors Hopkins, Raymond, 
and Hasbrouck, appointed at the January meeting in 1814, 
reported on previous appropriations for bridges, by which 
it appears that one of $1225 was made in 1805. 

The county treasurer reported that he had received from 
the comptroller all arrears due the county on taxes and in- 
terest to June 14, 1814, amounting to $6495.34, which 
amount paid all the indebtedness against the county up to 
the meeting of the board in annual .session, and left a bal- 
ance of $3600 in the treasurer's bands. The balances 
reported as due the towns for bridge building was directed 
to be paid to the proper authorities from this balance of 
$3600. The tax-list for the year aggregated $8943.73. 

In 1815 another apjiropriation for bridges was made of 
$1000, and distributed to the towns where the most im- 
portant structures were needed, — Oswegatchie getting $450, 
De Kalb $200, and Gouvenieur $350. 

In 1816 the first equalization of assessment of real 
estate was . eifected. At the annual meeting a committee, 
consisting of Supervisors Hasbrouck, Winslow, and Ray- 
mond was appointed, and reported that, owing to the im- 
perfectness of the returns from some of the towns, equali- 
zation was impracticable, and recommended all of the 
assessment rolls to be returned to the assessors for re-assess- 
ment of real estate, on the following basis : Tracts of 1000 
acres and upwards, at $1.50 per acre; in parts of the town- 
ship of Hammond, Somerville, and Kilkenny, in the town 
of Rossie, and Crumach and Grange in Massena, from 50 
cents to $1 per acre ; in Russell, Parishville, and Hopkin- 
ton, from 10 cents to $1.50 per acre; other towns, not ex- 
ceeding 75 cents per acre. Small tracts for farms, from 
25 to 50 per cent, more, beside improvements. This report 
was adopted, and the assessment retaken accordingly, and 
returned to an adjourned meeting convened November 16, 
following. At this meeting Messrs. Raymond, Hasbrouck, 
and Barber were appointed a committee on equalization, 
and they recommended the following additions and deduc- 
tions to the assessment of real estate, which were made : 

Additions: Potsdam, $7831.57; Parishville, $358.25; 
Lisbon; $5207.33; Massena, $12,082.50 ; Rossie, $3543.06; 
De Kalb, $18,735.91 ; total additions, $47,758.62. 

Deductions: Hopkinton, $2353.25 ; Madrid, $43,514.12; 
Russell, $663.50; Canton, $1227.75; total deductions, 
$47,758.62. 

Mr. Hasbrouck was appointed to a.ssist the clerk in the 
equalizing of the assessment and casting the taxes. 

A tax of twenty cents per acre was levied on all lands 
situated within one mile of the roads laid out by the com- 
missioners appointed by the act of April 15, 1816, and 



eight cents per acre on all lands more than one mile, and 
less than two, di.stant. 

In 1817 the town of Fowler appeared on the board for 
the first time, in the person of its first supervisor, Theodo- 
sius 0. Fowler. The United States authorities valued the 
lands of the county in 1814 ; and the supervisors deeming 
the valuation put upon it too high, disregarded the instruc- 
tions of the comptroller to assess the same on the basis of 
the said valuation, and petitioned the legislature for relief 
The report of the county treasurer showed receipts from 
Feb. 1, 1814, to Nov. 5, 1817, amounting to $20,501.92, 
all of which had been properly disbursed, except a balance 
of $111.40. The taxes of Fowler for the first year of its 
sovereignty were, for State and county purposes, $167.66; 
for town purposes, $106.96 ; total, $274.62. 

In 1818, Chester Gurney was clerk pco tern, of the 
board. In after-years Mr. Gurney was a noted lawyer in 
Michigan, and one of the original Liberty men of St. Jo- 
seph county, in that State. 

In 1819 Pierrepont sent its first supervisor to the county 
board, and for the privilege of self-government paid tribute 
as follows: To the State, $58.17 ; to the county, $123.90 ; 
for its own poor, $200 ; for schools, $18.09 ; and fur .sun- 
dry expen.ses and appropriations, $125.98; total, $526.14, 
the collector getting in addition $26.30 for his fees. A 
pauper family from Rutland, Jefferson Co., having been 
transported into St. Lawrence County, and thence through | 
the same to Malone, by easy stages, whereby St. Lawrence ^ 
had incurred expense, Jefferson county was applied to to 
liquidate the cost of the transit. The first panther bounty 
was paid this year. 

In 1820 the number of taxable inhabitants in the county 
was returned at 2798, the total assessment being $747,704, 
as returned by the assessors, and the supervisors increased it 
to $757,000, and levied a tax of $14,335.56 for all pur- 
po.ses on it. From Nov. 8, 1817, to Oct. 3, 1820, the 
treasurer received $31,409.29, from which he disbursed 
for roads and bridges $19,913.67, and for wolf bounties 
$2307.50. 

In 1821 Morristown appeared on the board in the per- 
son of its first supervisor, David Ford, the first assessment 
and taxation being as follows: Taxable inhabitant.s, 161; 
value of persona! property, $1816; value of real estate, 
$35,391 ; total valuation, $37,207. Taxes, State, $101.93 ; 
county, $360.78; town, $150.96 ; collector.s' foes, $32.28; 
total taxes, $665.02. M. B. Hitchcock, county clerk, pre- 
sented a bill for $149.99 for oflice rent, which, after many 
ballotings, was rejected. The first vote to reject had but 
one vote against the proposition, when the motion was re- 
considered, and a motion to allow $100 had three support- 
ers, a motion to allow $50 had but two friends, and the 
final rejection was carried nine to five. Mr. Hit<;licock 
presented his bill again in 1822, and it met the s;inie late 
again ; and so to in 1^23. In 1822, Samuel Partridge, of 
Potsdam, was appointed sealer of weights and measures, 
and $50 appni]iriate<l to buy .standards. 

In 1823 Norfolk's first supervisor, Christopher G. Stow, 

appeared on the board. The tax-list of the town made the 

fbllowin<; exhibit : Taxable inhabitants, 108; value of real 

< estate, $62,770 (no personal pruperty returnedj ; State lax. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



91 



$62.77 ; county tax, $89.77 ; town taxes, $2-18.70 ; total, 
$401.24. Resident wild land.s were assessed at $1.90 per 
acre ; improved lands, $4.75 ; non-resident lands, wild, 
from .50 and .75 to $1.00 per acre ; barns, $75. 

In 1825 Do Peyster and Brasher appeared before the 
board, the former by Smith Stillwell, supervisor, and the 
latter by Benjamin Nevin, but Mr. Nevin, being an alien, 
could not take his seat. 

The tax-lists of the new towns were as follows : De Pey- 
ster — taxable inhabitants, 130 ; personal property, $2415 ; 
real estate, $71,227; total assessment, $73,042; taxes, 
State and county, $210.00; town, $273; total, $483.66. 
Brasher — taxable inhabitants, 87 ; real estate assessment, 
$60,342; taxes. State and county, $175; town, $222; 
total, $397. 

Martin Brombling killed a panther and brought the cor- 
pus entire before the board and received his bounty, and 
kept the skin of the animal unmutilated. The board voted 
that a bank was necessary in Ogdensburg, in order to place 
the inhabitants of St. Lawrence County on an e((uality with 
other citizens of the State in relation to good money. The 
board adopted a seal, a representation of which is appended 
to this history of the board. 

In 1 826 two claimants appeared before the board for the 
seat of Brasher, — Jehiel Stevens and David McMurphy. 
McJIurphy, as town clerk, declared himself elected, while 
Stevens, as justice of the peace, presiding at the election, 
received the largest number of votes, and was seated. 

In 1827 the towns of Hammond and Edwards were first 
represented on the board by Sylvester Buttrick and Orra 
Shed, respectively. The tax-lists of the new towns made 
the following exhibit : Hammond — taxable inhabitants, 
137; personal property, $2000 ; real e.state, $60,417 ; total 
assessment, $62,483. Taxes, county, $191.38; town, 
$213.25 ; total, $430.85. Edwards — taxable inhabitants, 
129; personal property, $1845; real estate, $51,114; 
total assessment, $52,959. County tax, $161.91 ; town, 
$102.89; total taxes, $604.21. 

In 1829 Lawrence was first represented on the board by 
Carlton McEwen, supervisor. The town had 216 taxable 
inhabitants listed, the valuation of property being, for per- 
sonal, $235 ; real estate, $43,198 ; total, $43,433. County 
tax, $158.36; town tax, $417.69; total taxes, $714.34. 

The aimual meeting of 1830 was the first one held iu 
Canton, and at this meeting Hermon (under the name of 
De Peau) first came to the board in the person of William 
Teal, supervisor. The valuation and taxes of Hermon were 
as follows: taxable inhabitants, 134; personal property, 
$550 ; real estate, $34,641 ; total valuation, $35,191. 
County tax, $134.26 ; town, $349.81 ; tot.il taxes, $538.54. 
The appropriations for the year amounted to $10,524.22, 
divided as follows: Jurors, two years, $1600; constables 
and justices, two years, $1326 ; superintendents of the poor, 
$3000 ; supervisors, $870 ; court-house, $600 ; wolf boun- 
ties, $470 ; miscellaneous accounts, $1242.84. 

In 1832 the expenses of the town boards of health, ren- 
dered necessary by the prevalence of the cholera, amounted 
to $1351.45. Hon. Preston King was chairman of the 
committee on the audit of the same, and also of the com- 
mittee on the superintendents of the poor and their doin"S. 



In 1836 the first asse.ssment of incorporated companies 
was specifically returned, and contained two companies only : 
Ogdensburg bank, real estate, $4200 ; taxable stock, $93,691 ; 
total, $97,891. Tax, $075.02. Ontario and St. Lawrence 
steamboat company, taxable stock, $30,000 ; tax, $248.24. 
In 1837 the companies had increased so that the assess- 
ment amounted to $191,191, and the taxes to $1807.21. 
This year, too, Pitcairn was first represented on the board 
by John Sloper. The tax list contained the names of 
44 taxable inhabitants ; its valuation for assessment was 
$13,137 ; county taxes, $50.72 ; town taxes, $73.96 ; total, 
$137.35. 

In 1838 the supervisor from Morristown offered a reso- 
lution prefaced by a preamble of many " whereases," which 
set forth that information, believed to be reliable and 
authentic, having been received that the Patriots had made 
" a noble stand" at Windmill Point, in Canada, and had had 
a severe engagement with the " advocates and minions of 
British tyranny and oppression," and that the Patriots 
needed reinforcements to prevent being captured by the 
aforesaid " minions," and " so meet with defeat, and sacri- 
fice their lives in contending against the aforesaid cruel and 
merciless foe ;" and that as the board of supervisors of St. 
Lawrence " felt a deep interest and intense anxiety in the 
success of the patriotic struggle, which would spread the 
light of liberty abroad throughout the land," therefore, for 
the preservation of the lives of those patriots " who are 
contending for the rights of men born free, and for the 
republican principles for which our venerated forefathers 
shed their blood, 

" RemUcd, That the board" adjourn to meet again on the last Mon- 
day of November instant, in order to enable the members thereof to 
return to their respective homes to devise ways and means to ?-es(;»c 
that Spartan b.and of patriotic friends, and preserve their lives from 
the hands of their enemies, the tyrants and advocates of the British 
crown." 

The board, however, having a wholesome regard for tiie 
proclamation of neutrality issued by the Federal govern- 
ment, extinguished the resolution by laying the .same on the 
table indefinitely, by yeas and nays, the record of which 
vote does not appear spread upon the proceedings of the 
session. 

In 1841, Macomb entered the list of representative 
towns, and sent David Day (2d) up to the county board as 
supervisor. Its value and taxes were as follows ; Taxable in- 
habitants, 144 ; personal property, $450 ; real estate, 
$43,438; total, $43,888. County tax, $223.75; town, 
$301.81; total, $070.04. 

In 1844 the town of Fine sent its first supervisor to the 
board, Amos J. Brown being the man, who was accom- 
panied by Payne Converse, the first .supervisor from Colton. 
The valuations and taxes of the new towns were as follows : 
Colton— total valuation, $27,121 ; State tax, $29.86; county 
tax, $120.73 ; town, $129.47 ; total, $429.92. Fine— total 
valuation, $49,157 ; State tax, $54.07 ; county tax, $218.58 ; 
town, $358.54 ; non-resident road tax, $456.72 ; total, 
$1127.73. 

In 1849 the first laws were enacted under the increased 
powers granted the board in 1847 by the legislature, the 
same being a law for wolf bounties, and another for the 



92 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



preservation of deer. A part of the town of Ilermoii, the 
south end of E. J of township No. 4 of great tract 3, of 
Macomb's purchase, being sub-division lots 32 to 37 inclu- 
sive, was annexed to Edwards. 

In 1 851 the board recommended the formation of a county 
agricultural society by the farmers of St. Lawrence County. 

In 1852, at the annual meeting, the resignation of Bishop 
Perkins, clerk of the board from 1819 continuously to that 
date, thirty-two years, was received, IMr. Perkins liaving 
been elected to congress. The board passed some very 
complimentary re.solutions on the matter, and elected Mar- 
tin Thatcher to the vacancy. 

The board offered twenty dollars for a bounty on wolf 
scalps, and telegraphed the offer to the Franklin board, and 
asked them to do likewise. 

In 1855 there were 4776 persons returned liable to mil- 
itary tax in the county, and the levy on them amounted to 
$2493. The legislature was invoked by the board to ap- 
propriate $10,000 for the impi'ovement of the east branch 
of the St. Regis river. 

In 1859, at the annual meeting, the town of Madrid was 
divided on the five-mile line, and the northern half created 
the new town of Waddington, and in 18G0 the new town 
sent its firet supervisor to the board, the same being Walter 
Wilson. The State equalization of property in the year 
1860 fixed St. Lawrence valuation at $15,633,359, the 
State tax being $59,928. William Romaine, supervisor from 
Lawrence, died while the board was in session, eight days 
afler he first took his scat at the annual meeting, and the 
resolutions spread upon the records relating to his decease 
were touching, tender, and modest. The assessment and 
taxes of Waddington for 1860 were as follows: Acres, 
32,713 ; value of real estate, $560,605 ; personal property, 
$44,805 ; total, $605,455 ; State tax, $320,895 ; county 
tax, $1800.74; town tax, $996.24; military tax, $77; 
total tax, $5082.93. 

In 1861, at the annual meeting, resolutions of support 
of the war measures of the government were passed, and a 
law enacted prohibiting the hounding of deer in the county. 

In 1862, resolutions of support to volunteers then in the 
field, were passed. 

In 1864, there were several special meetings held, to 
devise ways and means for paying volunteer bounties to 
encourage enlistments in the Union armies for the sup- 
pression of the southern Rebellion. The first one, in July, 
passed resolutions appropriating $500,000 for the purpose. 
Another meeting, held Aug. 23, reconsidered the former 
action, and offered bounties of $700, $800, and $900, to 
one, two, and three years' men respectively, in addition to 
State and national bounties, and appropriated $1,200,000 
for the payment of the same. In Se])tember the quota of 
the county was full, under the call of July 18, for 500,000 
men. 

At the annual meeting of 1805, the death of Hon. 
Preston King was announced, and the board passed appro- 
priate resolutions and adjourned for the day. 

In 1868, Clifton appeared in the person of her first su- 
pervisor, Charles C. Snell, and the city of Ogdensburg sent 
three supervisors, as follows: 1st Waiil, Calvin W. (libbs; 
2d Ward, Wm. C. Alden ; 3.1 Ward, Zina B. Bridges. 



The as.sessment and tax-li.st of ('lifldu for the year 1868 
was as follows: acres, 62,425; valuation, $60,783; State 
tax, $372.27; county tax, $892.01; town tax, $28.50; 
non-resident road tax, $151.90 ; total tax, $1480.75. The 
tax-roll of Ogdensburg was included in that of the town of 
Oswcgatchie. 

In 1873, the 4th ward of the city of Ogdensburg was 
erected, and Thomas Callahan elected supervisor ; but he 
did not attend the board, and in 1874 Wm. D. Britton 
appeared as the supervisor of the ward. 

The present board of supervisors (1877) is constituted as 
follows : 



Brasher, George Kingstdii. 
Canton, Leslie W. Russell. 
Clifton, James Sheridan. 
Colton, Charles B. Fisher. 
De Kalb, Thomas M. Wells. 
De Peystcr, William Newcomb. 
Edwards, Cornelius Carter. 
Fine, Alexander Muir. 
Fowler, A. II. Johnson. 
Gouverneur, Newton Aldrich. 
Hammond, James S. More. 
Hermon, A. A. Matteson. 
Hopkinton, Jonah Sanford. 
Lawrence, Sumner Sweet. 
Lisbon, Samuel Wells. 
Louisville, William Bradford. 
Macomb, Warren Hastings. 
Madrid, John H. Robinson. 
Massena, H. B. White. 



Morristown, Charles Richardson. 

Norfolk, E. A. Atwater. 

Oswegatehie, Harvey L. Jones. 

Ogdensburg, 1st Ward, J. Y. 
Chiipin. 
" 2d Ward, C. Mar- 

ceau. 
3dWard,S.F. Pal- 
mer. 
" Jth Ward, H. S. 

Lighlhall. 

Parishville, Edward H. Abrnm. 

Pierrepont, Lorenzo Northrup. 

Pitcairn, Lorenzo B. Geer. 

Potsdam, Erastus D. Brooks. 

Ri>ssie, A. E. Helmer. 

Russell. Wm. H. Lewis. 

Stockholm, Ebenezer S. Crapser. 

Waddington, Jno. T. Rutherford. 



The board met on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in annual session, 
and organized for business by re-electing Newton Aldrich, 
of Gouverneur, chairman. The session was an interesting 
one, lasting through sixteen days, with several night ses- 
sions. A considerable portion of the time was spent in a 
vigorous discussion of the ever troublesome question of the 
equalization of assessment of real estate, arising from con- 
flicting interests ; but on the tenth day, the report of the 
committee on that matter, afler a recommittal, was finally 
adopted, and was as will be seen in the next chapter (VI.), 
by a reference to the tabular statement of supervisors' esti- 
mates for 1877-78. 

The present board of supervisors compares favorably with 
its predecessors in point of ability and watchfulness, and 
tlie interests of the county at large, as well as the constitu- 
ent towns, seem to be as jealously guarded as in any year 
of the history of the board, its labors being materially aided 
by the efiSciency of its clerk, Stillman Foote, Esq., now in 
his seventeenth year of service as such. 

Liberal use has been made of the legislative powers 
granted boards of supervisors by the legislature, by the St. 
Lawrence County Board since 1847, and its increased pow- 
ers given in 1875, and its enactments are pas.sod with the 
formality of the State legislature, and are engrossed and 
published. Tlie laws passed by the board have, thus far, 
been confined to the destruction of noxious animals, preser- 
vation of wild game, enabling acts for the raising, by town 
levies, moneys for town purposes, the erection of new 
towns, etc. 

The chairmen of the board of supervisors have been as 
follows, since 1814 : 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



93 



1814-18— Roswell Hopkins. 
ISU) — Loui-s IIiLsbruuck. 
1S20 — IJcnjaiiiin Raymond. 
1821 — Louis IIa.«l)rouck. 
1822 — Jason Fenlon. 
1823— Ijouis Ilasbrouck. 
1824— William Allen. 
1825 — I'hineas Attwater. 
1826-28— Smith Stillwell. 
182il — I'hinens Attwater. 
1S30— William Allen. 
IS.'il- Baron S. Doty. 
1832— Geo. C. Conant. 
1833-34- Zi-nas Cl.-irk. 
1835-37— Wm. Alk-n. 
1838 — Almon Z. IMaJi.'^un. 
1839- Ansel Bailey. 
1840- Geo. RcJington. 
1841- Jehiel .Stevens. 
1842— N. Sackrider. 
1843-45 — Asa Sprague. 
1846 — Solomon Pratt. 



1847— Silas Williams. 
1848— Geo. F. Winslow. 
1849-50— Orrin M. Fisk. 
1851— Charles Anthony. 
1852-53— Asaph Green. 
18.54 — RoUin C. Jackson. 
1855 — Erasmus D. Brooks. 
1856— Aaron T. Hopkins. 
1857— P. W. Rose. 
1858 — C. C. Montgomery. 
1859— Wm. P. Smith. 
I860— C. T. llulbnrd. 
1861— Ela A. Merriam. 
1862— Edward W. Foster. 
1863— Emory W. Abbott. 
1864-65— Edward W. Foster. 
1866-67 — C. C. Montgomery. 
1868-69— Tiras H. Ferris. 
1870-71 — C. C. Montgomery. 
1872-74— S. n. Palmer. 
1875— E. W. Foster. 
1876-77 — Newton Aldrieh. 



The clerks of the board liave been, from its first organi- 
zation, in 1802, to tlie present time, as follows: 



1802-10 — Louis Ilasbrouck. 
1810-19— William W. Bowen. 
1S19 — Chester Gurney, ;/ro tein. 
1819-52 — Bishop Perkins. 



1852-57— Martin Thatcher. 
1857-61— Edward A. Merritt. 
1861 to the present time, Still- 
man Fuoto. 



COURT-HOUSES AND JAILS. 

In accordance with the law erecting the county, one of 
the stone buildings west of the Oswegatchie w:is fitted up 
as a court-house, and a bomb-proof magazine on the pre- 
mises as a jail, in 1802. Here the first courts were held 
and first delinquents confined until the completion of the 
court-house, in 1803, under the provisions of a clause in an 
act passed April 2, 1803, which provided as follows: 

"And he it further enacted. That it shall be lawful for the super- 
visors of the county of St. Lawrence, and they are hereby authorized, 
to receive the moneys subscribed by the inhabitants of the said county, 
for building a court-house and gaol, on the east side of the mouth of 
the Oswegatchie river, opposite to the old barracks, and to apply such 
moneys for building the said court-house and gaol, in such manner 
as they or the majority of them shall judge most for the interest of 
the said county; and shall account for the e.xpenditures of the said 
money with the judges of the court of common pleas for the said 
county. 

" Antl be it further euiictcdf That as soon as the said supervisors, or 
a majority of them, shall, by writing under their liands, certify to the 
sheriff of the said county, that the gaol hereby authorized to bo built 
is fit for the reception of prisoners, it shall and may be lawful for the 
saiil sheriff, after filing the said certificate in the oflice of the clerk of 
the said county, to remove the prisoners into the said gaol, which 
gaol thereafter shall be the gaol of the said county ; and that as soon 
as the said court-house is finished sufficiently, so as to be comfortable 
for holding court, and a certificate thereof by the said supervisors, or 
a majority of them, delivered to the judges of the said court, and 
filed in the clerk's otfiee, shall thereafter be the court-house for tho 
said county, to all intents and purjjoses. 

" And he it further euiicted, That until further order of the legisla- 
ture, it shall not bo necessary for the sheriff' of tho said county to 
give bonds to the people of this State, for a larger sum than four 
thousand dollars, and si.x sureties of five hundred dollars each." 

An act of Feb. 12, 1813, retjuired the board uf super- 
visors to raise a tax of $900, for the purpose of erecting a 
fire- proof clerk's office. Previous to the completion of this, 
the records were kept in the office of Louis Hasbrouck, tho 



clerk. The date of the first record in the office is May 29, 
1802. 

The house in which the clerk's office was kept for several 
of the first years is represented in the accompanying en- 
graving, which po.ssesses an additional interest, from its 
having been one of the first dwellings erected in Ogdens- 
burg. It was completed in 1804. The lot on which it 
stood was sold to Mr. Hasbrouck for a guinea. Its central 
location has rendered it worth several thousand dollars. 




This venerable dwelling was unfortunately consumed in 
a destructive fire that occurred in the autumn of 1852, 
together with a modern block of stores represented in the 
cut, and much valuable property on the opposite side of the 
street. 

The following resolutions in relation to tho act author- 
izing the erection of a new clerk's office, were passed by the 
board of supervisors in October, 1821 : 

" Moved that the sum of S600 be raised and levied for the purpose 
of building a fire-proof clerk's office. 

"Action postponed for the present. 

" It was proposed to amend this by inserting $500, and this amend- 
ment was passed. 

*' Voted that the building should be erected in the village of Ogdens- 
burg. Louis Ilasbrouck, David C. Judson, and Bishop Perkins were 
appointed a committee to determine the size and plan, and to super- 
intend its erection and finishing. It was further resolved, that, 

*** Whereas, by an act of the legislature, passed Feb. 12, 1813, 
authorizing the board of suitcrvisors of the county of St. Lawrence 
to raise money to build a tire-jtroof clerk's office in said county ; and 
whereas, it is considered probable that a division of the county may 
take place, and in such case a location at Ogdensburg would not bene- 
fit such new county, — it was theretbre resolved that, in case of such a 
division, such sum as may be assessed on the territory so set off into 
a new county should be refunded to such new county.' " 

In pursuance of the foregoing resolution, a stone build- 
ing was erected on tho corner of Ford and Green streets, 
in the village of Ogdcn.sburg. It was for several years the 
land office of the Hon. Henry Van Rensselaer. 

The proprietors and settlers of the central and southern 
sections of the county were never entirely satisfied with the 
location of the public buildings at Ogdensburg, and, by re- 
ferring to the letter of Judge Ford to S. Ogden, dated 
Jan. 11, 1805, it will be seen that secret jealousies were 
entertained on this subject. In 1818 the first direct eftort 
was made to effect a removal, which was defeated through 
the effiarts of persons residing in Ogdensburg. 

Among the arguments then adduced in favor of the 



94 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



measure were tlie exposed situation of the frontier and 
liability to hostile incursions in case of war, the incon- 
venience of the public buildings and insecurity of the 
jail, and especially the distance from the centre of the 
county and the southern settlements. 

The petition for the appointment of commissioners to 
select a new site for public buildings had 700 signatures, 
and the remonstrance 762. The inhabitants of Potsdam 
also petitioned for the removal of the public buildings to 
their village. 

Against the removal of the county-seat it was urged that 
the condition of the buildings at Ogdensburg did not call 
for a change ; that a large amount of money was about to 
be expended upon roads, which would make that place 
easily accessible ; that the county buildings, worth $2000, 
would become forfeited by reversion to the proprietor ; that 
the taxable inhabitants, then numbering 2000, were then 
thinly scattered, and an uncertainty still existed where the 
weight of population would ultimately preponderate. 

A plan was at this time proposed for dividing the county 
by a line running between Lisbon and Canton on the west, 
and 'Madrid and Potsdam on the east, to extend in a direct 
line to the southern bounds of the county. The new 
county was to have been named Fnyette. 

An estimate made at the time is interesting, denoting 
the number of taxpayers in the several towns, and is as 
follows : 

Western Division. — Oswegatchie, 193; Gouverneur, 89; 
De Kalb, 126; Russell, 119; Fowler, 23; Rossie, 62; 
Lisbon, 115; Canton, 202. Tot-il, 934. 

Eastern Division. — Madrid, 260 ; Potsdam, 302 ; Parish- 
ville, 133 ; Stockholm, 99 ; Hopkinton, 81 ; Louisville, 106 ; 
Massena, 85. Total, 1066. 

The subject of removal to a central location again came 
up for legislative action in the session of 1827, but was 
permitted to lie over till the next session, for the purpose 
of obtaining a more distinct expression of the popular wish 
on the measure ; and under these circumstances it became a 
test question in the election of members of assembly in that 
year. Party considerations were dropped for the time, and 
it was expected that the canvass would decide the prefer- 
ences of the electors of the county upon the subject of 
removal. It resulted as follows: 



FOR UKMOVAL. 

Moses Rowley 2361. 

Jabez Willes 2178. 



AGAINST HKMOVAI,. 

Jason Feutun 2069 

Phinnaa Attwater 1688 



The members elected were nominated by a convention 
representing the portion desirous of a change of site, and 
with a distinct understanding that they would labor to 
effect that object. 

The records of many of the towns show that an expres- 
sion of opinion was taken on this subject at their town 
meetings in 1828. 

The petition upon whicli the law, authorizing a change 
and appointing disinterested comniissioncrs to designate a 
new site, was not numerously signed, but embraced the 
names of those who possessed much weight and influence 
in the county. It was dated December, 1827; and received 
in the senate Jan. 18, 1828. 



This led, after the most active opposition from many of 
those interested in Ogdensburg, to the pas.sage of the fol- 
lowing law : 

'* An Act eatabliahing the location of Court-Houae and other Public 
liuHdinga in St. Lawrence County. 

"Passed Jan. 28, 1828. 

"I. Joseph (Jrant, George Brayton, and John E. Hinman, of the 
county of Onoida, be, and they are, hereby appointed comuii^sioners 
to examine, determine, and fix upon the proper site for the erection 
of a new court-house, gaol, and clerk's otiiee, in and for the county 
of St. Lawrence, whose duty it shall be to go into the said county to 
examine the situation of the same, with respect to its population, its 
territory, its roads, and the means of communication between the 
several towns and settlements in the said county, together with the 
immediate prospect of settlements, and all other things which they 
shall think it necessary to examine and inquire into, the better to 
enable them to form a correct determination as to the site of a court- 
house, gaol, and clerk's office for the said county, which shall best 
accommodate the population of the said county in reference to its 
present territory. 

" II. The said commissioners, after having made such inquiries and 
examinations as aforesaid, and as to them shall be satisfactory, shall, 
on or after the iifteenth day of August next, fix upon and establish 
the site for the buildings aforesaid, and shall put their determination 
in writing, under their hands and seals, or the bands and scale of 
any two of them, and shall file the same in the office of the clerk of 
the said county, whose duty it shall be to receive and file the said 
paper without any compensation for so doing ; and the determination 
of the said commissioners, or any two of them, being so made and 
filed as aforesaid, shall be final and conclusive in the premises." 

Section III. provides for the compensation of the commissioners, 
— three dollars per day, and fifteen cents per mile traveling fees. 

"IV. That Ansel Bailey, David C. Judson, and Asa Sprague, Jr., 
be, and they are, hereby appointed commissioners to superintend the 
building of a court-house, gaol, and clerk's office, iu and for the said 
county of St. Lawrence, upon the site to be fixed upon and established 
by the commissioners appointed in and by the first section of this act. 

*• V. The commissioners appointed in and by the last preceding 
section of this act, or a majority of them, are hereby autliorized and 
empowered to purchase materials, contract with workmen, and do all 
other things necessary to the building of the said court-house, gaol, 
and clerk's office ; to direct the size, shape, and arrangement of the 
said buildings, and the materials of which the same shall be con- 
structed, and that the said clerk's office shall be built of such mate- 
rials and be so constructed as to be fire-proof. 

''VI. The commissioners last mentioned shall be, and they are, 
hereby authorized to draw upon the treasurer of the said county of 
St. Lawrence, from time to time, for such sum or sums of money as 
shall come into the treasury of the said county, to be appropriated 
for the erection of the said buildings; and it shall be the duty of the 
said treasurer to pay on the order of the said commissioners, or a 
majority of them, any sums of money in his hands appropriated to 
the erection of the said buildings. 

" VII. The said commissioners appointed to superintend the erec- 
tion of the said buildings shall, before they enter upon the duties of 
their office, give bonds in the penal sum of SoOOO, with approved 
sureties, to the supervisors of the said county, conditioned tliat they 
will faithfully discharge the duties of the said commission, and the 
moneys which shall come into their hands as such commissioners, 
and that they will punctually and honestly account to the said super- 
visors for all such moneys; and the said commissioners shall be enti- 
tled to receive each the sum of two dollars per day for each day they 
be necessarily employed in the discharge of their duties under this 
act, to bo audited, levied, and collected as the other contingent 
charges of the said county are audited, levied, and collected." 

VIII. A tax of $2500 to be levied on the county for the building. 

IX. The board of supervisors to sell the old court-house, gaol, and 
clerk's office, and apply the proceeds towards the new building, etc. 

X. Supervisors to procure a deed in fee simple of the new site. 

XI. The site to be paid for out of the proceeds of the old buildings. 

XII. The supervisors to levy a sum in 1S2*J, not to exceed $2600, 
to finish the new buildings. 

XIII. Commissioners to give notice to the judges of the county 
court of the completion of the buildings. 

XIV. The judges to meet and fix upon the gaol liberties. 

XV. The sheriff to remove prisoners to the new gaol when directed 
by the judges of the courts. 

XVI. The sheriff alone liable for escape of prisoners on removal. 

XVII. The clerk to remove records when directed by judges. 

XVIII. After the above, the new buildings shall be deemed the 
county court-house, gaol, and clerk's office to all legal intents. 

X IX. Vacancies among first commissioners to be filled by governor. 

XX. Vacancies in building commissioners to he filled by county 
judges. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



95 



The sum designated by the foregoing act being found in- 
adequate to complf te the buildings, an act was passed April 
16, 1830, authorizing the supervisors to rai.se $600 more 
for that purpose. 

The first record made at the clerk's office after its removal 
was on the 8th of Jan., 1830, on which day it was opened. 

The old court-house lot at Ogdensburg was sold to Bishop 
Perkins for $1000, and the clerk's office for $600 to Gov- 
ernor Ogden. 

The following extract from the report to the supervisors 
of the commissioners appointed to erect the county build- 
ings at Canton, describes their original construction : 

" Each building is of stone. The court-house is two stories in 
height, 44 feet by 40. The lower story is divided into four rooms, 
besides passages and stairways, viz., a grand-jury room, a room for 
constables and witnesses attending the grand-jury, and two rooms for 
petit jurors. The upper story is devoted entirely to a court-room, 41 
feet in length by 37 in breadth. 

" The clerk's office is of the same height and size of the private 
clerk's office, and differing in its con.struction only in making the 
front room smaller and the rear one larger. 

" The gaol is 36 by 40, with the basement story rising about five 
feet out of the ground, and a story and a half above. About 12 feet 
of the easterly end of al! the stories is appropriated to prison rooms, 
except a small room in the lower story for a sheriff's office, where the 
stove is placed, intended to give warmth to all the criminal rooms in 
the upper story, as well as the debtor's room immediately back on the 
same story. 

" The plan of the criminal rooms has been entirely changed since 
the report made at the last meeting of the board. 

" It was then contemplated to take the Jefferson county gaol as a 
model in the construction of ours, the strength of which consisted in 
the size and even surface of the stone of which the walls are con- 
structed. The difficulty of obtaining stone of sufficient size and 
evenness of surface to admit of dowaling induced them to abandon 
that plan. 

" The criminals' rooms are a block of cells five in number, con- 
structed of wood and iron, placed in the second story, witliin and 
three feet distant from the outside walls. 

" The light is admitted into the cells through gratings in the upper 
part of the doors (which are to be wholly of iron), opening into the hall 
in the easterly end of the building, into which the light is admitted 
through four strong grated windows, 

"The cells are, with the exception of one, intended for the ac- 
commodation of single prisoners only. 

" The plan, though novel as applied to county gaols, was suggested 
to the consideration of the committee by an examination of the con- 
struction of the State prison recently erected ; and it appears to 
them to possess the same advantages for a county prison, which has 
given to those establishments a character for usefulness in the pre- 
vention of crime, by the reformation of the criminal, in the measure 
of punishment that has revived the hope of the philanthropist in the 
success of the penitentiary system, that from the world and from the 
contaminating influence of the society of his fellow-prisoners, who 
may be more hardened in vice, and left to his own solitary reflections, 
if there is any chance for reformation by punishment it is under such 
circumstances. The safety of the arrangement strongly recommended 
itself to the consideration of the committee. 

'* Confined singly, there can be no joint effort."*. 

"Communication from the outside, except as to one cell, is believed 
to be impracticable, and difficult as to that; and should an escape 
from a cell be effected, the outside wail or grating would still remain 
to be forced." 

The cost of the new court-house, jail, and clerk's office 
was about $6800. The jail was enlarged in 1836. 

The accomniodation of the court-house being deemed in- 
sufficient for the wants of the county, the subject of repair- 
ing and enlarging the building was brought before the 
board of supervisors, at their session in ISfjO, and it was 
resolved, 



"That a committee of five persons be appointed by the board, 
whose duty it shall be to examine the present building, and the cost 
and expense of an addition of twenty-four feet, of the same materials 
as the present building, and of the same height, including the ex- 
pense of remodeling the inside in a convenient and suitable manner, 
and to receive proposals for the erection and completion of said ad- 
dition." 

This committee was authorized to contract for the erec- 
tion of .said addition to the court-house, provided such ad- 
dition shall be found practicable, for the sum of sixteen 
hundred dollars. 

Two days afterwards this vote was reconsidered, on a 
vote of eleven to ten, and three members of the board 
were appointed a committee to examine and determine 
what repairs and alterations in the court-house were neces- 
sary. If, in the judgment of the committee, repairs and 
alterations should be made, and they might contract for the 
same, for a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars, the 
committee were to file a certificate to this effect with the 
clerk of the board, and they then might borrow on the 
credit of the county, at par, such sums for seven per cent, 
annual interest, which they were authorized to expend in 
repairs and alterations of the court-house. 

The committee were to give their official bond for money 
so borrowed, not exceeding two thousand dollars in the ag- 
gregate, which was to be entered by the clerk of the board 
in his minutes, and certified by him, bearing seven per 
cent, interest, payable annually. In case the committee 
should determine to make such repairs and alterations, they 
were to cause such alterations and repairs to be contracted 
for and made under their inspection and direction. 

A further amendment, which required that the commit- 
tee in no case should have authority to contract for the 
completion of the addition of twenty-four feet on the east 
end of the court-house, unless the same could be done for 
two thousand dollars, was adopted. 

Messrs. Picket, Anthony, Cogswell, Foster, and Hazelton 
were appointed to select a committee to carry the foregoing 
resolutions into effect, and they reported the names of 
Mes.srs. Fisk, Thatcher, and Cogswell, who were duly ap- 
pointed. 

The additions contemplated were effected during the 
year 1851. 

Thus fitr in the history of the public buildings the com- 
piler has quoted from Dr. Hough's " History of St. Law- 
rence County." 

In 1858 a bill was passed providing for the building of 
a new jail, not to exceed the cost of twelve thousand dol- 
lars. Parker W. Rose, Benjamin Squires, and George 
Robinson were appointed commissioners in charge of the 
work, and to dispose of the old jail and fixtures. The 
building was completed in 1860, and cost, including site, 
fixtures, furniture, and interest, thirteen thousand six hun- 
dred and thirty-seven dollars and thirty-one cents. It was 
built of Potsdam sandstone, from the Cox's mills quarries, 
of a dark-red color, and has two stories and an attic, forty- 
four by seventy-two feet on the ground. It contains 
twenty-four cells, four debtors' rooms, and one parlor, 
chamber, and two sleeping rooms for the sheriff's family. 
In 1877 an addition of wood was erected on the north side 
of the jail, inclosing the prison court, and fronting west 



96 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



forty-seven feet, and running to the east sixty-seven feet, 
includinf; the wood house. This addition is two stories, and 
furnishes four good rooms for the sheriff and his family. 
Mr. Wiieeler, the present very efficient officer, superintended 
the building of the new addition, and also extensive repairs 
on the jail proper, and renovated the eourt-room, putting 
in ventilating flues, and painting and papering the same, 
wainscoting the halls and offices, during the summer of 
1877. The court-room at the present writing presents a 
clean and ta.sty appearance, and is convenient and comfort- 
able. The cost of the new building and the repairs on the 
jail and eourt-room amounted to six thousand two hundred 
dollars. 

The county clerk's office becoming too contracted for the 
accommodation of the rapidly increasing business of the 
county, in 1870 a committee recommended the erection of 
a new and more extensive one, and reported that no repairs 
could be made to advantage on the old one. No further 
action was taken in the matter until the annual meeting of 
the board of supervisors in 1870, when resolutions offered 
by supervisor Leslie W. Russell, of Canton, declaring the 
time had come when new and better accommodations for 
the preservation of the public records were imperatively re- 
quired, were adopted, and a committee, consisting of super- 
visors Russell, Hermann, Foster, Wells, and Crapser, was 
appointed to report plans for a building and estimates of the 
cost thereof This committee reported at a special meeting 
in January, 1877, plans and specifications of a building, 
which were adopted by the board. A building committee, 
consisting of iNIr. Russell, Robert Dalzell, and E. S. Crapser, 
was appointed, and authorized to contract for the erection 
of the building in accordance with the plans, at a cost not 
exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. A contract was made 
with Messrs. Moore & Fields, of Canton, for fourteen thou- 
sand five hundred dollars, and some changes made in the 
jilan as the work has proceeded will bring the cost up to 
about fifteen thousand five hundred dollars, exclusive of fix- 
tures and furniture. Work was commenced on the foun- 
dation, May 17, 1877, and the building at the present 
writing (December, 1877) is rapidly approaching comple- 
tion. The whole structure is most thoroughly and solidly 
built. The foundation or trench walls are laid with granite 
five feet in thickness, of large blocks, and the wall above 
that to the surface of the ground, ten feet, is of the same 
material. From the surface of the ground the wall, inclu- 
ding the water table, is of the black limestone of the Nor- 
wood quarries, as are also the corners, window trimmings, 
cornice, and coping. The body of the building is of the 
light grayish granite of Gouverneur, and the two colors 
present a unique and beautiful appearance. The main 
building is thirty by forty-eight feet on the ground, with a 
projection of five feet constituting the entrance, and two 
stories in height, the lower one twelve and the upper one 
eleven feet in the clear. A hall ten feet wide passes 
through the centre, on either side of which are four rooms, 
above and below, seventeen by twenty feet. An annex, 
thirty-six by forty feet, of one story, of fourteen feet be- 
tween joints, is built at the rear of the main building, con- 
necting therewith by two passages, secured by iron doors 
at both ends. The annex is intended to be fire-proof, for 



the storing of the records. The floor is tiled with marble, 
and supported by three heavily-built arches of brick. The 
roof is of copper, and heavy limestone coping protects and 
ornaments the same. The basement is light and dry, and ■ 
is to be fitted up with a Boynton furnace for heating pur- ' 
poses. Solid granite pillars support the beams of the first 
floor of the main building, and give a sense of strength and 
durability satisfactory and pleasing. The roof of the main 
building is slate, and is surmounted by a very neat and 

proportionate cupola. The architect of the building is 

Aiken, of Brasher. It is expected the building will be 
ready for occupancy some time during the winter of 1878. 
When it is completed, it will be an honor to the county in 
point of architectural beauty and excellence, an well as eco- 
nomical construction. 

The "jail liberties,"* established in 1814, included one 
hundred and fifty acres, bounded as follows: Beginning 
at a post standing at the most southwesterly corner of the 
wharf belonging to David Pari.sh ; thence north, 45i° east, 
two chains to the bank of the St. Lawrence river ; thence 
along the water's edge thereof, to where the southerly line 
of Morris street intersects the river, thence south, 44^° east, 
thirty-one chains and fifty links to a stake ; thence south, 
45 J ° west, forty chains to a stake ; thence north, 44 J ° west, 
forty-one chains to beginning. The present liberties were 
laid off in 1873 by order of the county court, and contain 
455 acres, the limits of which are marked by stone monu- 
ments planted at the corners of the same, and the .intersec- 
tion of the same with the streets of the village of Canton. 
The "liberties "are rectangular, with the jail centrally located 
therein, and includes the entire business portion of the vil- 
lage on both sides of the river aud the railroad depot, 
giving the debtors who give bail for their presence thereon 
a good and pleasant ramble. 

POOK-HOtrSES AND ASYLUMS. 

The first compulsoi-y charity within the limits of the 
present " Empire State," was that which the act of the colo- 
nial assembly of April, 1691, provided for, whereby the 
towns of the colony were required to support their own 
poor, and whereby, also, safeguards were thrown around the 
system to prevent imposition upon the authorities. The 
assembly of 1 083 may have also provided for such support, 
and so, also, may have the Dutch burghers before that, but 
the first laws we find recorded on the subject are those re- 
ported in Bradford's edition of the Colonial Laws from 1691 
to 1773, published in London, which gives the first act as 
passed in April of the former year. 

The legislature in 1778 provided for the support of the 
poor by towns and cities, and later on for the building of 
poor-houses by towns and counties. Previous to the adop- 
tion of the poor-house system by St. Lawrence County each 
town in the county supported its own poor. 

^Tbo liberties are certain prescribed limits contiguous to the jail, 
in wliich persons ini])risoned for (iel)t may have their liberty to range 
at ploasurc, upon giving security that they will not leave the limits 
without authority from the court. Imprisonment for debt was 
abolished in 1831, except for fraud, or attempting to remove, or conceal 
property from creditors, and the "code" of 18-17 continues the same 
exceptions. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



97 



The first action taken by the board of supervisors in re- 
gard to a poor-house for the county was at the annual 
meeting in 1825, when a vote was carried through by eleven 
yeas to seven nays to purchase a farm and build a house, 
and a certificate to that effect filed with the county clerk. 
The sum of $2400 was voted for the purpose above named, 
to be raised in three equal annual iiistallnieMts. Smith Still- 
well, Josiah Sanford, and Chauncey Pottibone were ap- 
pointed commissioners to locate the site and make the pur- 
chase. At an adjourned meeting held in January, 1826, 
several attempts were made to agree upon a site for the 
poor-house, but without success, and the commissioners 
previously appointed were discharged from further duty, 
and subsequently new commissioners were appointed, viz., 
John C. Perkins, Samuel Northrup, and Reuben Strceter, 
with power to purchase a site. This appointment was re- 
considered, and a lot of eighty acres, known as the '' Nathan 
Walker lot," situated one mile west of Canton village, on 
the De Kalb road, was purchased of David C. Johnson for 
$1250. An appropriation of $500 was made to repair the 
buildings and stock the farm. A board of seven superin- 
tendents of the poor-house was appointed, viz. : Asa 
Sprague, Jr., Daniel Walker, Smith Slillwcll, Samuel Par- 
tridge, Silas Wright, Jr., Joseph Barnes, and Ephraim S. 
Raymond. In 1827 $500 additional were raised to erect 
another building at the poor-hou.se. 

In 1832 the distinction between the town and county 
poor was abolished. In 1842 fifty acres of land were 
added to the farm at a cost of $1066, and new buildings 
erected and other improvements added. In 1S4G an addi- 
tion was made to the poor-house, constructed of stone. In 
18G1 a resolution looking to the erection of a new poor- 
house was passed by the board of supervisors, and A. B. 
James and Edw. W. Foster were appointed a committee on 
plans, but no further action was taken in the matter until 
1865, when the board voted, at the annual meeting in No- 
vember, to purchase the Herriman farm, containing 330 
acres, at $50 per acre, situated two and a half miles north 
of Canton village, and to build a poor-house thereon not to 
exceed in cost $40,000. The farm was accordingly pur- 
chased, and a building committee apjiointed, viz., M. D. 
Packard, Seth G. Pope, and T. S. Clarkson (2d), who 
advertised for proposals for the erection of the buildings 
in accordance with the plans adopted, but received none 
bringing the cost of the building within the appropriation 
of $40,000. The committee then proceeded to the making 
of brick, quarrying stone, and cutting timber for the 
building on the farm, and at the annual meeting in 
1867 the appropriation was increased to $50,000. The 
building was completed by the committee in 1SG9, and ac- 
cepted by the board of supervisors in November of that 
year. The cost of the buildings amounted to $48,788.58 ; 
of the barn and repairs on other outbuildings, $2348.05; 
of the farm, $16,500; total expenditure, $67,626.63. The 
old poor fiirm sold for $0500. In 1872 twenty wards were 
fitted up for the confinement of the insane poor, at a cost of 
$1400. The manner in which the indigent of the county 
are cared for sjicaks volumes for the humanity and benevo- 
lence of the people of the wealthy county of St. Lawrence. 
The farm is well tilled and fairly productive, and the uu- 
13 



fortunates committed to the care of those immediately in 
charge of them are cared for humanely and as comfortably 
as is possible with such a class of dependents. 

The actual cost of keeping the fifty-six paupers who 
were provided for the first year of the operation of the 
poor-house system was $1055.53, 869 weeks of board being 
furnished. The second year, 1329 weeks' board were fur- 
nished, costing $2731.87. There were furnished during 
the year ending Nov. 1, 1877, 8046 weeks of board at a 
cost less'than $1 per week, or $8021.54. 

In 1859 the products of the farm amounted to $1247, 
and the live stock was valued at $860, and utensils, furni- 
ture, etc., at $1700. In 1868 the products of the poor 
farm were valued at $3563, which left a net profit of $106 
on its management, inclusive of interest on its cost. In 
1870 cheese was made which sold for $752. In 1874 the 
products of the farm amounted to $4485.08. The report 
of the superintendents for tlie year ending Nov. 1, 1877, 
makes the following exhibit : The products of the farm 
were valued at $4285, the implements on hand, at $1231 ; 
the furniture in the liouse, at $1659; the improvements 
made on the farm during the year, at $190 ; and sundries on 
hand, at $1143 ; 155 persons were received during the year, 
and 146 discharged; 11 absconded, 22 died, and there 
were 8 births in the house ; 4 children were bound out, 
and 141 remained in the house and asylum at the date of 
the report, 70 males and 71 females. Of these unfortu- 
nates, 25 were insane, 5 were blind, 19 were idiotic, and 
3 were deaf mutes. The temporary relief supplied by 
the superintendents in the several towns amounted to 
$35,167.68, which, together with the expenses of the poor- 
house ($8021.54, and children's home $2984.24), made 
$46,173.46 expended for sweet charity's sake, besides the 
appropriations for the State charities. 

In 1842 the increasing expense of the pauper relief af- 
forded called out a letter from the board of supervisors to 
the superintendents of the poor-house, calling attention to 
what the letter characterized as the exorbitant charges al- 
lowed by the superintendents in their auditing capacity, and 
asking for a clo-ser scrutiny of the personal services of the 
overseers of the poor, " which, many times, exceeded the 
amount of relief granted," and physicians' bills, and thought 
" the latter should not make the misfortunes of the public 
a source of profit." The board recommended that hence- 
forth the superintendents, before they granted temporary 
relief, " should ascertain whether or not the applicants 
therefor could not relieve them.selves by work, and if so, to 
apply the Scripture rule, ' If there be any among you that 
will not work, neither shall he eat.' '" 

The amount of appropriations made for the relief of the 
poor in St. Lawrence County by the board of supervisors 
since the adoption of the poor-house system is as follows, 
exclusive of amounts paid for farm and buildings : 



Inside IVior- 
Ycar. lluusf. 

1S27 $I,UlS.ol 

1828 2,731.87 

1829 1, 0411.23 

1830 .'")73.20 

1831 2,877.02 

1832 2,UI!I.20 

1833 2.GS3.12 

1831 2,477.00 



Outside I'oor- 

lluUSC. 


Total. 

$1,818.51 
2,731.87 






1,048.23 
1,134.70 
0,037.02 
4.0l<1.2f> 
0,500.00 
5,707.34 


$.i01.;)0 
3.10U.U0 
2,000.00 
3.SS1.!I4 
3,200.34 



98 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Inside Poor- Outside Poor- T«toi 

Year. House. House. *'""'• 

J835 $2.166.1.') $2,5Cn.C,3 $4,72B.78 

1836 2.049.19 2,8.!6.01 5,-185.20 

1837 2.HI3.03 0,081.70 8,574.73 

1838 2,000.00 6,577.00 9.177.00 

1839 5.049.84 6,017.74 11,067.58 

1840 3,711.58 4,947.20 8,058,78 

1841 3,494.09 5,709.98 9,204.07 

1842 3,014.46 0,334.83 9,349.29 

1843 3,525.43 5,278.52 8,80.3.95 

1844 3,839.16 5,182.09 9,021.24 

1845 3,000.00 5,641.53 8,641.53 

1846 2,784.03 4,926.42 7,710.45 

1847 3,630.51 6,311.75 9,942.26 

1848 4,756.38 7,641.54 12,397.92 

1849 4,332.35 8,237.26 12,569.61 

1850 4,357.03 7,846.52 12,203.55 

1831 5,471.18 8,526.00 13,997.18 

1852 6,106.04 9,119.25 15,285.29 

1853 8,497.18 8,431.11 16,928.29 

1854 5,517.99 11,127.52 16,645.51 

1855 .-. 6,987.35 11,557.57 18,544.92 

1856 4,927.25 11,630.12 16,557.37 

1857 6,231.98 12,765.73 18,997.71 

1858 7,690.43 13,944.38 21,640.81 

1859 6,358.81 15,141.84 21.500.65 

1860 8,246.36 16,884.59 25,130.95 

1861 8,438.96 17.635.76 26,074.72 

1862 8,859.52 20,259.20 29,118.72 

1863 8,466.39 27,012.62 35,479.01 

1864 7,765.58 31,043.86 38,809.44 

1865 9,440.30 35,542.49 44,982.85 

1866 1.3,461.14 31,312.04 44,773.18 

1867 13,076.00 31,300.07 44,436.07 

1868 8,023.19 32,396.90 41.020.09 

1869 10,527.56 34,050.59 44,584.15 

1870 12,293.16 28,781.43 41,074.59 

1871 12,143.2a 31,389.93 43,533.18 

1872 9,027.35 30,039.89 39,067.24 

1873 8.339.23 27,615.35 35,954.58 

1874 6,615,16 27,582.26 34,197.42 

1875 7,624.83 27,700.62 35,325.45 

1876 7,253.15 28,012.49 35,265.64 

1877 8,021.54 35,167.08 4.3,1,89.22 

Total for 51 years, $205,942.54 $589,960.93 $795,903.47 

Add to those figures the amounts expended for that other 
charity, to give homeless waifs the comforts of a temporary 
abiding-place, — $5451.91, — and the grand aggregate of the 
county's charities to the unfortunate in its own borders 
for the last half-century reaches the munificent sum of 
$801,355. Besides this enormous expenditure, for many 
years past appropriations have been made yearly for the 
State charities, those for the year to come amounting to 
$693.31. Who shall say, in the face of the figures and 
facts, that St. Lawrence County is a " soulless corporation?" 

The cost of disbursing the charities of the county for 
the year 1877 was $1529.71, which sum was allowed the 
superintendents of the poor-house for their services and 
traveling fees. 

THE SUPERINTENDENTS OP THE POOR 

were first appointed by the board of supervisors, and this 
method obtained in St. Lawrence County until the office 
was made an elective one. The position has been filled as 
follows : 

1825.— Asa Spraguc, .Jr., Diinicl Walker, Smith Stillwcll, Samuel 
Partridge, Silas Wriglit,, .Jr., .Joseph Barne.--, and Kjiliraim S. Kay- 
moud. 

1826. — Silas Wriglit, Jr., Geo. N. Seymour, Daniel Stone, Joseph 
Ames {2d), Jabez Welles. 

1827. — Smith Stillnell, Joseph Ames, Benjamin Squires, Silas 
Baldwiu, Jr., Daniel Stone. 

1828.— Samuel Partridge, Mareus Allen, John MeC'all, Daniel 
Stone, Simeon D. Moody. 

1829. — Simeon D. Moody, George Guest, Aaron Alwood, Jabez 
Welles, Christopher G. Stowe. 

1830. — Aaron Atwood, C. G. Stone, Jabez Welles, Erastiis Vilas, S. 
D. .M.iody. 



1831. — The same as last, except Aloy Smith in place of Atwood. 

1832-33.— Stowe, Vilas, Moody, A. Z. Madison, Ansel Bailey. 

1834. — Royal Vilas vice Erastus Vilas. 

1835. — Gideon Spraguc and Uodolphus D. Searle vice Vilas and 
Bailey. 

1836. — Josiah Waid vice Sprague. 

1837-39.— Calvin T. llulburd vice Madison. 

1840. — Ebenezer Miner rice Moody. 

1841-42. — Frederick Sprague vice llulburd. 

1843. — Norman Sackruler vice Moody. 

1844. — Myron G. Peck vice Spraguc. 

1845-46.— 'N. Sackruler, E. Miner, and Luke Baldwin. 

1847-50. — Sackruler, Baldwin, Joseph Barnes, A. Burt, Hiram 
Hurlbut. 

1851-53.— Luke Baldwin, P. Converse, S. P. Oliver. 

1854-65. — L. Chamberlain vice Oliver. 

1856-70.— P. Caldwell vice Converse. 

1801-77. — David Fields vice Baldwin, Ucccaatd. 

1862-66. — Levi E. Waterbury vice Chamberlain, resigned. 

1866-67. — Julius Judson vice Waterbury. 

l'870-77. — Geo. Robinson vice Caldivell. 

1871-77. — Fred. P. Balch vice Judson. 

THE children's HOME 

Was established in the early part of the year 1876 by the 
superintendents of the poor-house, under the direction of 
the board. It is situated in the village of Canton, on the 
west side of the river, in a plea.sant and healthy location, 
the present building being rented for the purpose at a 
rental of the interest on $2500 per annum. It will accom- 
modate fifty children, though no more than thirty-six have 
so far been in the hou.se at one time. The expenses for 
the first year of its management amounted to $2334.35, in- 
cluding $850 for repairs and furniture. Forty-seven chil- 
dren, from two to twelve years of age, were admitted the 
first year ; eleven found homes, five absconded, and thirty 
remained in the institution at the date of the first report of 
the superintendents. The ladies of Canton assisted in get- 
ting bedding, etc., and rendered a helping hand generally. 
The visiting committee appointed at the annual meeting of 
the supervisors, in 1876, reported as fillows : " Taking into 
consideration the fact that this is our first year, and that 
the building occupied is only a rented one, — not originally 
designed for its present use, — we were well satisfied with 
all that came under our observation. It is evident a new 
building, specially arranged for the purpose, is needed to 
make its management wholesome and economical. We be- 
lieve that in establishing this institution a long step has 
been taken in the right direction towards diminishing 
pauperism, and is in entire harmony with the spirit which 
at the present time, in our State and the country at large, 
is so bravely and generously stimulating and supporting 
every movement calculated to relieve distress, and help the 
unfuitunate ones whom misfortune has rendered helpless. 
We bespeak for the Children's Home the interest and good- 
will of our citizens, for we can think of nothing more 
hopeless and discouraging than the dreary childhood of a 
homeless orphan." The committee were E. W. Foster^ 
Wm. Biadford, and E. R. Turner. Geo. Robinson, the 
superintendent of the poor, under whose immediate super- 
vision and management the home was established and 
managed, in making his report thereon at the end of the 
first year, invited the board of supervisors to visit the home, 
saying, " Yon will find some happy little faces to greet you, 
who will in after-years thank and bless you for what you 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



99 



do for them now." Several of the supervisors availed 
tlieiiiselves of the opportunity and visited the home with 
the committee, and expressed themselves well satisfied with 
the success of the experiment thus for. 

Tiie following is a summary of the report of the super- 
intendent for the second year, ending Nov. 1, 1877 : 

Thirty children were admitted to the home during the 
year, and twenty-three settled in comfortable homes. A 
school was taught in the home for thirty-eight weeks, and 
a Sunday-school, organized at the establishment of the 
home by the young gentlemen and ladies of the Presby- 
terian church of Canton, has been maintained successfully 
to the present time, and has been a factor of worth in the 
good work of the institution. The expenses of the home 
for the year amounted to the sura of $3117.56, which in- 
cludes rent, insurance, teaching, medical attendance, food, 
and clothing; 223G weeks of board being supplied af an 
average of $1.40 per week, which, under the circumstances, 
does not appear to the visiting and auditing committee to 
be an unreasonable expense. The manager of the home, 
Geo. Robinson, one of the superintendents of the poor- 
house, and also the committee of the board of supervisors, 
strongly recommended in their reports the erection of suit- 
able buildings as an economical and sanitary measure. 

The matron of the home since its organization is Mrs. 
Howard, who is assisted in her duties by IMiss Buck. 



CHAPTER VI. 

STATISTICAL. 

Population — Elections — Industry and Wealth — Agricultural Societies 
— Dairymen's Association — Board of Trade — Valuations and Tax- 
ation — Tile Taxes of Sixty -eight Tears: "There's Millions in It" 
— State Loan — U. S. Deposit Fund — Wolf Bounties. 

The following table exhibits the population of the sev- 
eral towns in the county, as shown by the censuses : 



TOWNS. 


1810. 


1820. 


1825. 


1830. 


1835. 


1840. 


1845. 








401 

1,898 


828 
2,440 


939 
2,412 


2,118 
3,465 


2,218 
4,035 


Canton 


699 


1,337 


Colton 


466 


De Kalb 


541 


709 


766 

787 


1,060 
814 
033 


1,200 
788 
739 


1,531 

1,074 

956 


1,723 


De Pevster 


1,138 








1,064 
243 














605 
765 


1,671 
1,267 


1,447 

1,552 

767 

688 

827 

1,097 

1,891 

1,076 


1,571 
1.796 
1,327 
870 
910 
1,241 
2,411 
1,315 


1.752 
2,638 
1,845 
1,271 
1,147 
1,815 
3,508 
1,693 


1,840 




227 


2,600 




1.911 


Hornion 




. 




1,580 




372 


581 


884 


1,435 




2,055 


Lisbon 


820 


930 
831 


1,474 
864 


4,376 




1.970 






1,113 




1,420 
955 


1,930 
944 
837 


2,6.39 

1,701 

1,723 

665 

3,133 

959 

558 


3,459 
2,070 
1,618 
1 ,039 
3,924 
1,479 
749 


4,009 
2,288 
2,339 
1,373 
4,656 
1,657 
922 


4,511 
2,726 
2.809 
1,728 
5,719 
2,250 
1,430 
396 
4,473 
1,553 
1,373 
2,995 


4,376 




2,798 


Morristown 

Norfolk 


2,328 
1,544 


Oswegatchio 


l,-.!45 


1,661 
594 
235 


6,414 


Parish vi lie 


2,090 


Pierrenont 




1,450 


Pitcairn 




55.3 




928 


1,911 

809 

486 
822 


3,112 

1,074 

48(1 

1,449 


.3,650 
650 
659 

1,944 


.3,810 
655 
722 

2,047 


4,856 




1,386 


Russell 

Stockholm 


394 
307 


1,499 
3,293 






Total 


7,885 


16,037 


27,506 


36,351 


42,047 


56,706 


62,354 







TOWNS. 


1850. 


1855. 


1860. 


1865. 


1870. 


1875. 




2,548 
4,685 


2,668 
4,995 


.3,377 
6,379 


3,348 
6,964 


3.342 
6,014 

221 
1,719 
3,116 
1.138 
1,076 

603 
1.785 
3,539 
1,757 
1,792 
1,907 
2,577 
4,475 
2,132 
1,673 
2,071 
2,560 
1,954 
2,441 
10,076 
3,203 
2,889 
3,984 
3,018 
3,241 
2,391 

667 
7,774 
1,661 
2,688 
3,819 
2,599 


3.4.S6 




0,018 


Clifton 


85 


Colton 


506 
2.389 

906 
1.023 

293 
1,813 
2,783 
1,819 
1,090 
1,470 
2,209 
5,209 
2,054 
1,197 
4,856 
2,915 
2,274 
1,753 


1,040 
2,676 
1,103 
1,180 
316 
1,620 
2.856 
1,875 
1,648 
1,554 
2,365 
5,109 
2,120 
1.466 
4,802 
2,701 
2,111 
1,804 


1,400 
3,182 
1,219 
1,287 
519 
1,808 
3,201 
1,968 
1,690 
1,990 
2,828 
5,640 
2,310 
1,816 
1,978 
2,925 
2,284 
2,329 


1,481 
3,102 
1,187 
1,180 
487 
1,748 
2,915 
1,819 
1,667 
1,941 
2,719 
5,078 
2,237 
1,788 
2,109 
2,741 
1,881 
1,876 


1,586 


De Kalb 


3,044 
1,221 




1,094 


Fine 


760 




1,633 




3.830 




1.816 




1,806 




1,956 




2.641 




4,211 




2,039 




1,760 




1,908 




2,709 




1,849 




2,476 






1st Ward 












2d Ward 












3d Ward 














7,756' 10,060 
2,131 ! 2,114 
1,459 1,834 
503 531 
5,.349 6,631 
1,471 1,480 
1,808 2,108 
3,661 3,790 


10,821 
2,296 
2,207 
577 
6,737 
1,609 
2,380 
4,074 
2,768 


ii,09i 

2,319 
2,423 
558 
6,441 
1,8.36 
2,625 
3,770 
2,663 


»13,204 


Parish ville 


2,043 




2,310 




868 




7,417 




1,765 


Russell 


2,417 




.3,550 




2,516 


In asylums, penal institu- 






47 
















Total 


68,617 


74,997 


83,689 


80,994 


84,826 


84,124 



The total population of the State in 1875 was 4,70J:,39-t. 

In 1810 there were 14,638 slaves in the State, 5 in the 
county, and they had increased to 8 in the county in 1820 ; 
but in 1830 all the people of the State were free. In 1850 
the population was divided among the sexes as follows : 
34,996 were males, and 33,582 were females ; 39 were col- 
ored, the females of the latter being in the majority by one. 
4,358 were native born Americans, outside of the State ; 
13,713 were foreign born, and the remainder, 43,546, were 
born in the State. These people constituted 11,914 fami- 
lies, who dwelt in 11,704 houses. 

In 1870 there were resident in the county 42,007 males 
and 42,819 females, of all ages. From 5 to 18 years there 
were 13,088 boys and 12,932 girls ; from 18 to 45 years, the 
males numbered 12,932 and the females 15,034. Of males 
of 21 years and upwards there were 20,806, and of male 
citizens there were 17,612. Of the native born popula- 
tion there were 66,607 , whose nativity was as follows : New 
York, 59,403; Massachusetts, 884; Connecticut, 275; 
Vermont, 4572; Pennsylvania, 78 ; New Jeraey, 71. Of 
the foreign born there were 18,219, whose nativity was as 
follows: British America, 10,067; England and Wales, 
1367; Ireland, 5688; Scotland, 891; Germany, 108; 
France, 36 ; Sweden and Norway, 8. Eight of the abo- 
riginal lords proprietary of the country, or their descendants 
rather, — Indians, — were returned as jxirt of the population 
of the county. 

In 1875 there wore 19,266 voters in the county, 14,925 
being native born and 4341 naturalized aliens. There were 

* City of Ogdenslnirg included in this number. 



100 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of this class of citizens in the State 1,138,GC1, of whom 
743,298 wore natives and 39r),i;G3 fol•t•i^'n born and natur- 
alized. 

ELECTIONS. 

The first election by the people in what is now the State 
of New York, Wius that of the "Twelve Men," in IGil, 
held under the Dutch rule. The first election under the 
English w;is that of the assembly of 1G65, for the promul- 
gation of the " Duke's Laws." The first election under the 
autliority of the people themselves, was that oue held in 
March, 1775, to elect deputies to the provincial convention, 
which met in New York, the 20th of April following, to 
choose delegates to the (Continental Congress, which assem- 
bled at Philadelphia, on May 10, 1775. Down to the 
adoption of the State constitution in 1777, elections were 
held before the sheriffs by a poll or vivn voce vote. The 
constitution provided for the ballot system to be tried, after 
the war then waging had ceased, as an "experiment," 
guarding the same, however, with a provision, that " if the 
experiment proved unsatisfactory, the former method," or 
some other, should be returned to. In pursuance of this 
provision, a law was passed March 27, 1778, authorizing the 
use of the ballot in elections for governor and lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, but retaining the viva voce system for members of the 
legislature; but in 1787, Feb. 3, the restriction was done 
away, and the ballot system introduced generally. The in- 
spector system was introduced at this time (1787), and, with 
some changes, still obtains. Local boards in each election dis- 
trict at first canvassed the returns ; the result was recorded 
by the town clerk, who forwarded the same to the county 
clerk, who recorded it in his office, and forwarded it to the 
secretary of state, who also recorded it, when the votes were 
canvassed by a State board, consisting of the secretary of 
state, comptroller, and treasurer, on or before the 8th of 
June, and who published the result. By the act of 1787, 
general elections were held on the last Tuesday in April, 
and might be held five days. By the act of April 17, 1822, 
a board of county canvassers was instituted, consisting of 
one inspector of elections from each town, and the attorney- 
general and surveyor-general were added to the State can- 
vassers. The general election day was changed to the first 
Monday in November, and could bo held by adjournment 
from place to place in each town or ward, for three days. 

In 1 842, the date of holding general elections was changed 
to the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in November, 
and the balloting confined to one day. By this last act the 
supervisors of the respective counties were constituted the 
boards of county canvassers, which system is in vogue at 
the present time. 

ELECTORS. 

Under the assembly of 1G91, electors were required to 
be residents of the electoral district at least three months 
prior to the issue of the writ, and to be passessed of a free- 
hold worth £40. "Freemen" of the corporations paying 
a rental of 40s. per annum, were also admitted to the right 
of suffrage. Catholics were not allowed to vote, nor to be 
elected, and Quakers and Moravians were at first virtually 
disfranchised, and remained so until tlioy were allowed to 
affirm. Under the fir.st constitution, electors were required 
to have a residence of six months, and such as were free- 



holders of estates of £20 in the county, or paid a rental of 
iOs. per annum, and actually paid taxes, could vote for rep- 
resentatives to the legislature. Freemen of New York and 
Albany also were voters, for these and inferior officials, with- 
out the property qualifications ; but to cast a ballot for 
governor, lieutenant-governor, and senators, required the 
pos.session of a freehold worth £100 over and above all 
debts charged thereon. In 1811 these values were changed to 
corresponding sums in the Federal currency, viz., $250, $50, 
and $5. No discrimination was made against blacks and 
mulattoes, except that they were recjuired to produce au- 
thenticated certificates of freemen. The constitution of 
1821 extended the elective franchise to every male citizen 
of the age of twenty-one years, being a resident of the 
State one year preceding any election, and of the town or 
county where he offered to vote six months, provided he 
had paid taxes, or was exempt from taxation, or had per- 
formed military duty, or was a fireman ; and also to every 
such citizen being a resident of the State three years, and 
of the county one year, who had performed highway labor, 
or paid an e(iuivalent therefor during the year. Colored 
persons were not voters unless possessed of a freehold of 
$250 value, were residents of State three years, and had 
paid taxes on the full value of their estates, above incum- 
brances thereon. In 182G, the elective franchi.se was made 
free to all white male citizens, without property ijualifications 
of any kind ; that qualification, however, was retained for 
colored citizens. In 1845, the property qualification re- 
quired for the holding of office under the constitutions of 
the State up to that date, was abrogated by the people. In 
184G, and again in 1860, propositions for equal suffrage to 
colored persons were rejected by the people by heavy ma- 
jorities. By the amendment to the constitution adopted 
by the people Nov. 3, 1874, " Every male citizen of the 
age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a citizen for 
ten days, and an inhabitant of the State one year next pre- 
ceding an election, and for the last four months a resident 
of the county, and for the last thirty days a resident in the 
election district in which he may offer his vote," is entitled 
to vote at such election. Pllective officers under the first 
constitution were limited to the governor, lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, senators, and assemblymen, and the town officers, loan 
officers, county treasurers, and clerks of supcrvisoi's were 
appointed as the legislature provided. All other civil and 
military officers were to be appointed by the council of ap- 
pointment, unless otherwise designated in the constitution. 
Under the second constitution, the list of elective officers 
was greatly extended, and the power of appointment of 
those not elective conferred on the governor. In 1846, 
two hundred and eighty-nine officers were thus appointed. 
The list of appointive officers is very limited at the present 
time. 

The jnjlilicdl xciitimcnts of the people of St. Lawrence 
County will be shown by the following tabulated statement 
of the votes cast at gubernatorial elections from 1810 to 
182G, and those at presidential elections from 1828 to 1876, 
inclusive. An election for senators, in 1808, was the first 
election of which returns arc recorded in the county records, 
so far as a.scertained, and the vote stood as follows : For 
Hopkins, McNiel, Forman, and Henry, 258 ; for Blood- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



101 



good, Rich, Martin, and Halsey, 236. The first town- 
meeting was held in 1801, being that of Lisbon, while a 
part of Clinton county. 



FOR GOVERNOR. 



1810. 

isn. 

ISIC. 

1820. 
1812. 
1824. 
1826. 



Jonas Piatt 576 

Steplien Van Rcns- 

sellaor 631 

Rufus King 5^0 

De ^yltt Clhilou S03 

Jfivejih C. Yates 165IJ 

De Wilt Ctinloii 1732 

De Witt Clinton.... 1701 



D. D, Tonipkiiift 



301 



D. n. TomjA-ins 238 

D. D. To,iij,k-ini 461 

D. D. Tompkins 431 

Scattering 7 

Samncl Young 1123 

Wm. B. Rochester 1337 



Total. 

877 

869 
991 
12.34 
1660 
2855 
3098 



Those in italics were elected. 



PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. 

Total. 

1828. Whig, 2,647: Democratic, 2,575 5,222 

1832. '• 2,784; " 3,318 6,102 

1836. " 2,235; " 3,089 6,324 

1840. " 4,803; " 4.751 9,554 

1844. " 4,672; " 6,008; Abolition, 468 11,148 

1848. " 3.667; " 614 ; Free-Soil, 6,023 10,304 

1852. " 4,570; " 5,584; .-Vbolition, 1.014 11,168 

1856. Republican, 9.698; Democratic, 1,950 ; American, 1,332. 12,980 

I860. " 11,324; Opposition, 4,056 15,380 

K864. " 10,864; Democratic, 4,048 14,912 

18C8. " 11.888; " 3,941 15,829 

1872. " 11,331; " 4,395 15,726 

1876. " 13,465; " .5,784 19,249 

The vote of 1876, by towns, was as follows : 



Hayes. 

Brasher 350 

Canton 926 

Clifton 16 

Colton 305 

De Kalb 602 

De Peyster 250 

Edwards 182 

Fine 144 

Fowler 270 

Iiouverncur 669 

Hammond 320 

Ilormon 297 

Hopkinton 389 

Lawrence 416 

Louisville 259 

Lisbon 903 

Macomb 284 

Madrid 353 

Massena 389 

Morristown 396 

Norfolk 289 

Oswegatchie 14G0 

Parisbville 439 

Pierrepont 442 

Pitcairn 151 

Potsdam 12ti8 

Kossie 229 

Russell _ 375 

Stockholm 677 

Waddington 415 



Popular questions submitted to the people, have been 
disposed of by the electors of St. Lawrence County as 
follows : 

1821 — For the amended constitution 

Against the same 

1826 — For the election of justices of the peace and e.xtcnd- 

ing the right of suffrage 2,392 

.\gainst the same 34 

1845 — For convention to revise constitution 5,611 

.\gainst the same 328 

For the abrogation of property qualification for office 5,254 

Against the same 5 

1846 — For the adoption of the amended constitution 6,824 

Against the same 235 

For equal sulTrage to colored persons 2,585 

Against the same 4,867 

1849— For free-school law 4.997 

Against the same 2,546 

1850 — For repeal of free-school law _. 4,628 

Against the same '. 3,559 

I860 — For equal suffrage to colored citizens 8,899 

Against the same 4,413 



Tilden. 


Total. 


308 


658 


534 


1460 


6 


22 


103 


408 


no 


712 


41 


291 


90 


272 


48 


192 


133 


403 


257 


926 


108 


428 


158 


455 


71 


400 


138 


554 


178 


437 


201 


1101 


119 


4113 


145 


498 


185 


574 


111 


507 


215 


504 


1123 


2583 


78 


517 


116 


558 


42 


193 


438 


1706 


134 


303 


210 


585 


179 


856 


205 


620 



1864 — For soldiers voting 7,116 

Against the same 190 

1865 — For act to create state debt to pay bounties 8,205 

Against the same 546 

1866 — For convention to amend constitution 10,155 

Against the same 829 

1869 — For the adojition of amended constitution 6,639 

Against the same 2,670 

For the judiciary article 1,083 

Against the same 7,289 

For uniform rule of assessment and ta.vation 5,082 

Against the same 3,577 

For jtroperty qualification for colored persons 2,359 

Against the same 7,215 

1870— For an act to fund canal debt 2,261 

Against the same 10,420 

1872 — For amendment in relation to court of appeals 7,194 

Against the same 34 

For act to create State debt for general fund deficiencies 7,528 

Against the same 109 

1873 — For ajtpointmcnt of judges 982 

Against the same 5,617 

1874 — On eleven proposed amendments to the constitution 
submitted, the average vote on each stood as follows : 

For their adoption 7,154 

Against the same 1,718 

1876 — For abolition of canal commissioners and appoint- 
ment of superintendent of ])ublic works, and the 
abolition of inspectors of State's prisons and ap- 
pointment of a superintendent of State's prisons 10.942 

Against the same 1,009 



INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

In 1810 St. Lawrence County had 247 looms, making 
19,017 yards woolen, 36,000 of linen, and 1,926 of mixed 
cloth; 5 fulling-mills, dressing 11,000 yards; 2 carding- 
machines, using 10,500 lbs. wool ; 12 tanneries, using 1767 
hides ; 2 distilleries, making 25,000 gallons .spirits, worth 
80 cents per gallon, and 1 trip hammer. 

The State census of 1835 gives the following statistics of 
the industry and wealth of St. Lawrence County at that 
date : 

There were 151,483 acres of improved lands in the 
county, 54,581 head of neat cattle, 10,040 horses, 81,789 
sheep, and 32,437 swine. There were in operation 41 
grist-mills, 110 .saw-mills, 1 oil-mill, 27 fulling-mills, 24 
eaiding-machines, 3 woolen factories, 8 iron works, 8 trip 
hammers and forges, 4 distilleries, 45 asheries, 1 paper- 
mill, 1 brewery, and 25 tanneries, which used and manu- 
factured raw materials to the value of §485,897, and the 
value of the manufactured product of the same was re- 
turned at 6690,772. There were manufactured 68,677 
yards of fulled cloth, 82,549 yards of flannels and such like 
goods, 64,369 yards of cotton, linen, and other thin fabrics, 
in 1834. 

The census of 1840 gave the following exhibits: 16 iron 
furnaces, 6 blooms and forges, 4 lead smelting works, em- 
ployed 687 men, and a capital of $322,000, and produced 
2462 tons of cast-iron, 185 tons bar-iron, and 270,000 pounds 
of lead. The iron v^orks consumed 3971 tons of fuel. The 
total capital employed in manufactures aggregated 8815,000, 
and the v;ilue of the product was placed at 8553,000. 
There were 158 houses engaged in trade, employing 238 
men, and a capital of $561,000. The agricultural exhibit 
was as follows: 11,088 horses, 61,455 neat cattle, 125,821 
sheep, 41 .889 hogs, and 12,510 bipeds of the poultry .species. 
There were produced the year previous (1830)278,007 
bushels wheat, 24,018 bushels of barley, 334,009 bushels 
of oats, 23,571 bushels of rye, 34.312 bushels of buck- 
wheat, 204,824 bushels of corn, 236,863 pounds of wool, 
3560 pouuds of hops, 547 pounds of beeswax, 1,412,272 



102 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bushels of potatoes, 99,813 tons of hay, 25 tons of flax and 
hemp, 10 tons of silk cocoons, 848,132 pounds maple sucrar, 
and 1G,468 cords of wood were .sold. The product of the 
dairy was valued at $200,509, and the orchard product at 
the sum of $14,823. The women's work on home-made 
goods amounted to the sum of $130,(535, and their market 
gardens produced $40,130 worth of vegetables and small 
fruits. Lumber to the value of $14,090 was manufactured, 
and 897 tons of pot and pearl ashes found a market from 
the forests of the county. Skins and furs to the value of 
$3310 were taken from the forest likewise by 85 men who 
were thus employed. There were employed in the county 
at the time of taking the cen.sus 88 persons in mining, 
12,190 in agricultural pursuits, 238 in commerce, 2141 in 
manufactures and the trades, 15 in navigating the high 
seas, 95 in navigation of the lakes, canals, and rivers, 193 
in the learned professions, and 117 were pensioners for 
military services rendered by themselves or husbands. 

In 1850 the census revealed the following interesting 
facts, as ascertained by the U. S. marshals. There were 
6124 farms, containing 377,080 acres of improved lands; 
and there were 202,027 acres of unimproved lands returned 
besides in the county, and this real estate, together with 
the improvements and implements thereon, were valued at 
$9,900,053. There were in the county 13,811 horses and 
mules, 74,361 neat cattle, 89,910 sheep, and 18,423 swine. 
In 1849 there were produced in the county 289,950 bushels 
of wheat, 380,757 bushels of rye and oats, 244,690 bushels 
of corn, 470,934 bushels of potatoes, 50,319 bushels of 
peas and beans, 16,520 bushels of barley, 19,227 bushels 
of biickwheat, 4,473,368 pounds of butter and chee.se, 
122,688 tons of hay, 101,855 pounds of hops, 2806 bushels 
clover and other grass-seeds, 149 bushels flax-seed, 3045 
pounds of flax, 1,236,504 pounds of maple sugar, 80 gal- 
lons of molasses, 100 pounds of tobacco, 287,900 pounds 
of wool, and 23,013 pounds of honey and beeswax. The 
value of animals slaughtered was returned at $284,571, and 
the market-gardens produced $4408 worth of" truck," and 
the orchards $29,955 ; 10 gallons of wine were also made 
by some one " for sickness," probably. There were killed 
in the county during 1849-50, 3500 deer, valued at $3 
per head. 

The manufacturing establishments carried an investment 
of $1,141,370, employed 1510 hands (counting two for one), 
and produced goods of various kinds valued at $1,783,017. 
Domestic goods to the value of $82,812 were manufactured 
by families within their own doors. 

The census of 1860 contained the following exhibit of 
the county's industry and wealth : There were returned as 
improved 571,973 acres of land, and 278,130 acres unim- 
proved, and the cash value of farms was placed at $22,442,701, 
and the value of farming implements and machinery at 
$942,808. The live-stock wa.s valued at $3,994,406, and 
consisted of 19,915 horses, 4 mules, 68,734 milch cows, 
4232 working oxen, 35.273 other cattle, 56,522 sheep, and 
27,149 swine. The products of the farm and dairy were 
as follows: 579,810 bushels of wheat, 41,532 bushels of 
rye, 263,562 bushels of corn, 828,007 bushels of oats, 25 
pounds of tobacco, 204,490 pounds of wool, 02,260 bu.shcls 
of peas and beans, 1,094,718 bushels of potatoes, 175 



bushels of sweet potatoes, 57,150 bushels of barley, 31,118 
bushels of buckwheat ; $35,023, value of orchard products, 
316 gallons of wine ; $15,872, value of products of market- 
gardens, 7,193,597 pounds of butter, 2,353,887 pounds of 
cheese, 105,034 tons of hay, 25 bushels of clover-seed, 
4433 bushels grass-seed, 99,833 pounds of hops, 809 
pounds of flax, 20 bushels flax-seed, 1,378,142 pounds of i 
maple sugar, 2740 gallons of mola.sses, 2578 pounds of " 
beeswax, 44,351 pounds of honey; $17,483 in value of 
home-made manufactures, and the animals slaughtered were 
valued at $494,513. 

There were 367 manufacturing establishments in the 
county, of various kinds, with au invested capital of 
$1,094,061, which gave employment to 1200 males and 78 
females, to whom they paid $353,073 for wages ; the cost 
of the raw materials u.sed was placed at $1,197,200, and 
the value of the manufactured product was returned at 
$1,950,184. 

The census of 1870 contained the following returns of 
agricultural statistics : 004,823 acres of improved lands 
were returned, arid the value of farms placed at$37, 661,214, 
and the value of all farm productions, including better- 
ments and additions to stock, was estimated at $9,598,071 
for the year previous. Live-stock was valued at $6,739,900, 
and consisted of 24,120 horses, 87,293, milch cows, 1012 
working oxen, 02,632 sheep, and 16,981 swine. 

The products of the farm and dairy fur the year 1869 
were as follows: Spring wheat, 257,623 bushels; winter 
wheat, 12,078 bushels; rye, 35,295 bushels; corn, 174,840 
bushels; oats, 1,077,345 bushels ; barley, 196,421 bushels; 
buckwheat, 57,078 bushels ; wool, 281,962 pounds; pota- 
toes, 1,217,809 bushels ; butter, 8,419,695 pounds; cheese, 
1,710,082 pounds. There were 687 manufacturing estab- 
lishments of various kinds, 30 of which were operated by 
steam, and 503 by water-power, giving employment to 2922 
persons, of whom 2,072 were males above the age of six- 
teen years, 150 were females above the age of fifteen years, 
and 100 were youths. The capital invested in these estab- 
lishments amounted to $3,031,081 ; the wages paid, to 
$821,429 ; the materials used, $3,697,952 ; and the man- 
ufactured product was valued at $3,831,776. 

The census of 1875, taken by the State authority, has 
not, at this writing, been published, and the returns, except 
on population, have been without the reach of the com- 
pilers of this work, and hence are not given. However, 
there has been a large increase in the dairy product of the 
county, which at the present time forms the prominent fea- 
ture of the agricultural productions of the county. There 
are about eighty cheese-factories in the county, and from 
ten to fifteen butter-factories. Nearly 100,000 cows are 
milked in the county, and the gross income per head is es- 
timated at $50. The first cheese-flictory built in the county 
was one at South Canton, in 1861. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

In the act of April 7, 1819, for encouraging these, St. 
Lawrence received $100 for two years. A .society entitled 
" The St. Lawrence County Society for promoting agricul- 
ture and domestic manufactures" was formed in 1822. 
Membership, fifty cents annually. A meeting was to be 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



103 



held on the last Wednesday of February, for the election 
of ofEcers, and on the third Tuesday and Wednesday of 
October, for a fair, which was to be held at Canton, Pots- 
dam, and Madrid, alternately. This society was abandoned 
in one or two years. 

On Feb. 4, 1834, a second society was formed at Ogdens- 
biirjr, named the " St. Lawrence County Agricultural So- 
ciety." Membership, one dollar annually. Not less than 
two fairs were to be lield annually at Ogdensburg. Upon 
the last day of the first fair in each year the officers were to 
be elected. Its first officers were George Parish, president; 
H. Van Rensselaer, Silas Wright, Jr., and J. C. Clarkson, 
vice-presidents; Smith Stillwell, secretary; Wm. Bacon, 
Smith Stillwell, Sylvester Gilbert, David C. Judson, U. H. 
Orvis, G. Ogden, and Henry M. Fine, managers. This 
also subsisted about two years, and at its first fair distrib- 
uted $227 among thirty-seven competitors, principally on 
stock . 

The general law of May 5, 1841, allowed this county 
$170 annually, for five years, and led to the formation of a 
third society, of which E. N. Harrison was president, and 
a vice-president was appointed to each town, an executive 
committee of seven, and a treasurer and two secretaries. 
Their first fair (Oct. 7, 1841) distributed $3(51 in sixty-six 
premiums. Their second (Sept. 14, 1842), $171 in fifty- 
eight premiums. Nine years next ensued without an agri- 
cultural society, when the board of supervisors, in 1851, 
passed a resolution strongly in favor of another attempt, 
and designated the Thursday evening following for a pre- 
liminary meeting, to take measures for an organization. 
Subsequent meetings were held, and on April 3, 1852, a 
convention was held at the court-house, and a constitution 
adopted. Henry Van Rensselaer was chosen president ; 
Uriel H. Orvis, Jonah Sanfbrd, and Hiram Johnson, vice- 
presidents ; Henry G. Foote, secretary ; and Ebenezer 
Miner, treasurer. A corresponding secretary was appointed 
in each town. Elections are held on the second Tuesday 
in June, at the court-house, when the president, vice-presi- 
dents, secretary, and treasurer are chosen, and the executive 
committee (who are the above officers) determine the time 
in September and place for holding the annual fair, decide 
upon the prizes, appoint judges or committees, and take 
such action as may promote the objects of the society. 
Membership, one dollar annually, and none but members 
allowed to compete for premiums. The fiscal year com- 
mences with October. The constitution was signed by fifty 
delegates who attended the convention. 

The first fiiir of this society was held at Canton, Sept. 
IG, 17, 1852, on premises finely adapted for the purpose, 
in the lower jiart of the village, and near Grasse river. 
The grounds had been leased for a term of five years, and 
inclosed by a close board fence. Both days were delight- 
fully pleasant, and the crowds of intelligent farmers with 
their families who attended bespoke the general interest 
that was felt, and augured well of the future ; which augury 
has been well fulfilled in the subsequent success of the so- 
ciety. There were 396 articles offered for premiums, very 
many of which were highly creditable to the county. 

The receipts of the first fair were $1274.81, and the 
premiums offered amounted to $209. In 1856 additional 



lands were leased of J. F. Ames, adjoining the first tract 
lea.sed, and the track extended, and the whole grounds 
fenced. In 1858 the lands before leased were purchased 
for the society by E. Miner and L. E. B. Winslow, and the 
grounds now contain 38 acres, on which permanent and 
substantial buildings have been erected, consisting of floral, 
dining, vegetable, and mechanical halls, with sheds for 
stock, and a grand stand with a seating capacity for 3000 
persons. The grounds are well watered, and graded with 
walks and drive-ways, are beautifully shaded with trees on 
the sloping front towards the river, and have a fine track for 
the trial or speeding of horses. The cost of the fair-grounds, 
with the present improvements, is not less than $15,000. 
The society held its twenty-sixth annual fair on the 12th, 
13th, and 14th of September, 1877, at which there were 
2011 entries for exhibition, competing for $3500 in pre- 
miums, and the total receipts were about $5000. 

The show of blooded stock in the county, which began 
at fifteen or twenty animals in 1852, has increased to from 
two hundred or three hundred fine animals. The value of 
the society is shown also in other departments, in the 
largely-increased number of exhibitors, and in the increasing 
interest taken in the growing of roots and the different 
kinds of grasses, and other measures for the improvement 
of the soil and the herds for dairying purposes. The pres- 
ent officers of the society are as follows : President, Gen. 
N. M. Curtis, Ogdensburg; Treasurer, R. B. Ellsworth, 
Canton ; Superintendent, Worth Chamberlain, Canton ; 
Secretary, A. T. Martyn, Canton. 

" The St. Lawrence County Dairymen's Association" was 
organized January 9, 1872, by the dairymen of the county, 
for the purpose of promoting the dairying interest. The 
first election was held at that time, and a constitution 
adopted, and monthly meetings have been since that time 
to the present on the first Tuesday of each month, except 
during the heated term, when they are suspended. At these 
monthly meetings discassious of various topics touching on 
the dairying interest are had, and a general annual conven- 
tion is held on the first Tuesday in January, at which 
papers are read by the ablest agriculturists and dairymen to 
be had in the country, besides addresses from local speakers. 
The association has been an efficient educator in its particu- 
lar province, and has stimulated the dairymen of the county 
to more intelligent practice and led them to improve their 
herds by the introduction of better blood, as well as provid- 
ing better care, food, and protection for them, thereby in- 
creasing the flow of milk, and adding to its quality. The 
first officers of the association were as follows : President, 
E. H. Southworth ; a vice-president in each town in the 
county ; Treasurer, II. J. Cook ; Secretary, A. T. Martvn 
(from whom the flicts were obtained as recited herein) ; 
Corresponding Secretary, H. B. Farmer; Directors, C. H. 
Brown, John May, Albert Langdon, C. N. Conkey, and 
Lucius Crampton, who remain unchanged to the present, 
Orson Wallace being added to the board December, 1877. 
Dr. G. F. Cole, of Potsdam, has been president 1873-76 ; 
G. M. Gleason, 1877 ; W. L. Rutherford, of Waddington, 
1878; A. T. Martyn is still the secretary, and E. F. Tup- 
per has been the treasurer since the first year. 

The membership numbers from one hundred to one huu- 



104 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



dred and fifty aunually, and is composed of the leading 
dairymen of the county, who have taken and still continue 
a great interest in the association and its work. 

THE ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY UAIHYMEN's BOAHD OF 
TRADK. 

This organization is an outgrowth of the dairymen's 
association, and was organized and designed to be mutual 
in its tendency, co-operative in its workings, and beneficial 
in its results, and thus far has fairly- met the expectations of 
its founders. It is purely an organization for the combina- 
tion of individual oft'orts, which, from a business point of 
view, are in themselves, singly, incompetent to produce a 
system by which each individual shall receive the benefits 
of the combined whole. 

November 9, 1875, a meeting was held at the court-house 
in Canton, where the subject of holding market-days was 
discussed, which resulted in the appointment of a com- 
mittee to locate and make the necessary arrangements for 
such a market-day in St. Lawrence County the following 
season. The committee were, M. D. Packard, of Canton ; 
C. H. Brown, of Russell ; John May, of Potsdam ; Andrew 
Tueh, of Lisbon ; Hon. Geo. M. Gleason, of Gouverneur; 
Lucius Crampton, Picrrepont ; Gen. N. M. Curtis, Ogdens- 
burg; Marvin Holt, De Kalb ; and H. L. Sweet, Madrid; 
and they were to report at the January meeting of the 
Dairymen's Association. On January 5, 1876. Mr. Tucb, 
as chairman, presented to the association the unanimous 
report of the committee, recommending the establishment 
of a board of trade in St. Lawrence County, and also 
recommended the following list of officers for the organiza- 
tion for the first year : President, Hon. Geo. M. Gleason, of 
Gouverneur ; Vice-President, Horace W. Hale, of Canton ; 
Secretary, jMarvin R. Wait, of Canton ; Treasurer, Albert 
Langdon, of Canton; Directors, L. Crampton, Pierrepont; 
H. 0. Sweet, Madrid ; 0. H. Hale, Norfolk ; 0. C. Jillson, 
De Peysfer ; Thomas Mayne, Hcuvelton ; John Thompson, 
Stockholm ; and Geo. H. Rowland, Morristown. The com- 
mittee also recommended Messrs. Gleason, H. W. Hale, 
Wait, Langdon, and Packard, as a committee to draft a 
constitution and code of by-laws, and located the market at 
Canton. 

The recommendations of the committee were concurred 
in, and a constitution or articles of association and rules of 
government reported subsequently by the committee in 
charge of the same, were adopted. The name of the orga- 
nization was adopted as it appears at the head of this sketch, 
and the membership fee placed at one dollar per annum, 
the members only being entitled to a voice in the counsels 
of the board. Butter- or cheese-factories are admitted to the 
privileges of the board and of the salesroom on the jiay- 
ment of five dollars per annum. Fifty cents will admit 
non-members to the privileges of the salesroom for a single 
day. except voting. The buyer and his agent being admit- 
ted on one ticket. Visitors are admitted by courtesy, with- 
out privilege of buying or selling. The market-day was 
established on Friday of each week, from the second week 
in May to the first in December. 

The first market-day was held May 12, 187C, and con- 
tinued on tViday of each week until and including Octo- 



ber 27 of that year. On each of those days a telegram 
was received from the Associated Press, of New Y'^ork, giv- 
ing the price of cheese in Liverpool, and of butter, cheese, 
and gold in New York, and the tone of the market. The 
largest number of cheese-factories offering in one day dur- 
ing the first year was twenty-three, and the heaviest offer- 
ing was G251 boxes. The membership was 121, including 
32 factories, the fees amounting to $2IJ3. There were 
registered offerings of 54,247 boxes of cheese, aggregating 
3,254,820 pounds, and thousands of boxes were offered at 
different times, which were not registered, for some rexson 
unknown. Besides these offerings, there were heavy sales 
by others than members of the board. 

The prices ranged from nine to eleven and five-eighths 
cents per pound. The fall cheese was not sold until the 
last of November, after the board closed, and brought 
twelve and a half and thirteen cents. The actual trans- 
actions on the board in cheese amounted to §325,482. 
There were offered and bought also on the board 609 tons, 
or 1,218,440 pounds of butter, costing $335,073, with the 
price ranging from fifteen to forty cents per pound, averag- 
ing between twenty-seven and twenty-eight cents. The 
actual and open transactions of the board in both butter 
and cheese aggregated the sum $660,555. There were 
twenty different buyers on the market during the season, 
with an average attendance on each day of from seven to 
ten, and the salesmen were from seventeen different towns. 

The transactions of 1877 are not closed at this writing, 
so that an exact statement of the year's business cannot 
be made, but the factory representation has been better for 
the present season than the past one of 1876, and the offer- 
ings and sales have been steadier. The greatest number of 
factories offering in one day the present season, as registered, 
was twenty-five, and the offerings have ranged from one 
thousand to eight thousand boxes. Judging from the trans- 
actions to date, and those likely to be made before the 
board closes, the offerings of 1877 will reach eighty thou- 
sand boxes of cheese, and the butter offerings will also show 
a large increase over the first year's transactions, which 
demonstrates the usefulness of the' board, and warrants the 
indulgence of hopeful prophecies of its future continued 
success. There are in the county between seventy and 
eighty cheese-factories. 

The oflicers of 1877 are Andrew Tuch, of Lisbon, presi- 
dent; Charles N. Conkey, Canton, vice-president; Mar- 
vin R. Wait, of Canton, secretary (to whom we are in- 
debted for the facts contained in this account) ; Albert 
Langdon, Canton, treasurer. The directors remain un- 
changed. 

VALUATIONS AND TAXATION. 

Public moneys were first raised in the colony of New 
York, June 1, 1665, by warrant i.ssucd by the governor, 
Colonel Nicholls, to the sheriff and collectors.* It would 
appear that antecedent to this time the towns and counties 
raised moneys for their own use, but the precise mode is 
not known. A tax called a "benevolence" was raised on 
the iidiabitants, as appears from a lelter from Governor 
Andross, and Smith observes '' this proceeding was a badge 

• Smith's History of New York, p. 31. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



105 



of bad times."* In 1G83, the first regular system of taxa- 
tion by law was adopted. The wars of England with 
European nations, especially with the French, plunged the 
colony into an enormous debt, most burdensome to the 
inhabitants. From Kifll to 1709 the sum of £61,861 was 
raised by the colonists for building forts, raising and paying 
troops, and for other war purposes, besides the excise tax of 
a penny in the pound for the ordinary and incidental 
charges of the colony. Before 1776 the colonists were 



obliged to pay nearly £1,000,000 sterling. In 1788 the 
first regular system of taxation was adopted by the 
State. 

The valuations and taxation of St. Lawrence by periods 
of five years since 1815 are given in the following table. 
The school taxes, down to and including the year 1850, 
were raised by the towns, and arc included in the amount 
of town taxes. The amount of school taxes from and 
including 1855, are included in the State levies. 



Year. 


Acres 
of Land. 


Assi;83ed 

Value of 

Keal Estiite. 


Assessed 

Value of 

Personal Prop. 


Aggregate 
Valuation. 


State Taxes. 


County Taxes. 


Town Taxes. 


School Taxes. 


Ags:reeato 
of Taxes. 


1815 










$4,895.18 
1,765.68 
1,369.47 


$2,498.95 

3,537.61 

5,704.04 

10,461.37 

12,092.81 

16,619.95 

20.541.29 

31,635.48 

43,806.43 

48,853.60 

178,094.81 

180,664.76 

145,535.18 


$3,602.51 
7,864.50 
12,263.13 
15,093.69 
15,248.22 
22,198.19 
24,879.02 
23,797.93 
21,358.06 
29,425.95 
206,241.55 
79,991.47 
70,077.63 


$643.24 

906.03 

3,216.40 

3,616.00 

3,770.00 

7,338.49 

9,735.61 

6.823.16 

9,238.77 

11,725.00 

11,483.07 

20,066.76 

20,055.43 


$11,639.88 


1820 




$704,878 

2,738,856 

2.561,370 

2,691,197 

3,132,751 

3,290,689 

4.772,884 

14,947,814 

14,769,718 

14,728,780 

15,115,177 

14,757,316 


$42,826 

119,941 

180,925 

238,027 

160,682 

337,019 

304,293 

1,533,908 

1,653,965 

1,703,877 

1,036,942 

1,082,522 


S757,noo 

2,858,797 

2,742,295 

2,929,224 

3,293,433 

3,631,308 

6,077,177 

16,481,722 

16,425,715 

16,432.657 

14,152,119 

15,839,838 


14,335.56 


1825 




19,336.61 


1830 




27,779.00 


1835 






28,880.83 


1840 






42,41 : .38 


1845 


2,180.58 
2,538.59 
20,602.15 
59,927.88 
71,386.40 
116,243.80 
96,266.06 


49,275.69 


1850 


60,066.04 


1855 

1860 

1865 


1,667,629 
1,659,160 
1.652,405 
1,663,335 
1,654,820 


89,119.90 
143,168.54 
451,449.23 


1870 


378,336.93 


1875 


322,699.25 







The following table exhibits the valuations and taxation for the county, as made and estimated by the board of super- 
visors for 1877-78 : 




The county tax was levied to cover the following appro- 
priations made by the supervisors at the annual session of 
1877 : 



Bonds due on loan for county clerk's office and 

interest 

Extras on clerk's utlices 

Salaries of cunnty officers 

Charities.— Lunatic asylums $8,000.00 

Institutions fur blind, deaf mutes, and insane 

criminals G9;J.26 

For superintendents of the poor 4-1.988.16 

Poor-house and superintendent's services 1,529.71 



$0,007.00 

fiOG.lO 

6,000.00 



55,211.13 



14 



* Smith's History of New York, p. 34. 



Court cxpcnse.s, including stenographer $8,725.00 

Sheriff's and jiiilcr'.s aceounts 5,458.30 

Constables and justices 2,678.64 

County clerk's accounts 1,089.51 

Jail library 50.00 

18,001.45 

Printing 2,629.40 

Excise accounts 060.00 

School commissioners' services {cast as a school- 
tax on the several towns) 600.00 

Non-resident taxes 800.00 

Refunding .'!3.00 

Miscellaneous accounts 3,274.15 

Total $94,428.23 

The county treasurer's report for the year ending Nov. 
1, 1877, .shows the following receipts of revenue for the 
year in his ofhce : 



lOG 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



On hand November 1, 1876 $17,361.51 

Received from bondsmen of former treasurer 40,4C4.i>8 

" " town eollectors (taxes 1876) 115,148.88 

" " eonijitroller, school moneys 64,783.81 

" excise moneys, from towns 2,502.00 

" from board of State paupers $254.57 

" " individuals for caro of persons in 

county house 432.00 

686.57 

Received fines from district attorney 325.00 

" on bond and mortgage on old poor-farm. 237.00 

Misoellnncous receipt? 945.13 

Resident and non-resident taxes received 435.33 

Non-resident taxes from comptroller 6,636.54 

Total receipts, exclusive of balance on hand Nov. 

1, 1876 $192,164.84 

Balance on hand Nov. 1, 1877 $16,459.74 

The total amount of taxes levied by the board of .super- 
visors from tlie year ISli to 1877, both years inclusive, 
is as follows : 

1814 to 1825 $179,875.58 

1826 to 1835 273,805.38 

1836 to 1845 416,300.68 

1846 to 1855 588,269.68 

1856 to 1865 1,913,230.34 

1806 to 1877 4,038,823.28 

57,410,304.94 

These amounts are exclusive of the school district taxes 
levied by the school authorities of the respective towns. 

There were issued, by the authority of the board of 
supervisors, war bonds of the county, in 1864 and 1865, to 
encourage enlistments into the army for the suppression of 
the Rebellion, to the amount of §1,008,350, on which the 
sum of $357,000 or thereabouts, in interest, has been paid, 
and the entire amount of principal, with the exception of 
one bond of $100, which is not due until 1880, and the 
holder of which, a widow lady, declines to receive tlie prin- 
cipal till the same is due. The State, in 1865, refunded, 
on bounties paid under the call of Dec. 9, 1864, the .sum 
$242,500. The history of the bond unpaid, just mentioned, 
is interesting. The present holder gave her two sons, her 
only children, to the service of the country, and when the 
county committee solicited subscriptions for the war loan, 
she sent one liundred dollars, all the money she had, and 
asked for a bond, the time of payment of which should be 
deferred to tlie larthcst authorized limit, which was accord- 
ingly done, and the patriotic mother still liolds the bond 
and draws the annual interest thereon. 

THE STATE LOAN. 

On April 18, 1786, bills of credit to the amount of 
£200,000 (New York currency) were emitted by the State 
for the relief of the people in the way of a circulating me- 
dium, and loaned to the different counties according to their 
population, and loan comuii.ssioners appointed in each county 
to manage and loan the same on real estate security at five 
per cent, per annum, the loan to run fourteen years and 
limited to £300 to any one person. These bills of credit 
were counterfeited, and in February, 1788, new bills were 
printed for those in circulation and the old ones retired, and 
death pronounced on all counterfeiters of the new issue. In 
1700 another loan was made to the new counties, and in 
1807-8 still another loan was made by the creation of a 
debt by the State, bonds being issued therefor and sold, and 
the funds arising therefrom distributed pro rata among the 
counties on the basis of population, and conimi.ssioners ap- 



pointed as before to handle the funds in each county. The 
amount received by St. Lawrence County was $4473, which 
was kept at interest as a separate fund, until 1850, when it 
was consolidated with the 

UNITED STATES DEPOSIT FUND, 

the principal of which was deposited in the county in 1837, 
and amounted to $103,501, and separate and distinct com- 
missioners appointed to loan the same. This deposit fund 
was the portion awarded to St. Lawrence County from the 
surplus moneys in the United States treasury deposited 
with the .several States by act of Congress, of June 23, 1836, 
and the amount deposited with New York was, by act of 
the legislature of April 4, 1837, distributed among the sev- 
eral counties according to their population. The loans from 
this fund are limited between $200 and $2000 to a single 
individual, "except in New York, where the limits are $500 
and $5000. The interest is charged at seven per cent., and 
the same paid into the State treasury, less fees and expenses 
of collection, and by the comptroller distributed among the 
counties for the support of schools and academies. 

The loan and deposit funds were both diminished by 
reason of defaults in payment of loans, and consequent sale 
of mortgaged lands, which were bid in by the State, and 
payments to the State on account of the principal, until, in 
1850, when the funds were consolidated, the amount of the 
same was $85,367.43. 

The la.st report of the commissioners shows the amount 
of the fund to be over $82,000 now on loan on real estate. 

WOLF BOUNTIES. 

The board of supervisors offered bounties from time to 
time for the destruction of wolves and panthers, ranging 
from $10 to $20 for full grown animals of the former 
species, and $5 to $10 for the whelp; and from $5 to $15 
for panthers, the former being more destructive among the 
sheep of the farmers than the latter. Bounties were paid 
from 1814 to 1850, as follows: 1815, $270; 1816, $1230 
1817, $480; 1818, $707; 1819, $455; 1820, $1225 
1821, $1465; 1822, $405; 1823, $245; 1824, $340 
1825, $510 ; 1826, $760 ; 1827, $670 ; 1828, $980 ; 1829^ 
$640; 1830, $470; 1831, $740; 1832,8390; 1833, $895 
1834, $605 ; 1835, $510 ; 1836, $435 ; 1837, $1005 ; 1838^ 
$950 ; 1839, $705 ; 1840, $205 ; 1841, $110 ; 1842, $365 
1843, $260 ; 1844, $365 ; 1845, $205 ; 1846, $160 ; 1847 
$120; 1848, $80; 1849, $125; 1850, $60,— total, $19,142 
Bounties are still offered for the destruction of these ani- 
mals, but few scalps, however, are taken annually. 



CHAPTER VIL 

THE ST. LAWBENCE CIVIL LIST. 

Officers of the .Nation, the .State, the .ludiciary, the Senate, the 
Assembly, and the County. 

The fame of the county of St. Lawrence is coextensive 
with the nation of which it is an integral part. Its citizens 
have maintained its reputation and upheld its honor in the 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



107 



senate, in the lower house of Congress, in the governor's 
mansion, on the bench of the State, and in the legislature. 
Their counsels have prevailed in the halls of national and 
State legislation, and wherever the stars and stripes float in 
all of our broad Union the names of her sons, Wright and 
King, are known and honored. 

In the nation the county has been thus represented : 

UNITED STATES SENATORS. 

Appointed by joint session of the State legislature. 
Term, six years : 

Silas Wright, Canton, Feb. 7, 1837; re-elected Feb. 7, 1S4.3; re- 
signed November, 1844. 

Preston King, Ogdensburg, Feb. (i, 1857; served one term, 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. 

The Federal Constitution directs that a census be taken 
every ten years, and after each enumeration Congress appor- 
tions the representation among the several States. As soon 
as practicable, after each apportionment, the legislature di- 
vides the State into congressional districts. 

The apportionment of New York has been as follows 
since the adoption of the constitution in 1788 : 

Years. Ratio. Representatives. 

17S9 ,30,000 6 

1792 33,000 10 

1802 33,000 17 

1811 2.'), 000 27 

1822 40,000 34 

1832 47,000 40 

1842 70,680 34 

1852 93,433 33 

18fil 127,000 31 

1872 137,800 ■ 33 

. The districts which have included St. Lawrence in their 
bounds have been as follows : 

Under act of March 23, 1797, district 7, composed of 
Clinton, Es.sex (1799), Saratoga, and Washington. 

Act of March 30, 1802, district 15, Herkimer, Oneida, 
and St. Lawrence. 

Act of March 20, 1804, Jeflferson and Lewis were added 
on their erection in 1805. 

Act of March 8, 1808, district 10, Herkimer, Jefferson, 
Lewis, and St. Lawrence. 

Act of June 10, 1812, district 18, Jefferson, Lewis, and 
St. Lawrence. 

Act of April 17, 1822, district 20 (entitled to two mem- 
bersj, Jeffer.son, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawrence. 

Act of June 29, 1832, district 14, Franklin and St. 
Lawrence. 

Act of Sept. 6, 1842, district 18, Lewis and St. Law- 
rence. 

Act of July 19, 1851, district 17, Herkimer and St. 
Lawrence. 

Act of April 23, 1862, district 17, St. Lawrence and 
Franklin. 

Act of June 18, 1873, simply changed the number of 
the district to 19, leaving its area the same as last consti- 
tuted. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

Elected for terms of two years, by districts. 

David A. Ogden, Madriil (now Wa.ldington), 1817-19, l.'itli Con- 
gress. 



Silas Wright, Canton, 1827-29, 20th and 21st Congresses. 

Jonah Sandlord, lloplcinton, 1829-31, 2lst Congress. 

Ransom H. Gillett, Ogdensburg, 183,3-37, 23d and 24th Congresses. 

John Fine, Ogdensburg, 1839-41, 26th Congress. 

Henry Van Rensselaer, Ogdensburg, 1841-43, 27th Congress. 

Preston King, Ogdensburg, 1843-47, 2Sth and 29th Congresses; 
1849-53, 31st and 32d Congresses. 

Bishop Perkins, Ogdensburg, 185.3-55, 33d Congress. 

Socrates N. Sherman, Ogdensburg, 1861-63, 37th Congress. 

Calvin T. Hulburd. Ilrashcr, 1S03-60, SSth, 39th, and 40th Con- 
gresses. 

Amaziah B. James, Ogdensburg, 1877-79, 45th Congress. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. 

Appointed by the legislatures down to 1825, when the 
district system was adopted by the people, but acted under 
for one election only, that of 1828, when by an act passed 
April 15, 1829, the legislature adopted the general ticket 
system as now in use. In making up the general ticket 
one person is selected from each congressional district, and 
two to represent the State at large. In 1872 there were 
three electors at large, one for a congressman at large given 
the State before redistricting. 

1808, Russell Atwater; 1828, Augustus Chapman; 1836, David C. 
Judson; 1856, Smith Stilwell ; 1864, Preston King (at large) ; 1872' 
Henry R. James; 1876, William J. Averill. 

In the years of the presidential elections not given in the 
above, the electors were from other portions of the district. 

Attorneys of the United States. — Appointed by the 
president, by and with the consent of the senate: — William 
A. Dart, for the northern district of New York, appointed 
March 27, 1861 ; and reappointed March 10, 1865. 

Consul- General of the United States at Montreal. — 
William A. Dart, now in office. 

Surveyor of the Port of Neio lorZ-.^General Edwin A. 
Merrittj'under President Grant, and recently appointed by 
President Hayes, and now occupying the position. 

In the State, the county has been thus represented: 

Governor. — Silas Wright, elected in 1844, receiving 241,090 votes, 
to 231,057 oast for Millard Fillmore, and 15,136 for Alvan Stewart. 

Slaff of the Governory as commander-in-chief of the militia and 
admiral of the navy. Appointed by the governor, at his pleasure. 
General Edwin A. Merritt, quartermaster-general, appointed January 
2, 1865. 

Comptroller. — The office of auditor-general was created by the pro- 
vincial convention of 1776, for the purpose of settling certain public 
accounts. In 1797 the office was abolished, and that of comptroller 
was substituted therefor, which was continued by extensions of two 
and three years until February 28, 1812, when it was permanently 
organized. Under the first and second constitutions, the office was 
an appointive one, but under the present organic law it is elective, — 
term, two years. The comptroller is the financial officer of the 
State. Silas Wright, Jr., of Canton, was appointed to the office 
January 27, 1829, and held tlie same until February 11, 1834. 

Attomei/'Gcneraf. — The law officer of the State, whose duties have 
been substantially the same since the creation of the office under the 
colony. Appointed under the first constitutiou, chosen by joint bal- 
lot of legislature under the second, and elected by tho people under 
the present regime biennially, each odd year. Charles G. Myers, 
Ogdensburg, 1860-61. 

Canal Appraiser. — Appointed by governor and senate; term, three 
years. Charles Q. Meyers, appointed .January 24, 1873. 

Iimpector of State h PriitniH.- — Elective under present constitution ; 
term, three years. Dr. Darius Clark, Canton, 1850 to 1855 inclusive. 

Commiaaioners of Piiblie Chan'tica. — Organized 1867, under name 



* Abolished 1876, nnd otTiec of Superinteitdent of State's Prisons 
created instead. 



108 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of Board of State Commissioners of Pulilic Chnritirs. Consisted of 
eight commissioners', one in each judicial district, ap]iointed l>y the 
governor, witli consent of senate. In 1S73 the name was changed to 
the State Board of Charities. It has the power of visitation of all 
charitable institutions, public or private, and also all eleemosynary, 
correctional, and reformatory institutions except StiUc's prisons. The 
term of office is eight years. Edward W. Foster, I'otsilam, appointed 
for the fourth di.'trict June 17, 1SG7, and re-appointed for the third 
district M.ay 28, 1873. 

New Ciipilol Coiiimieiiioiiera. — Designated first by the act providing 
for the construction of a new capitol, nnd subsequently ajipointed by 
the governor. Edwin A. Merritt, Potsdam, appointed April 7, 
1871. 

, THE JUDICIARY. 

SUPREME COURT. 

The justices of the supreme court under the constitu- 
tion of 1846 were originally elected for a term of eight 
years, by districts, but under the amended judiciary article, 
adopted in 1869, the term is fourteen years. 

JneticeB of the Fourth Judicial District. — Amaziah B. James, Og- 
densburg, two terms, from January 1, 1853, to December 31, 1S69 ; 
William H. Sawyer, Canton, appointed to fill vacancy December 2C, 
1876, and term expired December 31, 1877 ; Charles 0. Tappau, Pots- 
dam, term began January 1, 1878, and exjiires December 31, 1891. 

JUDGES OP THE COURTS OF COMMON PLEAS AND GEN- 
ERAL SESSIONS. 

Appointed by the council of appointment under first 
con.stitution, and by the governor under the second one. 

First J^iirf^en.— Nathan Ford, 1802 to 1820; David A. Ogden, 1820 
-1824, and 1826-1828; John Fine, 1825, and 1829-1838: Horace 
Allen, 1838-1843; John Fine, 1843, till the Court of Common Pleas 
was abolished by the new constitution. 

Judges (with years of first and last appointment). — Alexander J. 
Turner, 1802; Joseph Edsall, 1802-1808; Russell Atwater, 1808- 
1818; Benjamin Raymond, 1808-1814; Alexander Richards, 1808- 
1818; Eoswell Hopkins, 1810-1814; Robert Livingston, 1811-1828 ; 
David A. Ogden, 1811-1814; Thomas J. Davies, 1815-lSlS; N. F. 
Winslow, 1815; Jason Fenton, 1818-1828; Amasa Hackley, Jr., 
1823; Ansel Bailey, 1823-1828 ; Smith Slilwell, 1823-1828; David 
C. Judson, Jabez Willes, Asa Sprague, Jr., Chauncey Pettibone, 1829 ; 
Minet Jenison, 1832-1837; Zenas Clark, 1835 ; Edwin Dodge, George 
Redington, Phincas Attwater, 1845. Besides those above named, 
James Averill, Anthony C. Brown, and Isaac R. Hopkins have also 
acted under appointment as judges. The list here given is necessarily 
imperfect, from the defective ninnner in which the records of appoint- 
ments were formerly kept. 

Assistant Justices. — By appointment, Stilhnan Foote, John Tib- 
bits, Jr., March 10, 1802; Luke McCr.aeken, Robert Livingston, 
Daniel W. Church, March 5, 1806; Daniel AV. Church, Stillman 
Foote, April 8, 1808; John Tibbits, Jr., Luke MoCracken, Charles 
Cox, Daniel W. Church, Stillman Foote, David Ford, David Robin- 
son, Reuben Ashman, March 0,1811; Charles Cox, June 5, 1812; 
Daniel W. Church, John Tibbits, Jr., Stillman Foote, David Ford, 
Daniel Robinson, Reuben Ashman, Ajiril 5, 1814; Reuben Ashman, 
Jason Fenton, D. AV. Church, Richard Townsend, Zephauiah French, 
Timothy Pope, John Policy, Charles Hill, Caleb Hough, Jr., April 
15, 1815; Caleb Hough, Moses A. Bunnell, John Lyttic, Reuben 
Strceter, N. F. Winslow, March 16, 1818. 

At this last date the oflSce was abolished. 
COUNTY JUDGES. 

Elected under the present constitution at first for four 
years, but since the adoption of the amended judiciary 
article, in 1869, for six years. 

Edwin Dodge, June, 1*47, to December 31, 1855 ; William C. Brown, 
January 1, 1856, to December '.'A. ISfi3: Hmry L. Knowles, January 



1, 1864, to December 31, 1871 ; Charles 0. Tappan, November, 1871, 
to December 31, 1877; Leslie W. Russell, November, 1877; term 
expires December 31, 1883. 

JUSTICES OF SESSIONS. 

Designated yearly from among the Justices of the Peace 
of the county. 

1847, Joseph Barnes, James C. Barter; 1849, .Toseph Barnes, Chil- 
leab Billing; 1850, Joseph Barnes, Silas Baldwin: 1851 and 1852, 
Joseph H. Beard, Silas Biildwiu [for 1S53-54-5G we are unable to 
complete the list]; 1857-58, Harlow Godard, Josejjh Barnes; 1859, 
Silas Baldwin, Joseph Barnes; 1860, Silas Baldwin, Roswell Hop- 
kins; 1861, 0. D. Edgerton, Harlow Godard; 1862-04, Edgcrton and 
Baldwin; 1865, Baldwin and W. E. Tanner; 1866, Tanner and God- 
ard; 1867-68, Baldwin and Geo. G. Simons; 1869-70, Baldwin and 
A. S. Tucker; 1871-72, Baldwin and James Miller; 1873-75, Baldwin 
and W. P. Smith; 1876, A. S. Tucker and Rufus K. Jackson; 1877, 
Cornelius t'arter and Tucker; 1878, Carter and Geo. Backus. 

SPECIAL COUNTY JUDGES. 

Elected for terms of three years. 

William II. Wallace, 1854-55; Wm. H. Sawyer, 1856-57; Edward 
Crary, 1858; Harvey D. Smith, 1858-59; Edward H. Neary, 1860; 
Edw.ard Crary, 1861-63; Samuel B. M. Beckwith, 1864-66: Edward 
H. Neary, 1867-75; Vasco P. Abbott, 1876-79. 

SURROGATES. 

Appointed under first and second constitutions ; elected 
under present one; at first for terms of four years, and 
since 1869 for six years. 

Mathew Perkins, 1802-08 (till his death) ; Andrew McCollom, 1809 
-13; Gouverncur Ogden, 1813-20; Silas AVright, Jr., 1821-23 ; Horace 
Allen, 1S24-40; James Redington, 1840-44; Charles G. Myers, 
1844-47; Benjamin G. Baldwin, 1847-55; James Redington, 1856- 
59; Harvey D. Smith, 1860-63; Stillman Foote, 1864-77; D. A. 
Johnson, 1878 ; term expires 1883. 

SPECIAL SURROGATES. 

Elam R. Paige, 1867-68; Heber Sykes, 1869-71; Horace B. Ells- 
worth, 1872-74; Worth Chamberlain, 1875-77. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

THE SENATE. 

Under the first constitution this body consisted of twenty- 
four members, apportioned among four great districts, — 
Eastern, Southern, Middle, and Western. After the first 
election they wore divided by lot into four classes, so that 
the terms of six should exjiire each year. This representa- 
tion w;is increased whenever a scptenni;il census revealed 
an increase of one twenty-fourth in the number of electors, 
until the number should reach one hundred. In 1795 tiie 
number was forty-three. In 1801 the number of senators 
was fixed at thirty-two permanently, and has since remained 
unchanged to the present. The State was divided into 
eight senatorial districts by the constitution of 1821, e:tch 
one being entitled to four senators, one to be elected each 
year for a term of four years. The constitution of 18-16 
changed the time of election of senators to each odd year, 
and reduced the term to two years, and created thirty-two 
districts. 

Senatorial Districts. — St. Lawrence was a part of the 
Western district from the erection of the county to .\pril 
7, 1815, when it was made a part of the Eitstern district. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



109 



and so remained until the second constitution was in force. 
Tliat instrument formed the Fourth district of Clinton, 
Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, 
Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. In May, 
183G, Herkimer was added, and Fulton in April, 1838. 
The constitution of 1846 formed St. Lawrence and Frank- 
lin the Fifteenth district; the act of April 13, 1857, 
changed the number to the Seventeenth, which number 
and territory has since remained unchanged. 

Sknators. — Russell Atwater, Russell, 1S13-1G, Eastern di:5trict. 

Daviil C. .Juilson, Ogdi'nsburg, 1822, 4th district. 

Silas Wright, CatitoD, 1S24-2", 4th district. 

Louis Jlasbrouck, Ogdcnsburg, lS:}3-.34, 4th district. 

Jabcz Willcs, Potsdam, 1835-38, 4th district. 

James G. Uopkins, Og<Icnsburg, 1840-43, 4th district. 

John Fine, Ogdensburg, 1848-49, 15th district. 

William A. Dart, Potsdam, 1850-51, 15th district. 

Zenas Clark, Potsdam, 1S54- 57, 15th district. 

Bloomfield Usher, Potsdam, 1858, 15th district. 

Charles C. Montgomery, Waddington, lSf)0-6.3, 17th district. 

Abel God.ard, De Kalb, 1866-67, 17th district. 

Abraham X. Parker, Potsdam, 1868-71, 17th district. 

Darius A. Moore, De Kalb, 1876-77, 17th district. 

Dolphus S. Lynde, Herinon, elected for 1878-79, 17th district. 

THE ASSEJIBLT. 

The first representative assembly that convened in what 
is now the State of New York was " The Twelve Men," 
under the Dutch rule, who were elected in Manhattan 
(New York city), Brooklyn, and Pavonia (^Jersey City), to 
suggest means to puni.sh the Indians for a murder they had 
committed. The first representative assembly under Eng- 
lish rule met at Hempstead, Long Island, March, 1G55, but 
this could not be called a legislative assembly, as it simply 
promulgated laws — " the Duke's Laws" — prepared for such 
purpose. The first legislative assembly was that of 1683, 
which was afterwards abrogated, and all the laws it had 
enacted; and that one of 1691 created, which continued 
through the colonial period. Under the State authority 
the assembly has always been chosen annually. It con- 
sisted at first of seventy members, with the power to increase 
one with every seventieth increase of the number of electors, 
until it contained three hundred members. When the con- 
stitution was amended in 1801 the number had reached 
one hundred and eight, when it was reduced to one hun- 
dred, with a provision that it should be increased after each 
census at the rate of two annually until the number reached 
one hundred and fifty. The constitution of 1821 fixed the' 
number permanently at one hundred and twenty-eight, and 
members were elected on a general ticket. 

The constitution of 1846 required the boards of super- 
visors of the several counties to meet on the first Tuesday 
in January succeeding the adoption of that instrument, 
and divide the counties into districts of the number ap- 
portioned to them, of convenient and contiguous territory, 
and of as nearly equal population as possible. After each 
State census the legislature is to re-apportion the members, 
and to direct the time when the supervisors shall meet for 
the purpose of re-distrieting the county. Pursuant to this 
provision, the boards met in June, 1857, and in June, 
1866. Hamilton and Fulton counties together elect one 
member, and every otlier county one or more. 



Assemlily Apportionment of St. Lawrence County — First 
Constitution.— From March 3, 1802, to March 28, 1805, 
the county was represented with Oneida county. From 
March 28, 1805. to April 1, 1808, St. Lawrence, Jeffer- 
son, and Lewis formed one district, entitled to one mem- 
ber. From the latter date to April 18, 1826, St. Law- 
rence comprised one district, having one member. From 
the last-named date to the adoption of the constitution of 
1846 this county had two members, from which time 
forward to the present there have been three members 
sent from the county, which was divided into as many 
districts. 

Assemhly Districts. — By the districting of 1847, the first 
district was composed of the towns of De Kalb, De Peys- 
tcr, Fowler, Gouverneur, Hammond, Macomb, Morris- 
town, Oswegatchie, Pitcairn, and Rossie. The second 
district was composed of the towns of Canton, Edwards, 
Fine, Hermon, Lisbon, Madrid, Norfolk, Picn'repont, and 
Russell. The third district was compo.sed of the towns of 
Brasher, Colton, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Louisville, Massena, 
Parishville, Potsdam, and Stockholm. 

By the districting of 1857 and 1866 the first district 
remained unchanged, with exception of the transfer of the 
town of Fine from the .second district; the second was 
composed of the towns of Canton, Clifton (from April 21, 
1868), Colton, Edwards, Hermon, Lisbon, and Madrid, 
Norfolk, Pierrepont, Russell, and Waddington (from No- 
vember 12, 1859). The third district remained un- 
changed, with the exception of the transfer of Colton to the 
second district. 



ASSEMBLYMEN. 



1808-9. 

1810-13. 

1814. 

1815. 

1816-17. 

1818. 

1819-21. 

1822. 

1823-24. 

1825. 

1826. 

1827. 

182S. 

1829. 

1830. 

1831. 

1832. 



Alexander Richards. 
Roswell Hopkins. 
Louis Hasbrouck. 
David A. Ogdeu. 
Wm. W. Eowen. 
David C. Judson. 
Joseph York. 
Wm. H. Vining. 
Nathaniel F. Winslow. 
J. A.. Vanden Heuvel. 
Baron S. Doty. 
Baron S. Doty, 
Sylvester Gilbert. 
Jabcz Willes, 
Moses Rowley. 
Jonah Sanford, 
Harvey D. Smith. 
Jonah Sanford. 
Asa .Sprague, Jr. 
Asa Spraguc, Jr., 
Joseph Freeman. 
Edwin Dodge, 



William Allen. 

1833. William Allen, 
Sylvester Butrick. 

1834. Jabez Willes, 
Sylvester Butrick. 

1835-37. Preston King, 

Wm. S. Paddock. 

1838. Preston King, 
Myron G. Peck. 

1839. Myron G. Peck, 
Asa Sprague. 

1840. Asa Sprague, 
Zenas Clark. 

1841. Zenas Clark, 
Solomon Pratt. 

1842-44. Calvin T. Hulburd, 
Geo. Redington. 

1845. Asa L. Hazclton, 
John L. Russell. 

1846. Asa L. Ilazelton, 
Bishop Perkins. 



1847. 

1848. 

1S49. 

1850. 

1851.. 

1852.. 

1853.. 

1854., 

1855., 

1856 

1857 



Ut District. 

Bishop Perkins, 

.Chas. G. Myer,", 

.Harlow Godard, 

a it 

.Smith Stilwell, 

tt H 

Barnabns Ilnll, 



2d Diatrict. 3d District. 

Phineas Atwater, Henry Barber, 

John S. Chipman, Benj. Holmes. 

Justus B. Pickit, Noblo S. ElUerkin. 
John Ilorton, " *' 

Benjamin Smith, Parker W. Rose. 

Silas Baldwin, Levi Miller. 



.Asaph Green, " " 

Emory W. Abbott, Benj. Squire, 



Daniel P. Rose, Jr. 
Erasmus D. Brooks. 



no 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1858., 

1859., 

I860.. 

1861.. 

1862.. 

1863.. 

1864.. 

1865.. 

1866.. 

1867.. 

1868.. 

1869.. 

1870.. 

1871.. 

1872.. 

1873.. 

1874.. 

1875.. 

1876., 

1877 

1878 



iBt District 
,.Harlow fiodard, 

, Charles Ricliardson, 
tt ti 

Elias P. Townslcy, 
It ti 

Geo. Parker, 
tt tt 

Geo. M. Gleason, 



Darius A. Moore, 
it tt 

Seth G. Pope, 
tt it 

.David MoFalle, 

ti a 

.Geo. F. Rowland, 



2d District. 
William Briggs, 

Edwin A. Merritt, 
(( tt 

James Redington, 
tt tt 

tt it 

it ti 

W. R. Chamberlain, 
it it 

Julius M. Palmer, 
ti tt 

tt it 

Dulphus S. Lynde, 
(( tt 

tt it 

ti ti 

A. Barton Hnjiburn, 



.■ill District, 
Osear F. Shepard. 
it ti 

Clark S. Chittenden. 
t( tt 

Calvin T. Hulburd. 

Abraham X. Parker, 

tt tt 

Daniel Shaw, 

it it 

Richmond Bicknell. 
A. II. Andrews. 

Wm. Bradford. 

a It 

Parker W. Rose. 

Jonah Sanford. 

Lewis C. Lang. 
ti It 

Rufus S. Palmer. 



COtlNTY OFFICERS. 

District Attorneys. — The original appellation of this office 
was that of assistant attorney-general, and the districts were 
seven in number, and embraced several counties each. The 
office was filled by the council of appointment, at pleasure, 
under the first constitution, and by the courts of sessions 
under the second one. Under the present constitution the 
office is an elective one, for terms of three years. The name 
of the office was changed to its present appellation in 1801. 

Down to 1818 St. Lawrence County formed a part of the 
district comprising Lewis and Jefferson counties also, and 
no district attorney resided in this county. Since that date 
the office has been filled as follows : John Scott was the first 
one, and he was succeeded by Bishop Perkins. John W. 
Grant in 1840, and William A. Dart in 1845, were the 
other incumbent.s up to the date of the first election of an 
attorney, who was Charles G. Myers, who served two terms, 
1847-1853, The succession has been as follows : Thomas 
V. Russell, 1854-60 ; B. H. Vary, 1861-69 ; Leslie W. 
Russell, 1870-72 ; John R. Brinckerhoff, 1873-78. 

County Clerics. — By appointment until 1847 ; and by 
election since, for terms of three years. 

Louis Hasbrouck, March, 1802, to June, 1811. 

Ale.vander Richards, June, 1811, to March, 181.3. 

Louis Hasbrouck, March, 1813, to March, 1817. 

Myrtle B. Hitchcock, March, 1817, to July, 1819. 

Joseph York, July, 1819, to February, 1821. 

Myrtle B. Hitchcock, February, 1821, to Dec. 31, 1825. 

James G. Hopkins, 1S26-31. 

William A. Root, 1832 (8i.\ months). 

A. C. Low, June, 1832, to July 8, 1843 (time of decease). 

John Leslie Russell, July, 1843, to Dec. 31, 1843. 

Martin Thatcher, 1844-49, 

George S. Winslow, 1850-55, 

Benjamin G. Baldwin, 1856-58. 

Mark W. Spaulding, 1859-61. 

James F. Pierce, 1862-64. 

Moses Rich, 1865-67. 

John Miller, 1868-70. 

Tiras H. Ferris, 1871-76, 

Murray N. Ralph, 1877-79. 

Sheriffs. — Under the first constitution the sheriffs were 
appointed annually by the council of appointment, and no 
person could serve more than four successive years. Under 



the second constitution they were elected for terras of three 
years, and were ineligible for the next succeeding term, and 
that disability still continues. Under the Dutch, the sheriff 
was termed the School Fiscal. 



1802 - 
1803-6 - 
1807-10- 
1811-13- 
1814-17- 
1818-25- 
1820-28- 
1829-31- 
1832-34- 
1835-37- 
1838-40- 
1841-43- 



-Elisha Tibbetts. 
-Thomas J. Davies. 
-John Boyd. 
-Thomas J, Davies. 
-Joseph York. 
-David C. Judson. 
-Levi Loekwood. 
-Minct .Jcuison. 
-Lemuel Buck. 
-Jonathan Hoyt. 
-Luman Moody. 
-Benjamin Squire. 



1844-46— Noble S. BIderkin. 
1847-49— Josiah Waid. 
1850-52— Henry Barber. 
1853-55— Reuben Nott. 
1856-58 — Paine Converse. 
1859-61— Shubael R. Gurley. 
1862-64 — Lorenzo Chamberlain. 
1865-67— Edward J. Chapin. 
1868-70- William E. Tanner. 
1871-73— Wm. H. Walling. 
1874-76— Edward J. Chapin, 
1877-79— Orson 0, Wheeler, 



County Treasurers. — Appointed by board of supervisors 
until the adoption of present constitution ; since then elected 
for terms of three years. 

Owing to the loss of the early records of the board of 
supervisors, we cannot obtain a complete list of the county 
treasurers. The list begins with 



1816-20— John Tibbitts. 
1821-33— John Fine. 
1833-54— John Leslie Russell. 



1855-58— Barzillai Hodskin. 
1859-75 — Harvey N. Redway. 
1876-78— Milton D. Packard. 



Coroucm. — Seth Ranney, William Shaw, Feb. 29, 1804; S. Ranney, 
Wm. Staples, Nicholas Reynolds, March 5, 1805; John Lyon, Wil- 
liam Staples, Nicholas Reynolds, April 8, 1808; Benjamin Willard, 
Kelscy J. Thurber, John Boyd, Stephen Langworth^', March 6, 1811 ; 
Wm. S. Guest, Wm. Perry, Winslow Whitcomb, Clement Tuttle, June 
15, 1812; Joshua Dewey, Stephen Slawson, Caleb Hough, Jr., March 
3, 1813 ; John Herrick, Enoch Story, John Pierce, Levi Green, John 
Williams, Dyer Burnham, Kirtland Griffin, Jeremiah Matherson, 
March 2, 1814; J, Dewey, C. Hough, B. Willard, J. Boyd, K. J. 
Thurber, April 15, 1815; J. Dewey, C. Hough, B. Willard, J. Boyd, 
K. J. Thurber, March 16, 1816; Reuben Atwater, N. F. Winslow, 

C. Hough, Elijah Baker, John Lyttle, Ira Ransom, K. J. Thurber, 
March 16, 1S18; R. Atwater, Elijah Baker, Ira Ransom, Joseph 
Y'ork, John Lyttle, Enos C. Eastman, April 8, 1819; R. Atwater, E. 
Baker, J. Lytle, J. York, E. C. Eastman, Wm. S. Guest, Charles 
Whaliin, Hazen Rolf, and Jabez Willes, 1820; Wm. S. Guest, Peter 
Pollard, Ira Collins, Thomas Bingham, Hazen Rolf, Zoraster Culver 
Caleb Hough, Henry C. Green, Thomas D. Olin, Nathaniel Ives, Feb. 
28,1821. In 1822 the same, with the adilition of Thomas Hill. [Wo 
are not able to procure six years.] John E. Perkins, Henry Foot, 
Samuel C. Barter, S. Pratt, 1828; Darius Clark, Wm. S. Paddock, 
Justus Pickit, Michael S. Daniels, 1831; Abijah Rowley, Allen 
McLeod, Jr., Gideon Sprague, Almond Z. Madison, 1834; S. Pratt, 

D. Clark, John Stone, Rudolplms Searle, 1837; D. Clark, Joseph H, 
Ripley, Royal Vilas, Smith Low, 1840; D, Clark, Charles N, L, 
Sprague, Luther Lamphear, R. Vilas, 1843; D. Clark, Henry D, 
Laughlin, Wm, S, Paddock, Heman W. Tucker, 1846; Wm. S. Pad- 
dock, re-elected, 1847; H. D. Laughlin, Cyrus Abcruethy, 1849; L, 
Lamphear, Wm. S. Paddock, 1851 ; T, 0. Benjamin, Alexander R, 
Gregor, John C. Preston, 1852. [We are unable to give the list for 
1853-55.] B.F.Sherman, 1856-61; Ephraim Whitney, 1857 ; Dr, 

S. C. Wait and Wilson, 1858-61; F. P. Sprague, 1802; John 

R. Furniss, Samuel C. Wait, 1803-64; Ejihraim Whitney, 1865-68; 
John R. Furniss, Dr. Swan, 1866; Dr. C. B. Fisher, 1867-76; David 
McFalls, Dr. Robert Morris, 1869; Ephraim Whitney, 1871-74; 
David McFnIl.«, John R. Furniss, 1872-75 ; Elisha Bridges, 1874; C, 
C. Bartholomew, Ephraim Whitney, 1877; D. McFalls, 1878. 

Deputy Superintendents of Schools, appointed by the 
supervisors. — Sylvester Ford, 1841, for the section east of 
Lisbon, Canton, and Russell, and Jos. Hopkins for these 
and all the towns west. In 1843, George S. AVinslow, for 
the whole county, Mr, Winslow resigned his office in 1844, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ill 



and Charles Rich was appointed to tlie western, and Fred- 
erick P. Sprague to the eastern sections. In 1845, Sprague 
resigned, and Mr. Rich was appointed for the whole county 
for the ensuing year. In 1846, Luke Carton was appointed, 
and held the office till it was abolished. 

In 1857 the office was restored, under the name of 
" School Commissioner r and made elective, with terms of 
three years. Since that date the succession has been as 
follows : 

Ist Assembly District. 2d Disti ict. 3d Distiict. 

IS.')? Allen Wight, M. W. SpauUling, Tims 11. Ferris. 

1S58-59... " " C. C. Church, 

18G0 " " " " W. W. Bloss. 

1861-62. ..T. H. Laughlin, " " " " 

1863 " " Clark Baker, " " 

186t-66... " " " ■' B. C. Whitney. 

1867-09... " 

1870-71... " " W. G. Brown, " ■' 

1S72 " " A. Barton Ucphurn, " " 

1873-75. .. D. S. Giffin, " " " " 

1876-78. ..Erwin S. Barnes, Albert L. Cule, L. L. Goodale. 

Loan Commissioners, appointed by the governor : 

1810-17, Russell Atwater and Alc-iander Richards ; 1818-20, Alex- 
ander Richards and Roswell Hopkins; 1821-40, Joseph W. Smith, 
Smith Slilwell, Jason Fenton, Alvin C. Low. U. S. Deposit Fund: 
18:i7-39, Joseph Ames (2d), Geo. Ranney ; 1840-42, John L. Barnes, 
Wm. Blake; 1843-44, John Horton, Harlow Godard; 1845-48, Elihu 
Phelps, Z. N. Ellis; 1849-50, M. P. Jackson, Isaac R. Hopkins. Con- 
solidated Funds; 1851-53, M. P. Jackson, Isaac R. Hopkins; 1853- 
55, U. M. Childs and F. P. Sprague; 1855-57, Stillman Foote and 
Jason Brush ; 1857-59, Stillman Foote and Thomas H. Conkey ; 
1860, T. H. Conkey, S. N. Sherman;- 1861-64, Conkey and H. W. 
Hale; 1856-67, H. W. Hale and Jason Brush; 1867-69, G. C. 
Packard; 1873-77, Geo. S. Wright, Truman Barnes. 

Excise Commissioners, a-p\)0\nted by the governor, under 
the act of 1857, regulating the sale of spirituous liquors : 

1857-60, Geo. Hurlbut, Chas. H. Allen, Stephen Vanduzee; 1861, 
H. J. Cook vice Allen; 1862, Darius Clark i/ce Cook; 1863, Smith 
Stilwell vice Hurlbut; 1865, Dan. H. Davis vice Vanduzee; 1867, 
Rufus K. Jackson vice Clark; 1868-70, Charles Richardson I'i'co 
Stilwell. 

The office was abolished in 1870, and town commissioners 
are elected. 



CHAPTER VIIL 

THE LEAKNED PKOFESblONS. 

The Bar — The Medical Profession — Medical Societies — The Clergy 
— The Professors — The Press. 

THE BAR. 

The bar of St. Lawrence County has numbered in its 
roll of attorneys names renowned in the annals of the State 
and niition, not only in the practice of one of the most hon- 
orable of professions, but on the bench and in the halls of 
legislation. Its members, too, have boon distinguished 
not only in the civic arena, but they have gained imperish- 
able honors on the gory fields of war. In the second war 
of American Independence, and in the terrible carnage of 
tiie great Rebellion, St. Lawrence had her legal sons who 
bore her honor untarnished on many a blood-stained field. 

The following list of attorneys, resident in the county at 
the date of their admission to practice in the courts, has 



been compiled from the records of the courts of the county, 
where they have appeared more or less frequently in the 
conduct of cases before those tribunals. This list has also 
been revised by one of the oldest practicing attorneys in 
the county, and the dates given are those of the admission 
of the respective attorneys, or their first appearance before 
the court, as appears by the records, as near as could be 
ascertained. We trust it is substantially free from errors. 

1802. Matthew Perkins, the first lawyer, was admitted 
to the practice of his profession in St. Lawrence County, at 
the first term of the court of common pleas, held June 5, 
1802, Judge Nathan Ford presiding, and which also was the 
first court held in the county. Mr. Perkins was also the 
first surrogate of the county, and died in 1808. The same 
year (1802), in November, Benjamin Skinner, Jr., was ad- 
mitted. He died in 1873. 

1803. Andrew McCollum, Morris L. Miller. 

1805. Adriel Peabody. 

1806. Samuel Chipman. 

1807. J. P. Warford. 

1808. Samuel Warford. 

1809. W. W. Bowen, Liberty Knowles (see biography 
in history of Potsdam), Matthew Myers. (Fourteen of the 
above-named attorneys swore allegiance to the State of New 
York, "as a free and independent sovereignty," Jan. 11, 
1809.) 

1810. George Boyd, George C. Conant, Lewis M. Ogden, 
Samuel Livermore, Palmer Cleveland, Gouverneur Ogden, 
Wm. S. Radcliff, R. JI. Popham, Wm. D. Ford, John 
Scott (first resident district attorney in the county, 1818). 

1811. Henry C. Martindale, Louis Hasbrouck (first 
county clerk), Samuel Rockwell. 

1815. Bishop Perkins (see biography in history of 
Ogdensburg). . 

1816. Horace Allen (see biography in history of Pots- 
dam), H. Wm. Channing. 

1817. John Fine (see biography at close of this li.st), 
Wm. H. Vining, John Cook, Alfred Lathrop, Theo. M. 
Atwater, Alexander Richards, Jr. 

1819. Silas Wright, Jr. (see biography in history of 
Canton). 

1821. L. C. Hubbell, Jas. Edwards, M. M. Terry, Aaron 
Hackley, Jr., Halsey Townsend. 

1822. Jacob A. Van den Heuvel, Jacob J. Ford, A. C. 
Brown. 

1823. George Redington (see biography in history of 
Waddington). 

1824." Ransom H. Gillett. 

1825. E. Fowler, J. G. Hopkins, Edmund A. Graham. 

1827. John W. Grant. 

1828. Silas Baldwin, Jr. (see biography in history of 
Canton), Thomas Dewey, Charles E. Beardsley. 

1829. Edwin Dodge, Jeremiah Bailey. 

1830. Preston King (see biography in history of Og- 
densburg), John Leslie Russell (sec biography in history 
of Canton), Ceph;is L. Rockwood. 

1831. James Redington (see biography in history uf 
Waddington), Benjamin G. Baldwin. 

1832. Julius C. Abel, A. Hayward, Charles G. Myers, 
N. P. Hoyer, Samuel II. Piatt, Calvin T. Hulburd. 



112 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1833. Elam Rust, David M. Chapin, Levi Smith, G. W. 
Gardner. 

1837. A. B. James, Baron S. Doty, S. B. Seeley. 

1838. Stephen G. Dodge, R. W. Judson (see history of 
OgJensburp;, and military history), Edward Elderkin, Henry 
L. Knowlcs, Wm. A. Dart (see biogrupliy in history of 
Potsdam), Thomas V. Russell, Britton A. Hill. 

1840. James D. McLaren, Wm. C. Brown, Cyrus W. 
Baldwin, Charles Anthony, Simeon Smith. 

1841. Joseph M. Doty, Stillman Foote (see biography in 
history of Ogdensburg). 

1843. Wm. C. Cooke, H. G. Foote. 

1844. W. L. Knowles. 

1845. Jos. R. Flanders, C. B. Wright, Amos Reed, 
Wm. B. Ilickok. 

1846. Cornelius A. Parker, Charles A. Eldredge. 

1849. W. T. Barker, D. S. Pride, Edwin Clarke, Ed- 
ward Crary, W. H. Wallace. 

1850. J. MtNaughton, Chas. T. Pooler, C. I. King, 
B. H. Vary, Wm. C. Cliipman, C. R. McClelland, Geo. 
Morris. 

1851. E. E. Cooley, W. B. Goodrich, W. H. Andrews, 
Samuel B. Gordon, Jno. Powell, Jr., M. Field, C. 0. Tap- 
pan (see biography in history of Potsdam). 

1852. W. H. Sawyer (see biography in history of Can- 
ton), Chas. Ricli, C. C. Montgomery. 

1853. Aikens Fo.ster, G. F. Havens. 

1854. D. Magone, Jr., J. C. Spencer. 

1855. Edwin Coan, Nathan Crary. 

1856. Edw. H. Neary (see biography in history of 
Gouverneur), 0. F. Partridge, James F. Pierce (see biog- 
raphy in history of Madrid), J. R. BrinckerhofF, John 
Doud, G. P. Chapin. 

1857. E. H. Nickcrson. 

1858. Chas. B. Westbrook, Samuel S. Edick, E. R. 
Page, F. A. Bacon. 

1860. Mark White, Richmond Bickneil, N. Wells, C. 
A. Boynton, W. R. Chamberlain, H. F. Crain, Cyrus G. 
Stafford. 

1861. H. D. Ellsworth, A. X. Parker (see biography 
in history of Potsdam), Alvin M. Lamb, S. B. M. Beck- 
with, John Gunning, Jr., Dan. S. Giffin, L. Hasbrouck, Jr., 
Nathaniel P. Hays, John Magone, Thomas McGiveru, 
Paraclete Sheldon, James Nowlan. 

1862. Leslie W. Russell (see biograpliy in history of 
Canton), R. L. Wilcox, R. B. Lowry, Geo. G. Simons, S. 
H. Palmer, Edwin C. James, Lucius L. Bridges, T. H. 
Brosnan. 

1863. A. E. Smith, John F. Havens. 

1864. J. A. Vance. 

1866. Watson J. Ferry, Horace Russell. 

1867. Geo. Z. Erwin, Geo, B. Stacy, Geo, A, Kingston, 
J. G. Mclntyre. 

1868. J. Y. Chapin, John F.' Bugbee, D. MeCnrdy. 

1869. L. C. Lang, Heber Sykes, Luther E. Wadleigh 
(see biography in history of Potsdam), J. B. Preston, Chas. 
N. Bixby. 

1870. John Miller (see biography in history of Canton), 
John S. 5Iillcr, Wm. G. Brown, A. Z. Squire, Thomas 
Spratt, L. M. Soper, W. S. Lansing, A. E. Kilby, C. E. 



Chamberlain, L. K. Sopor, L. Z. Remington, Silas W. Wil- 
son, D, M. Robertson, Jno. W. Stone, E. M. Holbrook. 

1871. V. P. Abbott (.see biography in history of Canton), 
D. A. Johnson (see biography in history of Gouverneur). 

1872. A. Barton Hepburn. 

1874. Charles Anstead, E. B. White, Worth Chamber- 
lain, H. J. Moore, Charles G. Idler, Garrett S. Conger. 

1875. H. W. Day, Theo. H. Swift, C. E. Sanford, T. N. 
Murphy, J. M. Kellogg, F. J. M. Daly. 

1876. W. M. Hawkins, A. B. Shepard, J. C. Keeler. 

1877. Geo. Fowler, W. A. Poste, 0. H. Feathers. 

THE BAR OF THE PRESENT. 

Gouverneur. — Charles Anthony, D. A. Johnson, Geo. ^ 
Fowler, Abel Godard, C. A. Parker, C. Arthur Parker, G. 
S. Conger, E. H. Neary, Wm. H. Andrews, J. B. Preston, 
V. P. Abbott. 

Eermon.—'E.. B. White, H. W. Day, Wm. G. Brown. 

Canton. — Silas Baldwin, Wm. C. Cooke, Leslie W, Rus- J 
sell, W. H. Sawyer, D. M. Robertson, Thomas V. Russell, ' 
H. D. Ellsworth, Jno. F. Bugbee, John Miller, Worth 
Chamberlain, C. E. Chamberlain, A. Z. Squires, W. A. 
Poste, 0. H. Feathers. 

Potsdam. — Chas. 0. Tappan, H. L. Knowles, Wm. A. 
Dart, Geo. Z. Erwin, A. X. Parker, H. L. Knowles, W. 
H. Wallace, Edward Crary, Jno. G. Jlclntyre, John A. 
Vance, L, E, Wadleigh, W. H. Hawkins, W. H. Faulkner, i 
T. H. Swift, C. E. Sanford. ^ 

Ogdenshurg. — Stillman Foote, Chas. G. Myers, R. W. 
Judson, A. B. James, E. C. James, D. Magone, D. M. 
Chapin, J. Y. Chapin, L. K. Soper, L. M. Soper, J. M. 
Kellogg, E. M. Holbrook, J. McNaughton, R. E. Water- 
man, Geo. B. Shepard, A. B. Shepard, Geo. Morris, Geo. 
Morris, Jr., Louis Hasbrouck, Louis Hasbrouck, Jr., C. G. 
Idler, A. E, Smith, R. B. Lowry, Frank Sherman, Thomas 
Spratt, B. H. Vary, J. W. Stone, N. Wells, Joseph Ray, 
D. McCurdy, C. G. Egert, 0. F. Partridge, C. A. Burton, 
Stephen G. Dodge, W. J. Averill, C. R. Westbrook. 

Heuvelton. — D. S. Griffin. 

Norfolk. — J. R. BrinckerhoflT. 

Norwood. — C. N. Bixby, Sylvester Judd, T. M. Murphy. 

Madrid.— G. R. JlcClelland, Geo. G. Simons. 
Waddington. — C. C. Slontgomery, James lledington. 

Brasher. — C. T. Hulburd, Lewis C. Lang. 

North Latvrence. — N. P. Hoyer. 

NichohiUe. — -Geo. B. Stacy. 

Cotton. — A. B. Hepburn, Charles Anstead, M. D. Beck- 
with, Aikens Foster. 

Fine. — George A. Kingston. 

THE ST. L.IWRENCE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 

was organized in May, 1876, for the chief objects of organ- 
izing the bar, and aiding and assisting in proper legislation, 
and to obtain and maintain a library for the use of the 
bench and bar of the county. It is auxiliary to the State 
bar association, and is in furtherance of the same objects. 
Its annual meetings are held in May, at Canton, and stated 
meetings are also held at each term of the supreme and 
county courts. 

The officers of the present arc the same as at the first 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



113 



organization of the association, viz. : Hon. Clias. 0. Tappan, 
president; Edwin M. Holbroolc, corresponding secretary; 
Delos McCurdy, secretary; V. P. Abbott, treasurer. Be- 
sides these, is a list of vice-presidents and tlie usual com- 
mittees. 

The association has a fair library, and is constantly adding 
uew works, valuable and necessary for its use. It is kept 
in the district attorney's office in the court-house, and con- 
tains thirteen legal text-books, fourteen volumes digests, 
the session laws of the State, from 1802 to date, complete, 
with a few exceptions, eleven volumes of U. S. laws, three 
hundred and twenty-four volumes of reports, and other 
miscellaneous volumes. 

There are, doubtless, many reminiscences of the early bar 
which would be entertaining to recount would space permit, 
but we arc /io-eclosed, to use a legal phrase, and cannot 
even enter a demurrer or take an exception to the ruling. 
However, we insert a sentence of one of the early lawyers 
named above, whose duties were more frequently those of 
the magistrate than of the advocate. 

A culprit had been brought before him for some infrac- 
tion of the law, and having been tried, the court pronounced 
the judgment of banishment " from the face of God's 
earth to Canada !" The record does not state whether the 
sentence was executed or not. 

Another of the early lawyers went, in after-years, to 
Michigan, and located in St. Joseph county, and became a 
leading magistrate at the county-seat. He was a dry joker, 
and one day, in trying a case before a brother magistrate in 
an adjoining town, objected to the jurisdiction of the court, 
and moved a dismissal of the case. The opposing counsel 
could' not see that the point was well taken, as the towns 
were adjoining ones, and, by the Michigan laws, the juris- 
diction of justices extended into such situated towns. But 
the objector insisted upon his point, and proceeded to de- 
monstrate that the two tow^ns did not join. Taking up a 
couple of books which lay on the table, he placed them 
parallel to each, about six inches apart, and said to the 
court, who, by the way, had a very exalted opinion of his 
brother magistrate's legal acumen, " Now, 'squire, when 
these two towns were originally laid out they did join, but 
a few years ago, you know, the highway commissioners of 
the towns laid out a road on the town-line the whole six 
miles, and now (pointing to the books) you see they don t 
join hy four rods'." The justice scratched his head, re- 
adjusted his spectacles, and, before the attorney for the prose- 
cution recovered from his laughter at what he considered a 
good joke, the court decided he had no jurisdiction, and 
nonsuited the plaintiff. 

We give in this connection the biography of one of the 
most eminent, so far as legal ability was concerned, of the 
early members of the bar, and who ranked in his long years 
of practice with the foremost attorni-ys of his district. We 
allude to Hon. John Fine, of Ogdensburg, now deceased. 

" He was born in New York, August 20, 1794, and was 
prepared for college by Andrew Smith, a Scotchman, a well- 
known and severe teacher. He entered Columbia college 
in 1805, and graduated in 1809, at the age of fifteen, re- 
ceiving the second honor, the English salutatory. Among 
his college classmates were Bishops B. T. Onderdonk and J. 
15 



Kemper, Rev. Dr. W. E. Wyatt, Revs. C. R. Duffee and J. 
Brady ; Drs. J. W. Francis and E. N. Bibby, and the 
Hon. Murray Hoffman. Mr. Fine studied law four years 
with P. W. Radclitf, one year with G. W. Strong, and 
attended a course of law lectures of one year under Judges 
Reeve and Gould, at Litchfield, Conn. He removed to St. 
Lawrence County in 1815, and formed a law partnership 
with Louis Hasbrouck, which continued until the death of 
the latter in 1834. In 1824 he was appointed first judge 
of the county, and was continued in this office by reap- 
pointment till March, 18.39. In the fall of 1838 he was 
elected to Congress, and in the latter of the two years was 
on the committee on foreign affairs. In 1844 he was reap- 
pointed first judge, and held that office until the adoption 
of the new constitution in 1847. During his service of 
over eighteen years on tbo bench, tlnee only of his de- 
cisions were reversed. In 1848 he was elected to the State 
senate and served one term, during which period he in- 
troduced and aided in carrying into a law the bill to punish 
criminally the seduction of females, and also the bill to 
protect the property of married women. The latter has 
made a great change in the common law, and raises the 
female sex from a menial and dependent condition, as 
regards the control of their property, to an equality with 
man. The refinements of civilized society, and the spirit 
of the Christian religion, justify the law which has been 
incorporated into our code, and, from the favor with which 
it has been received by the public, there is a probability it 
will never be repealed. Judge Fine received the degree of 
Master of Arts from Columbia college, in 1812, and that of 
Doctor of Laws, from Hamilton college, in 1850. In 1847 
and 1849 he was nominated for judge of the supreme court, 
but on each occasion was unsuccessful, the venerable Daniel 
Cady, of Johnstown, being elected. From 1821 to 1833 
he held the office of county treasurer, and upon resigning, 
the board of supervisors passed resolutions expressive of 
their confidence in his integrity and ability. In 1852 he 
published a volume of lectures on law, for the use of his 
sons, of which Judge Cady has said, ' I do not believe 
there is another work in the English language which con- 
tains so much legal information in so few words. All I read 
and hear of the lectures strengthens my convictions that 
they should be in the hands of every student who wishes to 
acquire in the shortest time a knowledge of the laws of his 
country.' The high station and distinguished attainments 
of the one by whom this opinion was given confer great 
value upon it. In the various benevolent movements of 
the day, and especially in the founding and support of the 
county Bible society, Judge Fine has been foremost, and he 
will long be regarded as the efficient supporter of this and 
other benevolent societies, as a distinguished lawyer, an 
able jurist, and as one who in every respect has adorned 
and elevated the society in which he has lived."* 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

The science of medicine enlists the best powers and 
deepest thought of its votaries. Slinistering to the " thou- 
sand shocks which flosh is heir to," whether of the body or 



■■ Hough's History of Franklin and St. Lawrenoe Counties. 



lU 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRP^NCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of " a mind diseased," a skillful physician and surgeon is 
one who loves his profession, not for what personal gain 
there may be in its prosecution, but for the ever-expanding 
thought, the evor-increa.sing knowledge of the mysterious 
mechanism by which the human being is made to live, and 
the consequent power he acquires to counteract and eradi- 
cate disease. As a body the St. Lawrence medical pro- 
fession stands second to none of its class in the interior 
of the State. 

THE ST. LAWRENCE MEDICAL SOCIETY 

was organized October 14, 1807, on the passage of the law 
authorizing the formation of medical societies in the State. 

At the first meeting Joseph W. Smith was chosen presi- 
dent ; I. W. Pier, vice-president, W. Noble, secretary ; B. 
Holmes, treasurer; John Seeley, Powell Davis, and B. 
Holmes, censors. A seal, having for its device a lancet 
within the words " St. Lawrence Medical Society," was 
adopted July, 1811. 

The society lield its annual meetings for the most part of 
the time to the year 185G, at which many able papers on 
the diagnosis and treatment of disease have been read by 
its members, which have included all, or nearly so, of the 
regular school, or allopathic, as commonly called, physi- 
cians who have been residents of the county. 

The presidents of the society have been as follows : 

Joseph W. Smith, 1807 to 1814, 1818-19, 1828-29, 
and 1833; Robert McChesney, 1815 to 1817, 1821, and 
1841 ; Gideon Sprague, 1820, 1835, and 1843 ; B. Holmes, 
1825 ; E. Baker, 1826-27, 1832, 1845, and 1848 ; Francis 
Parker, 1840; S. H. McChesney, 1830-31, 1834, 1844, 
and 1852; Socrates N. Sherman, 1836, 1842, and 1847; 
J. A. Mott, 1837 ; S. Ford, 1838 ; W. S. Paddock, 1839 ; 
M. S. Parker, 1864-65 ; Louis Stowers, 1865-66 ; Z. B. 
Bridges, 1866-67 ; C. C. Bates, 1867-68 ; B. F. Sherman, 
1868-69; S. L. Parmelee, 1869-70; Jesse Reynolds, 
1870-71 ; Robert Morris, 1871-72 ; D. McFalls, 1872-73; 
A. R. Gregor, 1873-74 ; E. H. Bridges, 1874-75 ; H. A. 
Boland, 1875-76 ; L. E. Felton, 1876-77. 

Some time about 1856 the society suspended its workings, 
and the records previous to that time have been lost, and 
what we have produced of the history previous to 1852 
has been taken from Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence 
and Franklin Counties. On January 19, 1864, several of 
the members of the old society met and reorganized it, 
electing the following board of officers : Dr. Martin S. 
Parker, president ; Dr. S. L. Parmelee, vice-president ; Dr. 
R. R. Sherman, secretary ; Dr. Jesse Reynolds, treasurer; 
Drs. N. L. Buck, F. P. Sprague, and H. B. Boland, censors. 

The present officers of the society are. Dr. C. C. Bar- 
tholomew, of Ogdenshurg, president ; Dr. J. A. Wilbur, 
vice-president; Dr. L. E. Felton, of Potsdam, secretary; 
Dr. Fred. Geer, treasurer ; Drs. Robert Morris, of Ogden.s- 
burg, E. H. Bridges, and J. Reynolds, censors; Drs. Z. B. 
Bridges, S. L. Pai-melee, and A. N. Thomson, delegates to 
the State medical society ; Drs. J. Reynolds, Z. B. Bridges, 
D. McFalls, C. C. Bartholomew, and Frederick Geer, dele- 
gates to the American medical association. 

The following list of physicians have been members of the 
society, the dates being those of their admi.ssion thereto : 



1807. Powell Davis, B. Holmes, Ira W. Pier, John J 
Seeley, J. W. Smith. " 

1808. Pierce Shepard. 

1809. Elijah Baker, John Spencer. 

1811. Robert McChesney, Myron Orton, Daniel Brainerd. 

1812. Reuben Phillips, James A. Mott. 

1814. Philip Scott, Ira Smith, Gideon Sprague. 

1815. John Archibald. 

1816. F. W. Judson, W. S. Paddock, Royal Sikes, Silas 
Spencer. 

1817. Wm. A. Canfield, John S. Carpenter. 

1820. Thomas Harrington, Solomon Sherwood. 

1821. Wm. Atwatcr, W. Hatch, John McChesney, Na- 
thaniel K. Olmstead, Francis Parker (see biography in 
history of Parishville), Jason Winslow. 

1822. Levi Crane, Rufus Newton, C. Skidmorc, Alvah 
Squire. 

1823. J. W. Floyd (see biography in history of Norfolk), 
Ira Gibson, Caleb Pierce (see biography in history of 
Madrid). 

1824. Darius Clark (see biography in history of Canton), 
Elkanah French. 

1826. Roswell Nash, T. Van Sickler, Lewis Stowers, 
Seymour Thatcher. 

1827. Reuben Ashley, Alanson Ray, Socrates N. Sher- 
man (see biography in history of Ogdensburg), R. B. 
Webb. 

1828. G. W. Barker, Joseph Brayton, Sylvester Ford, 
Woolcott Griffin, H. D. Laughlin (see biography in 
history of Hopkinton), John S. Morgan, Hiram Murdock, 
C. H. Pierce, J. W. Ripley, L. Samburn, Lorenzo Sheldon, 
Albert Tyler. 

1829. Oliver Brewster, Wooster Carpenter, J. H. Chand- 
ler, John Marsh, James S. Munson, Orra Rice, Jr. 

1830. Giles F. Catlin, J. S. Cochran, D. L. Collamer, 
Hiram Goodrich, D. L. Shaw. 

1831. Alvan Ames, Jacob Clark. 

1832. R. M. Rigdon, Benj. P. Smith, J. A. Chambers. 

1833. H. 0. Chipman, Wood. 

1834. J. H. Ripley, E. Whiting. 
18.35. Calvin S. Millington. 

1836. Wm. Bass, I. B. Crawe, H. Mazuzan, Charles 
Orvis, S. C. Wait. 

1838. D. S. Olin, G. F. Cole. 

1840. Mason G. Sherman. 

1841. Ezra Parmelee. 

1842. 11. Burns, J. H. Dunton, Geo. Green, Henry 
Hewitt (see biography in history of Potsdam), B. F. 
Sherman, C. A. J. Sprague, W. H. Sprague, William 
Withercll. 

1843. M. L. Burnham, Thomas Dunton, 0. H. May- 
hew, T. R. Pangburn, A. B. Sherman. 

1844. A. Ames, J. S. Conkey, C. F. Ide, W. J. Manley. 

1845. B. F. Ames. 

1846. R. L. Clark. 

1847. W. F. Galloway, J. H. Grennell, Samuel Marsh. 

1848. D. A. Raymond. 

1852. R. Davidson, J. H. Hyer, G. R. Lowe, 0. F. 
Parker, J. C. Preston, Jesse Reynolds, F. P. Sprague, G 
S. Sutherland. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



115 



1864 to 1866. Cornelius H. Buck, John Pierce, C. C. 
Bates, R. R. Sherman, Zina B. Bridges, Benj. M. Ames, 
H. A. Boland, Joseph H. Gibbons, S. L. Parmclee, James 
S. Gale, G. E. Seymour, A. R. Gregor, A. C. Taylor, J. 
H. Benton, W. H. Cruikshank, Hiram D. Smith, Charles 
N. Hewitt, Thos. Murdock, Ira H. Darling, S. Holman, 
N. L. Buck, A. H. Thompson, E. Whitney, M. S. Parker, 
0. G. Ross, 0. McFadden, J. A. Wilbur. 

1860. Stuart Chrichton, E. M. Curtis, E. A. Hutchins, 
J. H. Jackson, S. H. Rolfe, Robert Morris, F. A. Cutler. 

1867. C. B. Barber, E. H. Bridges, William P. Stone, 
G. W. Reynolds, D. McFalls, E. C. Walsh, Benjamin F. 
Drury. 

1861). T. A. Pease. 

1870. A. P. Grinnell, W. C. Wood, Isaac Drake, C. C. 
Bartholomew. 

1871. L. E. Felton, C. M. Wilson. 

1873. R. I. O'Connell, James A. Phillips, W. H. Car- 
penter, Frederick Greer. 

1874. H. L. Stiles, James Garvin, E. J. Bowen, J. 
Jlorrisou, D. R. Freeman. 

1875. A. R. Turner, A. B. Goodenough, G. H. Holmes, 
D. M. Seeley, Louis B. Chagnon, C. B. Hawley, S. H. 
Foster. 

1876. B. S. Manley, H. T. Hammond, L. B. Baker, 
Frank R. Sherman, Albert L. Morgan, 0. J. Hutchins. 

1877. F. A. Anderson. 

Besides these the following have practiced the profession 
of medicine in the county, principally in the early days of 
its settlement: 1800, Dr. Hosea Brooks; 1801, Elisha M. 
Barber; 1802, Allen Barber (drowned in 1806); 1805, 
William Noble, Richard Townsend (practiced only in emer- 
gentcases); 1806, Stephen Langworthy; 1807, Daniel Camp- 
bell, Pliny Godard; 1811, Lemuel Win.slow; 1820, John 
Bean; 1830, E. L. Beardsley, Elihu Gillis; 1828, John 
Inman ; 1843, J. Addison Brown ; 1846, Franklin B. Hough ; 
1850, D. McLaren; 1862, William Wilson; 1861, P. P. 
McMonagle; 1860, E. 0. Cook; dates unknown, Drs. Bow- 
man, Goss, Barrows, Slade, Blackman, Joseph Boynton, 
Solomon P. Sherwood, and Derby; 1875 and at present, 
L. M. Giffin, Luther Hawkins, L. J. W. Miller, J. S. 
Howard, David F. Dayton, Dr. Hall. 

THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN NEW YORK 

is composed of physicians of the old school practicing in 
that portion of the State, as indicated by the title of the 
society ; but members are admitted from any part of the 
State, provided they are at the time of application members 
of the county association where they reside. Physicians of 
the Dominion of Canada may also become members on 
presentation of a diploma of some regularly incorporated and 
organized medical school. Its annual meetings have been 
usually held in Malone, Franklin Co. 

The members of the association residing in St. Lawrence 
County are as follows : 

0<j,h;,shHrg. Zina B. Bridges, Elisha H. Bridges, C. 
C. Bartholomew, Frederick Gears, Robert Morris, Benjamin 
F. Sherman, Frank R. Sherman. 

Potsdatn. Gideon C. Cole, David F. Dayton, L. E. 
Felton, John Pieite, Jesse Reynolds. 



Lawrencevi'lle. H. A. Boland, J. H. Jackson. 

Lisbon. W. H. Cruikshank. 

Stockholm. Isaac Drake, Thomas Dunton. 

Norfolk. Sylvester Ford, A. H. Thompson. 

Gouverneur. David McFalls. 

Heuvelton. Lewis Samburn. 

Norwood. J. A. Wilbur. 

The following are the officers for 1877 ; President, Dr. 
Robert Morris, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Vice-President, Dr. 
George B. Dunham, Plattsburg, N. Y.; Secretary, Dr. Sid- 
ney P. Bates, Malone, N. Y. ; Treasurer, Dr. Calvin Skin- 
ner, Malone, N. Y. ; Committee of Intelligence, Dr. B. F. 
Sherman, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Dr. Theodore Gay, Malone, 
N. Y. ; Dr. L. E. Felton ; Committee of Publication, Dr. 
Elisha H. Bridges, Ogdensburg, N. Y. ; Dr. Calvin Skinner, 
Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. Renno E. Hyde, Chazy, N. Y. ; Dr. 
Sidney P. Bates, Malone, N. Y. ; Committee of Arrange- 
ments, Dr. J. S. Phillips, Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. S. S. Went- 
worth, Malone, N. Y. ; Dr. A. M. Phelps, Chateaugay, N. 
Y. ; Microscopist, Dr. Elisha H. Bridges, Ogdensburg, 
N. Y. 

THE ST. LAWRENCE UOMCEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized Oct. 4, 1871, with the follow- 
ing officers: Dr. D. E. Southwiok, of Ogdensburg, president; 
Dr. Ezra Parmelee, of Morley, vice-president ; Dr. H. D. 
Brown, of Potsdam, secretary; Dr. N. N. Child, of Ogdens- 
burg, treasurer ; Dr. E. R. Belding, of Malone, Sanford 
Hoag, of Canton, and J. M. Dow, of De Kalb, censors. A 
constitution and by-laws similar to those of the Albany 
Homoeopathic society were adopted. 

The presidents of the society from its organization to the 
present time have been iis follows: 1871, D. E. South wick; 
1872-73, E. Parmelee; 1874, E. R. Belding; 1875, J. M. 
Dow; 1876, D. E. Southwick. 

The society has its annual meeting on the second Tuesday 
in June, and its semi-annual meeting the same day in De- 
cember, at which essays on the diagnosis and treatment of 
disease, on the principle of ^^ similia sunilibus carcaititr," 
are delivered by the members. 

The president. Dr. Southwick, in his annual address in 
1872, gave the history of the rise and progress of homoe- 
opathy in St. Lawrence County, from which we learn that 
the first physician to practice medicine after the system of 
Hahnemann therein was Dr. Ezra Parmelee, an old-school 
physician up to 1856, when he began to practice homceo- 
pathically at Morley, where he still resides and practices. 
In 1857, Dr. Austin began the practice at Canton, and Dr. 
Southwick in Ogdensburg. In 1860, Dr. Johnson changed 
his practice in De Peyster from the old to the new school, 
and is now a practitioner in Morrison, Illinois. About the 
same time. Dr. Swan began at Richville, and Dr. Willard 
at Potsdam. The latter was succeeded by Dr. Brown. E. 
R. Belding was a student of Dr. Willard, and located at 
Malone, Franklin, where he is still in practice. Dr. Austin 
died in Canton, but some time previous to his death sur- 
rendered his practice to Dr. Reno, who gave way to Dr. 
Fisher. Dr. Daygart and Dr. Hoag were also of Canton. 

Dr. George Dart succeeded Dr. Johnson in De Peyster 
in 1864, and located in De Kalb in 187(1, and Dr. Pisher 



IIG 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



went to Gouverneur in 1870. Dr. N. N. Child located in 
Ogdensburg in 1803. 

The present officurs of the society arc as follows : 

President, Dr. Southwick ; Vice-President, George Dart ; 
Treasurer, N. N. Child ; Secretary, S. Hoag ; Censors, E. 
11. Boldiiig, Charles W. Kadway, II. D. Brown ; Delegate 
to American Institute of Homoeopathy, D. E. Southwick ; 
to State society, Sanford iloag. 

The members of the society and the dates of their ad- 
mission are as follows : 

1871. E. Parmelee, D. E. Southwick, II. D. Brown, 
N. N. Child, E. R. Belding, S. Hoag, J. M. Dow, E. E. 
Fisher, George Dart. 

1874. W. C. Doy, Waddington ; G. E. Baldwin, Gouver- 
neur; E. C. Low, Plattsburg. 

1875. George W. Randall, Rensselaer Falls ; A. B. Cole, 
Hermon ; G. S. Farmer, Gouverneur. 

1877. C. W. Radway, Canton ; Jason Turner, Heuvel- 
ton, A. L. Gi'eene, Stockholm. 

The clerical profession will be found noticed in connection 
with the history of the churches, and the instructors arc 
enumerated in the history of colleges, academies, and schools 
in the general history of the county and the town histories. 

THE PRESS. 

The first paper published in St. Lawrence County was 
the Palladium, by John C. Kipp and Timothy C. Strong, of 
Middlebury, Vt., who were furnished by David Parish and 
Daniel W. Church with money^to purchase a press and 
erect a building for the purpose of printing a paper in 
1810. The enterprise was started in December of that 
year. The printers had a small quantity of type; Mr. 
Church built the office and sent for the press, while Mr. 
Parish furnished the money with which to begin business. 
Strong continued in the concern less than a year, when his 
partner took the office alone, and sold, in the fall of 1812, 
to John P. Sheldon. The first paper was printed on a sheet 
11 by 17 J inches, and had but two pages. Sheldon enlarged 
it to a folio, but difficulties being experienced in getting 
regular supplies of paper, many of the numbers were issued 
on a common foolscap sheet. It was printed on an old- 
fashioned wooden press, published weekly, and distributed 
through the county by a foot-post, an old Swiss about sixty 
years of age acting as carrier. Sheldon discontinued his 
paper about 1814. From several numbers of this paper 
before us, it is learned that it was Federal in politics, and 
denounced the war. For a time it had but three columns 
and two pages of 7 by 11 inches, exclusive of margin. 

David R. Strachan and Piatt B. Fairchild purchased a 
Ramage press of James Bogart, of the Geneva Gazette, 
and commenced in December, 1815, a weekly paper under 
the title of the St. Lawrence Gazette, a small folio sheet 
20 by 25 inches, fii'e columns to the page, at two dollars 
per annum. Fairchild subsequently withdrew, and the paper 
was continued by the remaining publisher until April 12, 
1826, when Dan Spafford and James C. Barter purchased 
the office, and continued the paper without change of name 
or size till December, 1829, when Spafford became pub- 
lisher, and continued it till about tlie 1st of Jan., 1830. 
He then .sold it to Preston King, who had also purchased 



the St. Lawrence RepiihUcan, previously issued at Potsdam. 
The Gazette thus ceased to exist, and the press on which 
it had been printed was laid away, and finally destroyed 
in the great fire of 1839. It espoused the cause of Mr. 
Adams, after his election in 1824, and advocated his re- 
election in 1828. Its politics were changed to Republican 
on its union with the other paper. 

The Northern Liyht, an anti-Masonic paper, was begun 
at Ogdensburg, July 7, 1831 (20 by 26 inches), by W. B. 
Rogers, and in October, 1831, was a.ssumed by A. Tyler 
and A. B. James, who published it about a year, when the 
latter became its editor. On the 10th of April, 1834, its 
name was changed to The Times, and at the end of the 
fourth volume it was enlarged to sis columns, and its title 
changed to the Ogdenshurg Times. In July, 1837, Dr. Tyler 
again became associated with Mr. James, and the name was 
again changed to the Times and Advertiser. In July, 
1838, Dr. Albert Tyler became its sole publi-sher, and con- 
tinued until jMarch, 1844, when it was transferred to 
Foote & Seeley, and it became the frontier Sentinel. It 
has continued till the present time under the following 
names : 

The Frontier Sen tin el, begun April 2, 1844, by Foote & 
Seeley (six columns folio), at one dollar per annum. Mr. 
Stephen B. Seeley, of the above firm, died Aug. 17, 1844, 
and the paper was thenceforth continued by Henry G. 
Foote. On the 8th of June, 1847, the name was changed 
to the Ogdenshurg »S'cn^/"c^, under which it continued to the 
1st of Oct., 1858, when it was discontinued. The subscrip- 
tion list was transferred to the liipidilican. and the press and 
most of the type eventually went into the Advance office. 
In 1847, when its name was changed, it was enlarged to 
eight columns. On the 27th of Nov., 1847, this paper was 
transferred to Stillman Foote, by whom it was continued, as 
before stated, until October, 1858. It was printed, subse- 
quent to 1847, on an Adams power press. 

The Daily Sentinel was the first attempt to establish a 
daily paper in St. Lawrence County. It was started April 
14, 1848, by Stillman Foote, at one cent per number, and 
continued until September 14 of the same year. Its pages 
were nearly square, and three columns in width. It was 
made up from the matter prepared for the weekly sheet, 
with a few advertisements. 

The St. Lawrence Budget, a very small advertising sheet, 
in the interests of the St. Lawrence Insurance Company, 
was issued from the press of the Sentinel, semi-monthly, 
for about two years, in 1850-51. 

The Meteorological Register was the title of a monthly 
quarto commenced January 1, 1839, by J. H. Coffin, then 
principal of the academy, and now of Fayette college, 
Easton, Pennsylvania. It was devoted to scientific in- 
quiries, and continued but four numbers. It was issued 
by one of the printing-offices in the village. This highly 
meritorious publication is believed not to have received the 
patronage which rendered its continuance practicable, 
although conducted with an ability very creditable to its 
editor. 

The Ogdenshnrg Forum was eommenced April 24, 1848, 
by A. Tyler, to support the Whig party and the interests 
of General Taylor. It was a small-sized folio, in small 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



117 



type, and at first issued tri-weekly and weekly, at $1 .50 and 
50 cents per annum. When fir.st started it was issued in 
the quarto form, witli four pages to the sheet, but at the 
end of six months the tri-weekly was discontinued, and 
after the first year the folio form was adopted. It was dis- 
continued in February, 1851. The office from which this 
paper was issued had been supplied with new furniture 
complete, and was at first designed for a job office only, 
and it was the first attempt to establish an ofiice of this 
kind in St. Lawrence County. After the paper was stopped 
it continued to do job work until 1852, when it was sold 
and removed to Gouverneur. 

The first attempt to establish a daily paper in St. Law- 
rence County of a character comparable with the daily press 
of the cities was made in March, 1852, by William N. 
Oswell, a former editor of the St. Lawrence. Republican, 
assisted by Mr. Fayette Robinson in the editorial depart- 
ment. It was entitled the Daily Morning News, pro- 
fessed neutrality in politics, and was conducted with an 
ability and enterprise which entitled it to a liberal support. 
The presses, type, and furniture of this office were new. 
In September, 1852, was commenced the issue, from the 
press of the Daily News, a large sheet, neutral in politics, 
and devoted to literary and general intelligence, by the 
name of the Weekly News, by William N. Oswell. The 
latter paper soon after was temporarily suspended, but again 
issued in a smaller sheet, and continued as a daily paper for 
a short time, and discontinued. 

The Ogdemburg Daily Times, a second daily paper, was 
begun October 18, 1852, by William Yeaton and Warren 
Dow, and was printed at the liejutblican oflBce. It proposed 
to act independent in politics, and the first number was a 
small folio, five columns to the page, and appeared to be 
edited with ability, but the publication was arrested by a 
disastrous fire after one or two issues. 

The St. Lawrence Republican was commenced in Pots- 
dam in the fiiU of 1826, or early in the following year, by 
William H. Lyman, on a super-royal press. It was after- 
wards published, in company with Jonathan Wallace, as a 
Republican paper, in opposition to the <SV. Lawrence Gazette, 
and was the first Democratic paper in the county. It was 
20 by 29 inches, weekly, and distributed by post. In the 
summer of 1827 it went into the hands of Mr. Wallace, 
and in the winter of 1828 Lyman became the proprietor. 
In 1827 it was removed to Canton, and printed awhile as 
the Canton Advertiser and St. Lawrence Republican. In 
1830, Preston King purchased it and took it to Ogdens- 
burg. On the first day of January, 1830, he issued num- 
ber one of volume one of the St. Lawrence Republican, and 
continued its publication till January, 1833, when Samuel 
Hoard purchased it. Up to this time it was printed on a 
Raniage press, bought for §40 in New York city in 1826. 
This press had a stone bed, which, having broken, was re- 
placed with a wooden plank. In May, 1833, Mr. Hoard 
brought from Fort Covington, Franklin county, an iron 
Smith press, and enlarged the paper to 2 H by 32 inches. 
In 1834 he took into partnership F. D. Flanders, of 
Malone. In December, 1834, Matthew M. and John M. 
Tillotson became the proprietors. They published it two 
years, when the former withdrew, and it was continued by 



J. M. Tillotson till the fall of 1841. In April, 1839, the 
establishment was consumed by fire, but early in the sum- 
mer its publication was resumed, and the paper enlarged to 
23J by 36 inches, and with seven columns to the page, and 
printed on a Washington press manufactured by Hoe & Co., 
New York. In the fall of 1841, Franklin B. Hitchcock 
and Henry M. Smith purchased the office, and continued 
the publication of the paper until July 16, 1848, when 
Hitchcock sold his interest to AVilliam N. Oswell, and went 
gold-seeking to California. Smith & Oswell published the 
paper until December 3, 1851, when Hitchcock returned 
and re-purchased his interest. Smith & Hitchcock con- 
ducted the business till March 17, 1852. Mr. Smith's 
health then failing, he sold his share to M. W. Tillotson, a 
former proprietor. July 10, 1849, the paper was enlarged 
to double-medium. Hitchcock & Tillotson continued the 
publication till May 22, 1855, when John A. Haddock 
purchased one-third of the establishment. On the first of 
April, 1856, Mr. Haddock sold his third to I. G. Stil- 
well. On November 30, 1858, H. R. James and James 
W. Hopkins purchased the whole establishment, and in 
December, 1860, Mr. James became the sole proprietor. 

In 1856, Henry R. James, James W. Hopkins, and 
Charles R. Foster consolidated two amateur boys' printing 
establishments, and started a daily paper under the title of 
The Boys' Journal. A short time later they purchased a 
Guernsey press and started the Weekly Journal. In the 
summer of 1857 Foster sold his interest. James & Hop- 
kins continued the publication of both papers till they 
purchased the <SV. Lawrence Republican. The weekly was 
merged in the .SV. Lawrence Republican, and the " Boys' " 
dropped and " Daily" substituted in the title of the daily 
paper. This was the first successful daily newspaper ven- 
ture in Ogdensburg and the county. For fourteen years 
Mr. James continued the publication of both daily and 
weekly papers under their present titles, to wit. The Og- 
densburg Journal, daily, and <SV. Lawrence Republican and 
Journal, weekly. 

On the first of January, 1874, S. P. Remington and S. 
H. Palmer each purchased a one-third interest in the estab- 
lishment. It has since been conducted by Messrs. James, 
Remington & Palmer. From the time the Republican 
came under the control of Mr. King till 1855 it was the 
organ of the Democratic party in St. Lawrence County. 
Upon the organization of the Republican party, in 1855, it 
espoused the Republican cause, and has since been a de- 
fender and exponent of that political faith. The St. Laxc- 
rence Republican has twice been burned down, but has 
each time arisen from its ashes enlarged and improved, and 
with new vigor. One of these fires, as before stated, 
occurred in April, 1839, and the other in October, 1852. 
The appointments of the oflSce have increased with the 
demands of the public, and its increase of subscribers has 
kept up with the increase of population in the county. 
The old Ramage press has given place to one Taylor cylin- 
der, one Hoe cylinder, one Adam.s book press, one Camp- 
bell cylinder, one Degner jobber, one Ruggles card press, 
and one AVa.shington hand press, while the subscription list 
has risen from a (t^^ hundred to exactly 4512 copies. On 
Wednesday, the 14th day of November, 1877, it entered 



118 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



upon its 48th volume. It has names on its subscription 
books which were placed there upon the i.ssue of the first 
number in 1830. 

The Ogdenshurg Advance and St. Lawrence Weekly 
Democrat was started in Ogdensburg, in March, 1861, by 
James W. Hopkins. It was called the Advance, and there 
were a daily and a weekly. In December, 1862, it passed 
into the hands of the Democracy, at which time Mr. 
O'Brien, of the St. Lawrence Democrat, published at 
Canton, formed a partnership with Amos S. Partridge, 
when the Advance and Democrat were united and pub- 
lished by O'Brien & Partridge. The name of the daily 
was continued, but that of the weekly was changed into the 
St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat. May 31, 1863, Mr. 
O'Brien retired and was succeeded by E. M. Holbrook, 
and the paper was published by Holbrook & Partridge 
until October 24, 1864, when it passed under the control 
of Ranson Skeels, who discontinued the daily and reduced 
the size of the weekly. In April, 1867, the oflBce was pur- 
chased by Charles J. Hyncs, who soon after refurnished it, 
put in new presses and type, enlarged the paper, and in- 
creased its circulation. Mr. Hynes owned the paper till 
May 23, 1877, when it was purchased by Messrs. D. T. 
Elmer & G. F. Darrow, the present proprietors. The form 
of the publication has been changed to an eight-page paper, 
and is one of the most complete county papers in the State. 
In politics it is unfalteringly Democratic, and in spite of the 
discouragements of strong adverse political sentiments in 
the section, it has grown to be a power in northern New 
York. It is the only Democratic paper publi-shed in the 
county, and has an extensive circulation. 

POTSDAM. 

The Potsdam Gazette was begun January 13, 1816 
(neutral in politics), by Frederick Powell, 18 by 22 inches, 
from a screw press made by J. Ouram, in Philadelphia, 
and bought in New York for $150. It was discontinued 
in April, 1823. It was issued weekly, and contained four 
columns to the page. Zena Clark was connected with it a 
few months. In January, 1824, Mr. Powell commenced 
issuing from the same press a neutral paper, 20 by 24 
inches, four columns folio, entitled the Potsdam American, 
which was afterwards publisiicd by Powell & Redington, 
and discontinued in April, 1829. In May, 1829, Elias 
Williams issued from this press, and of the same size as 
the last, an anti-Masonic weekly, entitled The Herald, but 
which continued only till August of the same year. In 
April, 1830, William Hughes printed on the .same press an 
anti-Masonic weekly, called the Patriot. It was 20 by 26 
inches, five columns to the page, and was stopped early in 
1831, when the press was removed to Ogdensburg by W. 
B. Rogers, and used in publishing the Northern Light. 
This was afterwards sold to Judge Buell, of Brockville, for 
825, and used for job work, and its place supplied in 1834 
by an iron No. 3 Smith press. 

On the 11th of April, 1844, Mr. Boynton commenced 
issuing The Enquirer and Tariff Advocate, a campaign 
paper devoted to the Whig party, and continued only till 
the November following. It was a small folio, terms fifty 
cents, and issued from the same press as the Cabinet. 



In consequence of this the Cabinet became unpopular with 
the Democratic party, and it was removed at the end of the 
second year to Potsdam, and continued weekly, on the .same 
plan as before, cue year, when it was changed to folio. The 
literary matter of this folio was Lssued on a semi-monthly 
octavo, in covers, double columns, with title and index, 
one year, under the name of The Repository, which was 
commenced July 20, 1846. At the end of the fourth vol- 
ume the Cabinet was sold to William L. Knowles, and 
thenceforth issued under the name of The St. Lawrence 
Mercury. Mr. Knowles continued its publication two 
years, when he sold to William H. Wallace, who continued 
to publi.sh it about two years longer under the same name, 
when he sold, in June, 1851, the establishment to H. C. 
Fay, who changed the name to The St. Lawrence Journal, 
and continued its issue till July, 1852, when it was united 
with The Potsdam Courier. It professed to be neutral 
in politics. 

1 he Potsdam Courier was commenced by Vernon Har- 
rington, in fall of 1851, and continued till July, 1852, 
when it was combined with the Journal. It was issued 
from the same press which had been previously used at 
Gouverneur. It was neutral in politics. The Potsdam 
Courier and Journal, formed in July, 1852, by the union 
of the Courier and Journal, and published by Harrington 
& Fay, was the only paper published in Potsdam in 1852. 
It professed to be neutral in politics. Terms, one dollar 
per year. In 1853, H. C. Fay was the sole publisher. 

In 1858, or thereabouts, the Northern Freeman was be- 
gun by Doty & Greenleaf in Canton ; afterwards Greenleaf 
was succeeded by Baker and the paper removed to Potsdam, 
where it was published by 0. D. Baker. In 1861 the two 
papers then published in Potsdam united, under the joint 
name of the Courier and Freeman, and were published by 
Fay, Baker & Co. In 1862, Baker & Fay succeeded, and 
they in turn gave way, in 1865, to Elliott & Fay. Since 
1873 the paper has been published by Fay & Sweet to the 
present time. The Courier and Freeman is 28 by 43 
inches, 36 columns folio, Republican in politics, and is edited 
ably and spicily. Its weekly circulation is about 26( 
copies. The ofiice is equipped with four steam-power 
presses and material for a first-class job-ofl5ce. It is the 
only paper in the third assembly district, and is well sus- 
tained. 

The Philomatltean, a literary magazine, conducted by 
the Philoniathean Society of the St. Lawrence academy, 
was started in the spring of 1849, and' continued several 
numbers. It was made of selected productions of the 
I members of the society. It was proposed to be issued at 
' the end of each academic term, or three numbers in a year, 
at a subscription price of 37 J cents. 

C.\NTON'. 

In 1827, while Mr. Wallace was publishing the St. 
Lawrence Republican, he issued a semi-monthly folio, 13 
by 20 inches, called the Day Star. It was a Universalist 
paper, and continued six months, when it was united with 
the Gospel Advocate, of Utica. While this paper was 
being published the press was removed to Canton. 

In July, 1832, C. C. Bill started a Whig paper in Can- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



119 



ton, called the Northern Telegraph, and after printing it a 
time sold his interest to Orlando Squires, who commenced 
publishing a Democratic paper on the same press, which 
was called the Oniton Democrat, who continued it a short 
time. A paper called the Jjumlnary of the North was 
published here in July, 1834. The St. Lawrence Demo- 
crat, a Whig paper, owned by several individuals, and 
published by Edgar A. Barber, was commenced in Septem- 
ber, 1840, and its publication finally ceased in April, 1842. 
It was printed on a No. 3 Washington pre.ss. The Nortli- 
ern Cahinet and Literary Repository, a neutral and literary 
paper, was begun at Canton Jan. 2, 1843, by Charles 
Boynton, in the quarto form, semi-monthly, at $1 per 
annum. The press and materials were the .same as those 
which had been used in Mr. Barber's paper. Mr. Wilson 
commenced May 28, 1850, publishing at Columbia village 
(Madrid), with the press and type formerly used by the 
Theresa. Chronicle, 

The True Democrat. It was a small-sized folio, and 
professed to support the Democratic party. At the end of 
ten months it was purchased by 0. L. Ray, and its politics 
changed from Democratic to neutral. At the end of a 
year its name was changed to the Columbian Independent, 
and continued a year longer under the same title, when it 
was removed to Canton, and the name again changed to the 
Canton Independent, under which it was published for a 
time, and discontinued. The Canton Weekly Citizen was 
the title of a very small folio, attempted to be published 
at Canton, commenced with the 1st of January, 1852, by 
J. S. Sargent. It continued four weeks. 

The St. Lawrence Plaindealer was started as a Repub- 
lican campaign paper, in July, 1856, by William B. Good- 
rich, then a lawyer of Canton village, and S. P. Reming- 
ton, as the junior partner, placing against Mr. Goodrich's 
capital his practical knowledge of the business of printing. 
The material of an establishment that had .some time be- 
fore failed, known as the .SV. Lawrence Democrat, was 
used, and the paper was printed on an exceedingly ancient 
hand-press. As the campaign demonstrated that the busi- 
ness could be made a reasonably paying one, an entire new 
outfit was purchased, and the paper was Lssued as a per- 
manent enterprise of Canton. At the end of a few 
months. Colonel Goodrich disposed of his interest in the 
concern to the junior of the firm, and the paper was con- 
tinued from that time till 1862, under the editorship and 
management of S. P. Remington. Having entered the 
military service, Mr. Remington at tliat time sold the oflSce 
to J. Van Slyke, who owned and controlled it until repur- 
chased by the former proprietor in 1867, by whom it was 
conducted until Aug. 1, 1873, when it was purchased by 
Gilbert B. Jlanley, the present proprietor. Colonel Rem- 
ington soon after became connected with the Ogdensburg 
Journal and Republican, on whose editorial pages the 
traces of his vigorous pen are daily manifest. 

The material of the Plaindealer ofiiee was twice con- 
sumed by fire, — once on the 14th of Aug., 1869, and 
again on the 4th of Aug., 1870. A clean sweep was made 
by each of these fires, nothing having suivived them except 
one .small job-press, so that all the office material was of 
necessity purchased new after the fire of 1870. With com- 



mendable enterprise, after each of these fires. Colonel Rem- 
ington continued to issue the paper regularly, on small 
sheets at first, but in a few weeks restored to its usual size 
and fully on its feet again. 

The history of the Plaindealer is as full of stirring 
events as could have well occurred to a paper published in 
a country village. Colonel Goodrich, one of its founders, 
fell in command of the 60th Regiment early in the Rebel- 
lion, and now lies buried in Canton village, while Colonel 
Remington, dropping the pen to wield the sword, took an 
active part in the stirring events of that time. His record 
appears in the military history of the county. 

The Plaindealer, during the changes of proprietorship 
which have occurred, has always adhered to the Republican 
party, and without being accused of attaching undue im- 
portance to what has appeared in its columns, it is believed 
that its career justifies the claim that it has exercised a 
political influence which time has shown to have been 
good. 

The Plaindealer is a folio sheet of thirty-two columns, 
26 by 40 inches in size. Its ofiiee contains a newspaper- 
and a job-press, a " Eureka" steam-engine, and is well fur- 
nished with type and material. It has long maintained 
the reputation of turning out a superior quality and style 
of job-work. George T. Manley-is foreman of the office. 

The Commercial Advertiser, a weekly Democratic news- 
paper, an eight-column folio, 40 by 26 inches, is published 
by Hall & Tracey, at Canton. It was first published by 
the present proprietors at Norwood, St. Lawrence Co., Nov. 
3, 1873, and removed to Canton in May, 1877, the first 
number being issued in the latter place on the 31st of that 
month. 

The Advertiser office is equipped with two steam-presses 
and other machinery and material for a complete newspaper 
and job-office. 

GOUVERNEUR. 

The first successful attempt to start a newspaper in Gouv- 
erneur was made, in 1849, by W. M. Goodrich and M. F. 
■ Wilson, who procured a press from Carthage, and, on the 
19th of April, in that year, issued the first number of a 
small folio weekly sheet, which they named Tlie Northern 
New Yorker. It was not a pecuniary success, and at the 
end of its first volume it passed into the hands of Nelson 
J. Bruett & Co., who slightly enlarged it ; but at the end 
of about three months it was reduced to less than its origi- 
nal size, and was finally discontinued in 1851. The St. 
Laicrence Advertiser, a very small sheet, was continued 
about five weeks longer, and the office was then moved to 
Potsdam. 

A paper called The Laborer was established here, in 
1852, by Martin Mitchell, of Fowler, the first number 
having been issued July 20. It was afterwards enlarged, 
and named The Free Press, and a Mr. Slason became con- 
cerned in its management. He was succeeded by H. 
Mitchell, and the name of the sheet was changed to Tlie 
St. Lawrence Free Press. Its affairs became involved, and 
about 1854, Mr. J. J. Eames, of Hammond, assumed con- 
trol, and attempted to place it on a sound basis. In this 
he was assisted by small subscriptions among the citizens to 
secure the continuance of the paper; but all was to no pur- 



120 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pose. Mr. Eames lost considerably in tlie enterprise, and 
the publication of the paper wa.s abandoned. Gouverneur 
now had no newspaper until July, 1SC4, when Mr. F. E. 
Merritt, editor and proprietor of The Sandy Greek Times, 
at Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., removed that paper to this 
place, and commenced its issue here as The Gouverneur 
Times. Its publication in Gouverneur has now continued 
for more than thirteen years under tlie same editor and 
proprietor. 

The New York Recorder was commenced at Gouverneur, 
in 18G6, by Miss M. M. Smith, editress, and existed until 
1873. 

The Gouverneur Herald, a twenty-eigbt-column weekly, 
was established April 10, 1873. During the first few 
weeks of its existence it experienced several changes of 
ownership, but was finally purclia.sed by H. G. Reynolds, 
who continued sole manager and proprietor until Nov. 12, 
1874, when Frank L. Cox purchased a half-interest, and 
the firm became Reynolds & Cox, as at present. The paper 
has since been increased from twenty-eight to thirty-six 
columns folio. In politics it is Republican. This and the 
Times are the two papers of the village at the present time. 

HERMON. 

The Hermon Union was a neat twenty-eight-column 
■weekly newspaper, established Oct. 27, 1874, by T. A. 
Farnsworth, proprietor, and D. C. Carter, editor. Its suc- 
cess seemed assured, when the office was destroyed in the 
extensive fire that visited the village April 27, 1875, and 
no publication of the Union followed that disaster, save one 
issue detailing the conflagration, which is.sue was printed at 
Canton. 

The Hermon Advertiser, an 8 by 12 inch sheet, issuing 
semi-monthly, was founded by Charles Pliny Earle, a young 
man who learned " the art preservative" in the ofiSce of the 
Union. It is devoted to the business interests of Hermon, 
and its circulation is gratuitous. It contains a summary of 
local news, and 500 copies are distributed every other week. 
A good job-ofiice is connected with the establishment. 

WADDI.NGTON. 

The Waddinglon Pioneer is a late venture in the field 
of journalism. It is an eight-column folio weekly, and was 
begun in the spring of 1877. 



CHAPTER IX. 

EDUCATIONAL AND EELIGIOUS. 

Early Schuols — " Literature Lotteries" — Commissioners, Trustees, 
and Superintendents — Stjite Normal and Training School — County 
Teachers' Association — St. Lawrence University — Etc. 

The earliest schools in the State of New York were 
of a private nature, and small academies wore probably in 
existence previous to the Revolution. In his first message 
to the State legislature after the adoption of the constitution 
of 1787, Gov. George Clinton uses the following language: 

'• Neglect of the education of youth is one of the evils 



consequent upon war. Perhaps there is scarce anything 
more worthy your attention than the revival and encourage- 
ment of seminaries of learning ; and nothing by which we 
can more satisfactorily express our gratitude to the Supreme 
Being for his past favors, since purity and virtue are gen- 
erally the offspring of an enlightened understanding." 

During that session an act was pa.ssed incorporating the 
regents of the university, who reported to the legislature 
the numerous advantages which would accrue to the citi- 
zens generally from the establishment of common schools. 

In 1789 an act was pa.ssed requiring the surveyor-general 
to set apart two lots in each township for gospel and school 
purposes. At the session of 1795, Gov. Clinton recom- 
mended, in the following language, the organization of a 
common school system : 

" While it is evident that the general establishment and 
liberal endowment of academies are highly to be commended, 
and are attended with the most beneficent con.sequences, yet 
it cannot be denied that they are principally confined to the 
children of the opulent, and that a great portion of the com- 
munity is excluded from their immediate advantage. The 
establishment of common schools throughout the State is 
happily calculated to remedy this inconvenience, and will, 
therefore, engage your early and decided consideration." 

An act was passed appropriating $50,000 annually for 
five years for encouraging and maintaining schools to be 
instructed in the common English branches. 

The amount was apportioned among the several counties, 
and the supervisors were required to raise by tax on each 
town a sum equal to half that received from the State. 
Provision was made for the supervision of the schools, and 
the apportionment of the moneys among the several dis- 
tricts and for luaking annual reports. This was the origin 
of the present school system. The appropriation made in 
1795 expired in 1800. 

In 1801 an act was passed directing the sum of $100,000 
to be raised by means of four successive lotteries, §12,500 
to be paid to the regents of the university, and the re- 
maining $87,500 to be paid into the treasury for the use 
of commoti schools, under direction of the State legisla- 
ture. These " literature lotteries" were in existence until 
after the constitution of 1821 was adopted, which prohib- 
ited them, and the comptroller was directed to invest the 
proceeds remaining in real estate. 

An act was passed in April, 1805, providing that the net 
proceeds of 500,1)00 acres of the vacant and unappropriated 
lands owned by the State should be appropriated as a per- 
manent fund for the support of common schools, the avails 
to be safely invested until the interest should amount to 
$50,000, when an annual distribution of that amount should 
be made among the schools of the State. 

In 1811 an act was passed empowering the governor 
(Tonipkinsj to appoint a committee of five to report a 
system for the establishment of common schools. The 
committee reported in February, 1812, and submitted the 
draft of a bill which contained, with one exception, the 
main features of the school system as it existed up to 1840. 
As originally passed, this act authorized the electors of each 
town to determine whether they would accept their share 
of the public money and raise an amount equal thereto on 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



121 



their taxable property. The act was afterwards amended, 
making it obligatory. 

The outlines of tiie pkm submitted by tlie commissioner.s 
were, briefly, as follows : The several towns of the State to 
be divided into school districts by three commissioners, 
elected by the citizens. Three trustees to be elected in 
each district, who should superintend the schools ; the 
interest on the school fund to be divided among the differ- 
ent counties, according to population, the proportion for 
each town to be divided according to the number of chil- 
dren between the ages of live and fifteen years. Each town 
to raise by tax as mucli money as should be received from 
this fund. The gross amount of money raised by tlie 
State and by the towns to be appropriated to the payment 
of teachers exclusively. The whole system to be placed 
under the superintendence of an oiScer appointed by the 
council of appointment. 

Gideon Hawley, of Albany, was the first superintendent 
appointed by the governor and council, Jan. 14, 1813.* 

The apportionment of moneys received from the State in 
1814 was as follows : 

LouLsville, §4.50; Madrid, $20.46; Massena, $9.46; 
Stockholm, $4.43 ; Potsdam, $13.38 ; Gouvenieur, $3.21 ; 
Oswegatcliie, $17.94; Lisbon, $11.82. This was an ex- 
cess of the State appropriation of 1813 paid to the towns 
of De Kalb and Hopkinton, and refunded by them. 

In 1827 the annual sum distributed to the several dis- 
tricts of the State was increased to $100,000. During the 
administration of Secretary John A. Dix, the foundation of 
the school district library was laid. 

In 1838 the legislature passed an act adding $160,000 
from the revenue of the U. S. deposit fund to the amount 
annually apportioned to the schools, making in all $275,000, 
one-fifth to be appropriated annually for the purchase of 
books, the remainder to be applied in the payment of 
teachers. An equal amount was required to bo levied on 
the taxable property for the same purpose. 

In Feb., 1839, John C. Spencer began his administration 
as secretary of state, during which an act was passed 
creating the oflSce of county superintendent of schools. 
Samuel Young was the next secretary of state, com- 
mencing Feb. 7, 1842. In 1843 the offices of town com- 
missioner and inspector were abolished, and a town super- 
intendent substituted. Teachers' institutes were first held 
in this year. The normal school at Albany was established 
in 1844. 

Nathaniel S. Benton succeeded Samuel Young in 1845. 
At a special session of the legislature, in Nov., 1847, an act 
was passed abolishing the office of county superintendent. 
Jan. 1, 1848, Christopher Morgan became secretary of 
state, during whose administration a deputy superintendent 
was appointed, Alex. G. Johnson being the first. 

Tlie act establishing " free schools" was pa.ssed on the 
2Gth of March, 1849. A controversy followed, and in 
1851 the free school law was repealed, and a State tax of 
$800,000 levied. 

In 1850, S. S. Randall was appointed deputy superin- 

* Welcome Eslceok succeeded Mr. Hawley, but soon after the 
secretary of state was made ej: offirio superintendent of schools. 
John Van Ness succeeded Mr. Eslecck. 
10 



tendent. In 1852, Henry W. John.son was appointed 
deputy State superintendent, and was succeeded, in 1854, 
by S. S. Randall. In the last-named year the logi-slature 
created a department of public instruction, with Victor M. 
Rice as superintendent. The incumbents of the office since 
have been Henry II. Van Dyck, Emerson W. Keys, Vic- 
tor M. Rice, Abram B. Weaver, and Neil Gilmour. 

The general school law was revi.sed in 1864. The legis- 
lature of 1856 substituted for the $800,000 State tax a 
levy of three-fourths of a mill upon every dollar of the 
value of real and personal property. By the act of 1867 
a tax of one and one-fourth mills was directed to be raised. 
The rate bill was repealed, and the schools became finally 
free in 1867. 

The number of school districts in the towns of the State 
was reported in 1875 as 11,291. 

Union graded schools have been adopted in many of the 
larger towns. 

E.\RLy SCHOOLS. 

The earliest schools in St. Lawrence County were estab- 
lished during the first decade of the present century, the 
earliest in Ogdensburg being opened in 1809. Academits 
were opened at an early date, the first being at Potsdam, 
called the " St. Lawrence academy, " in 1812. Another 
was opened at Gouverneur in 1826, called the " Gouverneur 
Wesleyan seminary," and a third at Canton, under the 
name of " Canton academy," in 1831. The "Ogdensburg 
academy" was opened in 1834. A history of these insti- 
tutions is given in connection with that of their respective 
towns. 

According to the State superintendent's report for 1875 
the number of school districts in the county, including the 
city of Ogdensburg, was 508. The number of school build- 
ings was 495, of which 9 were in the city. Of these, 401 
were frame buildings, 57 brick, and 21 stone, with a total 
valuation of $300,143. The total number of children of school 
age was 30,563, and the total attendance 21,440, of which 
728 were from other districts. The total amount of money 
received from all sources was $155,009.13. There weie in 
addition 56 private schools, with 2574 pupils in attend- 
ance. The number of licensed teachers employed for 28 
weeks or more was 544, and the total number licensed in 
the county for the year was 1005, of which 194 were males 
and 811 females. The number of volumes in libraries was 
21,565, valued at $10,853. The school commissioners are 
Erwin S. Barnes, of Gouverneur, Albert L. Cole, of Her- 
mon, and Lucius L. Goodale, of Potsdam. The State tax 
for 1876 was $25,393, and the amount received from the 
State, for the same date, was $78,381. 

THE ST.\.TE NORMAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL. 

By an act of the legislature passed April 7, 1866, the 
governor, lieutenant-governor, secretary of state, comptroller, 
treasurer, attorney general, and superintendent of public 
instruction were constituted a commission to select locations 
for four new normal schools, and in making such selections 
were directed to consider the offers of land, buildings, or 
money, which counties, towns, villages, and existing insti- 
tutions of learning were thereby authorized to make. 

It being understood that one of the new sohools was to 



122 



HlSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



be ill northern Now Yiirk, tlio long existence and wide re- 
nown of St. Lawrcncp acadcTny at once drew attention to 
Potsdam as tlie proper place for the intended institution, 
and earnest efforts were made to secure its location there. 
The trustees of the academy unanimously voted to surren- 
der their land and buildings to the normal school ; the su- 
pervisors of St. Lawrence County n)adc an apjiropriation 
of $25,000 to aid in the erection of new buildings. The 
village of Potsdam added §10,000 more, and the town of 
Potsdam, at a special meeting, hold Dec. 1, 186G, voted to 
increase the amount by $15,000 mure. 

This made a total of $50,000, but the State commission 
decided that they would not accept less than $70,000, 
besides the land and other property of St. Lawrence acad- 
emy, as a condition of locating the new institution at Pots- 
dam. This amount was estimated to be sufficient to build 
the required edifice for the school, besides purchasing the 
ground and building occupied by the Presbyterian church 
of Potsdam, which was between the two lots and buildings 
owned by the academy. On Dec. 23, 180G, another special 
meeting of the voters of the town of Potsdam was held, 
and, after an earnest debate, it was decided by a large ma- 
jority that the town should give $20,000 more for the nor- 
mal school, thus making up the $70,000 required. 

In January, 1867, the legislature passed an act accepting 
the various offers above mentioned, directing the levying of 
taxes in accordance with them, and appointing a commission 
to erect the proposed building. It consisted of Erasmus D. 
Brooks, President, T. Stroatfield Clarkson (2d), Treasurer, 
Hiram H. Peck, Henry Watkins, and Charles Cox. There 
was still another difficulty, however. The Presbyterian 
church asked $10,000 for its land and building, and the su- 
perintendent of public instruction, who had control over this 
item, would not allow but $8000 out of the funds already 
contributed. But the village of Potsdam added $2000 to 
its former gif\, and thus this difficulty was obviated. 

In August, 1807, the first " local board" was appointed 
by the superintendent of public instruction ; such board 
being designated by law as the governing power of the in- 
stitution, under the superintendent. The first board con- 
sisted of Henry Watkins, President ; Charles 0. Tappan, 
Secretary ; Noble S. Elderkin, Aaron N. Deering, Jesse 
Reynolds, and A. X. Parker, of Potsdam; Ebenezer Fisher, 
of Canton; Roswell Pettibonc, of Ogdensburg; and John 
I. Gilbert, of Malone. In November, 1867, the commis- 
sion to erect the buildings let the contract therefor to 
Joseph Greene. 

In the spring of 1868, the work commenced. The old 
academy buildings were torn down and removed, the foun- 
dation walls of the new edifice were constructed, and on the 
14th day of June, 1868, the corner-stone of the "State 
Normal and Training school" was laid with imposing cere- 
monies by the Masonic fraternity ; a specially constituted 
grand lodge and eleven subordinate lodges being present, 
besides an immense assemblage of other citizens, eager to 
testify their good-will towards the new institution. 

In the course of less than a year the building was 
erected. The body of tlie idd Presbyterian church (brick) 
was incorporated into it, but all the rest was of Potsdam 
sandstone, laid up in the style known as rough ashlar. In- 



cluding the Mansard roof, it comprised three stories besides 
the ba.sement. It presented a total front of two hundred 
and twenty-four feet toward the eastern side of the public 
square of Potsdam, but the depth was made irregular to 
facilitate the lighting and ventilation. It was fitted up to 
accommodate 250 normal students. 180 academic, 180 inter- 
mediate, and 250 primary. 

In the winter of 1868-69, John H. French was nomi- 
nated by the local board, and confirmed by the superintend- 
dent of public instruction, as principal of the school and 
president of the faculty, but having resigned before the 
school opened, Malcolm MacVicar, Ph.D., LL.D., was 
appointed in his place. 

The building was completed April 25, 1869, and the 
school was opened on the 27th of the same month. It had 
been understood, when St. Lawrence academy surrendered 
its property, and when the people of the locality poured 
forth their means so liberally in behalf of the new school, 
that the latter should afford free instruction to other than 
strictly normal students. Accordingly, it was divided into 
four departments : normal, academic, intermediate, and 
primary. When it opened it had but twenty-five normal 
students, together with thirty-eight in the academic depart- 
ment, ninety-seven in the intermediate, and ninety-nine in 
the primary. By the fall term the number of normal stu- 
dents had increased to a hundred and thirty-four. 

The State has appropriated $18,000 a year for the sup- 
port of the school ever since it was opened. Besides this 
it expended $32,000 in 1870 to put ten furnaces into the 
building, and make other improvements. In 1871 $3000 
extra were appropriated for improving the grounds, fencing, 
etc. In 1876 an appropriation of $17,000 was granted by 
the legislature, and in the course of that year a still more 
important improvement was made. 

The old brick church, which had been made to do duty 
as the centre of the normal school building, was removed, 
and the whole edifice was harmonized and completed by a 
central structure of Potsdam sandstone, forty-five feet front 
by a hundred and thirty feet deep. This, it will be under- 
stood, leaves the total frontage two hundred and twenty-four 
feet as before. The whole is surmounted by a cupola, reach- 
ing a hundred feet from the ground. 

This lofty, extensive, and strongly-built edifice, of a rich, 
dark-brown color, forms a most appropriate home for the 
arts and sciences, and is certainly a great advance on the 
little frame " academy" built, a few rods distant, by Benja- 
min Raymond, sixty-seven years ago. Yet that action of 
Mr. Raymond is doubtless the principal reason why this 
baronial-looking structure now overlooks the busy village of 
Potsdam and the valley of the rushing Ilaquette. 

The normal and academic departments are now com- 
bined under the general head of the normal department, 
there being a hundred and seventy-four normal and forty- 
eight academic students. In the intermediate department 
there are a hundred pupils, and in the primary department 
eighty. 

The faculty consists of Malcolm MacVicar, Ph.D., LL.D., 
principal and teacher of intellectual and moral philosophy 
and school economy; Henry L. Havter, A.M., vice-principal 
and teacher of ancient languages ; Amelia Morey, prccep- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



123 



tiess and teacher of methods in grammar ; Warren Mann, 
A.M., teacher of natural sciences ; Eugene S. Loomis, 
Frank E. Hatliorne, Charles C. Townsend, A.B., Mary L. 
Wood, Amelia A. McFaddcn, Mary M. Kyle, and Carrie 
M. Gilford, teachers of other branches ; Helen D. Austin, 
principal of the intermediate department; and Frances A. 
I'armetcr, principal of the primary department. 

The local board now consists (December, 1877) of Henry 
Watkins, A.M., president ; Hon. Charles 0. Tappan, sec- 
retary ; Jesse Reynolds, M.D., trea.surer; Il]ben Fisher, 
D.D., Roswell Pettibone, A.M., Hon. John I. Gilbert, 
A.M., Hon. A. X. Parker, and Gen. E. A. Merrltt ; Wil- 
liam Wallace, Esq., who had been a member since a short 
time after the organization of the board, having died within 
the past summer. 

To gain admi.ssion to the normal department, applicants 
must be at least sixteen yeai-s of age, of good health, good 
moral character, and average abilities. They are appointed 
to the .school by the State superintendent of public instruc- 
tion, on the recommendation of school commissioners and 
city superintendents. They must pass a fair examination 
in reading, spelling, geography, and arithmetic as far as the 
square root, and be able to analyze and parse simple sen- 
tences. 

All pupils must also, on entering, sign a declaration that 
their purpose in attending is to prepare themselves to teach, 
and that it is their present intention to teach in the public 
schools of this State for a reasonable length of time. In 
the judgment of the State superintendent, a " reasonable 
length of time" is a period as long as that during which 
the student has attended the normal school. 

There are three courses in the normal department : the 
elementary English, the advanced English, and the class- 
ical. The elementary English course occupies two years ; 
the first is devoted to arithmetic, grammar, and other studies 
of the same grade; the second, or strictly normal, year, 
to the history and philosophy of education, school economy, 
school law, methods of giving object-lessons, teaching in 
school of practice, and other exercises intended to fit the 
students for their profession as teachers. 

Tlie intermediate and primary departments furnish the 
schools of practice, where the normal students acquire the 
art of teaching by giving actual instruction under the eye 
of llieir own .supervisors. 

To enter the advanced English course, students must 
pass a satisfactory examination in all the studies of the first 
year in the elementary English course. The first year in 
the advanced is devoted to algebra, geometry, English lit- 
erature, and corresponding studies, while the second, or 
normal, year is nearly the .same as in the elementary Eng- 
lish course. 

The classical course embraces three years. The first is 
employed on the higher English studies and Latin ; the 
second, on Latin, Greek, and a few other branches ; the 
tiiird, on Latin, Greek, professional studies, and teaching in 
the school of practice. 

Students who satisfactorily complete cither of these 
courses receive diplomas, which serve as licenses to teach in 
all the public schools of the State. Notwithstanding the 
division of the courses into years, students are allowed to 



advance as slowly as their health, attainments, or other 
circumstances may require, or as rapidly as those circum- 
stances will permit 

There are three flourishing literary societies connected 
with the school, — the " Roger Baconian" and the " Francis 
Baconian" being su.stained by the young men, and the 
" Alpha" by the young women. 

The school year is divided into two terms of twenty weeks 
each, — the fall term beginning on the first Wednesday in 
September, and the spring terra on the second Wednesday 
in February. The intermediate and primary departments 
open two weeks later in the fall, and one week later in the 
spring, than the normal. The State places students from 
a distance on an equality with those in the vicinity, so far 
as practicable, by refunding the fare necessarily paid on 
public conveyances, in coming to the school, to those who 
remain a full term. 

We have reserved to the last the most important subject 
connected with the normal school, — the method of instruc- 
tion. This is the same as that employed in the other nor- 
mal schools of this State, but is materially different from 
that in common use in other schools, academies, and col- 
leges. 

This method is frequently called " object-teaching," but 
that name is repudiated by all the normal school teachers, 
as involving the idea of holding up toy-like " objects" before 
the pupils. This is considered well enough for small 
children, but the system must reach a much more advanced 
stage of development before it is available for young men 
and women. Mr. Sheldon, principal of the Oswego normal 
school, calls the system in use the objective mode of teach- 
ing, while Mr. Mac Vicar, of the Potsdam school, terms it 
the scientific method. 

Under either name, the idea is to teach known realities 
in the most direct manner possible. As the lawyer always 
objects to '• hearsay evidence," so these gentlemen object to 
hearsay teaching or studying. If a material object is to be 
described it must if possible be inspected, measured, weighed, 
tested in every possible manner, by actual observation. If 
this is not practicable, then the pictured or sculptured 
representation is to be used. When a complete " concept," 
or representation of the object, has been formed in the brain, 
then it is considered proper to read about it, for then the 
words bring up the concept before the mind, which other- 
wise they would not do. 

In mathematics the same rule is applied ; constantly 
familiarizing the mind with the idea that numbers represent 
actual objects ; studying actual cubes instead of representa- 
tions of cubes on the blackboard, and in all things working 
on the solid basis of reality. 

In mental and moral philosophy a similar course is to 
be observed. The pupils are first to study not what Herbert 
Spencer says, or Dugald Stewart, or Sir William Hamilton, 
but what they themselves feel. They are to observe closely 
their own emotions, passions, reasoning powers, and learn 
all they can in that way of mental and moral phenomena ; 
then it will be time enough to extend their knowledge by 
finding out what other people have to say on the subject. 

It is not our province to pass judgment upon these 
ideas, but as the normal schools are designed to teach the 



124 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



teachers, it is evident that the views promulgated and the 
methods employed at those institutions are likely to have 
a marked effect on the whole educational system, and we 
have therefore deemed it necessary to I'urnish our readers 
with a slight sketch of the mode of procedure in the prin- 
cipal school of St. Lawrence County. 

The first nomiiialinns for normal school in St. Lawrence 
County were made by the supervisors in 184G, and were as 
follows : Rollin Dart, George Ellis, James Forsythe, Sidney 
R. Smith, and Miss Susan Richardson. 

THE COUNTY TEACUERls' ASSOCIATION. 

The St. Lawrence County Teachers' Association was or- 
ganized in the court-house at Canton, in October, 185S. 
Mr. W. Spaulding, Esq., the school commissioner of the 
second assembly district, was. the first president. He, and 
his fellow-commissioners of the county, and James Cruik- 
shanks, Esq., then of Lisbon (who was engaged in pro- 
moting the general interests of education in the State), suc- 
ceeded in awakening sufficient interest among the teachers 
of the county to induce a respectable number to assemble at 
that time, form an association, and discuss the details of 
school-work and the general principles of education. From 
that time to this, nineteen years, the association has held 
annual meeting's, and some years semi-annual meetings. In 
July, 1859, the session was held in Ogdensburg, when 
essays were read and discussed, practical questions intro- 
duced and answered, methods of education, chiefly drawn 
from the experience of the teacher, presented and com- 
posed, and addres.ses delivered. On this occasion the 
closing address, on " The Dignity of the Teacher's Office," 
was given by Prof J. S. Lee, who had recently come from 
Woodstock, Vermont, to take charge of the collegitte de- 
partment of the St. Lawrence university. The sessions 
have been held in Potsdam, Madrid, Gouverneur, Richville, 
Heuvelton, Rensselaer Falls, Lawrenceville, Norwood, Og- 
densburg, and Canton. The people of these places took a 
commendable interest in the gatherings, attended the meet- 
ings, generously entertained the teachers in their houses, 
and thus made it pleasant for them. 

The meetings usually continued from two to three days. 
At first the sessions were held in summer and autumn, but 
it soon became apparent that the teachers could be better 
accommodated by holding them during the brief recess be- 
tween Christmas and New Year's. This afforded an oppor- 
tunity for a large number of teachers to be present. Every 
session has been well attended, and sometimes a large crowd 
has assembled. Generally from 200 to 300 teachers have 
been present, and a goodly number of these taken part in the 
exercises. A sparsely-attended or a poor meeting has not 
been held from the first organization. At several of the 
first sessions, no regular programme was presented before 
the association met, or only the barest outline of exercises, 
and few or no speakers were selected. The membera came 
together and discussed subjects presented by any member, 
suggested by the occasion, or drawn up in order by a com- 
mittee appointed after the association met. This plan, or 
want of plan rather, did not work well, and a committee 
was appointed at each session, to draw up and present an 
order of exercises to be followed at the next session, and 



the speakers selected. This programme was printed and 
distributed at the commencement of the session. Still, some 
whose names appeared on this programme failed to perfoiin 
the parts assigned them. Then more care was taken to 
select speakers and essayists who would give the assurance 
that, unforeseen contingencies excepted, they would perform 
the duty assigned them. The result has been most satis- 
factory. Only very few have failed to appear whose names 
were on the programme. This has contributed much to the 
success of the association. 

The officers have not been frequently changed. The 
names of the presidents are : C. C. Church, commissioner 
of the .second district, 1858-61 ; Rev. Dr. J. S. Lee, 
professor in St. Lawrence university, 1862-68 ; L. L. 
Goodale, present commissioner of the third district, 1869- 
73 ; Barney Whitney, principal of Lawrence academy, 
1874-78. The names of the secretaries, so far as they 
have been ascertained, are L. L. Goodale, E. D. Blakeslee, 
and H. L. Horter, professor and vice-principal of Potsdam 
normal school. The present officers are Barney Whitney, 
president ; J. S. Lee, vice-president ; H. L. Horter, secre- 
tary ; J. A. Hoig, treasurer. 

.ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY. 

This institution was founded by, and is under the control 
of, the Universalist church. It is the only college in the 
State north of the Central railroad. The original design of 
the founders was to establish a divinity school. The uni- 
versity is the result of an amplification of their plans. 

Prior to 1845 no attempt had been made to put into .sys- 
tematic operation a theological seminary in the Universalist 
denomination. In September of that year Thomas J. Saw- 
yer, D.D., then principal of the Liberal Institute at Clinton, 
opened a theological department in that school, and, entirely 
unaided by the denomination at large, maintained the same 
for several years. While thus engaged he continued to 
urge upon clergy and laity, through the denominational 
press and from the pulpit, the necessity of a Universalist 
college and theological school. In his efforts he was ably 
seconded by the Rev. W. S. Balch. Tuft's college, at Col- 
lege Hill, Mass., was the first and immediate result of the 
movement thus begun. 

The need of a divinity school still existed, and at a meet- 
ing of the New York State convention of Univer>ali.->ts, 
held at Hudson, in 1852. the "New York Education So- 
ciety" was formed, and this appears to be substantially the 
first step towards the institution at Canton. The constitu- 
tion of this society declared its object to be " to promote 
the cause of education in connection with the Universalist 
denomination, and to aid in tlie education of young men of 
good reputation and promise who are desirous of entering 
the ministry." A board of sixteen trustees was chosen, 
who organized by electing Rev. T. J. Sawyer president. 
Rev. E. Francis treasurer, and George E. Baker secretary. 

Solicitors of subscriptions were put into the field. By 
common consent it was understood that the school should 
be located in that part of the State which should offer the 
greatest pecuniary and other inducements. Various locali- 
ties in central New York were proposed. During the year 
1851 subscriptions amounting to upwards of §20,000 were 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



125 



secured, but no definite steps were taken as to selecting a 
site. 

Martin Thatcher, Esq., of the city of New York, but 
formerly resident at Canton, was the first to propose Canton 
as the phxce for the school. In tlie spring of the year 1855 
he broached the proposition to Theodore Caldwell, Levi B. 
Storrs, and Barzillai Hod.skin, three prominent business 
men of Canton. These gentlemen held their first meeting 
to consider the question at a hotel in New York city, during 
the month of April, 1855. At first Messrs. Storrs, Hods- 
kin, and Caldwell had little faith in the feasibility of the 
project, and felt that their section of the State would be 
unable to compete with wealthier and more central localities. 
Inspired, however, by Mr. Thatcher's energy and hopeful- 
ness, they returned home and immediately entered upon a 
thorough canvass of the county. Their efforts were en- 
couraged to such an extent that they felt warranted in 
pledging their personal responsibility for the raising the 
sum of §15,000 for the school. The committee to whom 
was intrusted the selection of locality for the school met in 
August, 1855. Messrs. Caldwell, Thatcher, Hodskin, and 
Storrs placed in the hands of this committee their joint and 
several bond, conditioned for the payment of the sum of 
$15,000 towards the purchase of a site and erection of a 
building, in case the school should be located at Canton. 
After careful consideration it appeared to the satisfaction 
of the committee that the offer from Canton was the most 
advantageous of the several submitted to them, and Jan. 5, 
1856, it was decided to locate the school at Canton. 

Messrs. Thatcher, Storrs, Caldwell, and Hodskin imme- 
diately organized themselves as a general committee for 
soliciting subscriptions and putting up a building. Some- 
thing over $20,000 was subscribed in northern New York, 
payable according to the terms of the subscription, — not at 
once, but in four equal annual instalments. Notwithstand- 
ing their thus limited resources, the committee purchased 
twenty acres of land, near the village of Canton, and began 
the erection of a brick building one hundred feet long by 
fifty wide. 

The need of a college in northern New York had long 
been felt. As soon as it was decided to locate the theologi- 
cal school at Canton, the proposition was made that a col- 
lege be established in connection with it, or rather that a 
university be established, of which a college of letters and 
science and the theological school should be departments. 
The project was received with much favor by the leading 
men of the county, not alone of the Univer.salist, but of 
other denominations. The late Hons. Preston King, John 
Leslie Russell, and David C. Judson were outspoken friends 
of the proposed university, and very earnestly recommended 
its establishment. The idea thus well received was promptly 
acted upon, and by an act of the legislature of the State of 
New York, passed April 3, 185G, "Jacob Harsen, Preston 
King, John Leslie Russell, Sidney Lawrence, George C. 
Sherman, Francis Segcr, Martin Thatcher, Barzillai Hods- 
kin, Levi B. Storrs, Theodore Caldwell, James Stirling, F. 
C. Havemeyer, Caleb Barstow, Thomas Wallace, Josiah 
Barber, Norman Van Nostrand, George E. Baker, P. S. 
Bitley, H. W. Barton, A. C. Moore, Thomas J. Sawyer, 
William S. Balch, John M. Austin, L. C. Brown, George 



W. Montgomery, and such other persons as are or may be 
associated with them, and their successors" were chosen " a 
body corporate, by the name of the St. Lawrence Univer- 
sity, for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, and con- 
ducting a college in the town of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., 
for the promotion of general education, and to cultivate and 
advance literature, science, and the arts ; and also to estab- 
lish and maintain a theological school and department in 
Canton aforesaid." It was further enacted that the funds 
of the two departments should be kept separate. The 
building committee proceeded with their work. The cor- 
ner-stone of the main building was laid June 18, 1856. 
The proceeds of the subscriptions made as before stated 
proved inadequate to the work, and the committee were 
often at their wits' ends to carry on the work continuously. 
Levi B. Storrs was the financial agent of the enterprise. 
Mr. Caldwell worked actively in the field, while Messrs. 
Thatcher and Hodskin left no- stone unturned to assist their 
colleagues. At hardly any time from the first was the 
committee able to proceed without pledging their personal 
responsibility. Especially did Messrs. Storrs and Thatcher 
raise money in this manner. At one time their individual 
notes to the amount of several thousand dollars were put 
into the New York market for funds. These strenuous 
efforts were successt^ul. The building was ready for occu- 
pation in April, 1857. Meanwhile the legislature had been 
petitioned for an appropriation for the new university, and 
on April 18, 1857, an act was passed giving it the sum of 
$25,000, on condition that the same sum be raised by its 
friends in addition to all amounts previously secured. Of 
this sum, $19,0(10 were raised by subscription, and Messrs. 
Caldwell, Hodskin, Storrs, and Thatcher became responsible 
for $(5000, and the appropriation was secured. 

April 15, 1858, the theological school was formally 
opened, with Rev. Eben Fisher at its head. The college 
department was opened in April, 1858, Rev. John S. Lee 
being inducted into the principalship. 

The first theological class, consisting of five, was gradu- 
ated in 1861. This department has in all one hundred 
graduates, while nearly two hundred besides have followed 
special courses under its instruction. The Rev. Dr. Fisher 
is still at its head. Through his energy the school has 
been made a great power in the Universalist church. Its 
funds have been largely increased by his efforts. On sev- 
eral occasions of pressing necessity he has entered the field 
for funds, and never without large success. Dr. Fisher is a 
man of great force of character, honest, manly piety, large 
learning in his special field, and wide experience with men. 
Under his training, the best in his students is developed. No 
man in the denomination is more aptly and thoroughlj' fitted 
to his work than Dr. Fisher. Rev. Massena Goodrich, M. A., 
occupied the chair of Biblical Languages and Literature from 
1861 to 1SG3. He wits succeeded by Rev. Orello Cone, 
M.A., who still is the incumbent. Prof Cone is a gentle- 
man of remarkable attainment in many fields of learning. 
His knowledge of the ancient and modern languages enables 
him to stand abreast with the ablest writers and the best 
thinkers on <|uestions of biblical and theological interpreta- 
tion. Since 186i), Dr. John S. Lee has filled the professor- 
ship of Ecclesiastical "History and Biblical Archaeology. 



126 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWEENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



We shall speak of him further in connection with the Col- 
lege of Letters and Science. The regular course of the 
theological department covers three years, and embraces 
instruction in moral philosophy, logic, ecclesiastical history, 
homiletics, evidences of Christianity, iutcllcctual philoso- 
phy, exegesis, natural theology, systematic theology, bibli- 
cal archicology, and the Greek and Hebrew languages. 
There is also a post-graduate course, to be completed in one 
year. The degree of Bachelor of Divinity is conferred on 
those completing the post-graduate course. Those com- 
pleting the three years' course receive dipUmuis. Applicants 
for admission to the theological school must bring satisfac- 
tory testimonials as to their moral and religious character. 
They must also sustain a satisfiictory examination in the 
English branches. They must be believers in the Holy 
Si-'riplures, must accept the Winchester confession of faith, 
and have a fi.Kcd determination to devote their lives to the 
Christian ministry. 

Prior to the opening of the collegiate department of 
the university, there had been very little instruction in the 
clas.sics in northern New York. Potsdam academy, a fit- 
ting school for Middlebury college, was the only institution 
in the section which provided satisfactory training prepara- 
tory for college. As a consequence, there was very little 
of the cla.ssical spirit in the region in which the new insti- 
tution was to look for students. Professor Lee found it 
necessary to organize a preparatory school in connection 
with the college, for the purpose of fitting students for the 
college itself. The fitting school was continued until 1864, 
and then given up. The first class was graduated from the 
cullege in 1865. Since then the cla.sses have followed each 
other in regular succession, gradually, on the whole, in- 
creasing in the number of their members. For the best 
interests of the new college Professor Lee worked ably, 
tirelessly, and successfully. His zeal never flagged, even 
under great discouragements. He gave the best years of his 
early prime to the work, until, worn out by care and drudg- 
ery, he was obliged to seek rest in travel. After his return 
from a tour of the Old World, in 1869, he was called to 
and accepted the chair he now holds in the theological 
department. Rev. Richmond Fisk, Jr., D.D., succeeded 
him as the head of the college, with the title of president. 
Dr. Fisk instituted a policy which brought the college more 
prominently and favorably before the [lublic, and increased 
its usefulness in many directions. Under his administra- 
tion, there grew up more of the college spirit than had 
been before felt. Through his eflforts, and by the aid of an 
efficient corps of professors, the courses of instruction be- 
came more definitely fixed ; methods were systematized, 
lectureships instituted, prize funds established, and, in 
general, the best characteristics of college training began to 
be developed. Under President Fisk, in 1869, a school of 
law was instituted in connection with the university, with 
William C. Cooke, Esq., professor of practice, pleadings, 
and evidence ; Hon. Leslie W. Russell, professor of per- 
sonal property, criminal and commercial law, and real es- 
tate; and Hon. Stillman Foote, professor of domestic re- 
lations, personal rights, wills, and contracts. After grad- 
uating two classes this department was discontinued, owing 
to a curtailing of its privileges by "the effect of new rules 



of the court of appeals regulating admission to the bar. 
During its continuance the school flourished greatly. The 
eminent legal gentlemen named gave its students excellent 
courses of lectures, and, at considerable sacrifice on their 
own part, were rapidly building up a law school second to 
none, when, by reason of the rather invidious rules spoken 
of, the enterprise had to be abandoned. Dr. Fisk was also 
largely instrumental in securing the erection of the Herring 
library hall, which was built in 1869-70, and stands on the 
college campus, northwest of the main building. This hall 
is a fire-proof structure, and the depository of the Herring 
library of some ten thousand volumes, named after Silas C. 
Herring, of New York city, to whose liberality the univer- 
sity is indebted for the same. This library is very valuable, 
and comprises several collections, the principal one being 
that of the late Dr. E. K. Credner, of the university of 
Giessen, Germany. 

Dr. Fi.sk resigned the presidency of the college in 1872, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Absalom G. Gaines, D.D., who 
is still president. The improvements and reforms begun 
under Dr. Fisk have been in general carried through by 
Dr. Gaines, and many others inaugurated. Eminent thor- 
oughness in every direction is the characteristic of the 
administration of President Gaines. He is satisfied with 
nothing short of the very best effort of every student. He 
is a man of the strongest personality and profoundest 
.scholarship. He is very popular with the students. He 
pervades, it may be said, every phase of the college, and 
has established a standard of scholarship and character 
throughout the same which has heretofore never been at- 
tained there. He is assisted by an efiicient faculty, con- 
sisting of the following teachers: A. Z. Squire, M.A., pro- 
fessor of mathematics; Bernhard Pink, professor of the 
German and French languages ; Walter B. Gunnison, B.A., 
professor of the Latin language and literature ; Charles K. 
Gaines, B.A., professor of the Greek language and litera- 
ture ; James Henry Chapin, M.A., professor of geology 
and mineralogy ; and C. Weaver, B.A., instructor in Latin ■ 
and Greek. Two courses of study are followed in the " 
college^ the classical and scientific. Each is in every respect 
as comprehensive and adequate as the corresponding courses 
in the best colleges. Each course stands for no more on the 
catalogue than in the class-room. In no institution are the 
various courses of study, as marked out, more conscienti- 
ously followed. 

Women are admitted to all classes and courses upon ex- 
actly the same terms with men. The usual degrees are 
conferred upon those who fulfill the re(iuisites of graduation. 

The governing board of the university is the board of 
trustees, of which Jonas S. Conkey, M.D., is president, and 
Levi B. Storrs, recorder and treasurer. The alumni of the 
university are represented upon its governing body, and will 
soon have much influence in shaping the general policy of 
the institution. 

Among the principal benefactors of the university may 
be named John Craig, Esq., late of Rochester, deceased, 
by whase gift it received the sum of S50,000 ; A. C. Moore, 
Esq., of Buffalo, the donor of $25,000 ; and Alvinza Hay- 
ward, Esq., of California, who gave the sum of $oO,000 
to the college. This last benefaction was secured by the 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



12Y 



able efforts of Dr. J. S. Conkey, president of the board of 
trustees, a life-long friend of Mr. Hayward. 

In closing this sketch of the history of St. Lawrence uni- 
versity, it is but proper to say that while, like most similar 
institutions, it is under the control of a religious denom- 
ination, and has for one of its departments a theological 
school, its general policy is exceedingly liberal, and the 
college proper is entirely unsectarian. Dr. Gaines encour- 
ages the utmost freedom of thought and opinion consistent 
with morality, reason, and true character. All are encour- 
aged to be religious, but none are dictated to as to what 
they shall believe or how they shall worship. 

The institution is to be commended in all respects. To 
those who are desirous of securing a liberal education, but 
are poor, an opportunity is here offered for obtaining the 
same economically. Those having daughters to educate can 
find here the most liberal and solid training for them. On 
the whole, we may say that the institution is broad, liberal, 
and catholic, and in every respect thorough in its policy and 
administration. It is rapidly becoming a power in the 
northern part of the State. Under its influence a literary 
spirit is developing which promises the most happy results. 
Its alumni are becoming numerous and influential, and in 
due time the university will become, if it is not already, a 
powerful factor for good in advancing the interests of the 
county and section. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first attempt at planting the Christian religion in St. 
Lawrence County was undoubtedly made by Rev. Father 
Francis Picquet, a Catholic of the order of Sulpicians, in 
the year 1749, who established a mission, and gathered 
several thousand Indians of the Five Nations, and others, 
around the mouth of the Oswegatchie. This mission was 
successfully maintained for about ten years, but upon the 
approach of the Engli.sh army under Gen. Amherst, in the 
summer of 1760, it was abandoned, and probably never 
renewed. 

The converted Indians scattered in various directions. 
It is possible that the rites and ceremonies of the church 
were retained under the English rule, but we have no au- 
thentic information upon this point. 

The English had a small garrison either at Oswegatchie 
or Oraconenton island for some time after the conquest of 
Canada, and it is po,ssible that clergymen of the English 
Church may have oflBciated ; but subsequent to 1760 there 
was no permanent religious organization in the county until 
about 1S04, when churches began to spring up, at first 
feeble ill numbers and in means, but gradually, as the 
country became settled, they grew in importance, and have 
since kept pace with the growth of the country. 

TlIK PRESBYTERIANS 

were among the earliest to organize, commencing in 1801 
in Lisbon, and in Ogdensburg the succeeding year. 

Synods. — The formation of the different synods in the 
State have been as follows: The synod of New York, 
" New Side," in 1741 : the synod of New York and New 
Jersey in 1785 ; the synod of Albany in 1803 ; the synod 
of Geneva in 1812 ; the synod of Utica in 1829 ; .synod of 



Susquehanna in 185.S; synod of Buffalo in 1843; synod 
of Susquehanna in 1855; synod of Onondaga in 1855. 

Presbyteries. — Presbytery of Dutchess county, 1763; 
presbytery of Albany, 1791 ; presbytery of Oneida, 1803; 
presbytery of Geneva in 1805; presbytery of Onondaga, 
1810. In 1816 the presbytery of St. Lawrence was formed, 
including that portion of St. Lawrence County not included 
in the presbytery of Champlain and JeflFerson and Lewis 
counties. The name of this presbytery was changed to 
Watertown in 1828. In 1821 the portion of St. Lawrence 
County before occupied by the presbytery of Champlain was 
made the new presbytery of Ogdensburg. In 1830 the 
name was changed to St. Lawrence presbytery. 

At the disruption of 1838, the old school ministers and 
churches of the presbytery of St. Lawrence were organized 
into the presbytery of Ogdensburg. At the reconstruction 
of the Judicatories of the Church, in 1870, the General 
Assembly directed that the presbyteries should be defined 
" by geographical lines, or by convenient lines of travel." 

At present the counties of St. Lawrence and Jefferson 
constitute the presbytery of St. Lawrence, which includes 
the old presbyteries of Ogdensburg and Watertown. 

The present number of churches of this denomination 
in St. Lawrence County is eleven, located as follows: 1st 
Oswegatchie church, in Ogdensburg; 2d Oswegatchie, at 
Black Lake; Heuvelton, Canton, Waddington, Potsdam, 
Morristown, Gouverneur, Brasher Falls, Hammond, and 
Rossie. The membership, as given in Dr. Fowler's " Pres- 
byterianism in Central New York," published in 1877, is 
1915. 

According to the United States census report for 1870, 
there were twenty-one organizations of all denominations of 
Presbyterians in the county, with church sittings for 8080. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination was one of the 
first to organize in St. Lawrence County. It is claimed 
that ministers of this sect preached to the British garrison 
of Oswegatchie as early as 1793. At an early day the 
whole of northern New York was included in various dis- 
tricts and conferences, which were changed from time to 
time, as circumstances required. In 1803—4 the " Black 
River circuit" was formed from the Genesee district. 
Among its earliest circuit riders were Barzillai Willey and 
John Husselkus. In 1804 it had 90 members. 

The "St. Lawrence circuit" was formed in 1811, with 
84 members, and Isaac Puffer was the first circuit preacher. 
In 1820 the Black River district was formed as a part of 
Oneida conference, including both of our counties up to the 
period of the division. St. Lawrence circuit was supplied 
by the following preachers: 1812, Isaac Puffer, 144 mem- 
bers; 1813, Benj. G. Paddock, 160; 1814, Joseph Hick- 
cox and Robert Menshall, 230 ; 1815, 262 ; 1816, Wyat 
Chamberlin and John Dempster, 251 ; 1817, Andrew 
Prindle and Thomas iMcGee, 231 ; 1818, Thomas Good- 
win and Calvin N. Flint, 290; 1819, Timothy Goodwin 
and Thomas Demorest, 332 ; 1829, W. W. Rundall and 
Josiah Kies, .549; 1821, Ezra Healy and Orriu Foot, 398; 
1822, Truman Dixon, Squire Chase, and Iloswell Parker, 
343; 1823, Isaac Smith and R. Parker, 383; 1824, 



128 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Gardner Baker, 315; 182.5, do., 243 ; 1826, James Brown, 
255; 1827, Andrew Prindle, 230; 1828, 152. In this 
year this circuit was divided into several. Indian River 
circuit, embracing a part of St. Lawrence County, was 
formed in 1821. Potsdam circuit was formed in 1823, 
with Warren Bannister first preacher. Subsequently other 
circuits were formed, as follows: Ogdensburg, 1826; Par- 
ishvillc, Waddington, Canton, and Gouverneur, 1828; 
Heuvelton, 1829 ; Fort Covington, 1830 ; Hammond and 
Chateaugay, 1832 ; ITopkinton and De Kalb, 1833 ; Lisbon, 
Louisville, Ma.ssena, and Bangor, 1 835 ; Bombay and Stock- 
holm, 1836 ; Westville, 1837 ; Russell mission, 1838 ; Ros- 
sie mission, Matildaville, and Pierrepont mission, 1840 ; 
South Canton, Sprague's Corners, Norfolk, Buck's Bridge, 
and Brasher mission, 1841 ; Macomb mission, 1842 ; Ra- 
quette River and West Stockholm, 1843 ; Edwards mission 
and MorristowD, 1846; St. Regis mission, 1849; St. Law- 
rence, French mission, Duane mission, and Moira circuit, 
1850. 

Presiding Elders. — Black River district : 1820, Renaldo 
M. Everts ; 1823, Dan. Barnes ; 1826, Goodwin Stoddard ; 

1827, Nathaniel Salisbury. Potsdam district : formed in 

1828, and embraced the two counties and a portion of Jef- 
ferson ; 1828, B. G. Paddock ; 1831, Squire Chase ; 1834, 
Silas Comfort; 1836, G. Loveys ; 1837, W. S. Bowdish ; 
1839, Lewis Whitcomb ; the district discontinued in 1840, 
and merged in Ogdensburg district ; renewed in 1842 ; 1842, 
A. Adams; 1845, Isaac L. Hunt; 1849, Geo. C. Woodruff; 
Ogdensburg district: formed in 1852 ; 1852, Hiram Shep- 
ard. Gouverneur district : formed in 1839 ; discontinued in 
1844; 1839, W. S. Bowdish; 1841, Lewis Whitcomb; 
1842, Nathaniel Salisbury. 

The " Black River conference'" was formed in 1836, and 
incorporated in 1841. It included a large number of coun- 
ties in northern New York, and its fiist board of trustees 
consisted of George Gary, Jehu Dempsey, Nathaniel Salis- 
bury, Gardner Baker, Wm. S. Bowdish, Isaac Stone, and 
Lewis Whitcomb. Its original charter restricted it to the 
holding of property which should produce an annual income 
not exceeding $10,000, but by the new charter of 1873 its 
jurisdiction was enlarged, so that it now may possess prop- 
erty having an annual income of $15,000. 

In 1868 the area of the conference was reduced to four 
counties, — Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Franklin. 
In 1872 its title was changed to " Northern New York con- 
ference." It was subsequently enlarged, and now embraces 
Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, 
and a part of Madison, and is subdivided into six districts, 
to wit : Herkimer, Utica, Oswego, Adams, Watertown, and 
St. Lawrence. At present St. Lawrence County is in- 
cluded partly in Watertown and partly in St. Lawrence 
districts. 

From the minutes of the Northern New York confer- 
ence for its fourth session, — 1876, — we glean tjie following 
statistics : 

Number of circuits and stations, 30, viz., Gouverneur, Ucrmon, Do 
Kalb, Rensselaer Falls, Heuvelton, De Peystcr, llanimouJ, Edwards 
and Fine, Macomb, Potsdiim, Potsdam Junction, Canton, Ogdens- 
burg, Morristown, Lisbon, Waddington, Madrid, Buck's Bridge, Rus- 
sell, Clare, South Canton and Pierrepont, Colton, Parishville, West 
Stockholm, Norfolk, Louisville, Masscna, Brasher, Lawrence, and 



Nicholville. Total number of communicants in full membership, 
31)63. Twenty-nine .Sabbath-schools are reported, with 635 officers 
and teachers, and an attendance of 4380 scholars, and 19 libraries, 
containing 3S92 volumes of books. The estimated value of church 
property was $181,850, and the amount of salaries allowed to regu- 
lar ministers, not including presiding elders, was $21,075. The ap- 
proximate value of parsonages was $20,000. The conference includes 
within its jurisdiction four prominent institutions of learning. — the 
Syracuse university, the Wesleyan university, and the Ives and Drew 
theological seminaries, all in a flourishing condition. In connection 
it has also a historical society. Rev. I. S. Bingham, president; a life 
insurance association, a board of church extension, a missionary so- 
ciety, a frecdman's aid society, and a ladies' and pastors' Christian 
union. 

Conference O^eers. — Bishop E. G. Andrews, D.D. (Des Moines, 
Iowa), president; S. 0. Barnes, Lowville, N. Y., secretary; E. S. 
Cheeseman, assistant secretary; J. C. Stewart, journalist ; Wm. Wat- 
son, statistician ; M. R. Webster, Daniel Marvin, Jr., James Coote, 
assistant statisticians. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 

The advent of this denomination in St. Lawrence was 
coeval with Presbyterianism, and, in fact, the two bodies 
were mingled together more or less during the first years of 
the early settlements. The St. Lawrence con.sociation and 
the Black River association, established in 1810, occupied 
northern New York. 

The " St. Lawrence Consociation," embracing the lay 
element, was formed at Madrid, Feb. 9, 1825. The "St. 
Lawrence Association," formed of the clergy, was organized 
at Madrid, Sept. 14, 1844, with seventeen members. 

According to our best information, the churches of this 
denomination in St. Lawrence County are now included in 
the " Black River Association." 

The number of organizations in the county, as shown by 
the United States census for 1870, was fourteen, with sit- 
tings for 4350. 

BAPTISTS. 

This denomination was very early in the county, having 
organized a society in Ogdensburg in 1809. The Baptists 
are somewhat peculiar in their system of church govern- 
ment, each separate society being " a law unto itself," and 
acknowledging no higher authority. Associations of various 
kinds are formed for the transaction of general business, 
but they have no more than advisory power over the 
churches, and there are no higher officers than those of 
each individual church. 

The " St. Lawrence Baptist Association" was organized 
in the fail of 1813, in Stockholm, in a log house on the St. 
Regis river owned by Zephaniah French, by Elder Hascall, 
founder of Hamilton seminary. Elder Starkweather, from 
Vermont, and a few others. This organization still con- 
tinues, and embraces St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. 
The " Baptist Missionary Convention" was organized in 
1827, as auxiliary to the "Baptist Missionary Convention 
of the State of New York." As its name indicates, its 
work is within the State, though it formerly labored in other 
States and in Canada. 

The " St. Lawrence County Bible Society," organized in 
Sept., 1836, is not now in existence, having been merged 
in a general county Bible society composed of all Protestant 
denominations except Episcopalians. 

The number of churches at present included in the St. 
Lawrence Baptist association within the county is seventeen. 



^ 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



121) 



located at Canton, Colton, Edwards, Tine, Gouverncur, 
Hermon, Lawrcnceville, Madrid, Massena, Monterey, Nichol- 
ville, Ogdeiisburg, Parishville, Piteairn, Potsdam, Richville, 
and Russell, with a total membership, by their last report 
(1877), of 1447. The total valuation of church property, 
from the same authority, is about $91,000. 

The " St. Lawrence Suiiday-Schodl Convention" was or- 
ganized about ISot), and has continued until the present 
time. The present oflScers of the convention are J. E. 
Fisk, president, and C. E. Basconi, secretary. Schools 
are reported at Gouverneur, Hermon (2), Lawrcnceville, 
Madrid, Monterey, Massena, Nicholville, Ogdensburg, Par- 
ishville, Potsdam, Richville, and Russell, with a total mem- 
bership of 11G2, and libraries containing in the aggregate 
2074 volumes. 

CATUOLIC OHURCtlES. 

The Catholics were first to occupy the ground where 
Ogdensburg now stands, under the lead of Father Picquet, 
in 1749, and this was the establishment of Christianity in 
St. Lawrence County. From 17G0 to about 1830, there 
were no stated services of this church in the county. 
About the last-mentioned date missionaries began to visit 
the scattered Catholics within the county, soon after which 
a small stone chapel was erected in Ogdensburg, near where 
St. Mary's cathedral now stands. The Catholic population 
is now quite large in the county, being probably about 4500 
in Ogdensburg alone, and the denominations are well estab- 
lished at various points in the county. 

According to the census of 1870, there were eight or- 
ganizations, with sittings for 42G4; but these figures are 
doubtless much below the present facts, as the sittings in 
Ogdensburg will accommodate nearly 3000. The denomi- 
nation have two convents and several schools attached to 
their societies in Ogdensburg. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

The Church of England may po.ssibly have had represen- 
tatives within the present bounds of St. Lawrence County 
during the occupation by the English, from 1700 to about 
1706, but we have no record of them. Probably the first 
church organized Wiis the one at Waddington, then a jiart 
of Madrid, about 1817. From that date to 18(j8 all the 
Episcopal churches of northern New York belonged to the 
diocese of New Y^ork. Li that year all the northeastern 
portions of the State were set oft', and constituted the dio- 
cese of Albany, which is subdivided into four convocations, 
— St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex, and in- 
cluded under the general title of " Convocation of Ogdcn.s- 
burg." The Right Rev. William Roswell Doane, S.T.D., 
the present bishop of the diocese, resides at Albany. The 
present archdeacon of the Ogdensburg convocation is Rev. 
George C. Pennell,who resides at Rouse's Point, in Clinton 
county. 

This denomination has erected the finest church edifice 
in northern New York at Ogdensburg, for an account of 
which see hi.story of that organization. The number of 
organizations in the county at the present time is eleven, 
and the number of communicantji about three thousand. 

There are other churches of various denominations, the 
history of which will be found in their respective towns. 
17 



CHAPTER X. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

Tuinpike ami Plunk Roads — Canals — Railwa^vs — Steam Navigation 
— Tclcgrn])h Lines — Customs. 

The earliest means of transportation in St. Lawrence 
County were bridle-paths and the primitive canoe and 
bateau. The former led into the county from various di- 
rections : from Rome and Utiea vi<t Oswego and Jefferson 
counties and down the Black river valley, and thence from 
Carthage, or the Lonff F<tlls, and Watertown northward 
across the country lying between the waters of Black river 
and the Oswegatchie and Indian rivers to the various set- 
tlements. Another route was from the lower waters of Lake 
Champlain westward through the wilderness, crossing the 
Chateaugay, St. Regis, Raquette, and Grasse rivers. A 
favorite water route from New England was down the 
Sorel or St. John's from Lake Champlain to the St. Law- 
rence, and thence up the latter stream by the laborious 
route over the various rapids. Canoes and bateaux were 
used on the St. Lawrence and all the interior streams, 
wherever a few miles of water navigation relieved the toil- 
some labor of the bridle-paths and early roads. 

Following these, at a very early date, came the State 
roads and turnpikes ; later still plank-roads and projects for 
various canals ; and, lastly, railways and steam navigation 
on the water routes. This chapter includes Dr. Hough's 
account of the various means of locomotion and transporta- 
sion down to 1853, from which date it has been brought 
forward through the different changes and improvements to 
the year 1877, and made as complete as possible. 

EARLV STATE ROADS. 

Attention was early directed towards opening a southern 
route from St. Lawrence County, and a law of April 1, 
1808, made provision for this by taxing the lands through 
which it pas.sed for a road from Canton to Chester, in Es.sex 
county, and by several acts of 1810 to 1814, a further sum 
was appropriated for this purpose, and the road was opened 
under the direction of Russell Atwater, but was little 
traveled, and soon fell into disuse. June 19, 1812, a road 
was directed to be opened from near the loot of sloop navi- 
gation of the St. Lawrence to Albany, and again, in 1815, 
a further tax was laid, with which a road was opened by 
Mr. Atwater from Russell southwards and made passable 
for teams, but, like the other, soon fell into decay. Previous 
to 1810 the land proprietors had, by subscription, built a 
bridge over the Saranac, which was swept away by a flood, 
and commenced opening a road to Hopkinton, to aid which a 
law of April 5, 1810, imposed a tax on the adjacent lands, 
and appointed two commissioners to repair and construct a 
road from the northwest bay to Hopkinton. In 1812, '16, 
and '24 a further tax was laid. The several towns were to 
be taxed four years for its support, and it was then to be 
assumed as a highway.* A road was constructed and for 

» From August, 1819, to July, 1S21, $20,883.52 were paid by the 
State to commissioners of Slate roads in St. Lawrence County, and 
for several years, from 181-4 forward, $10,000 per annum were appro- 



\ 



130 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



some time traveled, but liad so fallen into decay as to be 
scarcely passable. The several towns, about 1850-53, 
undertook to reopen it as a liiglnvay, ami considerable 
sums were expended. 

In April, ISIG, commissioners were appointed to lay out 
a road from Ogdensburg by way of Hamilton to Massena, 
from Massena through Potsdam to Ru.ssell, and from Ru.s- 
sell through Columbia village to Hamilton, at the expense 
of the adjacent lands. April 16, 1827, John Richards, 
Ezra Thuber, and Jonah Sanford were directed to survey 
and level a route for a road from Lake Champlain to Hop- 
kinton, and in 1821) $25,83G was applied for its construc- 
tion. When done the governor was to appoint three com- 
missioners to erect toll-gates and take charge of the road, 
which was soon after completed, and in 1833 a lino of 
stages started between Port Kent aud Hopkinton. This 
road is still used, the gates having for many years been 
taken down, and it has been and is of essential benefit to 
the country. An act of April 18, 1828, directed a road to 
be opened from Canton to Antwerp, at the expense of the 
adjacent lands. 

Several other special provisions have been made for roads 
in the two counties. The first turnpike was made by the 
"St. Lawrence Turnpike Company," incorporated April 5, 
1810, and consisting of the principal land-owners. It was 
designed to run from Carthage to Malone, and was opened 
by Russell Atwater, as agent for the company. In 1813 
it was relieved from the obligation of finishing it beyond 
the line of Bangor east, or the Oswegatchie State road west. 
After the war the road lost its importance, and in 1829 
was divided into road districts. It still bears the name of 
the Rus.sell turnpike. The " Ogdensburg Turnpike Com- 
pany" was formed June 8, 1812, when D. Parish, L. Has- 
brouck, N. Ford, J. Ro.sseel, Charles Hill, Ebenezer Legro, 
and their associates, were incorporated with §50.000 capi- 
tal, and soon after built what is since mostly a plank-road 
from Wilna to Ogdensburg, by way of Rossie. In April, 
1826, the road was abandoned to the public. The " Par- 
ishville Turnpike Company" was incorporated February 5, 
1813, when D. Parish, N. Ford, L. Hasbrouck, J. Tibbetts, 
Jr., B. Raymond, and Daniel Hoard were empowered to 
build, with a capital of $50,000, the present direct road 
from Ogdensburg through Canton and Potsdam to Parish- 
ville. In March, 1827, this road was given up to the towns 
through which it passed, and in April, 1831, the pai-t be- 
tween Ogdensburg and Canton was directed to be improved 
by a tax upon the three towns of $500 for two years, to 
be expended by a commissioner named in each town. With 
this sum and tolls collected for its support an excellent 
road was kept up. In 1850 the route was directed to be 
planked, and a sum not exceeding $10,000 was allowed to 
be bon'owed on six years' time, upon the credit of the tolls, 
and incidentally upon the credit of Ogdensburg village, 
Lisbon, and Canton. This has mostly been done. 

PLANK-ROADS. 
This cla.ss of roads has gone out of use mostly after 

priated for bridges by the supervisors and levied on the county, but 
distributed to those towns having the most important structures. 
Large amounts were also paid by the towns for similar purposes. 



having had a brief existence, during which they served a 
very useful purpose. In districts where timber is abun- 
dant and labor cheap, they will probably continue in use 
until the increase in population and scarcity of timber 
make it necessary to construct something more permanent 
and durable. In St. Lawrence County we believe plank- 
roads have ceased to exist, but as a part of the history of 
the past, a short account of them is deemed of sufficient 
importance for insertion in this work. The following itema 
are from Dr. Hough's work. Most of the old plank-road 
beds have been adopted for turnpike and common roads, 
and considerable portions of them graveled and otherwise 
improved. Several of the graveled turnpikes are toll roads. 

A road from Ogdensburg to Heuvelton, having been in- 
corporated by a special act, was opened in September, 1849. 
Capital, $5000, with privilege of increasing to $20,000. 
Its earnings have been about $2000 annually.* The 
" Gouverncur, Somerville and Antwerp Company," like the 
following, was formed under the general law. It was or- 
ganized December 30, 18-18, and finished September, 1850. 
Length, 12 miles 124 rods; capital, $13,000. Six miles 
of this road are in Jefferson county. Firet Directors, C. 
P. Egbert, S. B. Van Duzee, Gilbert Wait, Nathaniel L. 
Gill; Treasurer, Martin Thatcher; Secretary, Charles An- 
thony. The " Gouverneur, Richville and Canton Plank- 
Road" company's road extends from the village of Gouv- 
erneur to the line of Canton. Formed July 6, 1849; 
length, 16 miles; capital, $10,000. Its first officers were 
Wm. E. Sterling, S. B. Van Duzee, John Smith, J. Bur- 
nett, E. Miner, T. Caldwell, directors ; E. Miner, president ; 
Wm. E. Sterling, treasurer; C. A. Parker, secretary. 

The " Canton Plank-lload," a continuation of the latter 
road, extending from the village of Canton to the town-line 
of De Kalb, was built under a .special act, passed March 
24, 1849, which authorized a tax in the town of Canton, 
of $6000 for the first year and $1500 annually for three 
successive years afterwards, for constructing the road, which 
was to be owned by the town. Hiram S. Johnson, James 
P. Cummings, and Benjamin Squire were named as com- 
missioners to locate the road. The net earnings, after keep- 
ing the road in repair and repaying money borrowed for 
its construction, were to be applied to the support of roads 
and bridges in town. Luman Moody, Theodore Caldwell, 
and Joseph J. Herriman were appointed commissionei-s to 
build the road and superintend it after its completion. 

The " Canton, Morley and Madrid Plank-Road Com- 
pany," foruicd .January, 1851 ; road finished August, 1851 ; 
length 111 miles. Silas H. Clark, Alfred Goss, H. Hods- 
kin, J. C. Harrison, E. Miner, R. Harrison, A. S. Robinson, 
first directors. 

The " Potsdam Plank-Road Company" was formed 
Oct. 17, 1850 ; length, 5 miles 154 rods, from Potsdam 
village to the Northern railroad ; cost, $6439.43 ; finished 
Oct. 8, 1851 ; divided 8 per cent. ; dividend, July 1, 1852. 
First directors, John McCall, Robert McGill, John Bur- 
roughs, Jr., Stephen Given, Jr., Benjamin G. Baldwin. 

The '• Ilammonton, Rossie and Antwerp Plank-Road 
Company," formed Jan. 23, 1850 ; completed in December 



■* Now a (nil turnpike. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



131 



following; length, 20 miles; capital, $35,000; 7 miles are 
in Jefferson county. Directors, Ira Hinsdale, E. Brainerd, 
Z. Gates, A. P. Morse, and D. W. Baldwin. 

The " Morristown and Hammond Plank-Road Company," 
a continuation of the former, was laid along the route of 
the former road, and through a country which offered but 
few obstacles to its construction. President and Treasurer, 
Moses Birdsall ; Secretary, Henry Hooker. .Length, 10} 
miles; capital, $10,000, in 200 shares of $50 each; organ- 
ized in July, 1851 ; completed in May, 1852. This, with 
the preceding, forms a continuous plank-road communica- 
tion with routes leading to Utica, Rome, Watertown, etc., 
and terminating on the St. Lawrence river, in the village 
of Morristown. 

The " Heuvelton and Canton Falls (now Rensselaer 
Fall.s) Plank-Road Company," as originally organized, had 
a length of about 10 miles. It has been continued to the 
road from Canton to Hermon by the same company, and 
twelve chains on that road to meet a plank-road, since con- 
structed, from the town-line of Canton, through the village 
of Hermon. The first directors were Henry Van Rensse- 
laer (president), Elijah B. Allen, E. N. Fairchild, D. Simp- 
sou, and John Shull, Jr. The office of the company is in 
Ogdensburg, at the land-office of Mr. Van Rensselaer, who 
is the principal owner of the road. Through a part of the 
distance it was laid through unsettled lands, which have 
thus been brought directly into market and opened for 
settlement. 

The " Hermon Plank-Road Company" was formed 
March 1, 1851. David W. Weeks, Seymour Thatcher, 
Edward Maddock, L. H. Sheldon, Noah C. Williams, were 
the first directors. Capital, $4000, in shares of $50 each, 
and the length of the road is 41 miles. It extends from 
the village of Marshville to the town-line of Canton, where 
it connects with the Canton Falls plank-road to Ogdensburg. 
The road was finished about July 1, 1852. It has been 
proposed to extend this road on to Edwards, and thence 
through to Carthage, in Jefferson county. 

The " Heuvelton and De Kalb Plank-Road Company" 
was organized Feb. 6, 1849, and extended to intersect the 
Gouverneur and Canton plank-road at a point three miles 
east of Richville. Its length is about 13 miles. The first 
directors were William H. Cleghorn, William Thurston, 
John Pickens, R. W. Judson, Pelatiah Stacey, Andrew 
Roulston, Lewis Sanford. 

The •' Norfolk, Raymondville and Massena Plank-Road 
Company" was organized Feb. 14, 1851, to be completed 
ill 1852. Length, 10 miles 44 chains; capital, $8500, in 
170 shares of $50 each. It is a continuation of the Pots- 
dam road. It forms a direct communication between the 
railroad and several thriving villages. Uriah H. Orvis, G. 
J. Hall, N. F. Reals, C. Sackrider, B. G. Baldwin, E. D. 
Ransom, Hiram Atwater, Justus Webber, and Marcus 
Robins were first directors; U. H. Orvis, president; G. J. 
Hall, secretary. 



'THE OLD Tl'llNI'lKE. 



** Wo hear no more the chinging hoof, 
And the stage-coach rattling by, 
For the stenm-kiag rules the travclcil world, 
And the old pike's left to die I 



The grass creeps o'er the flinty path, 

And the stealthy daisies steal 
AVhere once the stage horse, d.Ty by day, 

Lifted his iron heel. 

"No more the weary stager dreads 

The toil of the coming morn : 
No more the bustling landlord runs 

At the sounrl of the echoing horn ; 
And the dust lies still upon the road, 

And bright-eyed children play 
Where once the clattering hoof and wheel 

Rattled along the way. 

"No more we hear the cracking whip, 

And the strong wheel's rumbling sound; 
But, ah ! the water drives us on, 

And an iron horse is found! 
The coach stands rusting in the yard, 

The horse has sought the plow ; 
We have spanned the world with an iron rail, 

And the steam-king rules us now! 

"The old turnpike is a pike no more. 

Wide open stands the gate : 
We have made a road for our horse to stride, 

And we ride at a flying rate. 
We have filled the valleys and leveled the hills 

And tunneled the mountain's side, 
And rouud-thc rough crag's dizzy verge 

Fearless now we ride. 

" Uo — on — on — with a hearty front ! 

A putf, a shriek, and a bound. 
While the tardy echoes wake too late 

To echo back the sound. 
And the old pike-road is left alone. 

And stagers seek the plow ; 
We have circled the earth with an iron rail, 

And the steam-king rules us now !" 

WATER COMMUNICATION — CANAL PROJECTS. 

From an early period attempts were made to improve the 
navigation of the St. Lawrence, and in an act of April 1, 
1808, J. Waddington, D. A. and T. L. Ogden, were au- 
thorized to build a canal and locks at Hamilton, and to col- 
lect toll, at the rate of twenty-five cents per ton, on all boats 
passing. Locks to be fifty feet long, ten feet wide, and 
deep enough to receive boats having two feet draught. 
Under this act tolls were authorized to be collected at the 
rate of twenty-five cents per ton for largo boats, and double 
that rate for all boats under two tons capacity. The im- 
provements were to be completed within three years. A 
wooden lock was first attempted, but before being com- 
pleted its foundations were undermined and it was aban- 
doned. In 1811 and 1815, the act was extended, and 
finally a stone lock was built in the line of the stone dam, 
which proved of little use, as its dimensions only allowed 
the passage of Durham boats. The era of steamboats fol- 
lowed, and the Canadian government assuming the task of 
building locks and canals around the principal rapids, work 
on the American side was given up. An effort was made 
to secure the advantages of a portion of the trade by con- 
structing a canal to Grasse river, but it was never carried out. 

The north shore has always been chosen by voyageurs, 
and the difficulty of crossing over to these locks would have 
rendered their use limited. On the 5th of April, 1809, 
moans were provided for carrying into effect a concurrent 



132 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



resolution of March 27, directing tlic surveyor-general to 
authorize some competent person to survey the St. Law- 
rence, and report. By an act of April i), 1811, Russell 
Atwater and RoswoU Hojikins were a]ip(iintcd to expctid 
fGUO on the American shore from St. Regis to the Indian 
village in Lisbon. It is believed that a towing-path was 
made along the shore in places, at an early day, and proba- 
bly \yith this appropriation. In 1838, the subject of cutting 
a canal from the head of Long Saut to Grasse river was 
pressed upon the legislature, and a subscription laised to pro- 
cure a survey. Grasse river was considered navigable to 
within three miles of Masscna village, and there intervened 
a ravine and low land, which it was found required a canal 
of six miles, one mile of which was through gravel and 
clay a depth of thirty-five feet. The fall from the head of 
the Saut to Lake St. Francis was found to be fifty feet. 
Estimated cost, $200,000. It was stated that in 1833 
$48,000 was paid for cartage and towage past the Long 
Saut, and the cost of towing one boat amounted to $500 
per annum. The subject was also urged upon Congress by 
a convention at Canton, Dec. 18, 1833, and D. C. Judson, 
AVm. Ogden, N. F. Hyer, H. Allen, and M. Whitcomb 
were appointed to circulate petitions. Nothing was effected 
or afterwards attempted, as the Canadian government soon 
after undertook this labor. 

" The Oswegatchie Navigation Company" was incorpo- 
rated April 25, 1831, for the purpose of improving, by 
means of locks, canals, and dams, its navigation to Black 
lake and to the town of Gouvcriieur, and from the Oswe- 
gatchie river, along the natural canal, to Grasse river, and 
up to Canton village. Capital to be $50,000, and Sylvester 
Gilbert, Jacob A. Vanden Heuvel, Smith Stilwell, and Louis 
Hasbrouck were appointed a board of commissioners to re- 
ceive subscriptions. A certain portion of the work was to 
be accompli.shed within five years, and the duration of the 
corporation was limited to thirty years. 

The previous act was renewed April 25, 1836, and con- 
tinued in force thirty years. Baron S. Doty, Silvester Gil- 
bert, Jacob A. Vanden Heuvel, Smith Stilwell, Henry Van 
Rensselaer, and E. M. Fairchild were named commissioners 
to receive stock. Unless they met within three months the 
act was to be void. In 1835 the capital stock was increased 
to $100,000. R. Harrison, D. C. Judson, S. Gilbert, H. Van 
Rensselaer, E. Dodge, A. Sprague, and S. D. Moody were 
named commissioners to receive subscriptions. No actual 
improvements were ever undertaken under these acts. In 
the petition which procured the passage of the above act it 
was stated that at Heuvelton locks had been commenced, 
and might be completed at small expense; that the expense 
of dams and locks to improve the natural channel of the 
Oswegatchie would not cost to exceed $12,000 ; and that a 
steamboat might be built for $5000, sufficient to meet the 
business of the proposed company. The fall on Grasse 
river at Canton is stated to be nine feet, and at Cooper's 
fall in De Kalb, on the Oswegatchie river, as eight feet, 
which being overcome by locks would render the latter 
river navigable as far as the Ox Bow, in Jefierson county. A 
dam across Grasse river, and a short canal near the eastern 
end of the natural canal, would bring Canton in navigable 
communication with the St. Lawrence at Ogdensburg. 



The plan of extending the Black river canal to Ogdens- 
burg was brought forward in 1839, and a survey executed 
by Edward H. Brodhead, which is published in tlie legis- 
lative documents of 1840, embraced the several improve- 
ments above proposed. 

Several acts liave been passed for preventing the obstruc- 
tion of the channels of our rivers, by declaring them public 
liifjliways. Uaijuette river, from its mouth to Norfolk, and 
St. Regis, from the province line to the east line of Stock- 
holm, were so declared April 15, 1810. April 16, 1816, 
the Oswegatchie was made a highway to Streeter's Mills, in 
Ro.ssie, and its obstruction forbidden under a penalty of 
$100. By a subsequent act this limit was extended to 
Cranberry lake. 

An act of 1849, for improving the sources of the Hudson 
for lumbering purposes, led in 1850 to petitions for grants 
to be expended on Raquette and Moose rivers. These were 
referred to a select committee, who, through their chairman, 
Mr. Henry J. Raymond, made a very elaborate report, set- 
ting forth the advantages of the improvements, and de- 
scribing the wonderful natural water communication of the 
primitive wilderness of northern New Y^ork. This elevated 
plateau, averaging 1500 to 1870 feet above tide, gives origin 
to rivers flowing in different directions. The Raquette, 
after a crooked and .sluggish course through several large 
j)onds, and receiving tributaries navigable for logs from 
many lakes in the interior, on arriving within fifty miles of 
the St. Lawrence becomes rapid, and descends to near the 
level of that river before reaching Massena. In a multi- 
tude of places it affords fine cascades for hydraulic purposes, 
especially in the villages of Colton, East Pierrepont, Pot.sdam, 
Racketville, Norfolk, and Raymondville, with many inter- 
vening places. There is a peculiarity of this river that de- 
serves special notice, which is its little liability to be affected 
by drought and flood, in consequence of its being fed from 
lakes. The highest water commonly occurs several days later 
in this than the neighboring rivers, and a prudent policy 
should lead to the erection of sluices and floodgates at the 
outlet of the lakes to retain the excess of the spring flood 
against any want that might occur in the drought of sum- 
mer. Such a want has not hitherto been felt, but might if 
the interior country were cleared and cultivated. An act was 
passed April 10, 1850. declaring the Raquette a highway 
from its mouth to the foot of Raquette lake, in Hamilton 
county, and on the 9th of April an ajipropriation of $1(1,000 
was made, to be expended by H. Hewitt, A. T. Hopkins, 
and C. Russell, in removing obstructions and improving the 
channel. These consisted in shutting up lust channels 
and straits around islands, in the erection of piers, dams, 
booms, etc. 

The accession of capital and employment of labor from 
this improvement is remarkable. But one gang-mill ex- 
isted on the river at the time of the passage of the law, 
wliile in 1853 there were either in operation or in course of • 
erection eight, and still more contemplated. The logs sawed 
at these are brought from the country adjoining Tupper's 
lake. Long lake, in Hamilton county, many of the lakes 
and streams of Franklin county, and from the western 
borders of Essex county. 

Much credit is due to Dr. tl. Hewitt, of I'o'sdam, for 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



133 



exertions in procuring this improvement, and to Messrs. 
Wm. A. Dart, of the senate, and Noble S. Elderkin, of 
the assembly, for the zeal and ability with wliich they sus- 
tained the measure. 

The first attempt to open a cheap and direct communica- 
tion between the navigable waters of the St. Lawrence and 
tlie sea-board began in 1823, and arose from the wants 
which had been so severely felt during the war. A year 
or two after the peace, plans for uniting Lake Champlain 
with the Connecticut wore di-scussed and attempted. Judge 
Rayinoiid and Benjamin Wright, while surveying the coun- 
try before its settlement, had formed projects for improving 
the natural channels of the rivers, and to them belongs the 
merit of the idea. The former was afterwards the ardent 
advocate of a canal. A meeting of the citizens of Clinton, 
Franklin, and St. Lawrence counties convened at Ogdens- 
burg, Aug. 28, 482.3, to concert measures for a canal, who 
appointed B. Raymond, of Norfolk, S. Partridge, of Pots- 
dam, J. A. Vanden Heuvel, of Ogdensburg, Wm. llogan, of 
Fort Covington, Thomas Smith, of Chateaugay, and Asa 
Hascall, of Malone, who prepared and published a lengthy 
report for distribution in the .sections most to be benefited 
by the work. It was accompanied by a report from Judge 
Raymond, who had been employed to make a preliminary 
survey. This improvement proposed to use the Oswe- 
gatehie, Natural canal, and Grasse river to Canton. The 
petitions and the friendly influences towards these works 
led to an act for a survey under the direction of the canal 
commissioners, and Holmes Hutcliinson, of Utica, was em- 
ployed. The expense was limited to $1500. The summit 
was found to be 811 feet above the St. Lawrence at Og- 
densburg, and 906 above Lake Champlain. This work 
w.is commended to the legislature by De Witt Clinton in his 
annual message of 1825, but was found impracticable, and 
abandoned. 

RAILWAYS. 

A railroad began to be discussed in 1829, and a full 
meeting was held Feb. 17, 1830, at Montpelier, Vt., for 
promoting a railroad from Ogdensburg, by way of Lake 
Champlain and the valleys of Onion and Connecticut rivers, 
and through Concord and Lowell, to Boston. A committee, 
previously appointed, reported favorably on the plan and 
its advantages, and estimated that passengers and heavy 
freight could be taken over the whole route in 35 hours. 
They further predicted that 15 miles an hour would here- 
after be performed by locomotives. On the 17th of March, 
1830, a similar meeting was held at Ogdensburg, and a com- 
mittee of twelve appointed to collect information and report 
to a future meeting. Application was also made to Con- 
gress for aid in constructing the work, but this failing, 
petitions were next forwarded to the State legislature, and a 
convention met at Malone, Dec. 17, 1831, to promote this 
object. This failed, but was prosecuted until May 21, 
1836. The Lake Champlain and Ogdensburg railroad was 
incorporated with a capital of $800,000. S. Gilbert and S. 
Stilwell, of St. Lawrence, B. Clark, and J. Stearns, of 
Franklin, with two from each of the counties of Clinton 
and Essex, and James H. Titus, of New York, were em- 
powered to open books for receiving stock. Some declining 
to act, a law of May 16, 1837, appointed Wm. 11. Harri- 



son, of New York, Wm. F. Haile, of Clinton, D. L. Sey- 
mour, of Franklin, and J. L. Russell, of St. Lawrence, in 
their place. About this time the plan of a railroad from 
Ogdensburg directly through to Albany was discus.sed. A 
convention met, Feb. 27, 1837, at Matildavillc, for this ob- 
ject. The moneys subscribed for the road to Lake Cham- 
plain were fir.st reloaned, and afterwards refunded to sub- 
scribers. This company failing to organize, a convention 
met at Malone, Aug. 8, 1838, and persons appointed to 
collect statistics. These measures led to an act of April 18, 
1838, authorizing a survey, which was executed by Edward 
F. Johnson, and the expense was limited to $-1000. On 
May 11, 1810, commissioners were appointed to survey and 
estimate the cost of a railroad by the several routes, and 
the public documents of 1841 contain the results. Both of 
the lines surveyed passed southeast through the county and 
penetrated the wilderness. The Port Kent mute passed 
up the valley of the Au.sable and down the St. Regis, and 
thence, by way of Parishville and Potsdam, to Ogdens- 
burg. Length, 131 miles; summit, 1733 feet above tide; 
cost, $2,714,003.89; maximum grade, 95 feet going east and 
90 feet going west ; least radius of curve, 800 feet. The 
Plattsburg route led to Malone and Moira, whence a route 
by Norfolk and Columbia, and one by Potsdam, was sur- 
veyed. Summit, 1089 feet; distance by Norfolk, 120, 
and by Potsdam 122 miles ; cost of the Norfolk line, 
$1,778,459 24; of the Potsdam route, $1,923,108.09; 
maximum grade of both, 40 feet; least radius, loOO feet. In 
connection with this report was given the probable cost of 
improving the rivers and Natural canal, the aggregate of 
which was $305,982. A convention met at Malone Dec. 
22, 1840, who, through a committee, memorialized the 
legislature, and procured the opinions of several military 
men on the importance of the route as of national use in 
case of war. 

This measure failed to become a law. Nothing discour- 
raged, the friends of this improvement continued active, 
and finding it impo.ssible to obtain assistance from the State, 
began to importune for the privilege of helping themselves ; 
and here they were met by the powerful opposition of the 
friends of the central routes, which was conciliated by their 
being themselves brought to the necessity of feeling the 
want of votes to carry one of their measures. In the ses- 
sion of 1845, Messrs. Hiram Horton, John L. Russell, and 
Asa L. Hazelton representing these two counties, a bill was 
introduced and early passed the assembly, but was delayed 
in the senate till near the close of the session. At this 
time not less thau fourteen railroad bills were before the 
legislature, among which was one for increasing the capital 
of the Syracuse and Utica road. It was partly through 
the influence of the friends of this road, who found them- 
selves forced to lielp, in order to be lielped, that the bill 
finally passed, receiving the governor's signature but twenty 
minutes before the adjournment. This act passed May 14, 
1845, incorporating 

TIIE NORTHERN R.\iLROAD 

for fifty years, with a capital of $2,000,000, in shares of $50, 
and naming David C!. Judson and Joseph Barnes, of St. 
Lawrence, S. C. Wead, of Franklin, and othere from Clin- 



134 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ton and Es.sex counties and New York, commissioners to 
receive and distribute stock. 

Measures were taken to raise the means for a survey, and 
in the fall of 1845 a delegation visited Boston to induce 
capitalists to undertake the work. They were advi.sed to 
return and raise along the road as much as possible first, 
which was done; but, in their absence, about 810,000,000 
of railroad stock had been taken, and their chance.s for suc- 
cess were much lessoned. To set forth the advantages of 
the route, Mr. James G. Hopkins, of Ogdensburg, in 1845, 
published a pamphlet coutiiining many documents and 
statistics relating to the matter. It is but justice to state 
that not only these estimates but those that preceded them 
were, so far as relates to the resources of the country, far 
below what time has developed. The Burlington people, 
and those interested in the lines of New England roads 
connecting with Lake Champlain, early perceived the ad- 
vantages that would en.sue from a line which would turn a 
portion of the resources of the great west through their 
channels. In July, 1846, Mr. James Hayward, an expe- 
rienced engineer, who, since 1828, had had his attention 
directed to this route, was employed to survey the route, 
who did so and reported. 

In June, 1846, a company was organized at Ogdensburg, 
having George Parish, president ; J. Leslie Russell, of Can- 
ton, Hiram Horton, of Malone, Anthony C. Brown, of Og- 
densburg, Lawrence Myers, of Plattsburg, Charles Paine, 
of Northfield, Vt., S. F. Belknap, of Windsor, Vt., Isaac 
Spalding, of Nashua, N. H., and Abbot Lawrence, J. Wiley 
Edmonds, Benjapiin Reed, T. P. Chandler, and S. S. Lewis, 
of Boston, directors ; S. S. Walley, treasurer ; and James 
G. Hopkins, secretary. In the fall of 1847, a contract was 
taken by Sewall F. Belknap for the portion east of Malone, 
and by Chamberlain, Worral & Co., to be completed withiu 
two years. Work was begun in March, 1848, at the deep 
cutting in Ogdensburg, and in the fall of that year was 
opened to Centreville from Champlain river. Late in 1849 
it had reached Ellenburg ; in June, 1850, Chateaugay ; 
October 1, Malone; and in the same month through ; the 
last work being done near Deer river bridge, in Lawrence. 

From their report of 1852 it is learned that this road has 
cost, including fixtures and equipment, $5,022,121.31, and 
possesses very ample facilities for the transaction of the im- 
mense amount of business in the freight department. Amount 
of laud owned in July, 1851, 3077 2 acres, exclusive of 
roadway. Its buildings at that date were as follows : 
Wharves, docks, and piers at Ogdensburg, 4534 feet; 
at Rouse's Point, 165 feet wharf and a pier of 1650, which 
has since become a part of the bridge across Lake Cham- 
plain. Freight and passenger station at Ogdensburg, 305 
by 84 feet. One freight-house at ditto, 402 by 82 feet ; 
fire-proof engine-house for six locomotives, and numerous 
other buildings. Among these, the grain warehouse and 
elevator deserves notice. It is built on piles in 14-feet 
water, and contains 42 bins, each 30 feet deep, and capable 
of holding 4000 bu.shels each, or 12 tons of wheat. All 
these deliver their grain on one track by spouts, and each 
can load a car with 10 tons in eight or ten minutes, the 
load being weighed on a platform-scale in the track. The 
elevators are driven by a steam-engine of 15-horse power, 



and raise daily 16,000 to 18.000 bu.shels, which is weighed 
as received in draughts of 30 bushels, and spouted into cars 
or rai.sed into the bins if stored. The cars are sent in on 
one track and out on another, being changed by a traverse- 
table. Vessels laden with grain on the upper lakes are here 
unloaded with great facility, and the establishment is found 
to be eminently useful in promoting the business of the 
road. It was erected by N. Taggert, after plans by F. 
Pelletier, the draftsman of the company, who has kindly 
furnished the above data. 

This building was burned in 1865, and two grain-houses 
were erected in its stead, and these were pulled down in 
1877. The present extensive elevator was erected under 
the superintendence of Mr. Abraham Klohs, assistant super- 
intendent of the road, and also an acting engineer. It has 
a storage capacity of 600,000 bushels of grain, and is ar- 
ranged in a manner similar to the one de.stroyed in 1865, 
including two tracks and a traverse-table. The company's 
facilities for handling grain-produce, and all descriptions of 
freight, are unsurpassed. 

At Lisbon, Madrid, Potsdam, Stockholm, Lawrence, 
Moira, Bangor, Champlain, and Hoyle's Landing are depots 
50 by 100 feet ; at Brush's Mills, 80 by 35 feet ; at Cha- 
teaugay, 200 by 55 ; a passenger-station, 37 by 26 ; and a 
wood- and water-station, 330 by 35 feet ; at Rouse's Point, 
a passenger- and freight-house, 500 by 104 feet ; a station- 
house and hotel, 78 by 50; repair-shop, 175 by 80 feet ; 
and numerous other buildings. Since the date of the last 
report before us, depots have been built at Knapp's, Burke, 
Malone, and other places. 

Many of the station-buildings have been rebuilt or ma- 
terially changed, and new and very substantial ones of brick 
erected at Ogdensburg and Chateaugay. 

Much opposition was met from the efl^orts made by the 
company to procure the right of bridging Lake Champlain, 
to enable it to connect with the eastern roads ; and in the 
sessions of 1850, a special committee, consisting of Wm. A. 
Dart, George Geddes, and Robert Owens, Jr., was appointed, 
who, in the recess of the legislature, visited the localitj-, and 
reported. An attempt was made to excite the jealousies of 
New York against Boston, but an expression was obtained 
from the leading interests of that city disclaiming this, and 
concurring in the proposed improvement, and among the 
objections urged were the obstruction to navigation, the 
diversion from the trade of the canals, and consequent loss 
of revenue to the State, and the obstruction it would be to 
the fortress of the United States government north of the 
road and near the boundary. This matter has been since 
decided and a floating draw-bridge constructed, so that 
trains pass freelj' over without hindrance. 

Since the above paragraph was written a new and more 
substantial bridge has been erected over Lake Champlain. 
It is of wood, built on piles, and has a spacious draw for 
the passage of vessels. 

It is less the amount of travel over this road than that 
of freight that gives it importance. Being remote from the 
great lines of travel, it as yet has not generally attracted that 
notice which it deserves, but when its advantages come to 
be known and appreciated, it cannot fail of drawing a con- 
siderable amount of New England travel going westward. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



135 



The ofiScers of the Northern raih'oad can boast of one fact 
which few other roads would be able to do, viz., thai they 
have never caused the death or injury of a passenger who 
has inti^nsted liimself to their charge. 

During its whole existence there has been only one slight 
collision, which resulted in injuries to a few pas.sengers, but 
none of them of a serious character. This exemption from 
accident is not due to chance, but mainly to the admirable 
precision with which the trains are run, and it is doing in- 
justice to no one to assert that this is principally due to the 
talents and ability of the chief engineers of the road. Every 
employee is instructed in his duties, and no excuses are re- 
ceived for any violation or neglect of them. This inexorable 
rule has its advantages, which are felt and approved by all 
concerned ; and it is .said that men can be employed in run- 
ning trains at less wages on this than on many other roads, 
from the feeling of security resulting from these arrange- 
ments. 

In 1870 the road was leased to the " Central Vermont 
railway company" for a period of twenty years, at an annual 
rental of $384,620 for three years, §415,390 for the next 
three years, and $446,160 the remainder of the term, pay- 
able monthly ; the company to keep the road in good repair. 

These obligations not having been fulfilled, the property 
was taken possession of by the owners in 1877. The name 
was changed, under the provisions of a new charter, some 
years since, to the present one, — " Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain railroad company." 

The following table shows the classes, and amount in 
tons, of freight handled and transported during the last 
year, ending Sept. 30, 1877 : 

Tons. 

Products of the forest 76,840 

Animals 13,428 

Vegetable fond 27,400 

Other agricultural jiroducts 69.494 

Manufactures 10,728 

Merchandise 12,096 

Other articles 31,005 

Total 241,591 

Total earnings of the road for the year ending Sept. 30, 

1877 $516,938.30 

Total expenses 284,654.85 

Number of passengers, all classes, carried 118,640 

Average weight of passenger trains, exclusive of passengers, — 

tons 65 

Average weight of freight trains, exclusive of freight 205 

This road has connections by ferry with the Grand Trunk 
and the St. Lawrence and Ottawa lines at Prescott. Freight 
is transported across the river without breaking bulk. Ex- 
tensive shops for the manufacture and repair of rolling-stock 
were erected by the company .some years since, near the east 
line of the city. In full running order they employed 100 
men, and turned out a finished car per day, and repaired as 
high as 700 cars per month. The manufacturing depart- 
ment is not now in operation, and only a limited amount of 
repairing is done. 

The officers of the company arc : John C. Pratt, presi- 
dent; Henry A. Church, secretary and treasurer; John C. 
Pratt, Boston ; John S. Farlow, Boston ; George iM. Bar- 
nard, Boston ; I. D. Farnsworth, Boston ; Francis Cox, 
Boston ; Theodore A. Neal, Boston ; George Lewis, Bos- 
ton ; Thomas Upham, Boston ; Henry A. Church, Boston ; 
Samuel M. Felton, Philadelphia ; William J. Averill, Og- 



densburg ; C. T. Hulburd, Bra.sher Falls; Albert Andrus, 
Malone ; W. W. Hungerford, Ogdensburg, superintendent. 
The superintendents of the road from the beginning 
have been Charles L. Schlatter, Geo. V. Hoyle, Harvey 
Rice, De Witt C. Brown, and the present incumbent, W. 
W. Hungerford. 

THE POTSDAM AND WATERTOWN RAILROAD 

originated from the dissatisfaction felt by Potsdam and 
Canton in not having the Northern railroad pass through 
their villages. Soon after the Rome and Cape Vincent 
railroad was opened, the want of a connecting link with the 
Northern road began to be felt, and it became an object of 
importance to decide whether this should connect at Og- 
densburg, and run along the St. Lawrence, or at a point 
east of this, and through the interior of the county. In 
July, 1851, a convention met at Watertown, and persons 
appointed to collect the means for a survey ; Mr. E. H. 
Brodhead employed, and at a meeting held at Gouverneur, 
on Jan. 8, 1852, this report and survey were rendered, and 
a company formed the next day, under the general law of 
the State. In no place will the route vary three miles 
from a direct line ; the grades will not exceed 36.96 feet 
to the mile ; and, with one exception, the shortest radius of 
curve does not exceed 2000 feet. Length, 69 miles; esti- 
mated cost, $293,721.50, for grading and bridging ; besides, 
$6000 per mile for superstructure. A route was surveyed 
to Sacket's Harbor in connection with this. 

From this time vigorous efforts were made to secure a 
sufficient amount of stock to commence the construction of 
the road, and by an act pas.sed April 7, 1852, the company 
was authorized, whenever the subscription to the capital 
stock should amount to $5000 per mile, to exerci.se the 
powers, rights, and privileges usually possessed by a com- 
pany incorporated under the general act. This act was 
considered necessary in this case in order to secure the 
right of way, and made contracts for the same. In Oct., 
1852, the sum of $750,000 having been subscribed, the 
directors felt themselves warranted in entering into a con- 
tract for the making of the road, and accordingly contracted 
with Phelps, Matoon & Barnes, of Springfield, Mass., by 
whom the road was to be completed July 1, 1854. 

This road, passing through a comparatively level section, 
was constructed at much less expense than many other roads 
in the State, and opened up an extensive and quite wealthy 
and populous country. It is now operated under the con- 
trol of the Rome, W^itertown and Ogdensburg company, 
one of the best managed and most prosperous in the State, 
and having excellent connections in all directions. The 
principal stations on this line are Gouverneur, De Kalb, 
Canton, and Potsdam. At Potsdam junction it makes con- 
nections with the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain road, 
and at Philadelphia, in Jefferson county, with the Utica 
and Black River road. 

The Ogdensburg liriinch, now the main line, was put in 
operation in September, 1862, and .soon became a great 
thoroughfare. The stations are De Kalb, Rensselaer Falls 
Hcuvclton, and Ogdensburg. Extensive shipments of lum 
ber and live-stock are made from Ogdensburg, and the 
dairy products of the county largely pass over this line to 



136 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



southern markets. Among the earlier officers of this road 
were 0. V. Brainard, Eli Farwell, Hiram Holoonib, Wm. 
Allaster, Wm. E. Sterling, Edwin Dodge, Barzillai Hod- 
skin, Orville Page, Zenas Clark, Samuel Partridge, Joseph 
H. Sanf'ord, Wm. W. Goulding, A. M. Ad.sit, Edwin Dodge, 
Daniel Lee, and H. L. Knowle.s. 

UTICA AND BLACK RIVER RAILROAD. 

'I'lie line at first constructed from Carthage to Morris- 
town was called the Black River and Morristown railroad, 
but was subsequently consolidated with the Utica and Black 
River road. The la.st-named company are now extending 
their line from Morristown to Ogdensburg, and the present 
intention is upon the coiupletion of this link to change the 
name to Utica, Black River and Ogdensburg railroad. The 
work between Morristown and Ogdensburg is well under 
way, and the line will be in running order early in the sea- 
son of 1878. When completed it will give Ogdensburg 
and the western portion of St. Lawrence County additional 
and valuable facilities for the tran.saction of business. To 
the commerce of Ogdensburg it must give a fresh impetus, 
for the city will tlien have two lines running south and 
west, and an important one to the east, connecting with the 
great lines of the country. An accommodating spirit in 
the management of these three roads would add largely to 
their business, and be of great benefit to the city of Ogdens- 
burg. Close connections are necessary to gain the patron- 
age and confidence of the public, and a union depot at 
some convenient point in the city would be of immense ad- 
vantage to the railway companies, to the city of Ogdens- 
burg, and to the public generally. 

STEAM NAVIGATION. 

Steamboat navigation was first attempted on the great 
lakes by the building of the Ontario, in 181G, by Charles 
Smyth, David Boyd, Eri Lusher, Abram Van Santvoord, 
John L De Grafl[', and their associates, who, in February, 
1816, made an unsuccessful attempt to secure an incorpora- 
tion as the " Lake Ontario Steamboat Company," with a 
capital of $200,000. In their memorial before us, they 
state that they had purchased of the heirs of Robert R. 
Livingston and Robert Fulton the right to the exclusive 
navigation of the St. Lawrence. Their steamer, which 




FIRST STF.A.MIIOAT 0.\ Tllli CHEAT I.AKKS, 181G. 

is shown in the above illustration, is engraved from a 
drawing by Capt. J. Van Cleve. The boat was 110 feet 
long, 24 wide, 8 deeji, and measured 237 tons. She had 
one low-pressure cross-head engine of 34-inch cylinder and 



4-feet stroke. The latter was made at the Allaire works, 
New York. She was designed to be after the model of the 
Sea Horse, then running on the Sound, near New York, 
and was built mainly under the direction of Hunter Crane, 
one of tlie owners. The first trip was made in 1817, and 
her arrival was celebrated at all the ports on the lake and 
river with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy, and 
hailed as a new era to the coiumerce of our inland seas. 
In every village that could muster a cannon, and from every 
steeple that had a bell, went forth a joyous welcome, and 
crowds of eager citizens from the adjoining country thronged 
the shores to salute its arrival. Bonfires and illuminations, 
the congratulations of friends, and the interchange of hos- 
pitalities, signalized the event. The trip from Lowistown 
to Ogdensburg rei*|uired ten days ; fare, $16 ; deck fare, $8, 
Master, Capt. Mallaby, U.S.N. The Ontario continued 
till 1832. seldom exceeding five miles an hour, and was 
finally broken up at Oswego. The Frontenac, a British 
steamer, at Kingston, and the Walk-in-the- Water, 1818, on 
Lake Erie, followed soon after. 

The Martha Ogden was built at Sacket's Harbor, about 
1819, with Albert Crane managing owner the first season. 
She was lost in a gale off Stony point, and the passengers 
and crew saved by being landed in a hasket, drawn back 
and forth on a rope from the wreck to the shore. No one 
was lost, and the engine was recovered and placed in the 
Ontario. The Sophia, originally a schooner, was fitted up 
as a steamer at Sacket's Harbor, at an early day. The 
Rohhins was another small schooner, built over, but never 
did much business. The Black Hawk, built at French 
Creek, by G. S. Weeks, and owned by Smith, iMerrick & 
Co., was used several seasons as a packet, and afterwards 
sold to Canadians, and the name changed to The Dolphin. 

The Panl Fry was built at Heuvelton, in 1830, by Paul 
Boynton, for parties in Ogdensburg, and run some time on 
Black lake to Rossie. About 1834, she was passed into 
the St. Lawrence, at great delay and expense, and used as a 
ferry until, from the affiiir at the Windmill, in 1838, she 
became obnoxious to the Canadians, and was run on Black 
River bay afterwards. The Rossie, a small steamer, was 
built near Pope's mills, about 1837, by White & Hooker, 
of Morristown, and ran two seasons on Black lake. This I 
was a small affair and proved unprofitable. 

An act of Jan. 28, 1831, incorporated the "Lake 
Ontario Steamboat Company," capital, $100,000 ; dura- 
tion till May, 1850. The afljurs were to be managed by ■ 
fifteen directors, and the office to be kept at Oswego. This f 
company built the steamer United States, which was 
launched in November, 1831, and came out July 1, 1832, 
under the command of Elias Trowbridge. Length, 142 
feet ; width, 26 feet beam, 55 feet over all ; depth, 10 feet ; 
engines, two low-pressure ones of 40-inch cylinder and 8- 
feet stroke. Cost, $56,000. This steamer, so much in ad- 
vance of anything that had preceded it on the American 
side, ran on the through line till l!i^l, when, from having 
become obnoxious to the Canadians on account of the use 
made of her at the affair of the Windmill, she was run 
upon the lake only afterwards, and was finally broken up at 
Oswego in 1843, and her engines transferred to the Rochester. 
This was the first and only boat owned by this company. j 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



137 



The Oswego was built at that place in 1833; of' 286 
tons ; was used for several seasons on tlie through line, but 
after running six years the engines were taken out and 
placed in the steamer St. Lawrence. She was changed to 
a sail vessel and lost. The BrownvIUc was built on Black 
river, below the village of that name, in Jefferson county. 
In going down the St. Lawrence she took fire and was 
burned to the water's edge, but was run on an island, and 
her crew saved. She was afterwards rebuilt, and run 
awhile with the former name, and subsequently lengthened 
at Sacket's Harbor, and her name changed to the William 
Avery. The engines built by William Avery, of Syracuse, 
which had previously been high-pressure, were changed to 
condensing. With a few minor exceptions, there have been 
no high-pressure engines employed on the lake or river ex- 
cept in propellers. In 1834 the William Avert/ was run 
between Ogdensburg and Niagara, with W. W. Sherman as 
master. She was dismantled in 1835. The Charles Carroll 
was built at Sacket's Harbor, and run from Kingston to 
Rochester in 1834. Afterwards she was rebuilt and length- 
ened at Sacket's Harbor, in the summer of 1834, and her 
name changed to the America. Her engine was high- 
pressure. The America, with D. Howe master, was run- 
ning from Ogdensburg to Lewistown late in the season of 
1834. 

The Jack Downing was a very small steamer, built by P. 
Boynton, at Carthage, Jefferson county, in 1834 ; drawn on 
wheels to Sacket's Harbor, launched, fitted up, and intended 
as a ferry at Ogdensburg ; used for this purpose a short time 
at Waddington, and afterwards run from Fort Covington to 
Cornwall. Her engine was in 1837 transferred to the 
Henri/ Burden, a boat on a novel principle, being supported 
on two hollow cylindrical floats and the wheel between them. 
It was afterwards taken by the Rideau canal to Ogdens- 
burg, and used a short time as a ferry. 

The Oneida, of 227 tons, was built at Oswego, in 1836. 
A. Smith was her first master. Her owners were princi- 
pally Henry Fitzhugh, of Oswego, E. B. Allen and G. N. 
Seymour, of Ogdensburg. In 1838, and during some part 
of 1840, she was in the employ of government. With 
these exceptions, this vessel made regular trips from Og- 
densburg to Lewiston until 1845, when her engine was 
taken out, and she was fitted up as a sail vessel. The engine 
of this boat was afterwards transferred to the steamer British 
Queen, one of the American line of boats from Ogdensburg 
to Montreal. She was subse(iuently lost on Lake Erie. 
The Telegraph, a steamer having 190 tonnage, was built 
near Dexter, Jefferson county, and first came out in the fall 
of 1836. She was owned by parties in Utica, Watertown, 
and Sacket's Harbor. Spraguc was her first captain. She 
was in the employ of government in the fall of 1838, the 
whole of 1839, and some part of the spring of 1840. 
Changed to a sail vessel and burnt on Lake St. Clair. The 
Express was built at Pultneyville, Wayne county, — H. N. 
Throop master, and one of the owners, — about the year 
1839. It was used on the through line for several years, 
and afterwards ran from Lewiston to Hamiltou. It was 
finally laid up in 1850. The St. Lawrence, 402 tons, was 
enrolled at Oswego, in 1839, the engines being the same as 
those which had been used in the Oswego. In 1844 she 
18 



was rebuilt, and the tonnage increased to 434 tons. Her 
first trip was performed in June, 1839. Cost about 
$50,000. She was run till 1851, most of the time as one 
of the through line, when she was dismantled at French 
Creek. This is said to have been the first steamer on this, 
lake that had state-rooms on the main deck. Length, 180 
feet; beam, 23 feet; bold, 11 feet. In 1839 she was com- 
manded by John Evans; in 1840-46, by J. Van Cleve. 
Her place on the lino was supplied by the Cataract. 

The George Clinton and the President were small boats 
built at O.swego in 1842, and the former was wrecked on 
the south shore of the lake, in 1850. About 1842, a stock 
company called the " Ontario Steam- and Canal-boat Com- 
pany" was formed at Oswego, who, in 1842, built the Ladt/ 
of the Lake, of 423 tons, G. S. Weeks, builder; used on 
the through line until 1852, when she was chartered as a 
feri-y, in connection with the railroad from Cape Vincent to 
Kingston. This was the first American boat on this water 
that had state-rooms on the upper deck. J. J. Taylor was 
her master for several years. The Rochester, built for this 
company by G. S. Weeks, at Oswego, in 1843; of 354 tons, 
and run on the lake and river until 1848, after which she 
ran from Lewiston to Hamilton. In July, 1845, the 
Niagara, of 473 tons, came out, having been the first of a 
series of steamers built at French Creek by J. Oades. Her 
length was 182 feet; beam, 27 i feet; total breadth, 47 
feet; hold, 7 J feet. Engine from the Archimedes works, 
with cylinder of 40 inches and 11 feet stroke. Wheels, 30 
feet in diameter. Tlie British Queen was built on Long 
Island, between Clayton and Kingston, in 1846, by Oades, 
the engines being those of the Oneida. Length, 180 feet; 
beam, 42 feet ; engine double, each cylinder 26 inches in 
diameter. The British Empire was built at the same time 
and place with the last. 

The Cataract came out in July, 1837. She measured 
577 tons, and was commanded the first season by James 
Van Cleve. Length of keel, 202 feet; breadth of beam, 
27 i feet ; breadth across the guards, 48 feet; depth of hold, 
10 feet; diameter of wheels, 30 feet; engines built by H. 
R. Dunham & Co., at the Archimedes works, in New York, 
and the cylinder has a diameter of 44 inches, and a stroke 
of 11 feet; cost about $60,000. She was commanded in 
1847-48, by J. Van Cleve; in 1849-51, by R. B. Chap- 
man ; in 1852, by A. D. Kilby. 

Ontario. Built in the summer of 1847. Length of keel, 
222 feet; of deck, 233 feet ; and over all, 240 feet 6 inches ; 
breadth of beam, 32 feet 2 inches ; and over all, 54 feet 8 
inches; depth of hold, 12 feet; machinery made by T P. 
Secor & Co., New York ; cylinder 50 inches in diameter, 
and 11 feet stroke ; tonnage, 900 ; cost about $80,000. 

Baij State. This magnificent steamer came out for the 
first time in June, 1849, with J. Van Cleve master the 
first season. She had a tonnage of 935, and the following 
dimensions, viz.: length, 222 feet; breadth of beam, 31 i 
feet; total breadth, 58 feet; depth of hold, 12 feet; engines 
from the Archimedes works. New York, with a cylinder 56 
inches in diameter and 1 1 feet stroke ; wheels, 32 feet in 
diameter. 

The Northerner was built at Oswego, by G. S. Weeks, 
and came out in May, 1850. She had a tonnage of 905; 



138 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



length, 232 feet; beam, 30i feet; total breadth, 58 feet; 
depth of hoM, 12 j feet ; wheels, 32 feet in diameter; co.st 
895,000 ; engines by T. F. Sccor & Co., of New York, with 
cylinder of GO inches in diameter, and a stroke of 11 feet. 

The New York, the largest American steamer on the 
lake, wa.s built in 1851-52, and made her first trip in 
August, 1852, with R. B. Chapman master; cost about 
$100,000; tonnage, 994; length, 224 feet; beam, 32* 
feet; entire breadth, 64 feet; engines built by H. R. Dun- 
ham & Co., New Y(irk ; cylinder, 60 inches in diameter, 
with 12 feet stroke ; wheels, 34 feet in diameter. 

Besides the above there have been built or run upon the 
river and lake the Jolm Marshall, Uiica, Caroline, Pres- 
cott. Swan, Express, Gleaner, and a few others, mostly 
small. 

Shortly after the formation uf the " Steam- and Canal- 
boat Company,' a new one was organized, called the •' St. 
Lawrence Steamboat Company." The two were, in 1848, 
united in one, which assumed the name of the " Ontario 
and St. Lawrence Steamboat Company," having a capital of 
$750,000, and at present (^1853) the following officers: E. 

B. Allen, president ; E. B. Allen, G. N. Seymour, H. Van 
Rcn.sselaer, A. Chapman, E. G. IMenick, S. Buckley, H. 
Fitzhugh, A. Munsou,T. S. Faxton, H. White, L. Wright, 
directors ; and James Van Cleve, secretary and treasurer. 

This company were the owners of eleven steamers in daily 
service during the season of navigation. Their names, 
routes, and names of masters, as they existed in the summer 
and fall of 1852, were as follows : 

Express Line. — From Ogdensburg, by way of Toronto 
to Lewiston, and back, a daily line of two steamers, viz. : 
Bn>/ State, Captain John Ledyard ; New Yorh, Captain R. 

C. Chapman. 

Mail Line. — From Ogdensburg to Lewiston, touching at 
Kingston, and all the principal American ports, except Cape 
Vincent, a daily line of four steamers, viz. : Northerner, 
Captain R. F. Child; Cataract, Captain A. D. Kilby; 
Niagara, Captain J. B. Estes ; Ontario, Captain H. N. 
Throop. 

The American Line, from Ogdensburg to Montreal, a 
daily line of three steamers, viz. : British Queen, Captain 
T. Laflamme ; British Empire, Captain D. S. Allen ; Jenny 
Lind, Captain L. Moody. 

Railroad Ferry. — From Cape Vincent to Kingston: 
Liidi/ of the Lake, Captain S. L. Seymour. 

Line from Lewiston to Haniilton, at the head of Lake 
Ontario: Rochester, Captain Jolm Mason. 

Of the above steamers, the Niagara, Cataract, Ontario, 
Bay State, and New York were built at French Creek, by 
John Oadcs, and the British Queen and British Empire, 
by the same builder, at the foot of Long island, in the St. 
Lawrence. Of propellers, the pioneer on the lake was the 
Oswego, built at that place in 1841 ; since which, about a 
dozen have been built on the lake. In 1851 a line, now 
numbering ten propellers, was established by Crawford & 
Co., to run in connection with the Northern railroad, for 
forwarding freight. In 1852, this line transported about 
3O,OU0 tons of flour and produce, eastward, and 20,000 of 
merchandise, westward. Many of these vessels have cabins 
for passengers. Most of thom were built at Cleveland, Ohio. 



Speaking of the manner in which the bu.siness of steam 
navigation was managed on Lake Ontario and the St. Law- 
rence in 1852, Dr. Hough makes the following observations : 

*' It is a singular fact that not a single accident has ever occurred 
upon any American steamer on Luke Ontario, or the St. Lawrence, 
which has caused the death or injury of a passenger. Tliis is not 
duo to chance so much as to skillful management. 

** It is believed that the steam packets on Lake Ontario, although 
they may be wanting in the gaudy ornaments and dazzling array of 
gilding and carving which is so ostentatiously displayed on the 
steamers of the North river, will compare in real convenience, neat- 
ness, and comfort, in the careful and attentive deportment of the 
officers and subordinates employed, in skillful management, |>unctu- 
ality, and safety, with any class of boats in the world. This opinion 
will be readily indorsed by any one who has enjoyed the accommoda- 
tion which they afford." 

The number of vessels built in the district of Oswegatchie 
from 1865 to 1877 inclusive, and their tonnage, was as 
follows : 

Tonf. 

Steam vessels 9 440.37 

Barge? 9 170.40 

Total 18 610.77 

The number of vessels registered in this district, and 
their tonnage, is as follows : 

Tons. 

Steam vessels 1.") 1068.67 

Sail vessels 7 C9I.47 

Barges 7 964.12 

Total 29 2724.46 

Steamers for passengers and freight ply regularly in the 
season between Lake Ontario and Montreal, touching at all 
intermediate points ; and there are several of a smaller ca- 
pacity which run from Ogdensburg to various points below 
Waddington, Louisville, Massena, etc. There are steam 
tferries at Ogdensburg, Morristown, and at several points 
below the latter. 

For the benefit of navigation, there are light-houses 
erected on the American side at Ogdensburg, Cross-over, 
and Sister i.slands, within the bounds of St. Lawrence 
County, and there are several on the Canadian sliore. 

MARINE RAILWAY. 

The repairing of vessels is an important item to the great 
lines of transportation and to shipping men generally, and 
to facilitate this branch of commerce dry-docks and marine 
railways are constructed at great expense, by which a vessel 
may be taken from the water and placed in such a position 
that work can be carried on upon every part of her, outside, 
inside, and underneath, at the same time. 

Knowing the advantages that would accrue from a work 
of this kind located at Ogdensburg, a company called the 
Ogdensburg Marine Railioay Company was formed Sept. 
29, 1852. The following gentlemen were chosen officers 
at the first meeting: Henry Van Rensselaer, E. N. Fair- 
child, E. B. Allen, Edwin Clark, and Allen Chancy, trustees ; 
Henry Van Rensselaer, president; Walter B. Allen, secre- 
tary. The duration of the company was limited to fifty 
years, and the shares were fixed at fifty dollars each. This 
organization was effi^cted under an act pas.sod Feb. 17, 
1848. During the season of 1853 the company constructed 
a marine railway at Pigeon Point, a half-mile above the 
numth of the Oswegatchie, on the St. Lawrence, of sufficient 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



13'J 



capacity to take out the largest vessels then on the lakes. 
Its approximate eost was $75,000, and it was and is yet the 
largest on the northern border. There arc others at King- 
ston, Ontario, and at Oswego. 

Connected with it was an extensive ship-yard, with the 
necessary shops and appurtenances for building and repair- 
ing all classes of sea-going craft, canal-boats, etc., etc. The 
original company built the Mariner and rebuilt the Rio 
Grande, two sail vessels, besides repairing a large number, 
of various descriptions, during the time in which they op- 
erated the works, from 1853 to about 18G0, when they 
were lea.sed to E. B. Allen & Son, who operated them for 
one or two years, when the property was sold to 11. C. 
Pearson, who operated it until about 1870, when it was 
purchased by the Northern Transportation Company. 
During Mr. Pearson's occupancy he constructed ten or 
twelve canal propellers for the Erie canal, and built a 
number of vessels for the lake trade, among them the 
schooners W. B. Allen (for E. B. Allen & Son) and South- 
Kcst, and two propellers and a side-wheel steamer. The 
works are now the property of the Northern Transit Com- 
pany, which succeeded the old Northern Transportation 
Company in 187G. The railway has a capacity for hauling 
out and repairing two of the Northern Transportation 
Company's propellers at the same time. Their average 
tonnage is about 400. The engine used is of about 40- 
horse power only, but by the use of heavy and complicated 
gearing a large vessel is easily taken from the water in less 
than an hour after she begins to move. This railway has 
been in successful operation for twenty-four years. The 
steady flow of the St. Lawrence, and its exemption from 
floods, make it the finest fresh-water stream in the world 
for purposes of this description. 

THE NORTHERN TRANSIT COMPANY. 

A company known as the " Northern Transportation 
Company" was organized under the laws of Now York in 
1855, and reorganized under the laws of Ohio in 1862. 
This company had two lines of propellers in operation, one 
riinning to Lake Erie and one to Lake Michigan. Fifteen 
boats were employed until 1868, when the number was in- 
creased to twenty-one. Those running on Lakes Erie and 
Ontario and the St. Lawrence river were built as large as 
could be passed through the Welland canal, — about four 
hundred tons each. This company continued in business 
until 1875, when the property went into the hands of a re- 
ceiver. In 1876 the " Northern Tran.sit Company" was 
forme which purchased the entire outfit of the former 
company, and are now running sixteen propellers and three 
sail vessels between Ogdensburg and the ports of the lakes ; 
Chicago, Milwaukee, Toledo, and Cleveland being the 
principal ports in the west, and Oswego and Ogdensburg 
in the east. The boats touch at all points on the St. Law- 
rence above Ogdensburg, and at all the ports, both Canadian 
and American, on the lakes above the Welland canal, The 
principal business is the freighting of grain and flour from 
the west and merchandise from the east, the latter princi- 
pally from New York and Boston. 

The New England business passes mostly via. Ogdens- 
burg, and the New York business via Oswego. The 



passenger traflic is more extensive than is at first sight 
apparent, amounting to oyer $100,000 annually. At 
Ogdensburg the line connects with the Ogdensburg and 
Lake Champlain railway, and through this with the Central 
Vermont railway, which distributes to all parts of New 
England. The connections at Oswego are by canal and 
railway, and the facilities are excellent and ample. The 
line also connects at Clayton with the Utica and Black 
River railroad. 

The company also own the marine railway at Ogdens- 
burg (spoken of elsewhere), and in connection therewith 
a ship-yard, where are constructed many of their vessels, 
extensive repair-shops, a saw-mill, etc. 

The boats are registered in the Cleveland district, and 
the company liave also a ship-yard at that place for the 
construction of vessels. 

The present ofiicers of the company are A. W. French, 
president ; Philo Chamberlin, superintendent ; W. W. But- 
ler, secretary and treasurer ; C. L. Thompson, auditor. 

TELEGRAPH COMPANIES. 

Northern New York was first brought into direct com- 
munication with the great cities in 184!), by means of the 
Canadian line of telegraphs operating on the Morse princi- 
ple. A station was established at Brockvill&and another 
at Prescott. The " New York State Line" extended a 
branch from Watertown to Ogdensburg, by way of the Old 
Military road, in the summer of 1850. Ogdensburg was 
the only station in the county. 

In the summer of 1851 the "Vermont and Boston 
Line," originally intended to extend only as far as Burling- 
ton, was continued on to Rouse's Point and Ogdensburg, 
partly along the line of the railroad and partly along the 
highway. It had stations for receiving and transmitting 
intelligence at Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, North Pots- 
dam, Malone, and Chateaugay. Both of these lines were 
operated on the principle of Bain's electro-chemical tele- 
graph, and sufficient stock was taken up along the routes 
to defray the expense of erection. 

The entire business of the county of St. Lawrence is 
now transacted by two companies : " The Montreal Tele- 
graph Company" and the "Dominion Telegraph Company." 
The former was organized in 1847, and commenced busi- 
ness in the county in 1849. It connects with the Anglo- 
American Cable Company and with the land lines of the 
Western Union Company at Oswego, Bufl^alo, Detroit, and 
other points. Nine separate lines connect with the Ogdens- 
burg oflice. The territory occupied by the company is 
divided into two divisions, called the Eastern and Western, 
Ogdensburg being in the Western Division. 

The officers of this company are : President, Sir Hugh 
Allan ; Secretary and General Eastern Superintendent, 
James Dakers ; Treasurer, Charles Bourne ; General 
Western Superintendent, H. P. Dwight; Superintendent 
Western Division, Dexter Van Ostrand; Manager Ogdens- 
burg Office, James Ingram. 

" The Dominion Telegraph Company" was organized in 
18(58, and commenced business in St. Lawrence County in 
September, 1872. Offices are established at Ogdcn.sburg, 
I^Iorristown, and Hammond, in St. Lawrence County. The 



140 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



company connects with direct ocean cable with the Atlantic 
and Pacific and Vermont International Telegraph companies. 
The general offices of tlio company are located at Toronto. 
The following are the present officers : Board of Directors, 
Hon. T. N. Gibbs, M. P., president ; Jolin I. MacKenzie, 
Esq., vice-president; James Michie, Esq., treasurer; Thos. 
Swinyard, I<]sq., managing director ; Hon. William Cayley, 
W. F. McMaster, Esq., A. Copp, Esq., R. N. Waddell, 
Esq., Laurence Oiiphant, Esq. Local Directors, M. II. 
Gault, Esq., Montreal ; A. Joseph, Esq., Quebec. Execu- 
tive officers, Thomas Swinyard, Esq., general manager, 
Toronto; Frederick Roper, Esq., secretary, Toronto. Divi- 
sional Superintendents, H. Neilson, Toronto ; C. R. Hosmer, 
Montreal ; T. C. Elwood, Toronto ; D. B. McQuarrie, Hal- 
ifax. Agent at Ogdensburg, C. E. Comstock. 

U. S. CUSTOMS. 

The District of Oswegatchie was established March 2, 
1811, and the following statistics, procured by the Hon. 
Preston King, at the Treasury Department, for this purpose, 
show the business of this district very satisfactorily. The 
collectors have been Alexander Richards, 1811-20 ; Aaron 
Hackley, 1821 to 1827; Nathan Myer.s, 1827-29; Baron 
S. Doty, 182.9-36; Smith Stilwell, Oct. 1, 1836, Sept. 11, 
1840; David C. Judson, Sept. 12, 1840, Feb. 16, 1849; 
James C. Barter, Aug. 7, 1849 ; Thomas Bacon, Horace 
Moody, David M. Chapin, N. M. Curtis, George Parker, 
and Col. S. P. Remington, the present incumbent. 

The collections for a series of years, including all we could 
obtain, are shown in the following table : 



Tear. Collections. 

1S15 $11, 728. .37 

ISlC 4,409.80 

1817 6,176.02 

1818 0,135.98 

1819 2,716.01 

1820 1,077.01 

1821 1,339.45 

1822 2,.'i07.35 

1823 2,462.07 

1824 1,913.59 

1825 1,349.30 

1826 1,207.87 

1827 768.02 

1828 2,103.33 

1829 2,044.91 

1830 2,.329.76 

1831 3,314.60 

1832 3,847.04 



Year. Collections. 

1833 §3,295.99 

1834 2,525.53 

1835 2,954.76 

1836 10,581.00 

1836 2,228.97 

1837 4,316.79 

1838 2,847.52 

1839 2,497.68 

1840 1,111.25 

1840 542.22 

1841 1,420.08 

1842 1,268.08 

1843 743.35 

1844 2,032.09 

1845 2,884.26 

1846 1,852.26 

1847 4,550.09 

1848 5,106.75 



Tear. Collections 

1872 $234,301.00 

1873 226,249,00 

1874 205,605.00 

1873 112,300.00 

1876 80,362.00 

1877 96,494.00 



Tear. Collections. 

1849 $7,506.19 

1840 1,325.19 

1850 11,210.37 

1851 20,04«.y5 

-s- «■ ta -V -:;:■ 

1870 309,190.00 

1871 269,420.00 

Subordinate offices are located at Hammond, Morristown, 
Louisville, Massena, and Waddington, of which notices will 
be fuund in the history of the respective towns. 

CUSTOM-HOUSE AT OGDENSBURO. 

The U. S. government purchased grounds in Ogdens- 
burg, about 1850, of David C. Judson, and erected the 
present fine, substantial, and imposing edifice. The struc- 
ture is built of Berea sandstone, fr'^-n Ohio. The basement 
is of blue cut limestone, resting u,; !n a concrete foundation, 
four feet wide and six feet deep, filled with broken limestone 
and Salina cement. It is three stories in height, and 121 
by 57 feet in dimensions, and stands in a commanding loca- 
tion, on the block bounded by State, Knox, South Water, 
and Spinner streets. The lower floor is occupied by the 
post-office, customs department, pension-office, and offices 
for the revenue department. In the second story are the 
U. S. court-rooms and necessary offices. The rooms in the 
third story are used mostly for storage purposes. The floors 
rest upon iron girders, supported on brick arches. The 
roof, covered with Vermont slate, is supported by iron 
rafters, and surmounted by an iron-framed dome thirty 
feet in diameter, in the centre of which is a spiral iron 
stairway, fifty feet in height, reaching to the observatory 
above, which commands a fine and extensive view of the 
city, the St. Lawrence river, and the surrounding country 
on both sides for many miles. The interior finish is of 
white ash, and the furniture of black walnut. The hall 
floors are laid with sandstone tiling, and the office floors are 
of four-inch white spruce. The stair-frames are of iron, 
and the steps of Ohio stone. The building is heated by 
steam. The open space west of the building is inclosed by 
an iron fence, and the wide .space around is flawed with 
Potsdam sandstone. 

The entire cost of the building, including grounds, furni- 
ture, etc., has been about $265,000, and it is one of the 
finest of its class in the country. (See illustration.) 

The steamer "Admiral," formerly U. S. revenue cutter, 
is owned by the Judsons, of Ogdensburg. 



S.'-^.^!".' ■""^'Vi''*r:■'.''■i^v'4^"V~^''''^t ■•'-?--' ■.-'•- - <-" 



...I 










CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OTflCE, OGDZNSBURg] N . Y. 



VILLAGE AND CITY OF OGDENSBUEG. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

The city of Ogdensburg, named in honor of Samuel 
Ogden, its original proprietor, is beautifully and most ad- 
vantageously situated on the St. Lawrence river, at the foot 
of heavy ship navigation for the lakes, and on both sides of 
the Oswegatchie river, which here enters the St. Lawrence 
from the south. The great rapids of the latter river com- 
mence about six miles below Ogdensburg, and form a serious 
obstruction to the navigation of that stream ; but above 
Ogdensburg there is plenty of still water for the largest 
vessels and steamers. Three great railway lines diverge 
from this point towards the east, south, and southwest, and 
good connections are made with the Canadian railway sys- 
tem. The manufacturing facilities of Ogdensburg are good, 
and more especially in the lines of finished lumber and va- 
rious descriptions of wood-working. The Oswegatchie fur- 
nishes extensive water-power, which is well utilized, and 
the point is easily accessible to the iron mines of New York 
and Lake Superior, and the coal fields of Pennsylvania and 
Ohio. The city is finely laid out with broad streets, and is 
generally well built, particularly in the line of business- 
buildings, which compare favorably with those of any city 
of its size in the country. 

The public buildings of Ogdensburg are a United States 
custom-house and post-oiBce, a fine city-hall, six costly 
churches, nine good school buildings, a State arsenal, — the 
latter not at present in use for the purpose designed, — and 
the city water-works. Besides the nine public school build- 
ings, the Catholics and other denominations own several 
costly and commodious school buildings in various parts of 
the city, including two convents. 

The latitude is about 44° 40', and the longitude 75° 30' 
west from Greenwich. 

Ogdensburg contains all the elements of larger cities, — 
broad, fine streets, beautifully shaded with forest maples; 
good public and business buildings ; elegant and costly pri- 
vate dwellings ; grand churches ; excellent schools ; an en- 
terprising press; a resident bishop ; prominent clergymen, 
attorneys, and physicians ; extensive banking-houses ; im- 
portant manufactures ; railways ; telegraph and express 
lines ; the finest post-ofiice building in the northern part of 
the State ; water- and gas-works ; beautiful cemeteries ; an 
efficient police and fire department ; numerous orders and 
societies ; bands, etc. ; and a very important commercial 
and mercantile .trade. It Ls situated in the midst of most 
interesting historical -associations, dating back to the days 
of Champlain and Frontenac, and closely connected in later 
times with the stirring military events of 1812-15, and of 
1837-40. The situation of the city is grand, — upon the 
banks of the finest fresh-water stream upon the globe, upon 



whose breast floats the commerce of two mighty nations, 
and which connects the greatest sj'stem of inland navigation 
in the world with the waters of the Atlantic. From the 
dome of the custom-house, on a clear day, the prospect is 
grand and sublime. The vision takes in a vast stretch of 
the St. Lawrence, with its bays and islands, the long line of 
the Canada coast, with numerous cities and villages, towards 
the north and west, and to the south and east the extensive 
champaign region lying between the wilderness and the 
river; and far. to the southeast rise the blue undulating 
outlines of the ancient Adirondacks, the fathers of moun- 
tains. The population of Ogdensburg, by the last State 
census of 1875, is .something over 11,000, of whom between 
4000 and 5000 are of foreign extraction. 

The bonded debt of the city is 8135,000 ; of which 
there was issued in 1868 $100,000, and in 1870 $35,000. 
These bonds run for twenty years from date of issue, with 
interest payable semi-annually in February and August at 
the National Park bank, city of New York. 

The following statements are from the last annual report 
of the Mayor for 1876-77. 

SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS OF GENERAL FBND. 

Bal.aDce on hand at date of last report $1170.08 

Received from E. White, Esq., recorder, fines, etc 701.10 

*' Bo.ard of excise, licenses 2349.25 

" City treasurer, liquor licenses 2844.05 

'^ Hack and carter licenses 221.00 

" Show licenses 83.80 

" Circus licenses 30.00 

** Foreign insurance companies 437.98 

" Distribution of city taxes 21S6.03 

" Town orders 309.65 

" Ferry license 100.00 

'* Entertainment at town-hall, for gas 1.20 

" Street vendor 1.00 

" Transfer of order 433 to highway fund 20.38 

" Transfer from special police fund 1.79 

$10,457.31 

SOMMAUY OF DISBURSEMENTS PROM QENERAL FOND. 

Paid City Clerk, N. U. Lytle $500.92 

" Police department 2941.46 

*' Legal services 65.75 

" Excise Board, salary, etc 150.00 

" Assessors' salaries, etc 372.00 

'* Gas bills at town-house, police headquarters, and 

town-hall 189.20 

" Rent police headquarters 200.00 

" E. White, recorder, salary 500.00 

" Firewardens, Julv 4 18.00 

" Pound rent 25.00 

" E.xpenses of fire department 687.95 

" '* inspectors and clerks election 331.25 

" Expenses printing, etc 503.70 

" Health officers 322.43 

" Lumber 226.49 

" Coal, police headquarters and town-hall 145.10 

" Wood for same places 258.50 

*' Erroneous taxes returned 50.51 

" Special police, July 4 and Nov. 7 138.75 

" Insurance 224.00 

" Surveying 17.00 

" Shoveling snow Ifi.OO 

" Sundries, etc 1447.23 

$9,331.24 

141 



142 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREXCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



WATER-WORKS FDND — RKCEIPT9. 

Reoeired from wator-rates $2630.59 

17.28 

" " 347.75 

" " yo.70 

" " 92.00 

" " 215.10 

" " 135.24 

" " 127.00 

" " 130.71 

" " 18.70 

" " 42.35 

" " 1862.19 

" " 126.98 

" " 141.50 

" " 175.45 

" " 101.00 

" " 553.39 

" " 14.70 

" " 11.02 

Received note to pay interest on bond.s 4725.00 

** from city t.axes 4950.00 

*' balance of city taxes 550.00 

$17,119.25 

WATER- WORKS — DISBURSEMENTS. 

By balance overdrawn at date of last report §157.54 

Paid Seymours & Co., coal 80.00 

" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 105.50 

" C. .A.. Davies k Co., merchandise 38.54 

" Cranberry lake commissioners 72.00 

" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 109.25 

" Ogdensburg gas company, gas at water-works 5.40 

" A. U. Lord, salary and disbursements 114.75 

** Water- works pay-roll 31.45 

*' Draft interest on bonds 4725.00 

" Commissions National Park bank 23.62 

" J. C. Armstrong, postage account 8.00 

'* K. Montgomery, labor 99.14 

" W. B. Allen i'Co., mcrchiindise 34.21 

" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 107.45 

" AVater-works pay-roll 14.38 

" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 108.90 

" Seymours A Co., coal 252.23 

" Murphy A Liscomb 58.40 

" E. S. Brownson, merchandise 9.27 

" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 105.72 

*' Thomas McGirr, labtir 11.75 

" A. II. Lord, salary and disbursements 114.45 

" Note and discount 4829.14 

" Water works pay-roll 24.19 

" A. H. Lord, salary 106.00 

*' James Brown, lumber 34.97 

*' Ogdensburg gas company, gas at water-works 11.88 

** A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 110.50 

" Interest on coupon bonds 2450.00 

" Interest on registered bonds 2275.00 

" Park bank, commissions 11.81 

" E.'cchan^'e on draft 11.81 

" W. W. Fulton, referee 18.42 

" W. B. Allen, merchandise 76.65 

*' J. Autin. wood 43.12 

** J. Glass, merchandise 115.35 

" ,\. H. Lord, disbursements 36.00 

" .1. C. Armstrong, stamps and envelopes 11.75 

" James, Remington & Palmer, printing 28.25 

** C. .A. Davies k Co.. merchandise 11. G6 

" C. Slocum. labor 8.48 

" A. H. Lord, salary and disbursements 111.00 

" " " " 127.05 

" C. Ashley, merchandise 3.34 

" A. H. Lord, salary, etc 110.05 

" .T. McNaughton, legal services 10.00 

" Ogdcnsburg gas company, gas for water-works 9.72 

" Balance 145.56 

$17,119.25 

MISCELLASEOIIS. 

Highway fund — receipts an<l expenditures $11,023.07 

Gas fund — receipts and expenditures 2.247.22 

Public park fund — receipts and disbursements 1,372.26 

Sewer fund, " " 2,026.83 

Cemetery fund, " " 541.60 

Hose house fund, " " 426.73 

Total 517,638.31 

The total amount expended on account of streets, in- 
cluding walks, bridges, and culverts, was $10,945.08. 

In the followinj; pages will be found the early and later 
historj' of the mis,sion, village, and city of Ogdensburg, 



with a full account of its various institutions, manufactures, 
schools, churches, professions, etc., with complete lists of vil- 
lage and city officers to the present time, carefully arranged 
by subjects, and covering every department of enterprise 
from 1749 to 1878. 

TR.\DK. 

The first stock of goods opened in Ogdensburg was 
brought by the tedious route of the Hudson river, the Mo- 
hawk, Wood creek, Oneida lake, Oswego river, Lake On- 
tario, and the St. Lawrence, by Nathan Ford, agent for 
Samuel Ogden, and arrived at Ogdensburg Aug. 11, 179G. 
On the route up the Mohawk one of the boats, loaded 
with the goods, was sunk in the rapids and the goods badly 
damaged. 

This stock was opened in the sergeant's room of the 
late British barracks, and Richard Fitz Randolph was the 
first man to measure tape and sell salt and sugar in the 
embryo city. To-day, from this small beginning, the city 
has grown and enlarged its trade until the mercantile estab- 
lishments probably number over one hundred and fifty of 
various kinds. 

BUSINESS SUMMARY. 

A summary of the present business of the city of Og- 
densburg gives about the following : 4 a,sherics, 35 attor- 
neys, 2 architects, 3 auction and commission, 3 bakeries, 
2 banking-houses, 9 barber-shops, 2 billiard-rooms, 20 
blacksmiths, 4 boat-builders, 2 bowling-alleys, 2 books and 
stationery, 1 book-bindery, 10 boot- and shoe-dealers, 3 
brokers, 1 brewery, 1 broom-factory, 4 carriage-works, 1 
cement-roofing, 1 chandlery, 10 clergymen, 6 clothing- 
stores, 5 confectioners, 2 heavy coal dealers, 4 cooperages, 

1 crockery dealer, 5 dentists, 12 dress-makers, 4 doors, 
sash, and blinds, 5 druggists, 11 dry goods, 1 express office, 

2 flour and grain dealers, 4 flour-mills, 1 forwarding and 
corn, 2 foundries and machine-shops, 2 fruit dealers, 4 fur- 
niture dealers, 50 grocers, 2 hair-work manufacturers, 8 
hardware and tinware, 3 hat, cap, and fur dealers, 15 hotels, 
9 insurance agents, 5 jewelers, 3 job printers, 4 justices, 4 
land agents and real estate, 2 grain elevators, one with ca- 
pacity of 650,000 bushels, 90 licensed hackmen, wagoners, 
and carters, 5 liquor-stores, 2 liveries, 3 heavy lumber deal- 
ers, 2 marble-shops, 20 meat and vegetable markets, 4 mer- 
chant tailors, 10 milliners, 2 mu.sical instruments, 2 oils and 
glassware, 3 photographers, 12 physicians, 5 planing-mills, 
1 plaster-mill, 3 plumbers and gas-fitters, 5 post officials, 2 
pump-fiictories, 3 railways, 10 saddlery and harness, 25 
saloons and sample-rooms, 9 public and 7 select schools, and 
about 20 societies of various kinds, exclusive of churches, 
1 extensive stave-factory, 2 steam ferries, 2 telegraph offices, 
4 tobacconists. 

The total capital invested in the city in various branches 
of business, railways, transportation, manufactures, bauking, 
and trade, approximates $5,000,000. 

VILLAGE AND CITY OF OGDENSBURG. 

The city of Ogdensburg comprises, for civil purposes, a 
part of the town of Oswogatchic, which was erected from 
Lisbon March 3, 1802, the date of the organization of the 
county. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



143 



The first settlement was made in 1740 by the Sulpician 
Father Francis Picquet, who built a mission house and in- 
closed it with a small stockade, or palisade, and had mounted 
for its defense *' seven small stone guns and eleven four- to 
six-pounders." In 1751 he built a dam and saw-mill on 
the Oswegatchie, as stated by one writer; by another it is 
said that a dam and mill were erected by Captain Vernuil 
Lorimier, a French officer, who commanded at La Presenta- 
lion (the name given by Picquet to his post). At this 
mill large quantities of lumber were manufactured, a por- 
tion of which was used in the building of the rapidly- 
increasing village, which was composed of Indians, mostly 
from the Onondaga tribe of the Five Nations, who were 
persuaded to embrace Christianity, or rather to conform to 
the outward rules of the Catholic church, and to emigrate 
to the new mission on the Oswegatchie. 

The mission was abandoned and the works destroyed by 
the French upon the advance of General Amherst's army 
in the summer of 17tjO. The sandstone tablet, with its 
Latin inscription, which Father Picquet had placed in his 
mission house, was found among the ruins in 1831, and 
afterwards inserted in the front of the State arsenal, erected 
in 1858. 

A British garrison probably occupied this post for some 
years. The English were in possession in 1793, at which 
time Samuel Ogden was in correspondence with the gov- 
ernor of New York and the governor-general of Canada 
concerning the occupation by the English and the rapid 
destruction of the timber upon his domain, which was 
being extensively shipped to the north side of the St. 
Lawrence. 

Settlement was commenced here, under the proprietor- 
ship of Samuel Ogden, by his agent, Nathan Ford, in 1796 ; 
and on July 11, 1797, Mr. Ford was made his attorney for 
the sale of lands. It was Mr. Ogden's intention to begin 
at an earlier date, but possession of the English Fort Oswe- 
gatchie could not be obtained. The ownership was finally 
settled by the terms of Jay's treaty, ratified in February, 
1796, and the British gave up possession. 

Under British administration leases had been procured 
from the Oswegatchie Indians, under which the old French 
mill and dam were put in repair and an extensive lumber- 
ing business commenced by the Canadians, and was in full 
tide of operation when the fact first became known to the 
purchasers. 

Specimens of these spurious titles are inserted as curi- 
osities worthy of preservation. 

SrKClMEN INDIAN TITLE. 

" To all pcvpfe in whom these presenta sliall come : Ogentago, Do- 
wasundah, Suhuudarish, and Canadaha, the f»mr representatives <)f 
tho Indian viUagi; (if Oswegatchie, have this day, by and with the 
advice of the whole nation, being duly assembled in full council of 
the whole tribe or nation, as above mentioned. Men, Women, and 
Children being all present, have this day bargained, agreed, and to 
farmc let for ever, to Major Watson, of Oswegatchie, and to his heirs 
and assigncs for ever, all that tract or parcel of Land. Situate, Lying, 
and Keing, on the South Side of the Uivcr St. Lawrence, Beginning 
at the northwest corner of a tract of land granted to Daniel Smith, 
and running up along the stream of the river one League, or three 
English miles; tbeuco East South-oast from tho Lake or River, into 
the woods- three Leagues or Nino English Miles, thence Northeast 



one League or three English miles, thence North North west three 

Leagues or Nine English Miles, along the Line of said Daniel Smith 
to the place of Beginning, at the River Keeping the breadth of one 
League or three English miles, from the front of the River with Nine 
Miles in Depth; to him, his heirs and assigns, with the appurte- 
nances thereunto Belonging, or anywise appertaining to him the 
Said Major Watson his heirs and assigns for ever, for the yearly 
Rents and Covenants herein Reserved to the above Ogentago, Do- 
wasundah, Sahundarish and Canadaha, their heirs and successors or 
assigns, forever; to be yearly and Every year after the day of the 
date hearof. and to commence on the first day of December, one 
thousand Seven hundred and ninety three, the sum of Twenty 
Spanish Mill'd Dollars, thirteen and one third Bushels of wheat, and 
thirty three and one third pounds of pork, to be paid on the premices 
by the said Major Watson, his Heirs, Executors, administrators and 
assigns, to the above forementioned representatives, their heirs or 
assigns, if legally demanded on the premises, they giving sufficient dis- 
charges for the same, every year, hereafter, as the same rent becomes 
due. Now therefore this Indenture witnesseth, that the above Ogen- 
tago, Dowasunda, Sahundarish, and Canadaha, the four Representa- 
tives of the above mentioned village, and being the true and lawful 
owners of the above described Lands, and for, and in consideration of 
the yearly Rents and Covenants above mentioned, the receipt whereof 
they do here acknowledge, hath granted Bargained aliened released 
and confirmed, and by these presents doth, fully, freely, and Abso- 
lutely, do grant. Bargain, and sell; alien. Release, and confirm, unto 
the said Major Waison, his heirs and assigns for ever all the Title, 
Interest, Property, Claim, and Demand, of and unto, the above men- 
tioned Land, and premises, together with all the Trees, Timber, 
woods, ponds, pools, water, ,water courses, and streams of water, fish- 
ing, fowling, hawking, and hunting. Mines and Minerals, Standing, 
growing, Lying, and Being, or to be had, used, and enjoyed within 
the limits and Bounds aforesaid, and all other profits, Benefits, 
Liberties, priviledges, heriditimcnts, and appurtunanceys to the same 
Belonging, or in anywise appertaining, to have, and to hold, all the 
aforesaid Land, and premise?, to the said Major AVatson, his Heirs and 
assigns, to the proper use Benefit and Behoof of him, the said Major 
AVatson, his Heirs and assigns forever. So that neither of them the said 
Releasors nor their heirs or any other person or persons whatsoever for 
them or either of them, in their or either of their Names or write. Shall, 
or May, by any ways or means whatsoever, at any time hereafter. 
Claim, Challenge, or demand any Estate Right Title Interest, of, in, 
or to, the said above released premices, or any part thereof, But from 
all and every action and actions, Estate, Right, title. Claim, and De- 
mand, of any kind, of, in, or to, the said premises, or any part there- 
of, they and Every of them. Shall be forever Bound, by thcasc presents, 
and thay, and Every of them, the above said premises, with the ap- 
portunances to the said Major AVatson, his heirs and assigns, shall, 
and will, for Ever AVarrant and Defend. In Witness whereof, they 
have hearunto Set their Hands, and Seals, tho Twenty Second day 'of 
August, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety two. 

"Sealed and Delivered 
in the Presents ofi", 



■' Senhawe x his Mark. 
Sahieh x his Mark. 
Henry Qalton. 
Chrest. Swansichton, 
Ogentago x his Mark. l. s. 

Dowasundah, x his Mark. l. s. 
Sawhundarish, x his Mark. l. s. 
Canadaha. x hts Mark. l. s. 




A true coppy 



" Indorsciiteiit on Preccdintf. — Be it for Ever hereafter Remembered, 
that the chiefs of the Oswegatchie Nation have received of Major 
AVatson, Jarcd Seeley, and Daniel Smith, and John Livingston, an 
actual payment for the consideration contained in the Deeds executed 
by us and our fathers, comprehending ten miles on the river St. Law- 
rence, with nine miles back into tho woods; we say received the rent 
in full, for tho year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 



144 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ninety-seven, agreeable to the conditions of the within Lease or Deed, 

and the said parleys aro bear by Ilcgubirly Diacliiirged for tbe same, 
as witnesses our bands. 

his 



'Candaha. 



* Witness present, 
" Amos Ansley. 




mark. 

" Lasbalagenhas, X his ranrli. 
" Lewangelass, y^ his marli." 

Onatchateyent, Totagoines, Onarios, Tiotaasera, Aonacta, 
Gatemontic, Ganonseiitlie and Oiiente, Oswegatchie chiefs, at 
Grenville, U. C, June 1, 1795, in tlie presence of Josepli 
Anderson, John Stignian, and Ephraim Jones, confirmed 
to Catharine and Francis, the wife and son of Capt. Verneuil 
Lorimier, a verbal lease, executed in 1785, of a tract on the 
south shore, half a mile on each side of the small river 
called Black river and up to Black lake, for the yearly rent 
of one hundred silver dollars, or money equivalent thereto. 
This was a full warranty deed with covenant. Lorimier had 
been a French officer in command of Fort Presentation, and 
a tradition relates that he also possessed a French title, 
which, with other papers, were scattered and lost in a gale 
of wind that unroofed his house.* It having been reported 
that the St. Regis Indians discountenanced these proceed- 
ings, Watson and his associates wrote to them on the subject, 
and received the following answer, dated at St. Regis, April 
10, 1795: 

"Sir, — We were favored with your letter of the 9 March, and we 
have to inform you that no Indian of St. Regis ever will molest or 
trouble you on your present possession. You pay our brothers of the 
Oswegatchie a tolerable rent, and as long as you will make good pay- 
ment of the same rent to our brothers, who arc the same in all re- 
spects as ourselves, we shall and ever will be happy to keep you in 
full possession; do not ever believe any thing to the contrary from 
any person whatever. 

" We are with esteem, your brothers and friends, 

" Tharonhiagoton, *' Onousagcnra, 

" Assorontonkota, "Tionategckha. 

"For ourselves and others of our village of Sf. Kegis." 

To still further substantiate their title, the lessees from 
the Indians procured of the commandant of the fort at 
Oswegatchie a permit to locate upon and occupy the tracts 
includtad iu their leases. This document is given below, in 
the orthography and punctuation of the original : 

'■This is to cartifye that John Lcvingston Daniel Smith. Major 
Walson, and Jered Scley have made a purchase of a tract of land 
from the Indians of the Oswegatchie within the Jurisdiction of the 
Briiish post of Oswegatchie, I having examined said purchase and 
find it to be a fair one therefore the said John Lcvingston Daniel 
Smith Major Watson and Jered Seley arc hereby ortherized to settle 
cultivate and improve the saim and I as cummanding othcer of said 
post Do hereby RatiHc and Confirm said purchase and pronus the 
Kings protection to them nnd Their ossociiites Witness my hjind And 
seal Don at oswegatchie this Tenth Day of June one thousand seven 
hundred ninty four 

Richard Porter. L. S." 

* Stated on the authority of Wm. E. Guest, Esq.. of Ogdensburg. 



By virtue of these titles, and under protection of the 
British flag, a saw-millf was erected west of the Oswegat- 
chie, near its mouth, and the business of lumbering was 
commenced and prosecuted with spirit, under which tlie 
majestic forests, covering almost the entire region, began 
rapidly to disappear; and these operations extended to 
the whole river-front and the tributaries of the great river 
capable of floating spars and rafts. 

The following correspondence, in relation to these claims 
and trespasses, passed several years before settlements were 
attempted : 

"New Yohk, Nov. 1, 1793. 
"His Excellkncy George Clinton, Esq. 

*' Myself and associates, owners of ten townships of land lying on 
the east side of the river St. Lawrence, having had the honor of ad- 
dressing you on the 2d of September, 1792, and stating to you, as the 
head of the executive of this State, certain representations of tres- 
passes daily committed on said townships by subjects of the Govern- 
ment of Great Britain, in hopes that through your aid some measures 
would be taken, either by the government of the State or by the 
general government, to put a stop to the great evil of which we com- 
plained. But finding from good information that the trespass was not 
only continued, but very much increased, I conceived it for the in- 
terest of myself and the other gentlemen concerned to take a journey 
to that country, as well to establish the facts contained in that letter 
as to endeavor, by making a representation thereof to the governor 
of Canada, to have an immediate stop put to the evil. How far my 
expectations have been realized, your excellency will judge from a 
perusal of the copies, hereto annexed, of the letters that passed 
between Governor Simcoe, my Lord Dorchester, and myself. 

" You will allow me, in behalf of myself and associates, to aver to 
you that all the facts contained in our letter to you, as well as those 
contained in my letter to Governor Simcoe and my Lord Dorchester, 
are true, and I trust you will readily see the necessity of some imme- 
diate and spirited measures to stop the trespass, or the great part of all 
our valuable timber will be destroyed, and carried out of the United 
States, by a set of men whose only motive is to plunder and destroy. 
Our title under the State we know to be good, and we conceive we 
have every just claim for protection and indemnity from it. It is now 
upwards of eight years that we paid into the public treasury a large 
sum of money for this tract of country, under full expectation that 
we might make peaceable settlements thereon. But, unfortunately 
for our interests, we are not only prevented by the British government 
from settling those lands, but the subjects thereof have already robbed 
us of the most valuable part of that property. It is the apprehension 
of consequences of a public nature that restrains us from appealing 
to the law of the State for the protection of that property. There can 
be no doubt but that the justice of the legishiture ought to give us 
an ample indemnity for our sufferings. How far, then, it may be 
proper for us, through you, to make a representation of the hardships 
under which wc labor to it, at the approaching session, is with much 
respect submitted to your wisdom, and we, well knowing your anxiety 
for the dignity of the State and tbe interests of its individuals, have 
DO doubt that you will do everything that may be proper in the 
premises. 

"I have the honor to be your most obedient humble servant, 

"Sam'l Ogden." 

" York, Upper Canada, August :n, 1793. 
"His Exckllkncv John G. Simcoe, Esq. 

"Sir, — Having obtained, under the State of New Y'ork, a title to 
a largo tract of land lying on the southeast side of the river St. Law- 
rence, at or about Oswegatchie, and being informed that many persona 
calling themselves subjects of your government are daily committing 
great trespass on said tract of land, by cutting and transporting to 
Montreal large quantities of timber therefrom, I beg leave to repre- 
sent the same to your excellency, in full confidence that your interpo- 
sition will put an immediate stop to such proceedings as tend very 
much to my injury. It may not be improper to add that, previous 
to my leaving New York, I was advised, and well knew, that the ex- 

t This was possibly a new mill, as tbe original French mill may 
have been destroyed or decayed. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



145 



ecutivo of that State would, on my application, give his immediate 
aid for the protection of this property. But conccivin*^ such an opera- 
tion would involve a governmental question (which for very obvious 
reasons I conceive at this time ought to be avoided), at great expense 
and fatigue, I undertook a journey to this country, that I might make 
this representation to your excellency previous to any other measures 
being taken iu the premises. 

" I have the honor to be, etc., 

"Sam'l Ogden." 

"York, August :il, 1793. 
"Samtkl Ogdkn, Esq. 

"Sir, — I am just favored with your letter of the 31st of August. 
I beg leave to observe to you that last autumn, on the representation 
of the OmPcgnUhie Indians, the magistrates of the town of Augusta 
warned some of his majesty's subjects to quit those very lands. I 
apprehend you claim under a title from the State of New York. In 
regard to your intimation that the executive of the State of New 
York would give its immediate aid for the protection of this property, 
I have to observe that you are perfectly just in your observation that 
such would be a governmental question, inasmuch as it is obvious to 
all there in no treafi/ line, nor can be reasonabfy expected to be acknowl- 
edged by Great Britain, until the prior articles of the treaty shall be 
fulfilled by the United States. But iu the immediate point of view, 
as this question does nut concern his majesty's subjects, who have 
already been forbidden, at the request of the Indians claiming the 
laud, to form settlements on that side of the river, I can only refer 
you to his excellency the commander-in-chief for any further ex- 
planations you require, to whom your very liberal principles as ex- 
pressed in your letters, which I shall transmit to him, cannot but be 
highly recommendatory, and impress those sentiments of respect, 
with which I ara your obedient servant, 

*' J. G. SlMCOE, 
" Lt.-Gvv'r Upper Canadu.'* 

" Quebec, September 29, 1793, 
"His Excbllbncy Guy Lord Carlton, <jrovEUNon-GENERAL, Etc. 

" My Loud, — His excellency. Governor Simcoe, having in his letter 
to me of the 31st of August referred me to your lordship on the 
subject about which I wrote him, I beg leave to address you thereon, 
and to inclose you for your information that correspondence and a 
representation of some facts which came to my knowledge since 
writing to Governor Simcoe. On examining the tract of country 
which I own, I found the most wanton and excessive waste of timber 
imaginaljle, so much so that I conceive injury already committed to 
the amount of many thousand pounds. I found also a large saw-mill 
building within two or three hundred yards of the fort of Oswegat- 
chic, which if persisted in will destroy the most valuable tract of 
timber in all that country. This mill is building by Verne Francis 
Lorimier, a haif-pay captain, who lives opposite my tract on the 
western side of the river, with whom I had a conversation on the 
subject. After producing a copy of the records of New York showing 
my title to these lands, and representing the injury that would arise 
to me from the waste of timber which the mill would occasion, I 
offered, in order to prevent any further difficulty, to pay him his dis- 
bursements in case he would desist. This he refused, and informed 
me that he was conductor of the Indians on whose lands it was, and 
that so long as one of them were alive he should possess the mill. 
This gentleman being in the employ of your government, for Indian 
affairs, or agency, and under that pretense is in the constant practice 
of selling large quantities of timber. It is not my bnviness, my lord, to 
discuss any question of a public nature. I shall not, therefore, at- 
tempt to reason as to tfie right the Indians may have to those lands 
{which I am informed by the governor of New York have been long 
since purchased of them), on the propriety of the detention of the 
post at Oswegatchie, or ou the recent ettablinh incut oi nn Indian village 
in my lands. Yet I cannot help observing tliat no claim of title can 
in the court»t of New York justify those trespasses on my jiroperty, 
which the State stands bound to ])rotect me in. I presume your good- 
ness will excuse the earnest importunity of an individual who con- 
ceives himself a great sufferer, and feels a most anxious desire, from 
various motives, that your interposition may prevent any further 
settlement or waste being committed on those lands until the question 
of the posts shall by the two governments be finally adjusted and 
settled. 

" I have the honor to be your lordship's most obed't serv't, 

"Sam'l Ogdkn." 
19 



In the summer of 1795, Mr. Ford was sent by Ogden to 
take further measures to obtain possession and commence a 
settlement. His letter of instructions, dated Perth Amboy, 
July 12, 1795, will be read with interest: 

" Dear Nathan, — liy tliis opportunity I have written again to my 
brother--'- on the subject of his application to my Lord Dorchester, 
and have told him that you would stay a few days at Montreal, and 
requested him to communicate to you there (to the care of Mr. For- 
syth) his lordship's determination. Now in case of his giving you 
permission to repair one or more of the houses, and placing inhabi- 
tants therein, you will then, while at Oswegatchie, make, with the 
advice of Major Drummond, the necessary arrangements, and procure 
some proper person to move therein as my tinant. The importance 
• of this you will sec, and it may become u question whether you had 
not better in this case return from Toronto via Onwtfjotuchic, and 
spend some '.ceektt or perhaps vtonths there this summer and antunin, go 
as to prepare and arrange things for your reception next spring. If 
you should succeed in' the idea I gave you respecting the saic-mifi, 
then (■( ought to be kept diligently at work in sawing pine boards and 
shingles proper for the buildings we mean to erect next year, which 
ought to be carefully set up when sawed, so as to be seasoned for use 
next summer. Cannot you, by some means or other, possess yuurseif 
of a particular account of the distance and route from Oswegatchie 
up the river and lake, and so on to Fort Stauwix, or such route as the 
nearest direction may lead to ? In doing this, attend to the following 
queries: 1. What falls of water between the Oswegatchie and the 
lake? 2. What distance from the fort to the lalie? what streams put 
in and where? with a full description of lands, meadows, swamps, 
etc. Be very particular as to this. 3. A very particular description 
of the lake, as well as the outlet, and the land around its margin, 
with an estimate of its dimensions and course, so that we may form 
an estimate of its situation in the townships. Estimate its course 
with that of the great rivers. 4. What streams run up into the lake, 
and what water communication leads from towards Fort Stanwix, and 
what may be the supjiosed distance? 5. In your description of land 
attend to timber, limestone, intervale, bog meadow, swamps, etc. 
Let your observations be made in writing, and do not spare paper. 
Perhaps a few dollars laid out in presents to the Oswegatchie Indians 
would be useful. You will procure from the commanding officer at 
Montreal a letter of introduction to the sergeant at Oswegatchie. 
This will become very necessary. Colonel Gordon and Colonel Mc- 
Donald, if at Montreal, will aid you in this. 

*' My health is mending. God bless you. 

" Sam'l Ogdkn. 

"Major Ford." 

In answer to the foregoing, the following lettur was re- 
turned, dated Kingston, Aug. 28, 1795 : 

" Dear Sir, — I have this moment received your letter dated July 12. 
Its contents shall be attended to. I wrote you the 2d and 7th inst., 
both of which I hope you hare received. I left Montreal the 9th for 
Niagara; on my way I paid Oswegatchie a visit, and was much sur- 
prised to find the dam so completely out of repair. The north end of 
the dam is totally gone for fifteen or twenty feet, and all the gravel 
is off the dam, — indeed it docs not appear there ever was any great 
quantity upon it. Such another built dam I never saw. It looks 
more like an old log house than it docs like a dam. There is a kind 
of crib work built up, which supports logs, set nearly perpendicular, 
without having even the bark taken otT, and chinked exactly like a 
log house. It appears there has been a little gravel thrown on, but 
there is scarce a trace of it left. 

"Nothing has been done this summer, and I doubt much if they 
will do to repair. Honniwell has sold out to Lorimier, and he has 
rented to a number of people, and so confused a piece of business as 
it is I never saw: There is no person about the place that can give 
me the whole history of the business. Honniwell is not at home, or 
I could have known all about it. I was happy to find that most of 
the people upon the other side are glad to find that a settlement is to 
be made, and many intend coming over. I did not go to sco Lori- 



* The Hon. Isaac Ogdcn, of Montreal, who became a loyalist in (he 
Revolution, nnd afterwards filled a high judicial station in Canada. 



146 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



mier, and for this reason : After conversing with Mr. Farrand fully 
upon this subject, wo finally concluded it wuuld bo best for me to 
show the greatest inditforcnce, merely call at the mill, look at the 
fort, and take care to impress the idea fully upon whoever I tnlkcd 
with that, by the treaty, the fort was to be given up in June; that 
there would be a garrison sent there: that settk-rs would be brought 
on, and business commenced extensively. This 1 have done in away 
that I hope will have its desired effect. In my absenee Mr. Farrand 
will make business al Oswegatehic, and sound Lorimicr on the sub- 
ject, and, if possible, make him apply for terms. If he can be brought 
to this state, a negotiation may be had upon better terms than if I 
should apply to him. Mr. Farrand concurred fully in this idea, and 
thinks it the most probable way to accomplish our wishes. Lori- 
luier's circumstances are in a very embarrassed state : the mill, to- 
gether with the farm, are mortgaged to Ilonniwell, and many other 
demands are rising up against the estate. My intention is to return 
to Oswegatchie, if I keep my health (which, thank God, was never 
better). I intend leaving my baggage, and find my way through the 
woods to the Little falls. This idea I suggested to you in a former 
letter. Never was anybody more unfortunate! than I have been in 
passages. I had a long passage up the North river, and a long pass- 
age to St. John's ; was detained longer at Montreal than was neces- 
sary, for want of a conveyance up the river; a long passage up the 

river, and, as the d 1 must have it so, arrived here only two hours 

too late for a passage to Niagara, and this is the ninth day I have 
been here, wind-bound; and, what is more than all, a packet, which 
arrived two days ago from Niagara, brings word that the governor 
leti that place six days ago for Long Point, at which place his stay 
is very uncertain. 1 shall go on to Niagara, and if I do not find his 
return certain in a short time, I shall go on to Fort Erie, and there 
hire an Indian to take me on in a birch canoe until I find him. I 
think this will be saving time. The whole time I have been at this 
place is completely lost, for I durst not be out of the way for fear the 
wind should come fair, in which case the vessel would leave me. 
AVere not this the case I should have visited the isle of Taunty and 
the Grand isle."--' All this must be left until I return. I believe (here 
will be no doubt of a lawsuit respecting Grand isle. I have been to 
the mills upon the Thames, and find them very much out of repair. 
My time was so short that I could not get a very full account about 
them and the land. I shall see them again. The greatest object of 
all is the fixing of the Oswegatchie business, and no stone shall be 
unturned to bring this to a happy issue. Mr. Farrand tells me that 
Lorimier relies upon a French title, which he says he has. This Mr. 
Farrand will get a sight of, and, should it be worth anything, a nego- 
tiation will be more necessary. Mr. Farrand will be in full possession 
of all the business against my return (which I shall make as speedy 
as possible), and which I shall not leave until I see an end of. The 
boat which is going to Montreal is waiting for this, and hurries me 
so that I have not time to write you as fully as you wish. 

"N. Foi{]>. 
•* Col. Ogden, Newaick." 

" Newauk, in Ui'I'ek Canad.a,, Sfpt. 10, 1795. 
"Deak Sir, — I wrote you from Kingston the 20th of August, 
which I hope you have received. In that I mentioned my ill luck 
in not arriving at Kingston a few hours sooner, which would have 
made me in time to have taken passage in the packet, by which mis- 
fortune I was detained at Kingston from the 19th of August to the 
1st of September, and, after another gnn-hoat vnyurje of .'•ix days, ar- 
rived at this place, where I am now detained by the governor's not 
having returned from Long Point, from whence he is daily expected. 
I shall transact my business with him as soon after bis return as pos- 

* Mr. Ford was commissioned by Col. Ogden and Nicholas Low to 
make inquiries into the titles and terms of Ihese islands, and pur- 
chase them of Sir John Johnstin in the name of Alexander Wallace, 
an Englishman (as they say in Canada), on speculation. He was 
authorized to offer £2000 sterling for the isle of Tanle. Eleven fam- 
ilies had been settled three years upon it. Grand isle had been pur- 
chased at Montreal from Mr. Curot, a Frenchman (who held it under 
a grant from the king of France), for £600, with a further sum of 
quarter dollar per acre when the title was established. These pur- 
chases were not made by Mr. Ford. He examined them, and made 
very full report? upon soil, timber, etc., which are preserved with his 
papers. — P. II. li. 



sible, and return to Oswegatchie immediately, when I hope to settle 
that business. Should I not be so fortunate as to obtain leave of the 
governor to repair the houses, that will not prevent my negotiating 
with Lorimicr. Mr. Farrand will have taken the necessary measures 
for bringing about a negotiation. I have this day written him to 
meet me at Oswegatchie on my return. I take it for granted you 
have received all my former letters, which contain all the information 
I have. I will write you thence by way of Montreal, and inform you 
of my success with his excellency. Unless something very unforeseen 
takes place I shall undoubtedly leave my baggage at Oswegatchie, 
and go through the woods to the Mohawk river. I am of opinion 
that it will bo best to strike the river as low down as the Little falls, 
which is said to be 120 miles from Oswegatchie. I am sorry to tell j 
you it is a very sickly season in this province ; never was it more so ; 
but I am very happy to add that it is leas so about Oswegatchie. 
That part is looked upon to be the most healthy of any in Upper 
Canaila. Should I pass through this country without a touch I shall 
be peculiarly fortunate. It is said here that strangers are scarce ever 
exempt. I hope to reach the fort in a state to be able to undertake 
the proposed march. I should recommend to you not to sell before I 
return. I think there can be no doubt of those lands settling very 
fast. I hope to give you a very satisfactory account of them on my 
return. I have this moment heard that the governor is at Fort Erie, 
on his return. Believe me to be your ver^' humble servant. 

'*N. Ford." 

Mr. Ford, in a letter dated Kingston, Sept. 23, 1795, 
mentioned that the governor had returned sick, and that 
his business could only be settled in council. Pie again 
states his intention of traversing the woods to the Mohawk, 
but it is not known whether this design was carried into 
effect. Jay's treaty, which was finally ratified in February, 
179G, provided in its second articles that his majesty's 
troops should be withdrawn Irom all posts within the 
States on iw before the 1st of June, the property of British 
subjects being secured to them by the government, and i 
they were to be free to remain or go as they saw fit. \ 

The signature of the treaty having at length rendered it 
certain that the surrender of Fort Oswegatchie would re- 
move the last obstacle which had for several years hindered 
the settlement of northern New York, Mr. Ford at length J 
started with a company of men, a few goods, and articles of ■ 
prime necessity for a new settlement, with the design to re- 
pair or rebuild the dam and mills on the Oswegatchie and 
survey and settle the country. As a guide for his opera- 
tions, the proprietor drew up the following memorandum of 
instructions, which embody the designs and wishes of Col. 
Ogden in relation to the new settlement : 

" On your arrival at Oswegatchie endeavor, in as amicable a man- 
ner as possible, to gain immediate possession of the works, mills, and 
town. If diflieuUies do arise, you will of course exercise the best of 
your judgment and discretion in order to remove them. This, per- 
haps, may be done best by soothing measures; perhaps by threats 
and perhaps by bribes, as to which it must be entirely submitted to 
your judgment, as circumstances may turn up. It seems certain that 
you will have no difficulty in obtaining possession of the fort and 
works. These, therefore, I presume you will immediately possess. 
The mills seem the great difficulty, for which you will make every 
exertion after you have possession of the fort. After you have ob- 
tained possession of the mills, you will immediately commence the 
repairs thereof, so as to have Ihe saw-mill at work this autumn before 
you leave it. As to the manner of repairing the dam, it must be left 
to your own judgment. I must, however, recommend it to your par- 
ticular attention to have it solidly placed and well filled in with stone, 
and graveled, so as to render it permanent and secure. Perhaps it 
may be best for this Call's operation to place the whole of the »«ir-mill 
on the same ?ite as it formerly stood, observing, however, that in our 
next summer's operations we shall place many other works on ih*: n'm,,- 
f/«m,and that those works must be carried so far down the river as tn 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



147 



be placed on the navigable water, bo that vessels may come to them to 

load and unload. If the old mill is dcsfroyod, and you find that a now 
one must be constructt'd. I would recommend that you construct it so 
as to saw plank or timber of forty feet long. You will exercise yuur 
own judgment as to what repairs it may be proper for you to put on 
any of the buildings at the old fort. It strikes me that it will be 
best to repair the old stone houses, and as many of the frnme as may 
be found sound ami free from decay. Of this, however, you will be 
able to judge after a careful inspection thereof. Should you meet 
with any diiheuUy with the Indians who live below, send a letter to 

Mr. F , and inclose one to Grey (the interpreter), who lives 

at St. Regis; desire Grey to come up to you, ond with him fall on 
such measures as may be proper for an accommodation. 

"If on experiment you find that a further supply of goods will be 
advantageous this autumn, write me so, and send me a memorandum 
thereof, so that I may forward them to you. If on experiment you 
tind that that any particular article of commerce will answer a good 
and speedy remittance, you will be very early in your communica- 
tions to me thereof, and it is probable that you may point out the 
best and most expeditious manner of transporting the same. 

'* It nuti/ be that certain articles of remittance may offer which it 
may be proper to send to Montreal for sale, in which case you will for- 
ward them to the care and direction of Thomas Forsyth, of that place, 
taking care to give him written instructions how to dispose thereof, 
and always remember in your letter book to keep regular copies of all 
ifitnr letters. Your set of books must bo regularly kept, so as to show 
a very exact account of aV expenditures and disbursements, so that 
every shilling may be explained and accounted for. Write me from 
Schenectady the result of your conversation with Tibbets, so that I 
may endeavor to fall on some measures for the completing that object. 
If on examination j'ou find any tract of land without my purchase, 
and which you believe to bo an object worth our attention, write 
mo a full aceonut thereof, and enable me to take it if it should be 
found an object. Mr. Grey gave me some reason to believe he could 
find a mine of iron ore within our ten townships. Pray extend your 
researches thereafter as early as possible, as it is very important that 
we should, at as early a period as jiossible, commence our iron-work 
operation, and nothing can l>e ibme until the ore be found. The let- 
ters I forward you from hence I shall furward to the care of D. Hale, 
Albany; any which you may write to me (not by the post) you will 
also direct to his care. 

"S. Ogdkn, 

"July 12, 1796." 

Mr. Ford left New York in July, 1796, and on the 18th 
arrived at Albany and crossed with teams to Schenectady, 
where he met Mr. Day and John Lyon,* men whom he 
had employed to come with him, together with Thomas 
Lee, carpenter, and Dick, a negro slave who was owned by 
Mr. Ford. These were considered suflBcient to man one boat. 
To hire another would cost £85 to Oswegatchie, besides 
porterage and lock-fees, which would amount to £5 more. 
Of the boatmen, Mr. Ford remarked : " So abandoned a set 
of rascals as the boatmen at this place are. I never saw." 
Instead of complying with their demand he bought a four- 
handed boat, and tried to hire men by the day, but here he 
was again met with a coalition, and was obliged to pay high 
wages to his hands. 

So impressed was he with the impositions and exactions 
that thus obstructed the gateway to the great west, that he 
predicted that at no distant day, if a change for the better 
did not soon occur, " the western country would seek a 
market in Montreal rather than submit to the exactions of 
these men." Could a prophetic vision but have carried 
him forward through but half a century, and placed him 
on that very spot, where he could have seen the throbs of 
those mighty arteries which transmit the wealth of millions 



* Mr. Lyon die 1 in Fol ruary, 1834, at the age of eighty-oDe. 



along their channels and on their iron tracks, in obedience 
to the electric message, and the beautiful Mohawk reduced 
to an insignificant stream from the withdrawal of its waters 
by the canals, the senses must have failed to impart to the 
understanding the vastness of the change, and the bewil- 
dered eye would have gazed without comprehension upon 
the scene as belonging to a dream ! 

Is an equal change reserved for the coming half-century ? 

Mr. Ford, having purchased a boat for £1G, prepared to 
leave the town, and the journal of his voyage will give the 
incidents which occurred with much vividness, and will 
here be quoted : 

** Left Schenectady on Friday, July 22, 1700, at two o'clock, with 
two boats for Oswegatchie; proceeded up the river as far as Maby's 
tavern, where we lodged; distance, six miles. 23d. Set out early in 
the morning, and got ns far as Mill's tavern, where we lodged; dis- 
tance, ten miles; had a very heavy shower this afternoon. 24th, 
Left Mill's tavern and got to Connoly's, where we lodged; distance, 
seventeen miles. Our passage up the river is rendered very slow, 
owing to the lownessof the water and our boats being full loaded. I 
have been under the necessity of loading them full for two reasons: 
first, because I could not make up three full loads; and, second, be- 
cause of the infamous price I was asked for taking a load. It will 
scarcely be believed when I say that I was asked £85 for one boat- 
load to betaken to Oswegatchie, besides locks and portage-fees, which 
would make it amount, in the whole, to £90. This I thought so 
enormous I could not think of submitting to it. I purchased a boat, 
and hired another with three bateaumen, and with my own people I 
set out, and thus far we have come on tolerably well. 25th. Left 
Connoly's this morning, and came on to what is called Caty's rift;f 
distance three miles. At this unfortunate place commenced my ill 
fortune. I at first hired only two batcaumen, but previous to my 
leaving Schenectady I hired a third, hoping bj" this I bad put it out 
of the power of any accident to happen. The boat, being manned by 
three professed bateaumen and one good hand (though not a boatman), 
ascended this rift to within a boat's length of being over, when she 
took a shear and fell back, and soon acquired such velocity that the 
resistance of the boatmen became quite inadequate to stopping her. 
The consequence was, she fell crosswise of the current, and when she 
had descended the rapids about half way she brought up broadside 
upon a rock (which lays in the middle of the stream), and sunk al- 
most instantly about four or five inches under. In this situation she 
lay about two hours before I could procure assistance to get her un- 
loaded ; the delay of getting to her, together with the difficulty of 
coming at her cargo, made us three hours before we could relieve the 
boat, during which time we expected to see her go to pieces, which 
would undoubtedly have happened had she not been a new boat, and 
well built. It was particularly unfortunate that it was on board this 
boat that I had almost all my dry goods, which got most thoroughly 
wet. Upon getting the boit off I found she had two of her kiiccs 
broke, and one of her planks split, and leaky in several places. I 
immediately had one-half the cargo reloaded, and set forward up the 
rapid, at the head of which lives Mr. Spraker. Here I unloaded, and 
sent the boat back for the residue. Upon their arrival I set about 
opening the goods, all of which were soaking wet. The casks I hod 
the goods in would have turned water for a short time, hut the length 
of time the boat was under gave an opporlunitj- for all the casks to fill. 
The three boxes of tea were all soaked through. The difficulty of get- 
ting this article dry was heightened by the very showery weather we 
had Tuesday and Wednesday ; but by paying tho greatest attention 
we were enabled to get it all dry by AVednesday evening. The goods 
I had all dried and repacked ; the boat I had taken out of the water 
and repaired; almost everything was now ready for setting out in the 
morning. Upon drying the tea I found it was too much damaged to 
take on ; I concluded it would be better to send it back to New York 
and have it dir^posed of at auction for what it would bring, rather 
than have the reputation of bringing forward damaged tea, and dis- 
posing of it for good, and that in a country where my future success 
very much depends upon the reputation I establish. 28ih. I finished 

f Keaton's rift, the most formidable on the route. 



148 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



packing up, and at (en o'clock we got on board and proceeded upon 
our voyage again ; got as far as Ncllor's tavern ; distance, about 
twelve miles; rained very sharp this afternoon. 29th. Got to the 
Little falls this afternoon about throe o'clock. The tea I left boxed 
up, in the care of Mr. Spraker, to bo forwarded to Mr. Murdock, 
Schenectady. I have written him to forward it to Mr. McKie ; you 
will be so good as to give him directions about it. It was fortunate 
that two chests of tea were left at Schenectady, as was also a barrel 
of snuff, etc., which I have ordered to be forwarded to Kingston. 
The two casks of powder I have also sent back to Mr. McKie; that 
article was totally sjioiled (except to work over again). The bett of 
the muslins was in Kichard's trunk, and did not get wet. I hope the 
dry goods are not so damaged as to pi-cvont a sale of them. The 
cutlery is very much injured, notwilhstandiiig Ihc greatest attention. 
This is not only a hiavy loss, but is attended with vast fatigue and 
pcrple.\ity. I could not procure oil-cloth.s for the boats (the one you 
had was sold with the boat). I have only tow cloths, which I fear 
will not be sufficient to protect the goods against the very heavy 
rains we have had and still have. It has been raining about twelve 
hours very heavy, and, should it continue, I apprehend the casks 
will not fully shed the water. No industry or perseverance shall bo 
wanting on my part to make the best of the voyage." 

On the 1st of August the voyagers arrived at Fort Stan- 
wix (Rome), on which date Mr. Ford wrote to Col. Ogdon 
that, ahhough the voyage had thus far been disastrous and 
extremely unpleasant, yet he anticipated arriving at Oswe- 
gatchie in a week, and hoped to go on pleasantly down liill. 

A copy of the letters of Judge Ford, from 1796 till 
1807, is before us, which describe the events of that period 
with niinutene.ss, and are expressed in language remarkable 
for that force and originality so peculiar to that singular 
man. They would of themselves form a volume of consid- 
erable size, and we shall be under the necessity of gleaning 
from thcra the succession of events, although we confess 
our utter inability to approach that conciseness and that 
striking peculiarity which indicate the talents and genius of 
their writer.* 

He arrived Aug. 11, 1796, and was accompanied by 
Richard Fitz Randolph, a clerk, Thomas Lee, a carpenter, 
John Lyon and family, and a few boatmen from Schenec- 
tady. His goods he set up in the sergeant's room, which 
he used as a store ; the family of Tuttle, whom he had sent 
on to stay in the fort and keep things in order, he placed 
in the barracks adjoining the store; Mr. Lyon he placed in 
the mill-house, and immediately crossed to Canada, and ob- 
tained three yoke of oxen, four milch cows, peas, wheat, 
etc., hired about forty men, and set about building a dam 
and saw-mill. He found many persons on the other side 
anxious to settle, but was not at the time authorized to sell 
lands, and could only defer their applications by telling 
them that settlements could not be made till the lands were 
surveyed. In a few days Joseph Edsall arrived, and began 
to survey the town. He brought with him a small bag of 
orchard grass seed, half for Ford, and half for Mr. Farrand, 
on the north shore. On the 7th of September he wrote to 
Mr. Ogden as follows : 

"When I wrote you last, I mentioned Major Watsonf and several 
other persons, who had settled upon the lauds up the river. These 
people have relinquished their pretensions, and tind that they had 
better become purchasers. Watson and several others of them are 
at work for me. Krom what I had hoard before, it was Watson I was 
expecting that would be the person who meant to give us trouble, but 

* Dr. Hough. 

■j" Jlajor Watson was a son of John Watson, from Ireland, and in 
early life had been a prisoner among the Indians. 



I nm glad to find it is not like to bo the ease. But I am well in- 
formed that John Smith, or Joseph Smith (who goes by the name of 
Yankee Smith), is the man who says he will try the title with you. 
Ho lives upon the other side himself, and keeps a tavern. I believe 
he is a m'an of but little force to set about establishing title to such a 
tract. I have been told that he was on his way to warn me about my 
business, but was taken sick and returned. I have not seen him. It 
would be well to make an example of him, if we could get him over 
this side. Those fellows only want to be treated with promptness to 
bring thcra to terms. I dare say Smith's object is to make a fuss, 
ho])iiig that to get clear of him you will give him a d<-ed for a tract, 
which he is not able to purchase. This I would never indulge him 
in. It is through such fellows that so much trespass has been com- 
mitted, and [by] this Smith particularly. 

" I have had all the chiefs of the St. Regis village to see and 
welcome me to this country, excepting Gray ond two others, who are 
gone to the river Chazy, to receive the money from the State. 

" They gave me a hearty welcome, and pressed me very much to 
pay them a visit. I treated them with the utmost civility, and sent 
them all away drunk. As to the Ofuvegalcttie Intiians, I have never 
heard a word from them upon the possession of their lands, — many 
of them have been here to trade, etc. As to Lorimior's claim, I never 
heard anything from them until I had been here several days. I had 
been asked what I intended doing with the widow, etc., by people 
who were not interested (and who, I suppose, intormed her what I 
said upon the subject) ; my reply was that we hail been very illy 
treated about the business heretofore, but I had understood that the 
widow was in indigent circumstances, and it was not your or my inten- 
tion to distress the widow and fatherless; what was right we intended 
to do. Were Mr. Lorimier alive, we should hold a very different lan- 
guage. This was my uniform reply to those who said anything lo 
me upon the subject. Upon the 17lh Mr. Sherwood (a young lawyer) 
came over and presented me a letter from Mrs. Lorimier (a copy of 
which is annexed), which, after I had read, he began to apologize for 
being under tile necessity of formally forbidding me to proceed in my 
builtling upon the premises, and begged I would not be offended if he 
called in two witnesses that he might do it in form. He went on to 
say that he thought Mrs. Lorimier's right would hold good under the 
2d article of the treaty, etc. : to all which I made no other reply 
but that I should not have any objection to h;s being as formal as he 
w.!^hed, and as to her coming within the 2d article, I did not con- 
ceive it could be made to bear such a construction, and concluded 
by observing that if Mrs. Lorimier meant to set up title, it must be 
the hardest kind of one, and that all idea of charily must be at an 
end. He insinuated that the cause would be tried in their courts, it 
being a matter that the treaty was to decide. This idea I treated 
with levity, as did also Farrand, when I mentioned the thing to hint. 
A few days after this transaction I was over the river, where I saw 
Capt. Anderson (who lives at Kingston), to whom the estate is in- 
debted. He told me he was going to administer on the estate, and 
wished to know if we intended to make the widow any compensation. 
I told him the widow had sent me a letter and a lawyer to forbid my 
proceeding ; that I supposed she meant to press her title if she had 
any, in which case charity would be entirely out of the question. 
That we had ever been disposed to do what was right, he himself 
very well knew. Who had advised her to the step she had taken I 
did not know, neither did I care. If they, thought the widow would 
do better by a lawsuit than relying upon our justice and generosity, 
she was at perfect liberty to try it ; that I should give myself no 
further trouble about it. He told me he thought it a very unwise step 
she had taken, and could not imagine who had advised her to it; 
that the thing was given up, and I should never hear any mure of it. 
Notwithstanding all his protestations to the contrary, I did believe 
then, and ever shall, that he himself was the man. I took care not to 
insinuate such a belief. I then interrogated him as to her title; this 
ho evaded, upon which I tnld him that he tnust bo well enough 
acquainted with law to know that a widow could not dispose of real 
estate, and if they had any title to the land I should not do anything 
until the heir-at-law gave tue a release and quitclaim. That if I 
went into the business at all I did not mean to do it by halves. This 
brought forward an elucidation of their title, as he has it from the 
widow, and as he says the lease which he has seen is *" ^ * He states 
that in the year 1785 they built a saw-mill and lived upon this side; 
that the dam and mill went away, and they retuoved over the river. 
That in the year 179:! the Indians gave Lorimier a verliiil /enur I for 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



149 



the land, as stated in her letter to me). That after Lorimier's death 
the Indians came forward and confirmed to her, in her own name (in 
writing), a lease fur the same lands (the widow states) thej gave 
Lorimier a verbal lease for. This last act was done this spring or last 
fall. 

"This, he assures me on his honor, is all the title thej have. 
After much conversation upon the subject, I told him that if their 
conduct towards me was such as it ought to be, I would take the 
business into consideration, and make an equit.ible valuation of the 
mill and house, and pay the widow therefor, provided they gave up 
all idea of title. This he assured me they would do, and rely upon 
our generosity. I am to write to him upon the subject, which when 
I do he will come down, and we shall have an end to the business. 
I do not wish to be in too great a hurry, for fear that something may 
be behind, which I may find out. I shall he attentive to the business, 
and not lose too much time. 

"As to business in the mercantile way, it equals my expectation. 
I am confident much business may be done here in that way. I am 
sorry that I have not a further supply of coarse goods here for the 
season. Provisions of every kind can be taken in here in abun- 
dance. It was impossible for me to know soon enough what would 
answer this country for you to forward them this autumn. I shall 
make the best and most of what I have : it will go some way in 
making provision for our next summer's operations. I would sug- 
gest to you the propriety of sending to England this fall to have the 
burr-stones shipped to Montreal; they will come easier and much 
cheaper that way than coming up the Mohawk. It is astonishing 
what a mill may do here. Boulton's mill, which is at the Garlows, 
is now resorted to for fifty miles, and a worse mill I am sure never 
was. I have not yet been able to get information relative to iron 
ore. If I can get iho dam done soon enough, I intend to take a 
ramble back of the lake. If we get the saw-mill under way this fall, 
which I hope will be the case, it will be absolutely necessary to have 
a bill of such timber as will be wanted for the grist-mill, so that 
every preparation for th.it may be going on this winter. This you 
will be so good as not to fail sending me. 

"My carpenter will stay the winter. I can now give you an accu- 
rate account of the surveys and claims made by the people who have 
leases from Indians : Yankee Smith begins 1 mile from the fort, runs 
3 miles upon the river, and 9 miles back. Watson then begins, and 
has the same quantity. Sealy then begins, and has a like quantity. 
Sealy lives upon the other side ; he has been here, but I did not know 
at the time of his pretensions. Watson tells me that Sealy's lease 
is in New England. I should not be surprised to find that he had 
s(dd it to the speculators there. The following is Mrs. Lorimier's 
letter to me : 

" ' Edwakdsburg, 16th August, 1796. 

" ' Sin, — I am informed you hiive arrived in Oswegsitcbie wiih a number of 
people, and hitve taken possession of one of my houses there, and that you are 
about to make a dam across tlie Black river, first taking away what remained 
of mine. Tliat you may not be deceived, I now inform you that I have a good 
title to lialf a mile on each side of that river, from the mouth to the source of 
it, wliirli I cannot think of relinquishing without a valuable consideration; 
and Christian charity obbges me to think that yoii would not endeavor to 
wrong or in any manner disiresi the widow and fatherless, and as it appears 
you wish to form a eeltlement there, I hereby give you my first offer to pur- 
chase my title, and would he glad to have you answer upon the sul'ject as soon 
ft3 possible, that I may know how to govern myself. 

*' * I am your most humble serv't, 

'"CATHAEINE LoBlflElEH. 

"' To Major Ford.' 

" I was not particular in stating to you that Lorimier's verbal lease 
was obtained of the Indians nfter you had warned him off the prem- 
ises. I have drawn upon you through Mr. Forsyth for $500, payable 
ten days after sight. I hope he will honor the bill. I have requested 
him to forward me $-100 in cash and $100 in rum. Richard joins in 
best respects to Mvs. Ogden and family. I am very anxious to hear 
from you, and when you write, pray let me know the news and how 
the world is going. I believe you will begin to think it is time for 
me to stop, for you hiust be tired of reading, and I am sure I am of 
writing. So God bless you is the earnest prayer of your friend and 
bumble servant, 

" N. Ford. 

"Colonel Samuel Ogdkn." 

On the approach of winter Mr. Ford returned to New 
Jersey, and did not get back to Oswegatchie until the 9th 



of August, 1797. He found that the Canadian claimants 
had been over the spring before, held a town-meeting, 
elected civil and military officers, and sent on Ensly, their 
moderator, to get their proceedings confirmed by the gov- 
ernor, and that they had opened a land-office for selling and 
settling his tracts. He wrote to his partner, — 

"I also found that someof those jockeys had come over and stripped 
a quantity of bark. I immediately sent Mr. Randolph, with a boat 
(properly manned), with orders to take on board as much bark as ho 
could, and burn the residue. He accordingly set out, and did not (un- 
fortunately) arrive at the place before they got off with one boat-load, 
but was fortunate enough to arrive just as they had got the second 
loaded, which he detained, and after making them assist in loading 
his boat,* he ordered both to sail for the garrison, where they arrived 
in good order, and well conditioned. I immediately sent the bark to 
a tanner in Johnstown, where I send my hides, so that we shall have 
our hides tanned with our own bark. They have kept themselves 
very quiet upon the subject. I gave out that I wanted more bark, 
and only wait for trespassers to come over and get it for me. If it is 
possible for processes to be made out, leaving the names to be filled 
up, and a deputation made, I am clear for having some of the ring- 
leaders in Herkimer jail, — this I am sure would settle the business. 
If this can be done, let friend Richard's name be mentioned for the 
deputation, and I will see that the business is properly executed ; but 
you must write me particularly how it is to be done, and you must be 
particular that the opinion be given by a lawyer of New York, for 
depend upon it, there is a difference between New York and New Jer- 
sey laws upon these subjects." - 

In a letter written early in 1798, Ford stated his anxie- 
ties about the leases, and advised that influence should 
be used with the governor and legislature to prevent 
any mischief that might arise from the ex parte repre- 
sentations which he understood were being u.sed, and 
added that it would make a fatal hole in Oswegatchie 
township should the claims happen to be by any means 
confirmed The trouble about the lease was finally settled 
by purchase from Mrs. Lorimier and her son, Sept. 26, 
1798, in which Mr. Ford paid £62 10s., Canada currency, 
for a quitclaim ^' during the rest residue and remainder of 
said term which is yet to come and unexpired, to wit ; so 
long as wood shall grow and water run, peaceably and 
quietly to enter into, have^ hold, and occupy^ possess and 
enjoy." The original is extremely diffuse in its style, and 
abounds in repetitions. Watson was arrested on a charge 
of having violated the statute by dealing with the Indians 
for their lands, taken to the county jail at Rome, indicted 
in June, 1799, tried and convicted in June, 1800, having 
laid in jail a year, and was released upon his signing a re- 
lease and quitclaim, and surrendering his papers. 

It appears that Watson and Ensly were the only ones of 
the lessees who had ventured to sell lands to settlers ; the 
others only awaited the result to set up their claims. In 
his letter to his attorney, Thomas R. Gould, of Whitestown, 
informing him of the condition of the affairs, and forwarded 
by Mr. Sherman, the keeper of Watson, on his way to jail, 
he expressed his regret at the necessity which led him to 
the measure, and added that every milder means had been 
exhausted. His efforts to secure the others failed. In a 
letter of Sept. 14, 1798, he says, — 

" The sheriff then went in pursuit of Ensly, but by some means or 
other he gut suspicious that something more than common was pre- 

- Nathan Ford was commissioned as a Speriui Jiutice of the Peace 
for Herkimer county, March 20, 1797. 



150 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



paring, and he mado his escape over the rirer, hy which moans ho 
eluded tlio officer. Wat?on I have forwarded to Jail, and as bo is 
really the principal, I liopo it will be sufficient to liniah tlio business. 
I am sorry tliat Eiisly was not talvcn, for lie is a great villain. I am 
not sure but I sluill lay a plan for taking him yet; nothing but the 
difficulty of sparing liands to send down with him will prevent; but 
should he reoross the river, and be saucy, I will do it at all events. 
They have carried on with a tolerable high band since my absence, 
in insulting our settlers. I have given it to the charge of all the 
people, if any person dare threaten them or abuse them for settling 
under the title derived from the State, to make me instantly ac- 
quainted with the fact, and I will immediately issue a warrant for 
them, and send them to jail. This, by the State law, I have a right 
to do, and I certainly shall do it. The remote situation of this place 
has encouraged, and still does encourage, to do and act as they would 
not dare to act were the jail a little handier, and there is no way to 
get the jail nigher to us but by cutting the road to the Mohawk. 
This is a thing you must take pains about, and with a little pains I 
am confident it may bo effii'tcd ; and if only a winter road can be got, 
the value of the lands will almost double. At present it is impossible 
for people to get here, the expense is so great. I shall draw u|>on 
you shortly for six or eight hundred dollars, and hope you will be 
prepared. Friend Richard joins in best respects to Mrs. Ogden and 
family. Believe me to be as ever your humble servant, 

"N. Ford." 

In a letter of Sept. IG, 1798, to Samuel Ogden, he says, — • 

"I wrote you the llth inst., in which I mentioned having sent 
Watson to jail, etc. The minds of those in his and Ensly's interests 
are much agitated at the circumstance. They are at present very 
quiet, and Ensly durst not be seen this side the river. It has been 
suggested that the Indians will be excited to do private mischief. I 
am not uneasy for my personal safety. We are so totally outside of 
the |irotection of government, that it may become absolutely neces- 
sary to go into some violence, should violence be threatened. Noth- 
ing but necessity will induce me to do a thing which will not be 
perfectly consistent with law, but when that necessity presents itself 
I shall do that which is most effectual for self-defense, and oppose 
violence with violence, and trust to common justice the event. I 
have been told the Indians have burnt a quantity of wild hay I had 
put up some distance from here; the truth of the fact I have not yet 
ascertained ; I shall find out the persons who have done it. My line 
of conduct towards them I shall not pretend at present to say." 

During the season of 1797 a grist-mill was commenced, 
it being the same as that now owned by S. W. Day, 
which was placed a considerable distance below the dam, 
in order that vessels might there load and unload. A 
large number of hands wore employed, and, to add to his 
cares, Isaac Ogden had hired and sent up from Montreal 
four French masons and five or six laborers, at high prices, 
and with the promise that they should be paid in money as 
soon as their work was done. There was no lack of ability 
or inclination on the part of Mr. S. Ogden to sustain these 
expenses, but the means of communication by letter, and 
especially the remittance of money, were very precarious 
and uncertain. This produced the greatest difficulties, and 
in this and the following years almost rendered the firm in- 
solvent. It was in those extremities that the energy and 
perseverance of Mr. Ford were displayed in the most 
striking manner, and in such a way as to indicate his quali- 
fications fur founding a new colony, beyond the protection 
of the laws, and among those whose interests would have 
been promoted by his misfortunes. After complaining to 
his partner of the high prices promised ($'M for masons 
and $1.5 for laborers, while he could hire tlic latter for 
$11.25), he adds,— 

"There is a disadvantage over and nbove the very high price al- 
lowed the French laborers, because nothing but money will answer. 



for d 1 the thing will they purchase. There is their expenses, 

which amounts to $:5fl or .'tO, exclusive of their pay. Your brother 
writes very anxiously, fearing he may be led into some scrape in the 
business. I will give you au extract of that part of his letter: ' Yoa 
are to pay them at Oswegatchie, in silver (toUam ; be careful that you 
do not bring me into a lawsuit with them for non-compliance on 
your part, as you see I am bound : it would not be well for a judge 
to be sued.' He also mentions that he had wrote you upon the sub- 
ject, etc., and you will see the positive necessity of putting it in my 
power to defray the heavy expenses wliich must unavoidably accrue 
in so extensive a building. The cash I am obliged to pay out for 
the supplies of last winter and this spring will take every farthing 
of money I brought with me, and unless you take measures for my 
being immediately supplied, it will be impossible for me to go on. 
The store affords mo a considerable assistance, but the sales fall 
vastly short of tlie supply wante*!. I hope you will not let this es- 
cape your attention. The success of our operations very much de- 
pends upon this year's exertions. There are a number of people who 
wish to come over, who have not joined the mob, but they have no 
money to purchase, and are poor. H(jw I shall do with them I know 
not. I must shape the thing by way of agreement. Another year I 
shall insist upon your sending an agent about your landed matters ; 
it is positively more than I can attend to ancl take care of my busi- 
ness. I cannot conclude without taking ag.ain the liberty of pressing 
upon your mind the necessity of forwarding me the ways and means ; 
without it, I shall not be able to do much this year. You will have 
the goodness to present my best respects to Mrs. Ogden and all the 
family, and believe me to be, with every sentiment of esteem, your 
friend and humble servant, " K. Ford. 

" N. B. — I took out my commission as a magistrate, but could 
not be sworn in by any other but a judge or clerk of the court of this 
county, and not any being handy, I could not spare the time to hunt 
them up. The invention of our friends over the river have been upon 
the stretch to invent lies to destroy our influence. Among the great 
number propagated I shall only mention was that you and I were 
both broke, and that Mr. Randulpli had surest orders to quit tho 
ground as soon as he possibly could plausibly do it, etc." 

In a letter of Aug. 23, he urged the justice of the claims 
of the laborers, many of whom were poor, and whose fami- 
lies would bo brought to want, and represented in strong 
language the discredit that would be brought upon them- 
selves in case of failure to pay them. The following bill of 
goods was probably the first ever ordered in town. They 
were directed to be sent to Fort Stanwix, to meet boats from 
Oswegatchie, and to be packed in tight barrels: 

"Four doz. pieces of Hummums, that will come at Is. lOd., or 2s. 
pr. yd.; 3 or i pieces of coarse blue and mixed colored cloths; 200 
yds. check flannel, yd. wide; striped cotton, blue and white: 2 ps. 
of camblet, for cloaks (brown); 1 ps. swan's skin; 2 ps. coating; I 
ps. blue 2d cloth: 1 ]is. yellow flannel; 1 ps. of red; 1 ps. of white; 
colored silk and fwist; 10 or 20 ps. calico, some of which to be large 
figured for Indians, the rest fashionable ; 1 ps. Russian sheeting; 1 
cwt. bar lead; 500 oil flints; vermilion for Indians; 1 small ease 
hats ; 2 doz. of cotton handkerchiefs for men ; 2 doz. do. for women ; 
J cwt. indigo : 2 or 3 ps. of blue and black moreen ; 2 or 3 ps. of 
caliminco ; do. 2 ps. durant, do. 

'• If you should determine to send the above articles, you must do 
it immediately, and send me word. I do not know anybody at Fort 
Stanwix, unless you shall write to Mr. Weston, and he will have them 
stored." 

In a letter dated Sept. 13, 1797, to S. Ogden, he wrote, — 

" T am ."^tiU disa]tpointed in not hearing from you; how to account 
for it I am totally at a loss. How, or in what manner, I am to turn 
myself to meet the present demands, at present I know not; and how 
I am to do when the season of work closes, I am still much more at 
a loss to know. I have not ten dollars at command, and have now 
forty-five hands (besides a number of women and children) to find 
in provisions. These must all be fed and paid, and unless you for- 
ward me the means it will be out of my power to go on with the 

business. I have squeezed along, knows how, until this time, 

but this win do no longer. The money must be paid for what has 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



151 



been had, as well a? what is to be. Laying aside every other con- 
sideration, this way of cnrrying on business is extravagant, for sup- 
plies must be had, and at such prices as those who have them choose 
to ask, but if I bad it in my power to send a man out and purchase 
with cash, I should be able to get things a little at my prices. The 
supply of provisions will amount to considerable, but when I come to 
pay off the hands, and then tell them I have no money, what must 
their opinion be of us ! They have nothing but their labor to depend 
upon, and have been at work and still are at work, under the strongest 
impression thiit the moment they want their money they can have it. 
The contract your brother made with the Frenchmen was such that 
they were to be paid monthly. They were so dissatisfied at the ex- 
piration of the first month, that it was with difficulty I prevented 
their going to Montreal and demanding their pay from your brother. 
They said, ' lie is the man they bargained with, and he shall fulfill the 
contract.' Their second month will expire the 7th of next month, 
and then I suppose there will be more noise than all the work is 
worth, for I have not in my power to pay them, and I am sure they 
will then leave me, and your brother must stand in the gap. A noise 
at Montreal with the Frenchman, and a noise here with the people 
over the river, will be rather more than any one man can stand. 
Were I not quite confident that you had taken measures before now, 
I should be almost induced to run away." 

In this letter he gave a minute account of the plan of the 
mill and fixtures, and his hopes and fears in relation to the 
first raft which he was preparinLC to send to Montreal. As 
the business of the season was about bcinoj closed up, his 
embarrassment became extreme, and is fully set forth in the 
following letter, dated Oct. 7, 1797 : 

" I have this moment received your letter of the 13th of August, 
and my letter of the 13th September (which I hope you have received) 
will be answering much of it. Some few days ago I received part of 
the money you had placed in your brother's hand, but the whole sum 
of SoflO, which I am authorized to draw upon him for, is so trifling, 
compared with our disbursements {as you will see by my last letters, 
to which permit me to refer you), that 1 am almost discouraged. You 
know, when I left you, 3'ou did not furnish me with any more cash 
than was necessary to get me here, and pay our debts. This, you 
very well remember, I remonstrated against, but you assured me I 
should have a sufficiency forwarded to Montreal early enough to meet 
my exigeneies, upon which promise I set out, and have struggled 
through the season thus far, at the close of which I receive $J00, a 
sum that is only $5 more than will pay the four French masons and 
six laborers from Montreal. Now, what am T to do with all the rest? 
and how am I to pay for provisions and laj" in our winter stock? 
The mode you point out is to draw upon you at short sight. I have 
no doubt that the bills would be punctually paid, but let me ask to 
whom am I to sell the bills in this country ? This cannot be done 
to any one short of Montreal, so that the very moment Mr. Ran- 
dolph returns from that ])laee, T must send him back to negotiate 
the bills ; the very expense attending this will be considerable, and the 
loss of his services at this time will be much more than the expense, 
for it is more than I can possibly do to attend to keep upwards of 
forty hands at work, provide provisions, and tend the store, which I 
have been obliged to do ever since he has been gone to Montreal, 
which is upwards of three weeks. Added to all my own troubles, I 
have been perplexed with Edsal's thirteen surveyors, whom he left 
unprovided for, and who have given me a great deal of trouble, and 
Tuesday next must be fitted out for home, and provided with cash ; 
and before I can send to Montreal and get returns, Odle and his 
parly, aud King and Vanripcr, must be fitted out, and they must have 
money to carry them home. Their wages will be paid in Jersey, but 
the five carpenters and thirty laborers I have hired from over the 
river must be paid here, and so must all our suppllc:*. If you had 
received your money, the shortest way would have been to forward it 
by Mr. McDonald, and if you had not, you ought to have advised 
me to draw sooner. It is now the close of the season, when the hands 
want to be paid ofT, and now I have to do what miglit have been done 
long since. It is certainly placing me in a very cruel situation in a 
strange country, and in a country where it is the interest of so many 
to bo our enemies, and who lay hold of every opportunity to turn 
every slip to our disadvantage, and, I am sorry to add, there are 
some among this number who have professed friendship. God 



knows I have a heart that despises them, and a disposition to punish 
them for their scurrility, as soon as I can bring it home to any one 
who has the smallest pretensions to calling himself a gentleman. 
There has been much said of us, but I cannot trace it those whom I 
suspect. If I am able to do so, I will call them to a settlement that 
shall make them tremble. In my former letter I informed you that 
I had sent a raft of boards to Montreal, and the prospects of raising 
money from that source, etc. The raft contained 2800 boards; this 
number was as much as could go down the rapids at this season. 
My orders were for the boat to return as soon as the boards were 
landed, and friend Richard to remain and sell them to the best ad- 
vantage. He has not yet returned. The boat has returned, and by 
it he has sent me S!400 of the money in your brother's hands ; the re- 
mainder he retained, aud wrote he had done so because he feared the 
raft would not sell for enough to pay for the articles I had been under 
the necessity to purchase, such as rum, nails, tackles to raise the 
mill, etc. Before the boat came away he had sold one crib for $12.50 
per lUO boards, and did not expect a higher price for the remainder; 
so that when he comes to pay your brother about $40 which he ad- 
vanced for the Frenchmen's outfit, and $40 which we owe to R. F. & 
Co., and for three barrels of rum, fifteen bushels of salt, two casks of 
nails, window glass, and tin, and add to this the cash he bad to pay 
the hands at Montreal, I am sure he will have no raft money in hand, 
for at the most the raft will fetch no more than S.'iSO, supposing he is 
able to get $12.50 per 100, which is very doubtful. 

". . . My room-door opens at this instant; enters my ten 
Frenchmen; 'What do you want?' *Our month is out, and we want 
our moneys." Here I must stop and settle with them. ... I 
have done it, thank God! aud had I not received the money from 
Montreal as I did, they would have left me and gone to your brother. 
But by doing this I am now stripped of cash again, and all the other 
people must do without. I have done this to save the noise which 
would otherwise be at Montreal. The noise here is bad enough, and 
I fear our fame will spread fast enough without our assistance to prop- 
agate it. What I am to do now I know not. Those from whom I 
have been in the constant habit of purchasing beef at 4d. York, now 
ask me 4^, and they keep the hide and tallow. This will bring our 
beef at Sjd., and this arises from no other cause than a knowledge of 
my being without money, and the advantage is taken. They know 
I must have beef, anil they know I must get it from those who can 
credit; and I cannot help myself. Had I the cash I could get it 
plenty, and, I believe, for less than 4d. This is also the case with my 
flour. If I had cash I could purchase wheat for less than a dollar, 
but, as I have not, I am under the necessity of purcha-'^ing of Mr. 

, who charges me four dollars per cwt. This is a loss of one 

dollar upon every hundred, which is no small matter in the quantity 
I am obliged to use. This is doing business at a great loss, and, if it 
can, ought to be avoided. You certainly have no competent idea of 
the magnitude of our building, or you would never have sent me $600 
under the idea of its being sufficient for our summer's operations. 
The little map I sent you in my last will furnish you with sufficient 
information to form a judgment of what we have to do. and, from 
your knowledge in business, of the expense also. Every possible 
economy is made use of, and no object however trifling escapes my 
attention ; and could I be furnished with a capital equal to the ob- 
ject, I am bound to say, no work of equal magnitude would be set 
in motion for the same money this would be. 

•' . . . If you would for a moment conceive yourself in my ver^, 
very unpleasant situation, I am confident your humanity would be- 
come excited to that degree that no time would be lost in giving 
relief, but you are too far from the scene and my pen too feeble to 
paint. I close the subject, not doubting you will take the earliest 
opportunity to furnish me with the means necessary for the occasion. 
In my last I told you we were almost through the stone work of the 
mill. That is finished, and a most complete wall it is. . . . Before I 
close this letter I shall give you a description of the dam and race we 
expected to raise on the 12th. I should now have the pleasure to 
tell you it was, and partly covered, had not Odle met with the mis- 
fortune to stick the adze into his ankle, which has laid him up nearly 
a fortnight. 

"There is one question you will naturally ask me, about paying 
the Frenchmen, which is. Why did I not draw a bill and send it to 
your brother at Montreal to negotiate aud pay thera there? This I 
tried, and pressed it in every way and shape 1 could devise; but 
their jealousy, or their ignorance, or the orders of their priests to 



152 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bring the money with them (so that they could have their share), or 
what it was, I know not; but nothing but the moneys would answer. 
I have kept the masons busy at the walls of the dam. I have found 
the race a more tedious job than any I ever undertook. I have drove 
it with the utmost industry, and have progressed in it as fast as 
could reasonaidy be expected, considering the disadvantage" I labored 
under in sending so nuiny of my hands with the rafi." 

The mill was finally raised in October of that year (^1797). 
He proposed to have the mill-stones brought to the place in 
sections and put together there, to save the expense of 
taking them whole up the rapids in boats. His Frenchmen 
he finally sent to Mr. Ogden, of Montreal, for the balance 
due them, but was very soon enabled to remit the means of 
payment. His opinion of the settlers from Canada was 
subsequently modified : 

** Those people upon the other side, who used to talk so much about 
purciiasing and settling, say very little about the matter now. The 
intentions of some of them I have discovered, which was to purchase 
upon the credit given, in hopes before the leases expired the land 
would rise so as to net them a handsome profit. In this E prevented 
them by Annexing to the terms ' in ease of actual settlement.' I think 
it much better the land should rise in your hands than theirs. There 
is another class which would come over, but are so poor they durst 
not purchase. Knowing their own inability to pay, they are fearful 
that at the expiration of the time the land will bo taken from them 
and they lose their improvement. So that between the two classes 
we are not like to get many from the other side. Indeed, the more 
I become acquainted with them the less I fancy them as settlers. 
They are a strange medley, and I believe it is well the river is be- 
twixt us. I am well convinced in my own mind the country will 
settle, and by our own countrymen, one of whom is worth six of his 
majesty's beef-eaters. Let us get our buildings and our business well 
under way, and if possible get the legislature to assist in cutting a 
road from the Mohawk, and the country will soon settle itself. The 
road ought to be attended to this winter. You can, through the 
medium of your friends, get the thing pressed in the legislature. If 
this were done the people on the other side assure me they would 
much rather tnke their produce to Albany in the winter than go to 
Montreal. They have all a desire to trade with New York. AVcre 
this avenue once opened, it would be astonishing to see the number 
of people that would flock in. The navigation is too intricate and 
expensive for families to come in that way. The consequence is 
hundreds are under the necessity of going to the army land and the 
Genesee and every other new country to which they can get with 
Bleighs. The road finished, and our business under good way, will 
at onoe render Ogdensburg the emporium of this part of the world. 
I hope Edsal has furnished you with a map and field-book of his 
work. I charged them to do so as soon as they got home. I was 
happy to be informed that Mr. G. M. was so soon expected. I hope 
ho has arrived safe. I am much at a loss to account for your writing 
me only once since I left Jersey. You promised mo you would be 
very punctual." 

Postscript of a letter dated Dec. 17, 1707, by N. Ford, 
to Samuel Ogdcn : 

*' N. B. — The Yankees I mentioned to you in a former letter have 
been with me, and go out to morrow to view the lands upon the east 
branch. There are four of them who will settle together, and, as I 
conceive it an object to get a settlement going in that part of the 
tract, T have made it an object with them, by allowing them each to 
take one hundred acres adjoining each other, for ten shillings per 
acre, in four annual payments. There arc four more who wish to 
join them and make a like settlement, and I have promised Mr. 
Thurber (who is the leading character in the business), if they eome 
forward and go immediately on with him and his associates, they 
shall have a like quantity at twelve shillings per acre. Mr. Thurber 
tells me I may expect them. As soon as I can get this settlement 
under way I shall venture to put the lands in that quarter at sixteen 
shillings and twenty shilling.s, and so on from time to time as the 
settlement advances. T mentioned in a former letter the plan the 



people over the river had laid for speculation. They having been 
defeated in that have laid another, which is to purchase and strip off 
the timber before the payment becomes due and then give up the 
land. This scheme I have also discovered, and by frustrating this 
plan we shall not have many settlers from the other side, unless it 
should so turn out, upon finding they can get no advantage from 
their plans, some may become actual settlers. The Yankee immi- ' 

gration is commonly in the winter, and, as the ice over Lake Cham- 
plain has not been good until lately, I expect there may be eome 
along shortly. I shall have another opportunity to write you again 
in ten or twelve days, and when I return shall give you a full history 
of everything. Don't forget the road to the Mohawk, everything 
depends upon that. God bless you. N. F." 

On the 24th of October, 1798, Mr. Ford wrote to Ogden : 

" I have sold eight or ten farms, but not one shilling of money ; 
but I think it better to let settlers come on under contract. I con- 
sider most of them pioneers making way for another set, which will 
most assuredly succeed them. Many stand aloof yet, waiting the 
fate of Watson (who I suppose is now in jail). hoj)ing or doubting as 
to the title. 

**...! mentioned to you the burning of our hay by the Indians, J 
in consequence of Watson's arrest. The report was not true. I have 1 
had an opportunity of seeing the Indians tvho were suspected, and 
read them a lecture upon the subject. I found them submissive. The 
white Indians are the worst; but I have so totally got the better of 
white and black Indians that they are perfectly quiet, and I have 
not the least apprehension from either. I cannot conclude without 
pressing your attention to the road. Be assured it is everything to 
this country." 

The great object of solicitude, the mill, was at length 
completed so as to get grinding done on the 1st of Decem- 
ber, 1798. On the 22d he had ground about 1500 bushels. 
During the summer of 1799, while the surveys of the towns 
were in progress, vague reports of iron mines, salt springs, 
etc., were circulated, and high expectations formed from 
the latter. During the season of 1799 a second saw-mill 
was erected. During the first eleven months the grist-mill 
ground 3954 bushels of wheat, 1820 of corn, other grain 
100 for customers, and G93 for the owners. In almost 
every letter which he wrote Mr. Ford brought in the sub- 
ject of a road to the Mohawk, as an object of vast impor- 
tance to the prosperity of the new settlement. He observed, 
in a letter to the Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, as follows: 

** The difficulty of getting to this country with families is beyond 
what is generally supposed. The present road through the Chateau- 
gay country accommodates the few who emigrate from the upper part 
of Vermont, but the immense flood of people who emigrate to the 
westward go there because they have no choice. This road once 
opened as contemplated, the emigration would soon turn this way, 
not only because the distance would be less thon to the Genesee, but 
also because the lands are better and more advantageously situated. 
If the legislature will not take up the business, I am fully of opinion 
the proprietors will find their account in cutting out the road at their 
own expense. I should suppose those who own in the big purchase 
would unite partiallj* in the thing, for that land can never settle until 
a road is cut. The traveling and commerce which will go to Albany 
from Upper Canada will far surpass the most sanguine idea. I am 
confident the farmer from this country will take his produce to Al- 
bany as easily as he can to Montreal, and he is sure of going to a 
better market. Over and above this (which is a sufficient reason for 
inducing them this way) is that, generally speaking, those who have 
settled upon the o])posite side of the St. Lawrence are from theNoith 
and .Mohawk rivers, and their connections are there. So they have 
a double advantage of seeing their friends and doing business upon 
more advantageous principles. Vast numbers of the most leading 
farmers in that country have assured me they would go to Albany, 
in preference to Montreal, if it took them three days longer. I am 
confident that tho pdmmerce which would flow into Albany, through 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



153 



the mcdiuui of this road, would very soon reimburse the State for the 
expense. Those who live on our own side of the river are compelled, 
from necessity, to trade at Moutrcal. This is the case with myself. 
My inclination is to trade to Albany, but it is impossible. It is highly 
politic to prevent, if possible, the commerce of this country from 
fallinj^ into a regular system through Montreal; for when people 
once form mercantile connections, it is vastly difficult to divert and 
turn the current into a new channel. I see no rational mode but 
having the road cut, to secure to Albany so desirable an object. I 
have taken the liberty of stating my ideas upon this subject, which, 
if they should meet yours, I trust and hope 3'ou will talte such steps 
a? will secure a benefit to the State, as well as promote the interest of 
the proprietors and settlers. 

''lean but be suspicious that you and Hoffman have suffered an 
imposition in Mr. Hay and Mr. Sherman's survc\'. I shall mention 
the grounds of my suspicion, and you will be able to draw your own 
conclusions. Some short time before Mr. liny had finished his part 
of the survey, I had it hinted to me that Sherman's work was all 
wrong. Not many days after Mr. Hay came to my place, when I 
mentioned the matter to him. He told mc he had understood some- 
thing of the matter, upon which I told him it was his business to 
ascertain the fact, and, as a honest man, make you acquainted with 
the business early enough to prevent Sherman's receiving his pay. 
This r told him was not a business that immediately concerned mc, 
but I would not bo in the knowledge of these things without com- 
municating them, and he might take his choice of doing it himself 
or I would do it for him. A day or two after he eamc to me, and 
aflTected to be very much distressed, and wanted my advice; that he 
was confident Sherman was a villain, and much feared he should be 
involved with him. I told him to get two surveyors, go into the 
woods, and take Sherman with them, examine the lines he (Sherman) 
had run, as well as the lines given him to lay out his work from, and 
if his work was false, convict him of it upon the spot: then let these 
surveyors certify the fact, and then write you a letter fully upon the 
subject, and inclose the certificate. This was done. The surveyors 
and Hay told me they had never seen such infamous work done by 
anybody who had the smallest pretensions of being a surveyor. They 
very particularly examined the line given him to lay ofl' his work 
from, and found that right. Hay wrote you a letter upon this subject, 
which I made him show me, also the certificate, both of which h.e 
promised to forward immediately. I have no doubt upon my mind 
he would have done it, for there never were two men who execrated 
each other more than they have, or appeared to be greater enemies, 
and I never was more surprised than to bear that they met by mutual 
agreement at the St. Regis village, and traveled on to Albany to- 
gether, and found no difficulty in making up a very good survey and 
getting their pay, an<l have now gone to New York for another job 
of surveying. No alteration has taken place in the lines since they 
were examined, and if they were wrong then they certainly are wrong 
now. How Mr. Hay reconciles this business I cannot very well see. 
I should have been happier to have given this information earlier." 

During the fall of 1800 Mr. Ford was visited by Gouv- 
eraeur Morris, on a tour to see his northern lands, and 
wrote: " I have done all I could to add to his accommoda- 
tion, but that has been so trifling it scarce deserves a name ; 
for there was no accommodation which he had not with 
him. He travels in the style of an eastern prince." In 
this season a fulling-mill was got in operation, and kettles 
fur making potash were brought on at great expense. In 
the summer of 1801 Edsall was employed to survey a road 
through to the Black river, which was completed in Sep- 
tember. It was intended to run to the High falls, but he 
found that afler leaving the Ox Bow, " he came to a most 
intolerably swampy and ridgy ground, growing worse and 
worse as he progressed, and before he reached the fulls be- 
came so perfectly confident of the impracticability of a road 
as well as the impossibility of settlement that he abandoned 
the idea." This surveyor took a contract fur onitinuing 
the road from Louisville to the east branch of Black lake 
20 



(Oswegatchie), and arrangements were made fur extending 
it on to the Long falls (now Carthage, Jeflerson county), 
to intersect the road through the Black river country, then 
about being laid out by Jacob Brown. At this time a 
project was on foot for opening a road through to Schroon 
lake, in the direction of Albany, but the roughness of the 
country, as found by Edsall's survey, deterred for a time 
the prosecution of this plan. The road towards Black river 
was so far cleared of underbrush during the fall, that it was 
resolved to attempt the journey through by sleigh as soon as 
the snows permitted. Mr. Ford was strong in the faith that 
before the next summer he would have a road that could 
be used by loaded wagons, and added: "I have no idea 
of putting up with such a thing as they have made through 
Chateaugay, which scarcely deserves the name of an apol- 
ogy for a road." Late in this season the arrival of a vessel 
from Oswego, with one hundred and twenty barrels of 
salt, was recorded as a memorable event. 

The erection of a new county was prosecuted with zeal, 
and in March, 1802, was suecessfully accomplished. Mr. 
Ford thus wrote to S. Os4^° concerning the first session of 
the county court : 

"We had a respectable grand jury and a numerous audience, and 
the business of the day was gone through with tolerable propriety. 
I was much disappointed in Edsall's not being there. I, however, 
brought forward my propositions respecting the court-hou.se, and 
should have gone through it tolerably well, but Turner and Tibbets, 
with the assistance of a Mr. Foote, who lives in Canton, rather seemed 
to think it had rather be put off. I did not think it good policy to 
urge the thing, and make party ot that particular time. This is of 
too much importance to be omitted a moment. [Reflections upon the 
personal motives of certain parties are omitted, in which the interests 
of other localities for securing the county-seat are surmised.] If we 
can preserve harmony in the county it will be the better way. but if 
it is reduced to a certainty that we are to be opposed, I am deter- 
mined to take the field, and we will try our strength. I would wish 
to try all other means first. This letter and our determination ought 
to be kept a profound Hecret, and let us pursue the same friaidiihip 
which they affect towards us; if we take them upon their own ground 
we may have a chance to fight them with their own weapons, but to 
do this with effect, caution on our part is necessary. , . . You must 
let me hear as early as possible, for the board of supervisors must 
meet shortly to fix about repairing the jail, and this cannot be done 
for less than £100. It will be poor policy to tax the county that sum, 
in addition, for a thing that ultimately will be lost, and, at this par- 
ticular time, I do not think it practicable for the county to pay it; 
for wheat and flour have no market at Montreal, and the people have 
nothing that will bring money. The policy of the county ought to 
be the strictest economy, and make the taxes as light as possible ; for 
nothing scnres people like taxes, and particularly in a new countrj'. 
A man will be hardly willing to emigrate to a new country where his 
little all is subject to be sold for taxes. 

" There is a curious circumstance about the law which perhaps it 
is not best to say anything about at present, and which I am con- 
fident I am not mistaken in, and Turner stood by me when the law 
passed, and he is confidcut of the same thing. The bill as first 
reported fixed the place of the court-house here. That part was 
amended, and it was left with the judges and supervisors to fix the 
spot. But the bill now say.««, "to be left to the future order of the 
legislature." Another thing in the bill, — the time of opening the 
court was on the second Tuesday of June: the bill now says the first 
Tuesilay. Turner and myself stood by, and our attention was neces- 
sarily fixed on the bill, but we neither of us can remember any such 
amendments. How they have since found their way into the bill I 
do not understand. As we now must apply to the legislature to fix 
the place, it makes it necessary that we should be as unanimous as 
possible. If we are, and apply, there is no doubt but we can succeed. 
Edsall has been from home these four weeks ; what has become of 
him I do not know, — I fear some accident. I met with htm at the 



154 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Little Falls, and mentioned my jilim tu liini. which he npprovcd. I 
have delayed doing anything very iiointcd, bccauiio ho was not here. 
The season thus far has been the wettest and most backward of any 
known in the country. Wlieat has no market at Montreal, neither 
has any thing else." 

In a letter to T. L. Ogdciij on the subject of taxes, he 
said, — 

*' It is of all consequence that taxes bo kept out of view as much 
as possible, nnd a tax of £100 in addition to those which must be 
raised for other purposes would, when all put together, be more to 
each than any man within the county ever paid in his life, let him 
come from whatever part of the world he might. I need not tell you 
the influence this would have upon the mind as well as pockets of all 
tho settlers, and also the influence it would have upon those who con- 
templated emigrating to the county. 

" It is too obvious to need the smallest observation; for there can 
be none but will readily believe the emigration would very soon be 
from instead of into the country. You will most undoubtedly agree 
with me in opinion, that all measures ought to be pursued which will 
have a tendency to promote and encourage settlement. This I take 
to be a primary object with all those who possess lands within tho 
county, from which they expect to draw resource. Whilst I am upon 
the subjtct of taxes, I cannot omit mentioning one circumstance 
whicli applies forcibly to this country, and is one which requires ad- 
dress and management in the affairs of the county to obviate its 
effects, and this arises from our proximity to Canada, where the taxes 
are very small, and scarce deserve a name. People will be drawing 
a parallel, and when they find the taxes upon this side of the river 
to be so much higher than upon the olher, I fear it will be difficult to 
explain away the effects which may be produced. The taxes last year 
were three times as high on this side of the river as they were upon 
the other. I, however, explained the thing away very much in my 
settlement. People, however, talked and affected not to see what could 
make the difference. Our taxes now of course must be something 
higher, but if things are judiciously managed, I hope taxation will 
be circumscribed so as not to be oppressive. Many difficulties have 
this long time presented themselves to my mind upon those subjects, 
but never so forcibly as they have since my return home; and, upon 
mature deliberation, I concluded to make the following proposition, 
and if the county thought proper to accept the offer, I would set 
about the court-house and jail, and, before this time next year, I 
would have a room for tho court, and also one jail-room fitted, and 
tho whole should be finished as soon as possible, and not repair the 
barracks. 

"Proposi'tlou. — That every person should sign in wheat as many 
bushels as they thought proper, — to be paid in wheat, delivered at 
our mill in tho following manner: one-third in February, one-third 
in the February following, and one-third the next February. The 
house to be set upon the east side of the Oswegatchie river. Ogden 
and Ford would subscribe $1000, take tho wheat subscription upon 
themselves, and go on and finish the building at once. The county 
was very much disposed to take the offer, and very properly con- 
cluded that they could never get a house upon so good terms, but 
Tibbctts, Turner, and Foote threw cold water upon it, and I did not 
think proper to urge the thing. Their opposition did not extend 
beyond their own settlement, and many of them thought tho offer too 
generous to be slighted." 

In a confidential letter of August 8, 1802, the fear was 
expressed that some project was on foot to extend the 
county back to the height of land, in which case the court- 
house would undoubtedly fall in the great purchase, or of 
dividing it by a line from the rear to the river. 

On the 18th of September, 1802, he wrote, concerniuf' 
the road, — 

" I have got all tho worst places cross-wayed ; and to convince you I 
have effected something like a road, a wagon from the Mohawk river 
came through to Ogdensburg with me. I do not mean to tell you it is 
at this minute a good wagon-road, but before cold weather I intend it 
shall be so. I have finished the bridge over tho East Branch (now 
Heuvelton), and a most complete one it iaj there are few so good in 
any of our old couulics." 



Tliis bridge was afterwards swept away. 

During the season vigorous efforts were made to collect 
materials for the court-house. On the 12th of November, 
1802, he wrote, concerning the settlement, — 

''Emigration this year has universally been less than it has been 
for several years past, and this I impute to tho sudden fall of pro- 
duce, in consequence of the peace. From the high price of produce 
land in our old settled country was proportionate, and lands not ex- 
periencing the same sudden fall are still kept up by those who meant 
to sell and emigrate; but the neighbor who meant to buy does not 
think he can (in consequence of the fall of produce) pay the price 
he expected he could, and the consequence is tho man docs not 
sell, and as consequently does not emigrate. But this is a thing 
which will regulate itself, and emigration must soon go on with its 
usual rapidity: for I cannot learn there are any less children got in 
New England now than there were when wheat was three dollars 
per bushel, and it is equally necessary that Yankees swarm as it is 
for the bees. We are getting on with our settlement. I have got 
three settlers out upon the new road, fifteen miles from this, and 
several intend going. I hope to have the road a good one; I mean 
to have it in my power to say it is by far the best new road I ever 
saw in a new country." 

The lumber trade, although often a source of loss at times, 
continued to be prosecuted, and one or two rafts were sent 
annually to Montreal. On the 10th of July, 1804, Mr. 
Ford wrote to Ogden, concerning his raft, etc., — 

"She sailed yesterday with flour, potash, pearl barley, boards and 
planks, all of which I fear will go to a dull market, but this is a fate 
attending doing business. We must hope for better times, and be 
the more industrious. I found our business at home in as good train 
as I could expect. The difficulty of procuring labor in this country 
is unusually great. The high price of lumber last year was such as 
to induce almost everybody to drive at that business, which takes off 
all the surplus labor this year. In old times, ' all the world went up 
to Jerusalem to be taxed/ but in modern days all the world go to 
Montreal with rafts, which, if I am not mistaken, will prove a heavier 
tax to them than the old times people experienced at Jerusalem. I 
have got our tanning business under way ; we shall make about two 
hundred hides, I find the men I have employed in the business to 
be very industrious, and hope we shall find the business to answer. 
Since my arrival I have determined to set a still at work. I have em- 
ployed a man who has the reputation of being clever at the distilling 
business. I have sent to Albany for a still of 150 gallons, and a rec- 
tifier of 50 gallons. The size of these I imagine is as profitable as 
any. At all events I do not wish to dip too deep before I make the 
experiment. I brought in three masons from Troy to work at the 
court-house, and I hope to see the chimney above the roof to-morrow 
or next day at furtherest. My intention is to hold our November 
term in the house. After getting through this and the two foregoing 
objects, I intend laying aside all further considerations in the build- 
ing way until we find ore, except it be a house, which I intend shall 
be of stone. I cannot consent to live in those old barracks much 
longer, and tiic groundwork of this fabric I intend shall be laid next 
summer. I found a number of settlers had got on before my return. 
I have sold several farms since, and a number more are intending 
to purchase, but money they have not. I can plainly perceive there 
will not be a great length of time elapse before a race of people will 
come along who will purchase improvements." 

On the 17th of November, 1804, he wrote, — 

''This season has passed away without hearing a word from you. 
Why you are thus silent I do not know. I told you in my last I was 
jogging away at the court-house, and now I have the pleasure to tell 
y()u I have completed it, so as to be very comfortable and convenient. 
We have also finished one of the jails. The November term was held 
in the house, and the people of the country expressed much satisfac- 
tion in finding themselves in the possession of so much accommoda- 
tion. It has been a pretty tough job to get along with, for it has 
interfered very much with our business, but I hope tho effect will be 
to put an end to any court house dispute in the county. I have had 
the certificates regularly filed in the proper office, and it now becomes 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



155 



the court-house and jail of the county. I told you also in my former 
letter I was about setting up a distillery, and upon examining I 
fount it would be more trouble to convert one of tho block-houses 
into a distillery than it woubl be to build a now one. The court-house 
delayed mo so late in the fall tliiit I only got at distilling a few days 
since. I hope wc shall find it to answer. Our tannery we shall find 
to answer. The man whom I have employed I tin<l to bo very indus- 
trious and a good workman. As to settlement, that progresses, but 
not with the same rapidity which some other part of the county does. 
I have made a number of sales this fall, and to some who are respect- 
able people; and one sale I have made (which is not fully completed, 
and which, if it takes place, which I do not doubt ;it present) of im- 
portance, for it is to a man who will pay half the money next spring, 
and the residue in one or two years. He has been over tlie land and likes 
it well, and also the country generally. He will purchase between 2000 
and .1000 acres, and is to give $6 per acre. Should this sale take place, 
there are a number of men of handsome property in Ulster county 
{from whence this man comes) who will also purchase and remove 
here. Although our sales are not rapid, we shall ultimately do better 
than those who are pressing off their lands at the price they are, and 
upon so long a credit, for the rise of lands is much more advantageous 
to us than their interest will be to them. In either case no money is 
received. Nothing has been done or is doing about the road, and un- 
less there is a different conduct among the proprietors there will not 
be by me." 

The subject of the road to the Mohawk was never lost 
sight of until accomplished, which was done by a law of 
April 9, 180-1:, in which a lottery was created, for the pur- 
pose of raising $22,000, with 10 per cent, in addition for 
expenses, to construct a road from Troy to Greenwich, 
Washington county, and from or near the head of the Long 
falls on Black river (Carthage), in the county of Oneida, 
to the mills of Nathan Ford, at Oswegatehie, in St. Law- 
rence County. The latter was to be six rods wide, and 
Nathan Ford, Alexander J. Turner, and Joseph Edsall 
were appointed commissioners for making it. Owners of 
improved lands might require payment for damages. 
$12,000 of the above sum was appropriated for this road. 
If any person thought proper to advance money for either 
road he might pay it into the treasury, to be repaid with in- 
terest out of the* avails of the lottery. Vacancies in the 
office of commissioners were to be filled by the governor. 
They were to be paid $1.50 per day. The summer of 1805 
was devoted to the location and opening of the road, and 
on the 26th of October, 1805, Judge Ford wrote, — 

" I have just returned from laying out the State road between Og- 
densburg and the Long falls upon Black river, and I am happy to 
tell you we have great alterations (from the old road) for the better, 
as well also as shortening distance. This business took me nine days, 
and most of the time it was stormy, disagreeable weather. The diffi- 
culty I find in forming a plan how our lottery money can be laid out 
to the best advantage makes me wish for some abler head than mine 
to consult, or those with whom I am associated in the commission. 
To contract by the mile is very difficult, and to contract by the job, 
comprehending the whole distance, is still worse. After consulting 
and turning the business in all the ways and shapes it is capable of, 
I proposed to my colleague the propriety of employing a man of 
reputation, who had weight of character equal to the procuring of 
thirty good hands to be paid by the month, and he to superintend 
the business ; the superintendent to be handsomely paid, and he to 
carry on and conduct the business under the direction of the com- 
missioners. This plan we have adopted, aud I trust I have found a 
man who is fully adequate to the task,"-' and we shall make our en- 
gagements to begin on the 20th of May. I hope nothing will inter- 
fere which will obstruct our progressing. I am sorry to say I am not 

* David Seymour, of Springfield, Vt., the father of George N. 
Seymour, Esq., of Ogdensburg. 



wholly without ray fears, although I durst not whisper such an idea. 
You would be astonished to sec how much pains are taken to coun- 
teract this object by those who are settling lands to the cast of us; 
and you would be equally astonished to see the exertion there is now 
making to get roads in every direction to Lake Chainplain. Their 
exertion is by no means fruitless, for they have worked through with 
several. This I, however, am happy to see; notwithstjinrling it pro- 
duces to us a temporar}' evil, will eventually be a thing which can- 
not fail to produce to us solid advnntagcs; because through these 
avenues we shall ultimately reap as great advantages as they will. 
All that can be said of the thing is they are enjoying the first fruits. 
There is not now scarcely a town in the rear of us (in Macomb's 
great purchase) but what is open for sale, and have agents now on 
that trumpet those lands to be the finest in the world; and these 
agents being Yankees who have connections in the eastern States, 
have turned the most of emigration that way. Those lands are in- 
finitely better, generally speaking, than wc ever bad an idea of, and 
the very low price they are held at induce vast numbers to stop at 
them, notwithstanding their original intentions were otherwise. But 
it is a fact that nine-tenths of the first emigrants inquire for cheap 
lands, and the reason for their so doing is because they expect to sell 
their improvements and jog farther. Those agents cry down the front 
lands as a poor, sunken, and fever and ague country, and that lands 
have got to their value, and a thousand other stories equally false and 
ridiculous. These, together (or some one of them), have the effect to 
divert the unwary traveler. By the dexterity of those fellows in the 
east, and the Black river jockeys to the west (whose brains are 
equally inventive), they really have the effect to make our settlement 
interior. Were I to attempt to give you any .adequate idea of the 
means made use of to divert and keep back settlements upon the 
river towns by these people, I should exhaust all my ingenuity and 
then fall vastly short of the object. Suffice it to say that no stone is 
left unturned; but however much it may avail them for the present 
its duration must be short. The pntroon having sto])ped the sales in 
Lisbon and Canton has been of great injury to us. because it has 
enabled the people I have just described to assert that the sales of 
^he river lands are stopped, and this has prevented many from coming 
on to view lands in our town. Finding that every species of foul 
play is practiced against us, I have thought it good policy to send a 
man (who is very well qualified ) to that part of Vermont from whence 
the greatest emigration to this country comes, to make a true state- 
ment of the country, and lessen the force of misrepresentation by 
exposing the fraud practiced upon the credulity of those who seek a 
better country. I have also authorized him, after finding out proper 
influential characters, to privately assure them if they come on and 
purchase, and use their influence to induce others to follow them, I 
will make it a consideration which shall be to them an object. I have 
also employed another, who lives beyond the mountains, near the 
borders of New Hampshire, in the same business, and my determina- 
tion is to show those fellows who have taken so much pains to prevent 
our town from settling that it can be done. My time heretofore has 
been so much occupied with our business, and my winters so wholly 
taken up in carrying out measures with the legislature, that I have 
not had it in my power to traverse the eastern States and meet those 
agents there, and have an opportunity' to do away their misrepresen- 
tations. There are a number of people who have been on their way 
to me (as has como to my knowledge), who have been turned aside by 
these fellows. Their wish was to settle upon the lands near the court- 
house. When they have mentioned this they have been confidentially 
told there is no court-house in the county established by authority, 
and that there is no likelihood of the thing being substantially fixed 
here ; but that their lands are in the centre of the county, and that 
there is no doubt but it will bo there. They have caught many by 
this stratagem. I should not be surprised if there should he an 
attempt to make a hubbub about the court-house; but I hope I have 
guarded that at all points so as to haflle their designs. Knvy aud 
jealousy are very conspicuous concerning the court-house, and you 
would be surprised to see how much pains have been taken to turn 
all the eastern roads from our town. This I have looked at without 
its being known that I have observed it, and when they had got the 
whole fixed very much to their minds, and as they supposed, so as to 
keep the whole emigration interior. When the board of supervisors 
set I proposed to them to appropriate a sum of money for the pur- 
pose of opening a road from the East Branch bridge to the northeast 
line of Canton, for the purpose of accommodating that part of the 



156 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



county with a road which would fetch them to the eourt-bouso six 
miles neiircr than nny otlior waj' ; nnd as that interior country was 
rapidly settling, I thought it the duty of the board to facilitate their 
coinniuuiealinn witli the court-house as much as possible. This idea 
the board fell in with, and we have appropriated between three and 
four hundred dollars to that object, and in drawing the resolution I 
have taken care to word it in such a way as will run the road not 
only so as to make the above accommodation, but also so as to strike 
their main road at a point which will exactly embrace all their other 
roads, by which we shall open an avenue through that part of our 
purchase in I>ewitt (now a part of Kussell), and give a full chance 
for those who wish to settle at Ogdcnsburg. This stroke has dis- 
turbed much of their plans, and I suppose the board will have to 
suflfer a little slander for appropriating public money for the public 
accommodation against their local interest. We shall have the com- 
missioners out this fall, imd have the road laid and recorded, and, if 
possible, have it opened. After we get it recorded it will bo out of 
their p(»wer (undt^r present circumstances) to get it altered, and tliis 
is what they fear. Much pains were taken last year to have a suffi- 
cient number of towns set off for the purpose of overbalancing the 
board of supervisors. This they failed io. I foresee that much jar- 
ring interest and local consideration will compel us to meet that dis- 
sension which all new counties have experienced before us. It is a 
fatality incident to human nature, and we must not expect to bo 
exempt from it. 

"I am happy to tell you we have got the East Ilrnnch bridge fin- 
ished, and I think it is not such a one as will get away as soon as 
the other did.=- In my former letter I tuld you I had been obliged 
to rebuild the lower side of our dam. The frost had so injured it 
that it would not do to risk it another winter. This has been a heavy 
job. This, together with the bridge, repairing the two houses in 
town, and our ordinary business, has found vent for all the money I 
have been able to muster. The want of capital obliges us to carry 
on business to a great disadvantage. If we had capital sufficient to 
open business upon such a scale as the situation of this place is capa- 
ble of, we could without doubt make the business support itself; but 
under the present circumstances it moves feebly in comparison to 
the dead capital. I hope we shall not always stand at the same 
point. You doubtless reeolleet the letter you wrote me last fall upon 
the subject of a clergyman being sent here under the direction of the 
bishop. That letter I answered fully, in which I stated the feelings 
and wishes of the settlers. I also mentioned to them the measures 
pursuing by them to obtain a clergyman of their own persuasion. I 
also stated my opinion as to the policy of attempting to urge or in 
any way to direct their wishes in this matter. To that letter I would 
bog leave to refer you. Finding them determined to get one of the 
Presbyterian order, and their minds being fully bent upon that ob- 
ject, I concluded it was proper for me not to oppose, hut fall in with, 
their views, and take such a lead in the business as to prevent their 
getting some poor character who would probably be a harm rather 
than advantage to the settlement. Under this impression I have 
united with them in giving a call to a Mr. Younglove. a gentleman 
of education and abilities, and who has been the first tutor of the 
college at Schenectady for three ycars.f His recommendations are 
highly honorable. He has spent six weeks with us, but has now re- 
turned to his friends in Washington county, and expects to be back 
in February. I have suggested to him the idea of taking the charge 
of an academy here, — an institution I make no scruple will answer 
well, for there is no such thing in Canada short of Montreal. If I 
can succeed in effecting this object, which at present I make notloubt 
of, it will be the means of adding much reputation to this place, and 
particularly so by having it under the guidance of a man who has 
already established a reputation as a teacher. Our court-room will 
afford good accommodations for the present. Upon his return I 
shall form apian for carrying this desirable object into effect, and 
advertise the thing in our papers, and also the eastern and Montreal 

• The bridge at this place had been swept off in a freshet. 

t The Kev. John Younglove, A.M., 8.T.D., graduated at Union 
college in 1801. In the followiug year he was appointed tutor, and 
was one of the first two who held that office in that college. lie had 
held that place until ISOo, when he received the call as above stated. 
It docs not appear that he settled there, although he spent some time 
here. Mr. Younglove was the first jmstor of the first Presbyterian 
church in Ogdcnsburg, in 1806. 



papers. By this means full publicity will be given to the institution^ 
ami I think it cannot fail to attach much reputation to the village of 
Ogdcnsburg: and when we get a little more forwarrl, and find the 
thing to succeed, wc will build an academy. David and his family 
left this yesterday for their new habitation in Morristown, where I 
hope they will be comfortable the ensuing winter. He writes you by 
the present conveyance. I have written you a number of letters 
this summer, but I am sorry to tell you I have received none from 
you except the one by T. L. 0. I cannot conclude without telling 
you I fear the Indians will jockey about the lead mine; but if they 
should, wo would have the gratification to know the speculation is a 
good one: the lands are settling rapidly. I am, however, not with- 
out hope we shall finally attain our object. liclieve me. with much 
affection, your friend, 

" N. Foito. 
"Colonel Samuel Ogden." 

To counteract the influence of traveling agents, Mr. 
Ford, ill the winter of 1S05-G, also sent men to travel 
through the districts in which the emigrating epidemic 
prevailed, and published in two of the papers in Vermont, 
giving a little history of the county. Br. J. AV. Smith]; 
was one of the persons employed to influence emigrants. 
Of the articles he said, — • 

" I shall prepare another, and forward in February. The doctor 
(to whom I shew them) says they're calculated to be useful in Ver- 
mont, and is surprised that something has not been done long since. 
I have ever been of opinion it was as easy to write the county into 
notice as it was the Genesee, and have frequently requested your sons 
David and Ludlow to do it, but it seems they did not, and I am con- 
scious my pen is too feeble. But I presume I have done the thing in 
such a way as will do no harm if it does no good. All I can say is 
that a plain simple story sometimes takes effect, provided it be so 
told that no suspicion is attached to it, and I have tried to guard ray 
expressions so as to prevent that. There has not been any oppor- 
tunity for me to hear from \'"ermont yet. This I however expect 
daily, I very much suspect some attempt will be made at the legis- 
lature for dividing the avails of the lottery, for the purpose of ex- 
pending a part of it upon the Champlain road. I have written to 
my friends in the legislature guarding them against it. I mentioned 
to 3'ou that the board of sujiervisors have granted a sum of money 
for making a road from the East Branch bridge to intersect that and 
other roads which had been laid out by those interior people for the 
purpose of turning the emigration from the front towns, ancl that I 
expected it would make a noise. They kept themselves tolerably 
peaceable, hoping and expecting nothing would be done until after 
the next town-meeting, when they would change the commissioners 
of Canton and Lisbon. In this they have been anticipated, for wo 
have contracted for the making the road and building the bridge 
over the natural canal, and making the crossway through the swamp, 
and the hands are now at work at it. Before town-meeting we hope 
to have the heaviest of it completed. They have no hope now to 
prevent the thing, but gratify themselves by railing against the 
supervisors for granting the money. This I disregard. Business, 
as usual, will take me to Albany in the latter part of February. 
How long I shall be detained there is very uncertain. I shall from 
thence pay you a visit." 

Having quoted freely from the correspondence down to 
the time when it ceased to relate to the settlements, vfo will 
resume the history of Ogdcnsburg. The village was sur- 
veyed the second or third year of the settlement, and the 
streets natued at first as now, with trifling exceptions. The 
first house erected and finished was the present American 
hotel. The place was named from Samuel Ogden, who was 
a son of David Ogden, and had several brothers. On the 
occurrence of the Revolutionary War, the father and all of 
the sons, except Abram (^the father of David A. Ogden, an 

J See Biography. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



157 



owner of Madrid) and Samuel, adhered to the royal cause. 
These two were disinherited by their father for their politi- 
cal faith Samuel Ogden was for many years engaged in 
the. iron business in New Jersey. He bore the titje of 
colonel, although he is believed to have held no office, and 
took no part in the Revolutionary War. He married a sister 
of Gouvcrneur Morris, and the acquaintance which resulted 
from this relation led him to become concerned extensively 
in the land-purchases of the western part of the State, and 
in the township of Oswegatchie and elsewhere. He lived 
for a time at Trenton, N. J., and owned an estate which 
afterwards was purchased by General Jloreau. He subse- 
(|uently resided in Newark, N. J., where he died, about 
1818. David B. Ogden, whom we have had occasion to 
mention as concerned in the titles, was a son of S. Ogden. 

In 1802 was held the first celebration of our national 
anniversary in Ogdensburg, if not in the county. It was 
held at the old barracks, and Mr. John King, in the em- 
ployment of Ogden & Ford, delivered the oration. In 1804 
a pleasant celebration was held, at which a party of both 
sexes from Canada united with the villagers in the fe.stivi- 
ties of the occasion. A dinner was prepared by Judge 
Ford, as was his custom for several years, and in the even- 
ing fireworks were first displayed. They were prepared on 
the premises, and said to have been very fine. Many of 
the Canadians, previous to the war, were accustomed to cross 
to our side and join in celebrating our national anniversary, 
and even the war itself, although it temporarily checked the 
intercourse aloiig the lines by inspiring mutual fear and 
suspicion, did not long separate those people who had many 
interests in common. In 1813, along the lower part of St. 
Lawrence County, old neighbors began to exchange visits by 
night, and continued to do so more or less privately till the 
peace. 

There were living in the village of Ogdensburg in 1804 
but four fiimilies, viz. : Slosson, on the corner diago- 
nally opposite the St. Lawrence hotel ; Dr. Davis, on the 
ground now covered by E. B. Allen's residence ; George 
Davis, who kept an inn at the American hotel ; and a Mr. 
Chapin, in State street, near the Ripley house. There was 
a store kept by Judge Ford, at the old barracks, and occa- 
sionally the settlers had the opportunity of shopping on 
board of Durham boats from Utica, in which goods were 
displayed for sale. 

In the summer of 1803, Mr. Washington Irving, then 
a young man, came into the county with some of the pro- 
prietors, and remained a short time. His name occurs on 
several old deeds as a witness. In 1804, Mr. Louis Has- 
brouck, the first county clerk, who had been on for two 
years previously, removed with his family, and settled in 
the village. 

In November, 1804, Francis Bromigon, David Griffin, 
Richard M. Lawrence, John M. Lawrence, John Lyons, 
Wm. B. Wright, Seth Warren, Archibald McClaren, and 
Stephen Slawson were returned as grand jurors, and Daniel 
McNeill, Wm. Sharp, and John Stewart as petit jurors, in 
Oswegatchie. 

In 1808 the unsold portions of the village plat were pur- 
chased by David Parish, who first visited the town in the 
fall of that year, and measures were immediately taken to 



create at this point a commercial interest that should con- 
test with every other port on the river and 'lake for superi- 
ority. In this year a bridge was built by a Mr. Aldrich, 
at a cost of 81500, which was warranted to last five years, 
and which stood fifteen. In 1829 and in 1847 legislative 
provision was made for rebuilding the bridge. In the fall 
of 1808, the firm of J. Rosseel & Co., sustained by the 
capital of Mr. Parish, commenced mercantile operations, 
and brought on $40,000 worth of goods, which were opened 
in a temporary store until a permanent building could be 
erected. 

On Nov. 10, 1808, the building of two schooners was 
commenced by Mr. Jonathan Brown, of New York, who, 
with Selick Howe, was sent on from New York for that 
purpose by Mr. Parish. Two vessels, the " Collector" and 
the " Experiment," were built during that winter and the 
following summer. The first one launched was the schooner 
" Experiment;" it occurred on the 4th of July, 1809, and 
formed a part of the exercises of the day. A very hand- 
some celebration was got up for this occasion. An oration 
was delivered by a Mr. Ogden, a lawyer from New Jersey, 
at the court-house, and a dinner was prepared in a beautiful 
walnut gnive, on the present site of the marble row. Great 
numbers of Canadians participated in the proceedings with 
spirit. The yard in which the " Experiment" was built 
was on the site of Amos Bacon's store. She was subse- 
quently commanded by Captain Holmes, and had a burden 
of 50 tons. The second vessel was the .schooner " Collector," 
launched in the latter part of the summer of 1809, which 
made several trips up the lake that season under Captain 
Obed Mayo, and the next year she was run by Captain 
Samuel Dixon. Her first arrival was Nov. 15, 1809, with 
salt and dry goods from Oswego. She was owned by Ros- 
seel & Co. In the following summer (1810), the third 
schooner, the " Genesee Packet," was launched and rigged. 
She was owned and commanded by Cajitain Mayo. On the 
5th of July, 1810, Mr. Rosseel wrote to his patron as fol- 
lows : " We have renounced the project of building boats, 
since with them we could not enter into competition with 
the Kingstonians in the line of transporting produce down 
the St. Lawrence, a rivalship which we are solicitous to 
maintain, though we work for glory; we therefore have re- 
solved to combine building arks." Early in the season of 
1809, Mr. Rosseel proceeded to Montreal to procure from 
thence laborers, where he engaged about forty Canadians to 
work by the month, and bought two bateaux to take them 
up to Ogdensburg, with blankets, peas for soup, etc., each 
receiving a month's wages in advance for their families' 
support. These bateaux were afterwards used in bringing 
sand from Nettleton's point, above Prescott, for the mortar 
used in building, the cement of which is remarkably hard. 
The stone building at the wharf was commenced on the 7th 
of May, under the direction of Daniel W. Church, and in 
June, Mr. David Parish's brick house. The commercial 
and mercantile enterpri.se of the company prospered for a 
season, and the vessels belonging to the port of Ogdensburg 
became the carriers on Lake Ontario, and at the breaking 
out of the war it was growing more rapidly than any port 
on the lake. 

The approach of the war arrested the growth of the vil- 



158 



HISTORY OF ST, LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



lage as well as that of the country in general, and the em- 
bargo entirely stopped its commerce. These evils began to 
be felt for several years previous, and Judge Ford, as early 
as Aug. 18, 1807, in writing to S. Ogden, said, — 

"The sound of war has palsied the sales of land in this county. 
The proppcut of immigration this fall to the county was vastly flat- 
tering, and among the nuniher were intm of property and respecta- 
bility. This unhappy alfair will very materially affect our prospects 
in the money line. I yet hope T shall receive a payment, which if I 
do, I shall not fail to alleviate your jiresent wants. I, however, am 
apprehensive that the gentleman (who is now out) will fear to return, 
for much is said of the Indiaus, and much pains is taken by some 
peuple upon the other side of the river to inspire a belief that the In- 
dians will be employed by the British government, and their num- 
bers are immensely magnified. This, as is natural, frightens the old 
women, and the anxiety and commotion among them is astonishing. 
Many are for flying immediately, whilst others are so frightened they 
do not know which way to run. This constant theme of fear, origi- 
nating with the women, puts the d — 1 into some of the men, and 
some among them are becoming as old-womanish as the women them- 
selves. These men I abuse for their cowardice, and the women's 
fears I soothe, but I fear all my exertions will be in vain, for it is in- 
credible what frightful stories are going upon this subject. Should 
the war-whoop continue, and curtail us in the receipt of that money 
so certainly expected, it will be totally out of my power to afford 
you that aid you wish. It would have been out of my power to have 
given you assistance when I was in Jersey, if Mr. Lewis had not 
promised rac he would answer my draft upon him in October. Upon 
the promise I purchased my goods upon six months' credit, and gave 
you his note for what he could then pay, together with the ready 
money I had. These two, together wilh what money I had to pay 
upon our Dewitt purchase, made up a sum of almost $2000. By this 
means I was under the necessity of going in debt, and to people who 
are not in a situation to lay out of their money ; with them we have not 
heretofore had dealings, and who count upon punctualit}'. . . . Out 
of all the moneys we have due in this country, I am confident I shall 
not be able to command $500. I need not urge upon you the neces- 
sity of cherishing that credit and reputation which we have estab- 
lished in the course of our business, neither need I give you any new 
assurance how much pleasure it would aS"ord me to have it in my 
power to help you to such sums as I may be able. I really viewed 
the time as having arrived when you might have calculated upon a 
certainty from your estate here, and nothing but the dreadful dilemma 
into which our country is now plunged could have prevented it. I 
yet hope the whirlwind may pass by without material injury. , . . 
What makes this war-whoop more particularly disadvantageous to us 
at this time, is the event which wc have so long anticipated being 
upon the eve of taking place, of this becoming the place of a depot 
instead of Kingston. Two of the principal merchants residing at 
the head of the lake called upon me, when on their way down the 
river with their produce, to know if arrangements could not be made 
for receiving and forwarding their province to market, provided they 
should be able to contract with the owners of vessels, so as to make 
it their interest to come to Ogdensburg instead of Kingston. I told 
them I was not prepared at that moment to answer them decisively, 
but if they would call upon nic upon their way up, I would by that 
time make an estimate, and give them an answer what I could do the 
business for. Last week they callcci, and we found no difficulty in 
agreeing upon the price of forwarding, but they found this war busi- 
ness would interfere. They, however, told mo they would make it a 
business to see the owners of vessels, and if this war sound should 
blow over, write me immediately, that I might make the necessary 
arrangements. To set this business properly in motion will take 
considerable money. Therefore, much caution is to be used, that a 
failure on our part should not take place. If wo can but get the 
thing in motion it will produce an eff"ect that will be solid. Should 
the temper and times admit of going into this business, I shall be 
under the necessity of SL-nding to the Susquehanna for those people 
who have been in the habit of making arks and managing them. 
I do not think the business of ark-building is sufficiently understood 
by any person in this country to hazard anything to their manage- 
ment, and as the success of this business is very much to depend 
upon economy and accurate management, I think we had better go 



to the expense at onco of procuring men who already understand the 

business, than hazard it to those who must learn from experience. 

"N. FoiiD." 

On tlie 18th of December, 1807, he said,— 

'* When I wrote you last, I told you the sound of war was like to 
palsy emigration, and I am sorry to add, a continuation of the war- 
whoop has completely produced that eff"ect ; and if one can judge 
from the acts of the administration, the chances are much in favor 
of war measures, though I presume Jefferson does not calculate to 
fight himself. I hope and trust there will good sense and moral 
honesty yet be found in the people of America to avert the impend- 
ing storm. The extreme wet season has prevented the post making 
the regular tours, by which I am much in the dark how prospects in 
the political hemisphere are likely to stand. . . . Should this 
unpleasant bustle blow over this winter, I presume we may calculate 
the ensuing summer will produce to the county many valuable settlers, 
who are laying back from no other cause than to see the fate of the 
present commotion. Very few sales have been made in the county 
this year, and most of those which have been made were to that de- 
scription of people who may be considered as the first run, and con- 
sequently are of the moneyless kind. The people in the county have 
very much got over their first fright about war, and I hope, should 
it come, they will have spunk enough to stand their ground, and 
m.anfully defend their property. The d — I of it is, we have neither 
guns nor ammunition to do with. I suppose, upon a proper repre- 
sentation to Jefi'erson, he might be induced to send us up one of his 
gun-boats; it might as well travel our new road as plow through 
the sandy corn-fields of Georgia. I think an application of this 
kind, made through Slone of New Jersey, might be attended to at 
least by Sloue, whose capacity is not equal to distinguishing but that 
such application and mode of eonveyauee would be perfectly proper 
and consistent. I hope you will write me often, and give me a sketch 
of the times. I should like to know a little beforehand how the guil- 
lotine is like to work. That is a machine much more likely to 
travel than Jefterson gun-boats, and my opinion is, the Democrats 
will never re.-t until they erect a few of those kind of shaving-mills." 

The reader is referred to the chapter on the war, fur the 
details of the incidents that occurred here during that 
period. For many years afterwards business languished, 
arid the country was a long time in recovering from the 
financial depression which it occasioned. A fort, to be 
called Fort Oswegatchie, was begun, and after the war some 
thoughts of finishing it were entertained, but the work was 
never prosecuted. During the summer of 1817, Mr. Mon- 
roe, the president, made a tour through the northern States, 
and visited Ogdensburg. He reached Hamilton from 
Plattsburg, July 31, and on the following day he was 
met by a party of gentlemen from Ogdensburg, and carried 
into town, preceded by a band of music ; and became the 
guest of Mr. George Parish. He there received the re- 
spects of the citizens, and the trustees and inhabitants, 
througli Louis Hasbrouck, Esq., who delivered him the 
following address : 

"Sir, — The trustees and inhabitants of this village welcome with 
peculiar satisfaction your arrival, in health, among them, alter your 
long and fatiguing journey through many of our yet infant settle- 
ments. In common with the nation, we have viewed with much in- 
terest your important tour along our sea-board and frontier, particu- 
larly confiding in your observation, wisdom, and experience for the 
establishment of such points of national defense along our immediate 
border as will best promote our individual prosperity and strengthen 
the national security. Born and educated under a government whose 
laws we venerate, enjoying a soil rich in the bounties of Providence, 
and grateful for the invaluable blessings of liberty bequeathed to us 
by the heroes of the Revolution, no excitement shall be wanting on 
our part to maintain, defend, and transmit to posterity the benefits 
we so eminently possess. Experience, however, has taught us that 
individual or sectional exertions, bo they ever so ardent, unless aided 
by the protecting and strong arm of government, afford but a feeble 




OFFICE /ND RESIDENCE or Db SOUTHWICK, Osoensburg, N / 




Photo, by Duw, Ogiif nsburR. 



^^n^<Hyt^J^ 



The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 27, 1806, in 
England. He was son of George and Ann Furniss. His 
father was born November, 1781, and died in 183G. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Wilcock, was born Sept. 
21, 1778, and died June 10, 1840. In the year 18.30 he 
emigrated to America, and settled in the town of Rossie, 
St. Lawrence County. He first engaged as a miller, with 
George Parish, with whom he remained until about the 
year 1839, when he commenced business for himself. 
During this time he had an interest in smelting the ore 
taken from the lead mines in that town. About 18-10 he 
carae to Ogdensburg, and leased the custom mill of the city, 
which, after some four years, he purchased. 

Prudent and economical in business, he became one of 
the most successful and enterprising business men of his 
city. Unaided pecuniarily while young, he, by judicious 
management, secured a competence that placed him beyond 
the apprehension of want. During his business career, he 
was highly respected by all who know him, and especially 
by those who had dealings with him. He was a man of 
correct habits, his character and reputation being above 
reproach. He was strictly honest mid exact in all his 
dealings. 

Mr. Furniss never was very active in politics, but during 
the late rebellion was an ardent supporter of the adminisr 
(ration. He first cast his influence with the Whig party, 
and upon the formation of the Republican party espoused 
its principles and adopted its platform. Held in high 
esteem by his fellow-men, he was elected to several impor- 
tant oflfices in \\\a city, — was alderman in 1851-5 j-54. He 
was never solicitous of public honors of this kind, and never 



shrank from bearing his share of the public burdens for 
the preservation of peace and good society. Liberal in his 
views, he was ready to enlist in any good enterprise which 
would build up and improve the city of his adoption, 
establi-sh society upon a religious basis, and educate the 
rising generation. 

In the year 1834 (Sept. 15), he married Mrs. Mary A. 
Knott, of English birth, who only lived until July 20, 
1840. Her daughter, Lucy A., married Mr. T. D. Servis, 
of Lacrosse, Wis. ; for his second wife, Sept. 3, 1846, he 
married Miss Clarissa, daughter of Henry Lum and Belinda 
Ranney. Her father was a native of Morristown, N. J., 
and settled in Ogdensburg in 1810. Henry Lum was a 
lineal descendent of the fifth generation from Samuel Lum, 
who was born June 13, 1619, in England, and was one of 
the early settlers of the New England States ; one of his 
sons settling in Connecticut, a second on Long Island, and 
a third in New Jersey. 

By his .second wife he had three children, — -William E., 
Fannie, and Clara. Fannie died while young. William 
E. married Miss Fannie, daughter of the late Daniel 
Judson, of Ogdensburg ; resides in his native city, has 
succeeded his father in the milling business, and is one of 
the enterprising business men of his county. Clara married 
Mr. D. V. Williams, of Joliet, 111., and resides in Chicago. 

William Furniss was a member of the Episcopal church 
of Ogdensburg for many years previous to his death (which 
occurred July 2, 1872), and for several years served as ves- 
tryman. Early in life he identified himself with church 
interests, of which he was a liberal supporter. Both of his 
\vives vvere naeqibers of the same church. 





Photo, iiy Dow, Ogilensliijig. 



ASHBEL SYKES. 



ELIZABETH SYKES. 



ELIZABETH SYKES. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Morristown, N. J., Bee. 7, 
1796. She was the daughter of John nml Martlia Lyon, who were 
both natives of the same State as herself. The lormer was born 
Aug. 2G, 1753; the hitter, Aug. 16, 1759. John Lyon was first mar- 
ried to Miss Rachel Rcves, March 2G, 1775, by whom ho had three 
children: Hannah, Mary, and Rachel. Ujion the death of his wife 
(1780) he married Miss Martha Babbit, July 9, 1781, by whom he 
had seven children .*■ Lewis, Aaron, Sarah, John, Stephen, Harvey, 
and Elizabeth (the subject of this memoir). 

John Lyon and his family of wife and eight children came from 
New Jersey and settled in the locality of Ogdensburg in 1796, at 
first taking quarters in an old French garrison, the present site 
being on the south side of the Oswegatchio river. They came with 
Judge Nathan Ford, who was sent as land agent for Mr. Ogden, 
owner of the land where the city now is. Judge Ford also moved 
into one of the French garrisons, and some years after erected for a 
residence the house now used as a nunnery. At the time the Lyons 
family came to this locality no railroads or steamboats were known. 
They were six weeks on tlieir journey, traveling mostly by means of 
rowboats. Upon reaching the settlement then known by the Indian 
name of Oswegatehie, they found three Indian chiefs (white men) 
who claimed to hold the land, together with many bands of native 
Indians, and, with these exceptions, there were no white people. 
Through the shrewdness and careful management of Judge Ford, 
the title to land claimed by the chiefs was soon abandoned, and the 
Ogden title firmly established. The Lyons family lived here, endur- 
ing all the jirivatiuns and hardships coincident not only with a 
pioneer life, but a life among the Indians, for some years before any 
more while settlors came; and, as an example of the want of modern 
conveniences, it may be stated that the nearest grist-mill was seventy 
miles down the river St. Lawrence, where they went in canoes with 
their corn to be ground, or at times taking the alternative to pound 
it in a hollow stump. About eight weeks after the arrival of the 
family the wife and mother died — in 1790 — at the age of thirty- 
seven, leaving a large family of children in a new home in the 
wilderness to mourn her loss, — her dying words being that she com- 
mitted the care of her children to God. 

John Lyon, in the year 1815, married his third wife, Miss Mary 
Smith, a native of Connecticut, who was born in 1777, and died some 



fifteen years after her husband. He lived upon the spot where he 
first settled, cleared oft" the forest, made the land tillable, followed the 
occupation of a farmer, and died Feb. 3, 1834. 

At the time of the writing of this sketch all of the children are 
dead except the t\vo youngest; Harvey, living near the place of his 
father's first settlement; and Elizabeth, whose ])ortrait is found above 
this notice, by the side of her husband's, is now living in the city of 
Ogdensburg, where she has resided for the last sixty-one years, and 
in the town and city for eighty-one years. She was only three years 
of age when her father settled here, and now, in her eighty-fourth 
year, has lived to watch the various changes from the wilderness to 
the present beautiful city of wealth, from the rude log cabin to the 
palatial residences of modern times; to see schools, churches, and 
society established j and it may be said here that she is supposed to 
have lived longer in the county than any other person at the present 
time. 

At the age of twenty-two, and in the year 1815, she married Ezra 
Fitch, of Cooperstown, N. Y, To ibcm were born three children: 
Elizabeth, EHas, and Ezra; the last two dying in infancy, the 
daughter living to be twenty-one years of age. Mr. Fitch died in 
the year 1822. In the year 1839 she married Ashbel Sykes, a native 
of Sufi"olk, Conn., but at the time of his marriage, of Lisbon, this 
county. He was born Oct. 16, 1777, and died April 27, 1868. 

Since the death of her second husband Mrs. Sykes has lived alone, 
doing her housework most of the time. At the age of twenty-six 
she united with the Presbyterian church of this city, and from that 
time has b(?en an active member of that body until age debarred her 
from such duties. Charitable to all, a friend to the destitute, possess- 
ing that urbanity of manner and good common sense characteristic 
of the pioneer women of the country, she still retains her activity of 
both mind and body to a remarkable degree. Beyond the competence 
necessary for her support to the end of her life, she has arranged for 
her entire property to be distributed at her death among various 
religious institutions, remembering especially the one most dear, her 
own church. She has been for many years manaj^er of the mission- 
ary work in her own church, and contributed liberally for its sup- 
port. Few persons are spared to live through so many years of 
usefulness as Mrs. Sykes, and few wlio arc spared leave so laudable 
a record. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



159 



defense against a powerful foe. Placed on a frontier contiguous to a 
warlike and powerful nation, enjoying the advantage of an extensive 
and incrtasing navigation, it is peculiarly important that our local 
situation should be well understood. At the conimciicL-ment of the 
late war the attention of government was in the first instance natur- 
ally drawn to the defense of that extensive line of sea-coast, on which 
the immense maritime force of the enemy could be more effectually 
exerted, and consequently the more remote and interior defenses did 
not perhaps receive the protection which their importance w.irranted. 
"But commencing your administration in a time of profound 
peace, enjoying the confidence of the nation, and presiding over a 
government proud of its honor, tenacious of its rights, and possess- 
ing the requisite resources, we flatter ourselves, should any collision 
hereafter take place (which we pray heaven to avert), your penetra- 
tion and judgment, aided by your local observations, will have pointed 
out and perfected such a line of defenses as will insure our personal 
safety, and redound to the honor and prosperity of the nation. That 
you may establish these desirable objects, progress in your important 
tour in safety, and return happily to the bosom of your domestic 
circle, is, sir, the fervent prayer of your obedient servants." 

His excelleuey made a verbal reply to the following effect : 

" He thanked the citizens of Ogdensburg for their attention, and 
very polite reception ; he received them as marks of respect to the 
first magistrate of the nation, not by any means arrogating them to 
himself as an individual. It gave him great pleasure, because it 
evinced an attachment of the people to that form of government 
which they themselves had established. He was satisfied they held 
its value in just estimation, and were sincerely devoted to its preser- 
vation, and in administering it he would support its principles, and, 
to his best ability, promote the interests of the country. As the ad- 
dress correctly stated, his journey was connected with objects of na- 
tional defense, and was undertaken for the purpose of acquiring such 
information as would better enable him to discharge the duties of his 
office; that large sums of money had been appropriated by the gov- 
ernment, the judicious application of which depended much on the 
executive. He perfectly agreed that the time of peace was the best 
time to prepare for defense, but had much pleasure in stating that 
the best understanding prevailed between our government and that 
of Great Britain, and was persuaded he had every reason to look for 
a permanent peace. He said that the importance of the situation 
along the St. Lawrence had not escaped his observation, and during 
his progress in this country he was much gratified to find it fertile 
and abundant, and inhabited by enterprising, industrious, and he 
believed a virtuous people." 

In the evening the president was joined by Major- 
General Brown, of the United States army, and his whole 
suite, accompanied by whom he repaired to Morristown, 
and lodged with the honorable Judge Ford. 

On Saturday, the 2d, he viewed Mr. Parish's extensive 
and very valuable iron-works at Rossie, considered to be an 
establishment of great public importance and u.sefulness to 
the surrounding country. From Rossie he proceeded to 
Antwerp, where he was met by Mr. Le Ray and others, 
and conducted to Le Rayville, where he spent the night.* 

PROMINENT EARLY FAMILIES. 

In the early years of the present century, when the 
region now occupied by St. Lawrence County first began to 
attract the attention of settlers and capitalists, it was be- 
lieved that a great system of roads and canals would bring 
it into close connection with the sea-board, and extravagant 
anticipations were indulged that it would rai)idly become 
one of the best-peopled and most desirable countries in the 
United States for agricultural, manufacturing, and com- 
mercial purposes, and as a residence locality, especially 
along the magnificent St. Lawrence river. Prominent and 

* Narrative of a Tour of Observation, by James Monroe. 



wealthy men from New England, New York, and New 
Jersey entered heavily into land speculation, and many 
aristocratic families settled in and around Ogdensburg, 
which they fondly believed, from its remarkable situation 
at the foot of lake navigation and its proximity to the 
mines, water-power, and forest region of the State, would 
speedily become the great emporium of trade and com- 
merce of the upper St. Lawrence valley. Among the 
prominent families who .settled in the vicinity of Ogdens- 
burg were the Parishes, Ogdens, Fords, Van Ileuvels, Van 
Rensselaers, and others. These were all Whigs, and, 
having abundant means, they proceeded to clear the forests 
away and make improvements and erect substantial dwell- 
ings and outbuildings, which compared favorably with a 
similar class in Virginia and along the valleys of the Hud- 
son, Mohawk, and Connecticut rivers. Of this description 
were the mansions on the estate subsequently owned by 
lion. Henry Van Rensselaer, now belonging to the Averills, 
and where a vast sum of money was expended in building 
immense stone fences, laying out broad and beautiful 
grounds, and in erecting buildings that would be no dis- 
credit to the great manors of England. The Pari.sh man- 
sion, erected about 1809-10. This was a great establishment 
in its day. Its last occupant, Mr. George Parish, aban- 
doned it about 1869, and is now living in Seftenburg, 
Bohemia, a province of the Austrian empire, where he 
has large estates and holds a baron's title. 

Soon after the American Revolution the prominent 
loyalist refugees were granted lands along the St. Lawrence 
by the British government for those which had been con- 
fiscated by the United States government, and nearly the 
whole line of the St. Lawrence, from Cornwall to the Bay 
of Quint(^', was settled by them. After a time these fami- 
lies, who were of the better class, assimilated with those on 
the American side, and thus a sort of lauded aristocracy 
flourished for many years. 

VILLAGE OF OGDENSBURG. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village of Ogdensburg was incorporated by an act 
passed by the legislature, April 15, 1817, of which act the 
following is 

" Sectio.v I. — Be it enacted hy the people of the State of Xew York^ 
represented in the Senate and Aasenibfi/^ That the district of county 
contained in the following bounds, to wit : Beginning at a black- 
oak-tree standing on the eastwardly bank of the Oawegatchic river, 
being the northwestwardly corner of a lot of land now ownetl by 
William Wells, and running thence north sixty-one degrees and ten 
minutes east, one hundred and eleven chains and thirty links to the 
southwestwardly corner of a lot of land now owned by Timothy 
Burr; thence along his bounds north twenty-four degrees and thirty 
minutes west, sixty-five chains and eighty-one links to a cedar post 
on the margin of the river St. Lawrence; thence continuing the same 
course into said river to the bounds of the county of St. Lawrence; 
thence along the said bounds westwardly to a point opposite the 
middle of the Oswegatchie river; thence along the middle of the 
Oswegatchie river to a point opposite the place of beginning; and 
thence to the place of beginning. And all the freemen of this State, 
inhabitants within the limits aforesaid, be, and they hereby are 
ordained, constituted, and declared to be from time to time and for- 
ever hereafter a body politic and corporate in fact and in name by 
the name of the trustees of the village of Ogdensburg, and by that 



160 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



name they and their successors forever shall and may have perpetual 
succession, and be persons in law capable of suing and being sued and 
of defending in all courts and places whatsoever in all manner of 
actions whatsoever, and that they and their successors may have a 
common seal and may change and alter the same at pleasure, and 
shall be in law capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying any 
lands or tenements within the limits aforc^said to and for the common 
use and benefit of the inhabitants of tlie said village." 

OFFICERS. 

The first election for villap;e officer.s was held May 12, 
1817, at which the following [lersons were chosen : Presi- 
dent, Louis Hasbrouck ; Trustees, Joseph W. Smith, 
Charles Hill, John Scott. The board held a meeting May 
17, 1817, and appointed Joseph W. Smith, treasurer; Syl- 
vester Gilbert, clerk ; and Louis Hasbrouck and J. W. 
Smith a committee to draft a code of by-laws. The latter 
were read and adopted on the 26th of the same month. 

The list of officers for the village of Ogdensburg, from 
1818 to 1867 inclusive, embraces the following: 

1818. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Palmer Cleveland, 
Charles D. Raymond, John Tibbits ; James Averell (3d}, 
clerk. 

1818. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Charles D. Ray- 
mond, Erastus Vilas, Joseph York ; David R. Strachan, 
clerk. 

1820. — James Averell (3d), president; Levi Gilbert, 
Wulcott Hubbell, Amos Bacon ; George N. Seymour, 
clerk. 

1821. — Walcott Hubbell, president; David C. Judson, 
Amos Bacon, Bishop Perkins ; Geo. N. Seymour, clerk. 

1822. — Brinsley Hunton, president; Abel Heminway, 
Harvey Church, John Eaton ; Bishop Perkins, clerk. 

1823. — Louis Hasbrouck, president ; Joseph Rosseel, 
Charles D. Raymond, Ira Shcad ; David C. Judson, clerk. 

At the annual election the following were appointed to 
revise the charter: Louis Hasbrouck, Anthony C. Brown, 
David C. Judson, Bishop Perkins, James Averell ( 3d). A 
petition was sent to the legislature for a revision of the act 
incorporating the village, and a new act was passed April 
9, 1824, and the next village board elected under the new 
charter. 

1824. — Louis Hasbrouck, president; Joseph Rosseel, 
Charles D. Raymond, Ira Shead ; David C. Judson, clerk. 

1825. — Joseph Rosseel, president ; William Bacon, An- 
thony C. Brown, David C. Judson ; Baron S. Doty, clerk. 

1826. — George Guest, president; Richard Freeman, Da- 
vid C. Judson, Baron S. Doty, Charles D. Raymond ; Ed- 
mund A. Graham appointed clerk by board. 

1827. — Anthony C. Brown, president ; Henry Lum, 
William Bacon, William A. Campfield, James G. Hopkins ; 
E. A. Graham appointed clerk. 

1828. — Charles Hill, president ; Joseph Rosseel, Erastus 
Vilas, Charles D. Raymond, Joseph W. Smith ; Edmund 

A. Graham ai)pointed clerk. 

1829. — Charles Hill, president ; Baron S. Doty, Elijah 

B. Allen, Peter C. Oakley, John Elliott ; E. A. Graham,- 
clerk. 

1830.— Charles Hill, president ; David C. Judson, Pres- 
ton King, John Elliott, Harvey Thomas; E. A. Graham, 
clerk. 



1831. — Charles Hill, president; John Elliott, Harry 
Odell, David C. Judson, Royal Vilas; E. A. Graham, 
clerk. 

1832.— James G. Hopkins, president ; Charles Hill, liin- 
eoln Morris, Jacob Arnold, William B. Spelman. Board 
of Jleultk. — B. Perkins, S. Gilbert, L. Hasbrouck, Charles 
Hill, D. C. Judson, M. S. Daniels, E. B. Allen, J. W. 
Smith. 

1833.— James G. Hopkins, president ; Royal Vilas, Lin- , 
coin Morris, Egbert N. Fairchild, Preston King; E. A. II 
Graham, clerk. 

1834. — James G. Hopkins, president ; Joseph Rosseel, 
Egbert N. Fairchild, John Clark, Preston King ; E. A. 
Graham, clerk. Ji 

1835. — Sylvester Gilbert, president; David C. Judson, ■ 
George W. Shepard, Moses S. Piatt, Michael S. Daniels ; 
George Guest, clerk. 

1836. — Sylvester Gilbert, president; M. S. Piatt, M. S. 
Daniels, Wm. H. Marshall, James W. Lytle ; Charles G. 
Myers, clerk. 

1837. — Erastus Vilas, president; John J. Gilbert, Amos 
Bacon, Henry D. Laughlin, W^illiam Melhinch, John J. 
Gilbert ; Anthony C. Brown, clerk. 

1838.— Charles Hill, president; John Clark, H. D. 
Laughlin, Amos Bacon, Socrates N. Sherman ; A. C. Brown, 
clerk. 

1839. — Amos Bacon, president; Collins A. Burnham, 
Edwin Clark, Wm. E. Guest, Allen Chancy; Wm. C. 
Brown, clerk. 

1840. — George W. Shepard, president; Allen Chaney, 
Joshua L. Warner, Wm. H. Marshall, John Barber; AY. 
C. Brown, clerk. 

1841. — David Crichton, president; Wm. H. Marshall, 
William Bacon, Thomas Bacon, David Burdett ; W. C. 
Brown, clerk. 

1842. — David Crichton, president; James G. Wilson, 
Charles Shepard, Thomas Birkby, Nathan S. Pitkin ; Ste- 
phen B. Seely, clerk. 

Map of the village, by W. B. Gilbert, adopted and placed 
on file in the county clerk's office. 

1843. — Amos Bacon, president ; Elijah White, Jo.seph 
Hutchinson, Jr., George M. Foster, Edwin Clark; S. B. 
Seely, clerk. 

1844. — James G. Hopkins, president; Henry T.Bacon, 
Alden Vilas, William Jones, Amaziah B. James; William 
B. Hickok, clerk. 

1845. — James G. Hopkins, president; Amaziah B. 
James, Alden Vilas, William Jones, Henry T. Bacon ; A. 
B. James, clerk. 

1846.^ — Amaziah B. James, president ; Harvey Thomas, 
Jeremiah Baldwin, Amasa W. Woolley, George D. V. 
Seymour; William B. Hickok, clerk; George Morris, 
clerk, on resignation of W. B. Hickok. 

1847. — Cornelius Stillman, president; David C. Judson, 
James G. Averell, George N. Seymour, Royal Vilas ; Geo. 
Morris, clerk. 

1848. — Egbert N. Fairchild, president ; James G. Hop- 
kins, Charles Shepard, William E. Guest, William Jones; 
Stillman Foote, clerk. 

1849. — Stillman Foote, president; David Crichton, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



161 



Albert Chismore, Benj. Whitney, Elijah White; Albert 
Tyler, clerk. 

1850. — Williiim Bacon, pre.si<lent ; David Crichton, 
Aniasa W. Woolley, Nehciuiah Whitney, S. Gilbert; Louis 
Hasbrouck, cleik. 

1851 (Four nionth.s). — William Jones, president ; Egbert 
N. Fairchild, Jeremiah Baldwin, Amaziali B. James, Collins 
A. Burnham ; George Morris, clerk. Mr. Burnham de- 
clined to serve. John F. Rossell was elected in his place. 
William Jones resigned, and E. N. Fairchild was elected 
president. 

A new charter was granted by the legislature, June 20, 
1851, and an election held on the fourth Tuesday of July 
following. This charter gave greater privileges, and under 
it the bounds of the village were extended, and the corpo- 
ration divided into three wards. 

1851 (New charter). — Willliam C. Brown, president; 
Edwin Clark, Elijah B. Allen, Henry S. Humphrey, for 
1st ward ; Allen Chaney, Henry Rockwell, William Furness, 
for 2d ward ; Nathan S. Pitkin, Albert Tyler, Luke Bald- 
win, for 3d ward ; George Jlorris, clerk. 

1852. — William C. Brown, president; John Austin, 
David Field, John F. Ro.s.seel, Ralzaman Haskell, William 

C. Alden, Daniel D. T. Carr, Nathaniel Taggert, Nathaniel 
Lewis, Luke Baldwin ; George Morris, clerk. 

1853. — John F. Rosseel, president; George D. V. Sey- 
mour, Jacob H. Guest, David M. Chapin, William Furness, 
Alonzo E. Alden, Allen Chaney, Philander Bobbins, Wil- 
liam Jones, Ira Wheelock ; Joseph McNaughton, clerk. 

1854. — J. F. Rosseel, president; John Barber, Smith 
Stilwell, Jr., George M. Foster, Ozro S. Cummings, F. M. 
Burt, William Furness, Norman Sackrider, William Jones, 
George P. Ryon ; Gaylord P. Chapin, clerk. 

1855. — Thomas Bacon, president; E. N. Fairchild, S. 
Gilbert, W. C. Brown, Elisha Sanderson, Franklin N. Burt, 
Patrick V. Lankton, Cyrus Vilas, William H. Young, J. 
A. Stevens ; Edwin M. Holbrook, clerk. 

1856. — Sylvester Gilbert, president ; Walter B. Allen, 
Herman F. Millard, Royal Vilas, Franklin N. Burt, James 

D. Raymond, Erastus Vilas (2d), P. V. Lankton, John 
Allendorph, Roswell S. Ryon ; Edwin M. Holbrook, 
clerk. 

1857.— S. Gilbert, president; W. B. Allen, H. F. Mil- 
lard, E. N. Merriam, F. N. Burt, J. D. Raymond, A. Chaney, 
P. V. Lankton, J. Allendorph, A. Chismore; E. M. Hol- 
brook, clerk. 

1858. — Seth G. Pope, president; George Morri.s, Charles 
P. Egert, George Parker, John G. McDonald, Ozro 8. Cum- 
mings, James L. Ives, Alric M. Herriman, Luke Baldwin, 
Joseph Thompson ; N. H. Lytle, clerk. 

1859.— S. G. Pope, president; G. Morris, C. P. Egert, 
Jacob Henry Guest, Benjamin L. Jones, W. C. Alden, D. 
D. T. Carr, A. M. Herriman, Louis D. Hoard, Joseph 
Thompson ; N. H. Lytle, clerk. 

1860. — A. M. Herriman, president; W. C. Brown, J. 
H. Guest, George Withcrbead, B. L. Jones, W. C. Alden, 
C. S. Burt, Carlos Slocum, George Newmeyer, J. Thompson ; 
N. H. Lytic, clerk. 

18G1. — A. M. Herriman, president; W. C. Brown, G. 
Witherhead, J. H. Guest, B. L. Jones, Wm. C. Alden, 
21 



Patrick Golden, Carlos Slocum, Joseph Thompson, George 
Newmeyer ; H. G. Thomas, clerk. 

1862. — David C. Judson, president; George Parker, 
Thomas Bacon, Ela N. Merriam, Amos S. Partridge, P, 
Golden, Hiram Chatterton, J. Thompson, Henry W. Fer- 
guson, A. M. Herriman ; William Wheeler and John 
Magone, clerks. 

1863. — David C. Judson, president; E. M. Holbrook, 
John W. Hastings, James M. Chamberlain, J. L. Ives, 
Thomas MuUin, Harvey L. Jones, J. H. Morgan, J. 
Thompson, William Armstrong ; William B. W. O'Brian 
and William N. Oswell, clerks. 

1864.— Charles G. Myers, president; Calvin W. Gibbs, 
Nathaniel H. Lytle, Charles I. Baldwin, Harrison C. Pear- 
sons, Harvey L. Jones, Walter B. Allen, Henry F. Church, 
Carlos Slocum, Reuben M. Barnes; T. H. Brosnan, clerk. 

1865. — Calvin W. Gibbs, president; J. H. Guest, Na- 
thaniel H. Lytle, George D. Seymour, Erastus Vilas (2d), 
P. H. Delaney, Francis N. Burt, D. W. C. Brown, George 
R. Bell, James H. Morgan ; T. H'. Brosnan, clerk. 

1866.— De Witt C. Brown, president; J. H. Guest, N. 
H. Lytle, H. T. Bacon, P. H. Delaney, Erastus Vilas (2d), 
P. Golden, G. R. Bell, William L. Proctor, Allen B. Phillips ; 
R. E. Gordon, clerk. 

1867. — De Witt C. Brown, president; Nathaniel H. 
Lytle, Arthur Callaghan, Charles I. Baldwin, James A. 
Mack, Galen W. Pearson, Merchant J. Ives, William L. 
Proctor, William Armstrong, William H. Young; Chipman 
S. Mastin, clerk. 

TOWN-CLOCK. 

In November, 1841, a clock was purchased of Andrew 
Meneely, of West Troy, and placed in the tower of the Pres- 
byterian church. Its cost, including freight, expense of 
setting up, etc., was nearly seven hundred dollars. Some 
trouble was experienced with it on account of a bad ar- 
rangement of the weights, and, bj' permission of the trus- 
tees of the church, the weights were altered so as to reach 
the basement story. At a recent date new faces have been 
placed on the clock, from the necessity arising therefor at 
the reconstruction of the spire of the church. When the 
old church was removed the clock was carefully taken down, 
and now occupies a position in the spire of the substantial 
church built on the site of the old one. Messrs. Bell Bros., 
jewelers, of Ogdensburg, have had charge of the clock since 
it was first set up in 1841. 

TOWN-HOUSE. 

An act was passed by the legislature, April 2, 1858, em- 
powering the supervisors of St. Lawrence County to assess 
on the town of Oswegatchio a tax of 8500(1, besides col- 
lector's fees, for the year 1858, the balance to be raised in 
1859, and not to exceed 810,000 altogether, for the purpose 
of erecting a building for the joint use of the town of Os- 
wegatchie and the village of Ogdensburg. Also empower- 
ing said town to issue bonds to the amount of S5000 in 
1858, the balance to be raised as the commL^sionci's re- 
quired it. Smith Stilwell, John Pickens, and Alden Vilas 
were appointed commissioners to superintend the work, and 
placed under bonds of §10,000 for the feithful performance 



162 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of their duty. The buildinj; was to contain, by the pro- 
visions of the act, " :i room for the public meetings of the 
inhabitants of said town and vilhige ; a. room for tile meet- 
ing and deliberation of the trustees of said village, and of 
the board of education ; a police-court room ; such number 
of lock-up.s, or prison-rooms, as they shall doom necessary, 
togetlicr with rooms for a keeper and his fiiniily ; with such 
other rooms and appurtenant buildings as are necessary or 
proper for said purposes." It was provided that none of 
this money should be used until the village had first secured 
a lot on which to build, and accordingly the present location 
was chosen, on the corner of Franklin and Washington 
streets, and the lot purcha.sed of George Parish, Esq., in 
exchange for engiiic-hou.se lot. No. 3. The plan of the 
building by the commissioners was adopted by the village 
board in June, 1858, and work was at once commenced. 
The edifice, now standing, is a large brick building, two 
stories and a basement in height, and cost, besides furnish- 
ing, painting, etc., $8778.42. The furniture and other ex- 
penses aggregated about $1000 additional. The hall on 
the second floor is commodious ami well lighted (as are all 
the rooms in the building), and is used both for judicial 
and social purposes. The structure was completed in Jan- 
uary, 1859. 

VILLAGE MARKET-HOUSE. 

This building was erected in 1838, on a lot leased from 
George Parish, Esq., and bounded by Water, Washington, 
and Catharine streets. It was 80 by 24 feet in dimensions, 
containing eleven stalls 1 2 by 6 feet. A code of by-laws 
regulating the market was passed September 29, 1838, and 
at a sale of stalls at auction, on the Gth of October following, 
they were all bid in. 

On May 27, 1824, the name of Eiip/uimin was changed 
to Stale, and of Gertrude to Franklin streets. 

St. Lawrence County in general, and that portion border- 
ing on the river in particular, partook of the general alarm 
that spread like an epidemic through the country on the 
approach of the Asiatic cholera in 1832. The village of 
Ogdensburg suffered con.sideiably from this pestilence, and 
strict sanitary regulations were adopted in this and other 
frontier towns, in pursuance of the recommendations of the 
legislature in an act passed at a special session convened for 
the occasion. Quarantine grounds were established, at first 
at the mouth of the Oswegatchie, and afterwards at Mile 
Point, the site of the present depot, where crafts from 
Canada were to be detained fifteen days. The following 
facts are mostly derived from an address delivered before 
the St. Lawrence medical society, by their president. Dr. S. 
N. Sherman, who had witnessed the progress of the pesti- 
lence at that place, and was a believer in its non-contagious 
character : 

"In Juue, 1832, the disease appeared in America, tlie first case 
having occurred in Quobcc on the Sth of tliat month. On tiio 14th it 
appeared at Montreal, and on the 17th at OgJcn.<burg, though not in 
its severest grade. On the 21st of June the first fatal case occurred 
at that place. During the period from the Sth to the 21st of June it 
was computed that from one hundred to one hundred and fifty citi- 
zens of Ogdensburg and vicinity were in tlio cities of Montreal and 
Quebec, or occupied on boats and rafts, in the passage to or from 
thence. Some, it is true, on their passage down, laid up tlieir boats 



and returned; but of all that number engaged in navigating the St. 
Lawrence, not one, so far as was linown, died of the cholera, or was 
attacked by it. The ease that occurred on tlie 2l8t of June was that 
of a Frencliman, of <lissipated liiil)its and lirolvcn-down eonstitutiou. 
He assured those around hiiu, on his death-bed, that he had not 
cro.'^sed the St. Tjawrence in a fortnight, and could not therefore hava 
caught the disease by ordinary contagion. The second fatal ease was 
that of a child four years of age, at least lialf a mile from the resi- 
dence of the former. The third ease was also that of a Frenchman, 
living in a quarter remote from the others, and who had not been out 
of the village for wecl«s. The fourth case occurred near one of the 
wharves, and the subject of it had not left tbo village, but subse- 
quently an aged couple, with whom he boarded, sickened and died of 
the disease. Tlie fifth case occurred a mile from the village, on the 
lleuvelton road, the subject of which had been in no other house, and 
not a stone's throw from her own, for the last fortnight. 

" Ca.^es followed in quick succession : first here, to-morrow at a 
point half a mile distant, and next day in a quarter equally remote, 
and under circumstances that strongly tended to prove the non-con- 
tagious character of the disease. Precise data of the mortality of the 
cholera at Ogdensburg are not preserved, as none of tlie physicians 
kept a journal of tlic cases, and the records of the board of health are 
lost. The nuniljLT of eases reported was about IGO. and of death, 41>. 
In 183-t the numbers attacked were not more than ten, of whom seven 
died. It is but just, however, to remark, that the mortality in pro- 
portion to the number of eases in the above estimates is too large, as 
no eases were counted in which the third stage or st.ate of collapse 
had not made more or less progress. In lSo2, by common consent, 
the pliysicians reporteil no ease as cholera unless, among other symp- 
toms, the rice-water discharges, vomiting, violent cramping of the 
muscles of the limbs or trunk, or both, the broken or cholera voice, 
and more or less blueness of the skin occurred. Had all the cases 
been reported in which the disease was checked in the earlier stages, 
the number would have been increased to hundreds. This custom 
was adopted in Philadelphia and other cities, and the less rate of 
mortality which they exhibit is thus explained. In the city of Paris 
there were treated in a given time, 10,274 eases, of whom 1453 died. 
In New York, of .5814 cases, 2935, or about 52 per cent., were fatal. 
In Quebec there had died of cholera, up to Sept. 1, 1832, 2218, and 
the city probably did not number over 28,000 inhabitants, which 
gives a mortality of eight per cent, of the whole population. In Phila- 
delphia there died 754 nut of 2500 cases. In Montreal the mortality 
of the disease was greater than in any American city except Quebec, 
No reports were made of it in 1834, from its having been deemed the 
wiser policy to excite as little as possible the attention of the public 
mind to the subject, and thus avoid the general state of consterna- 
tion and alarm which are well known to operate so powerfully in 
producing fatal results in numerous cases, and which is thought to 
have increased the mortality of the disease in 1832." 

The State of alarm which pervaded the frontier on the ap- 
proach of the cholera, and the stringent quarantine regula- 
tions which were imposed upon all persons coming from the 
provinces into the States, checked for a season all business 
and comniunication on the St. Lawrence, and increased the 
alarm which was felt in relation to the disease. Intercourse 
was not established along the river for several weeks, and the 
public mind but slowly recovered from the panic which 
the pestilence had occasioned. The following memoranda 
from the records of the board of supervisors show the 
expenses which were incurred in the several towns in the 
organization of boards of health and the establishment of 
sanitary regulations : 

"Brasher, $8.50; Canton, $120: De Kalb, $6.50; Edward.s, $5 ; 
Fowler, $6; Gouverneur, $9 ; Hammond, $18.2.>; Depeau,$5; Hop- 
kinton, $5; Lawrence, $5; Lisbon, $10: Louisville, $!).S7 ; Madrid, 
$87.87; Massena, $13; Morristown, $104.37; Norfolk, $6; Oswe- 
gatchie, $24.63 (Ogdensburg, $780.33); Pierrepont, $4.25; Pots- 
dam, $24.48 ; Stockholm, $7 ; Total, $1351.40." 

The only serious visitation of the Asiatic cholera since 
1832 was again in 1854, when it was very severe. It was 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1G3 



introduced by iiiiuiigi-ants from Europe on board of vessels 
passing; up the St. Lawrence river, and tliere wa.s a large 
number of cases in Ogdensburg. Dr. Robert Morri.'-, who 
was health officer of the village in that year, states, in an 
article fur publication, that there were 105 deaths in the 
village, mostly among the railroad laborers and others of a 
similar class. The mortality was fully equal to fifty per 
cent, of those attacked. 

The completion of the Oswego canal was the first public 
work that conferred a benefit upon Ogdensburg, or St. Law- 
rence County, as they thus first gained a direct avenue to 
market. The Erie canal hindered the growth of this por- 
tion of the State, more than it promoted it, by opening 
new. chea|), and fertile land to the settler, the produce from 
which could be sent to market at less expense than that 
from this county, and thus great numbers were induced to 
emigrate. In the great era of speculation and liigh prices 
in 1836, in connection with the extraordinary mineral re- 
sources then being developed, a new impulse was given, and 
measures were adopted to improve the hydraulic power of 
the place by the purchase of the water-privilege and erec- 
tion of mills. 

This right bad passed from Ford to Thomas Denny, and 
was bought by Smith Stilwell, in 1S3G, lor S3U,UU0, and 
has since been sold to individuals who are bound by certain 
regulations to sustain the expenses which their maintenance 
may require. A canal is extended down to below the bridge, 
and, with the exception of a few weeks in summer, aifords an 
ample supply for the extensive mills and manufactories upon 
it. The dam built by Judge Ford, in 179G, has, with some 
repairs, lasted till the present time, and is still good. 

A most destructive tire occurred at Ogdensburg on the 
night between the 16th and 17th of April, 1839, by which 
nearly half the business portion of the village was laid in 
ashes. The loss was estimated at but little less than §1()0,000. 
The irritation that then existed on the frontiers led to the 
suspicion that it was the work of an incendiary.* 

This fire consumed the j)reuii.>^es on the southwest corner 
of State and Ford streets, including the post-office, Re- 
publican printing-office, and a large number of stores and 
shops. 

On the morning of the 1st of September, 1852, another 
fire consumed a large amount of property on Ford and Isa- 
bella streets, extending from the store of G. N. Seymour 
nearly to W;ishington street, and shortly after two other 
destructive fires burned a large amount of property on Ford 
street, including the office of the St. Lawrence liepiibllcdii 
and the entire premises belonging to the Hasbrouck estate. 
As an emporium of commerce, and the natural limit of 
navigation by sail-vessels, the port of Ogdensburg enjoys 
advantages incomparably superior to those of any port on 
the river, and this feature of the location presented itself to 
the minds of the French in their selection of a site for a 
mission, the English in their retention of it as a fur station, 
and the early purchasers under the State as a point for the 
establishment of a commercial interest and the nucleus of 
a uew settlement. 

* The incendiaries and robbers were afterwards detcctcil and ap- 
prehended, tried, conviete'd, and sent to State-prison. They were a 
imm iind wile, and bolh died in prison. 



The completion of the Northern railroad has done infi- 
nitely more than all other causes combined to give an impulse 
to the prosperity of Ogdensburg and of northern New York 
generally, and in our history of improvements will be found 
an account of the origin, progress, and completion of that 
work.f This, in connection with the system of Canadian 
roads in progress and the great natural advantages of the 
place, cannot fail to give it an eminence as a commerc'al 
point which it so truly deserves. 

From the completion of the Northern railroad to the 
date of the incorporation of Ogdensburg as a city, in 1868, 
its growth was quite rapid. 

Five new school buildings were erected between 1854 
and 1868. Several of the fine church edifices that adorn 
the city were also erected during this period, and many 
substantial blocks, manufactories, and dwellings. Streets 
were opened and graded, old plank-roads changed to grav- 
eled turnpikes, and many improvements made in every 
branch of busine.ss. 

The opening of the Northern railway naturally drew a 
large trade in lumber, grain, etc., from the upper lakes, 
and much of the business of New England with the west 
pa.ssed through the place. 

The population increased so much that in 1868 the place 
contained the requisite number of inhabitants to enable it 
to apply for a city charter, and the necessary steps were 
taken, and the desired object accomplished. Since its char- 
ter was obtained it has been one of the cities of the State, 
but it still remains a part of the town of Oswegatehie for 
various purposes, and we have the anomaly of a jjopulation 
living under both town and city organizations at the same 
time. 

CITY OF OGDENSBURG. 

INCORPORATION, ETC. 

A charter was granted to the city of Ogdensburg on the 
27th of April, 1868, and May 2, 1873. it was amended, 
the following being title one of the amended charter : 

" Skctiov 1. — That district in the county of St. Lawrence, included 
witliin the bound? described in the next section, shall hereafter be 
called the city of Ogdensburg, and the inhabitants from time to time 
therein shiill form a ijody politic and corporate by the name of ' the 
city of Ogdensburg.' 

"Skc. 2. — The boundaries of said city shall be as follows: Begin- 
ning at a point in the centre of the river ,St. Lawrence, at tlie north- 
erly corner of the town of Oswegatehie, and running thence along the 
easterly line of said town southerly to the division line between sec- 
tions number one and two of the Van Solingcu tract; thence south- 
westerly along the said division line, and the northerly line of section 
two, and numbers five, si.K, and seven of the same tract to the centre 
of the Oswegatehie river; theneo to and along the southerly line of 
the * mansion-house property,' and the continuation thereof, to the 
land of the late Henry Van Rensselaer ; thenee northerly along the 
easterly line of said Van Rensselaer lands, and the southerly and 
westerly bounds of the 'shij>-yard' lands to the centre of river St. 
Lawrence, and thence along said centre to the place of beginning. 

"Skc. 11. — The said city is divided into four wards, as follows: All 
that jiart lying between the centre of the river Oswegatehie and the 
centre of Franklin street is the first ward: that part lying westerly 
of the centre of the river Oswegatehie is the second ward; that part 
lying between the centre of Franklin street and the centre of Patter- 
son street is the third ward ; and that part lying easterly of the centre 
of Patterson street is the fourth ward. 



t See Chapter X.. general history, pp. 13,1 et neq. 



1(J4 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



'•'Sec. 4. — The common council may divide said city into so many 
highway districts as they miiy dciiu ])]'c>|n-r, and cliangc the same at 
pleasure." 

Title 2. " Skc. 5. — The officer." of said city shall be as follows: A 
mayor ; three aldermen for each ward ; one sujicrvisor for each ward ; 
a recorder ; ouo assessor fur each ward ; a chief of police and police- 
men ; a chief engineer of the fire department and two assistants; a 
treasurer, who shall also ho collector ex iijjii-ii> ; a clerk ; one or more 
street commissioners, not exceeding one in each higiiway district." 

CITY OFFICERS. 

The following is a list of the officers of the city of 
Ogdensburg, from 18G8 to 1877, inclusive: 

1868. — William C. Brown, mayor; Charles I. Baldwin, 
Walter B. Allen, Henry Rodel, aldermen 1st ward ; Benj. 
L. Jones, Galen W. Pearsons, Patrick Hackett, aldermen 
2d ward ; Carlisle B. Ilcrriman, TIrias Pearson, Chester 
Waterman (until July), William L. Proctor (afler July), 
aldermen 3d ward ; Calvin W. Gibbs, supervisor l.st ward ; 
William C. Alden, supervisor 2d ward ; Zina B. Bridges, 
supervisor 3d ward ; Nathaniel H. Lytle, city clerk. 

18G9.— W. C. Brown, mayor; C. G. Myers, W. H. 
Daniels, Wm. J. Averell, aldermen 1st ward; P. Hackett, 
Gates Curtis, John McDonald, aldermen 2d ward ; C. B. 
Herriman, W. L. Proctor, G. W. Smith, aldermen 3d 
ward ; C. W. Gibbs, supervisor 1st ward ; Wm. C. Alden, 
supervisor 2d ward ; Zina B. Bridges, supervisor 3d ward ; 
N. H. Lytle, city clerk. 

1870. — Zina B. Bridges, mayor ; W. H. Daniels, Joseph 
Baker, W. B. Allen, aldermen 1st ward ; George W. Mack, 
Charles M. Adams, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward ; Wm. 
L. Proctor, Wm. A. Newell, Timothy Larkin, aldermen 3d 
ward ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk. 

1871. — W. L. Proctor, mayor; John Baiber, Calvin P. 
Goudno, Charles S. Philips, aldermen 1st ward; G. W. 
Mack, John C. McVean, Thomas Whalen, aldermen 2d 
ward ; W. A. Newell, Benj. Tilley, M. C. Loomis, aldermen 
3d ward ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk. 

1872.— W. L. Proctor, mayor; Ela N. Merriam, S. H. 
Higbee, Chas. S. Philips, L. Hasbrouck, Jr. (vacancy by 
resignation of Philips), John Glass, Wm. C. Alden, Lyman 
N. Burt, Wm. A. Newell, Benj. Tilley, Thomas N. Derby, 
aldermen ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk. 

1873.— W. L. Proctor, mayor; E. N. Merriam, C. G. 
Egert,L. Hasbrouck, Jr., W. C. Alden, James Hall, Hiram 
D. Northrup, Wm. A. Newell, John Austin, Morri-son C. 
Loomis, Daniel Donahue, Andrew George, John Earl, 
aldermen ; N. H. Lytle, city clerk. 

1874.— W. L. Proctor, mayor; E. N. Merriam, C. G. 
Egert, Wm. Wheeler, aldermen 1st ward; W. C. Alden, 
James Hall, Patrick Hackett, aldermen 2d ward; Jolm 
Austin, Seth G. Pope, George B. O.swell, aldermen 3d 
ward ; Francis R. Houlihan, H. W. Ferguson, Michael T. 
Power, aldermen 4th ward ; N. H. Lytle, clerk. 

1875.— John F. Rosseel, mayor; C. G. Egert, W. II. 
Daniels, J. W. Hastings, aldermen 1st ward; James Hall, 
Henry Lovejoy, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward; John 
Austin, Chas. H. Butriek, Alfred B. Chapin, aldermen 3d 
ward; H. W. Ferguson, F. R. Houlihan, M. T. Power, 
aldermen 4th ward; N. H. Lytle, clerk. 

1876. — James Armstrong, mayor; L. D. Ralph, A. E. 
Smith, J. W. Hastings, aldermen 1st ward; H. Lovejoy, 



John W. Piercy, P. Hackett, aldermen 2d ward ; C. H. 
Butriek, Silas W. Day, Charles P. Geer, aldermen 3d ward ; 
H. W. Ferguson, F. R. Houlihan, Adolphiis F. Daily, al- 
dermen 4th ward ; N. II. Lytle, clerk. 

1877. — James Armstrong, mayor; L. D. Ralph, Joseph 
Gilbert (resigned), John W. Ha.stings, William Wheeler 
(elected to fill vacancy), aldermen 1st ward; John W. 
Piercy, A. A. Valley, D. C. Turner, aldermen 2d ward ; 
W. Bell, S. W. Day, George Foster, aldermen 3d ward ; 
Kd. P. McElligott, Michael T. Power, John Pray, alder- 
men 4th ward ; Joseph Roy, city clerk ; A. B. Chapin, 
chief of police ; T. N. Derby, .street commissioner ; James 
Lytle, chief engineer ; Lyman D. Burt, treasurer. 

DEATU OF HON. DAVID C. Jt'DSON. 

At a meeting of the city council, held May 5, 1875, the 
f'ullowing preamble and resolutions were offered by the 
mayor, and adopted by the council : 

" WiiERKAs, The Hon. David C. Judson, a resident of Ogdensburg 
for more than sixty years, and of the county of St. Lawrence for 
nearly seventy years, and at different times occupying the positions 
of clerk, trustee, and president of the village of Ogdensburg, and also 
the offices of sheriff of St. Lawrence County, collector of the district 
of Oswegatchie, State senator, one of the judges of the county court 
of St. Lawrence County, and other positions of trust, departed this 
life on the 5th of May, 1876, at the age of eighty-nine years; and 

" li7iej-e«tf. The intimate connections of Mr. Judson with the public 
affairs and jmblic improvements in this city and county for nearly 
seventy years, renders it eminently fitting and proper that his decease 
should bo the subject of appropriate action by the mayor and alder- 
men of the city of Ogdensburg in council assembled, therefore 

" Jieiiolved, That in the death of Mr. Judson the city of Ogdens- 
burg and the county of St. Lawrence have sustained a great and 
irreparable loss, and that we deeply feel and sincerely regret his 
decease, notwithstanding it came when in the fullness of years, and 
af:er a long life free from spot or blemish; 

*' Rttanived, That the unswerving honesty and integrity with which 
Mr. Judson in his long life, whether holding a public post of b.onor 
or that of a private station, performed all and every duty which de- 
volved upon him, meets and receives our hearty commendation, and 
are worthy of our sincere and earnest emulation ; 

'' lieatih^eil, That as marks of respect for the deceased, this pream- 
able and these resolutions be entered at large upon the records of the 
city council, and that said city council attend his funeral in a 
body." 

WATER-WORKS. 

The subject of a supply of water for the use of the city 
and for service at fires having long been agitated, and 
numerous reservoirs constructed which were found inade- 
quate for the purposes designed of them, it finally became 
necessary to build suitable works for supplying the much- 
needed article. After examining various plans, the Holly 
system was decided upon, and the present water- works 
were constructed, iti 1868, at a cost of S1U0,000, the city 
issuing bonds to that amount, bearing interest at seven per 
cent., maturing in twenty years from date, and payable 
semi-annually in New York. Of these bonds, S25,0U0 
were taken by Hon. William A. Wheeler, since elected 
vice-president of the United States. The works are located 
oil the east bank of the Oswegatchie, from which the water 
is drawn, the pump-house being a substantial building of 
blue limestone, three stories in height, and thirty-throe feet 
square. It has a wing eighteen by twenty-five feet, built 
of the same material, in which the boiler is placed. Im- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



165 



provenients to the amount of 635,000 were made up to 1873, 
including the extension of pipes, tlic purcliase of additional 
gates, the setting of new bydiants, and the purchase of an 
engine of 120-horse power for use in contingencies arising 
from scarcity of watei', breaking of the dam, or other trouble. 
In the spring of 1S74, a Flander's double-acting piston 
pump was purchased of the Vergennes manufacturing 
company, and tested April 22, 1874. It cost $3000, and 
proved satisfactory to all. The object in procuring this was 
a greater capacity to pump, with less power. This pump 
is the only one kept in constant use, the others only being 
used in the case of low water or a demand for an extra 
supply in any emergency. The pumps altogether are capa- 
ble of supplying more than 3,000,000 gallons of water every 
twenty-four hours, the piston pump supplying an average 
of 720,000 gallons. At the date of the last annual report 
of the water commissioners, April 1, 1877, there were 810 
consumers receiving supplies from the water-works, paying 
rates amounting to $7001 annually. There were at the 
time thirteen miles of mains, seventy-seven firc-hj'drants, j 
seventy-three gates, and five safety-valves, all in good order. 
The expenditures for the year, including plastering and 
completing the boiler-room, painting the pump- and boiler- 
room, building two hundred feet of sidewalk, and paying 
all necessary expenses, were §1079.63. 

The Holly alarm is used in case of fire, managed by re- 
moving both caps from the hydrant and allowing the water 
to flow fur thirty seconds, reducing the pressure at the 
works, and ringing a gong by means of a regulator for the 
purpose. The ground on which are located the buildings ; 
was purchased of George Parish, in 18G8, the price paid 
being $5400. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

At a meeting of the village trustees, held on the 20th of 
April, 1818, it was ^-Resuhed, that it be recommended to 
the inhabitants of the village to raise the sum of two hun- 
dred dollars (besides collector's fees) for the purpose of pro- 
curing a fire-engine." At the succeeding election. May 18, 
1818, it was voted to raise this amount by tax, the same to 
be paid into the hands of the treasurer on or before the 1st 
of the following August. The interest thus awakened was 
kept up, but it was not until 1820-21 that an engine was 
secured. At the village election held May 14, 1821, the 
balance of money required to pay for it (two hundred dol- 
lars) was voted, and, during the same season, an engine- 
house was built on a contract, by A. Kingsbur}', on the 
corner of Euphemia (now State) and Green streets, costing 
fifty dollars. The engine, a small hand machine, cost in 
the neighborhood of five hundred dollars. July 17, 1821, 
a fire-company was organized, and rules and regulations 
were adciptcd. It numbered twenty-four members, as fol- 
lows : Joseph York, Edwin Bacon, Lewis C. A. De Villers, 
Isaac C. Page, Gains Clark, John Berthrong, Bethuel 
Houghton, Worden (iriflin, John Elliott, Asahel Geralds, 
Jr., Abiram Kingsbury, John C. Bush, Richard W. Col- 
fax, Lincoln Jlorris, Harvey Church, William Warner, 
Julm Creightun, John Eaton, Alvali Dimmick, John L. 
Barheydt, Guy C. Stevens, Jesse Willson, Henry Lum, 
Rowlings Webster. 

On the 10th of October, 1832, a new code of by-laws 



was adopted, and the membership increased to thirty-seven. 
New hose was purchased in 1834. Buckets, ladders, leather 
hats for firemen, etc., had been furnished as early as 1822— 
24. Preliminary steps were several times taken to secure 
a new engine after the old one had become unfit for much 
use, but each time they went no farther than to pass reso- 
lutions onipoworing certain parties to purcha.se an engine. 
A Mr. Hardinbrook, of New York, was negotiated with on 
the subject, and it is possible that (the old engine not 
working favorably) a new engine was received from him, 
as the matter of settlement with him was placed in the 
hands of Elisha Tibbits, of New York city. 

An engine-house was built in 1847 in the rear of the 
academy, the contractor being George Arnold, and the price 
$200. The building was 40 by 22 feet, with 12-feet posts, 
and cost, including stove, painting, etc., $228.17. A new 
engine was purchased in 1849, of A. Van Ness, of New 
Y'^ork, with 250 feet of hose, costing in the aggregate 
$1000. This was a larger and better engine than the vil- 
lage had yet possessed. The old one was repaired in 1851, 
and continued in use. 

In March, 1852, a fire-company was formed in the third 
ward, with Nathaniel Taggart, foreman ; Thomas Alton, 
first assistant; William Dalzell, second assistant; Nathan 
S. Pitkin, clerk and treasurer. The same year an additional 
engine was purchased, with a bell, hose-cart, and 409 feet 
of hose, at a cost of $1230.85. The engine was numbered 
" Two," and named " Oswegatchie." The lot for the engine- 
house cost $1000. Fire-company No. 2 was formed in 
January, 1853, with fifty members. In the summer of 
1858 another engine was purchased of Messrs. Button & 
Blake, at an expense of $1300, and 900 feet of new hose 
were added in 1859, costing $859. 

At the date of the last annual report of the chief of the 
fire department, April 2, 1877, the apparatus in service 
consisted of two first-class Amoskeag steam fire-engines, 
and three hose-carts, all in good condition. Also two old 
hose-carts, and one old hook-aud-ladder truck, with hooks 
and ladders of very old style and very little value to the 
department. The hose on hand and in use amounted to 
3100 feet of heavy, oak-tanned, leather make, some of 
which had been in service seven years. There were also 
1800 feet of old leather hose not in use. The engine- and 
hose-houses are as follows: Hose Co. No. 1, located on the 
west side of Catharine street ; Steam Fire-Engine Co. No. 
2, on Main street, second ward ; Steam Fire-Engine Co. 
No. 3, on Patterson street, between Ford and Washington ; 
Old Engine-House No. 3, on Town-House lot, Franklin 
street. The manual force of the department at the date 
of the report consisted of one chief and two assistant engi- 
neers, and thirty-five members of engine- and hose-com- 
panies. 

GAS-WORKS. 

As early as 1852, the subject of gas for the village of 
Ogdensburg was discussed, and finally negotiations were 
entered into with Messrs. John Lockwood & Co., of Phila- 
delphia. These parties agreed to form a corporation to be 
called the " Ogdensburg Gas-Light Company," provided 
the village would grant them certain rights (which were at 
the time agreed to), and would furnish gas at five dollars 



IGG 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



per tliou.saml cubic feet for the first yc;\r, reserving the right 
to increase to six if found ncccs.siiry. One mile uf mains was 
to be laid, fifty lamp-posts set, and all houses requiring gas 
to bo siip[)lied. The works were to be completed by August 
1, 1854. Finally, the contract for erecting suitable build- 
ings was given in the fall of 1853 to George Odeorne, of 
Philadelphia, and some time in the summer or fall of 1854 
the village was first lighted with the new illuminator. The 
property of the company in 1858 was assessed at $75,000. 
The works are located in the west division of the city. On 
Water street, in the east division, is a large gasometer, 
which it was found necessary to add on account of the 
growth of the city, and increasing requirements for lighting. 

A DESTRUCTIVE FLOOD 

occurred in Oswegatchie river in 1862, lasting a week, and it 
was by the utmost efforts of the citizens that much valuable 
property along it was saved. The lower bridge was by per- 
sistent eflPort prevented from being washed away, and the 
river-bank around the bend, below the present dam, was 
undermined to such an extent that much of it caved in. 
The present protective or guard-wall was built immediately 
after, and all further danger from a like source averted. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The manufactures of Ogdensburg date back to 1751, 
when Father Picquet erected a saw-mill, and probably also 
a dam, for the manufaetui'e of lumber for the use of his 
new settlement. This mill was used by him during the 
ten years in which he labored here, when it was abandoned 
and perhaps destroyed. About 1785 it was rebuilt, or at 
least repaired, and put in operation by one Captain Lori- 
mier, about 1785, and operated by him for some time. In 
179G the dam and mill were rebuilt by Nathan Ford, agent 
for Samuel Ogden, and from that date to the present time 
manufacturing of various kinds has come in until the amount 
of money invested is large, and the amount of business 
done very considerable. The principal branches of manu- 
facturing carried on here are merchant and custom milling, 
foundry and machine work, tanning, various kinds of fin- 
ished lumber work, staves, pump-manufacturing, and ship- 
building. 

We give a conden.sed history of the various establish- 
ments, past and present, in the following pages. An article 
on ship-building will be found in Chapter X., in connection 
with navigation and transportation. 

FLOUaiNG-MILLS. 

The Ogdensburg Mills. — -During the season of 1797 a 
grist-mill was commenced, it being the same as that now 
owned by S. W. Day, which was placed a considerable dis- 
tance below the dam, in order that vessels might there load 
and unload. 

This mill was sold by iMr. Ford's estate, in 1840, to 
Harvey Thomas, who in 1850 sold out to William Furuiss. 
Mr. Furniss carried on the mill until 18Gi5 or '(J4, during 
which time it did an extensive business. Mr. FurnLss was 
succeeded by Messrs. Doty & Phillips, and Mr. Doty 
shortly after this sold his interest to Charles Lyon, and the 
business was carried on for four or five vears iiiider the 



firm-name of Lyon & Phillips. At the expiration of this 
time Mr. Lyon S(jld his interest in the property to Mr. S. 
W. Day, who purchased Mr, I'liillifis' interest in the spring 
of 1877. 

The mill is a wooden structure, sixty by eighty feet, and 
five stories in height. It is provided with six runs of stone, 
three of which are used for cu.stom grinding, three turbine- 
wheels, and three central-dis.-harge wheels. Mr. Day will, 
during the following season, thoroughly refit the mill with 
new and improved machinery, and it is thought that, when 
fitted up, it will be capable of grinding from twelve to 
fifteen hundred bushels of grain per day. 

During the year 187G one hundred and twelves thousand 
bushels of wheat were ground. 

The Oswtgatchle Mills. — This mill was built in 183G by 
Horace Hooker, of Rochester, N. Y., and Eli B. Haskell, 
of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1850 the mill was leased by Nor- 
man Sackrider. After ruiniing the mill for one year he 
purchased the property. The mill had reiuained idle for a 
number of years previous to 1850, owing to a lack of means 
for transporting fl(3ur to market. This was remedied by 
the completion of the Northern railroad about that time. 
The mill was run with jirofit until April, 18G3, when it was 
destroyed b}' fire. 

In 1864, Mr. Sackrider sold the water-power to Mr. 
Henry G. Foot, who immediately commericed the construc- 
tion of the present mill. Mr. Foot did not have the means 
of carrying on the business, and, after his death in 1865, 
the property remained idle until the following spring, when 
it was purchased by the present owners, Messrs. Rodee, 
Lynde & Nichols. The mill consists of two buildings, one 
of which is fifty feet square, and the second seventy feet 
square, and both are five stories in height. The mill has 
eight turbine-wheels, with six runs of stone, and is capable 
of manufacturing from three hundred to throe hundred and 
fifty barrels of flour per day. The principal market is in 
the New England States. 

Tlie Iroquois Flouring- Mills. — This extensive mill was 
built by Mr. George Parker in 1863. The buildings (three 
in number) are of stone, five stories in height. The mill is 
sixty by ninety feet, the storehouse is fifty by sixty-four feet, 
and the elevator is forty by seventy-five feet. The mill is 
provided with eight turbine-wheels, with six runs of stone, 
and is capable of manufacturing about four hundred barrels 
of flour per day. The elevator has a capacity of twenty- 
five hundred bushels per hour, and is used in supplying two 
other mills with grain. The grain used is from the western 
States, and the principal market for the flour manufactured 
is Canada and the New England States. The mill is ovrned 
at present by Mr. George Parker's estate. 

Furniss' Flouring-Mills. — Tliis mill Wiis built in 1877, 
upon the site of a mill burned in April of that year. The 
present building is eighty by fifty feet, is built of stone, 
and is five stories in height. It is provided with the means 
of conveying wheat directly from the vessels into bins, 
whose combined capacity is about thirty thousand bushels. 
The mill is fitted with the most improved machinery, 
having five runs of stone, and is capable of manulacturing 
two hundred and fifty barrels of flour and one car-load of 
eorn-meal per day. The principal market is in the New 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



107 



England States. The mill is owned by Mr. William E. 
Furnis.s. 

The Empire il//?/.s-.— This mill was built in IRGO by 
Judge William C. Brown. The building is of stone, forty 
by seventy feet, and i.s three stories in height. It has two 
turbine-wheels and two runs of stone, and is capable of 
manufacturing twenty-five barrels of flour per day and of 
grinding two hundred bushels of corn. The mill is at 
present owned by Mr. William Rider, and is leased by 
Messrs. C. S. Philips & Son. 

FOUNDRIES AND MACHINE-SHOPS. 

The machine-shop owned by Mr. Gates Curtis, situated 
upon Lake street, was built in 1835 or 1836 by Mr. J. C. 
Lewis. The works liave been since owned by Chapin 
Brothers and by J. C. Alden. They were purchased by 
Mr. Curtis in 1855, since which time the buildings have 
been enlarged and repaired. 

Mr. Curtis is now engaged in the manufacture of tlie 
Curtis turbine water-wheels, steel and iron plows, agricul- 
tural implements, etc. 

The foundry owned by Messrs. Allen & Co. was built 
about the year 1840 by Messrs. Chaney & Allen. Mr. 
Allen purcha.sed the interest of Mr. Chaney in 1862. This 
is (|uite an extensive foundry, and docs a general line of 
casting. 

The machine-shop owned by Mr. John Glass was built 
by him in 1861. These works employ fifteen men, and 
are engaged in the manufacture of steam-engines, wood- 
working machinery, water-wheels, etc. 

The Alden foundry and machine-shop was built by Mr. 
J. C. Alden in 1871. The building is eighty-five by 
thirty feet, three stories in height. This establishment is 
engaged in the manufacture of shingle-machines, planing- 
and sawing-machines, and does a general line of casting and 
mill-work. 

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTORIES. 

Northrup's stave-factory was built in 1861 by Messrs. 
D. & S. A. Northrup. It consists of a stave-factory and 
cooper-shop combined, and has been carried on by Mr. H. 
D. Northrup since 1867. This establishment employs at 
present about sixty men and boys. The principal market 
for the staves, shingles, barrels, etc., manufactured, is in 
the New England States. 

The Ogdensburg steam dye-works were established in 
the fall of 1877 by Mr. Fred. S. McGuire, and does a 
general line of custom dyeing. 

Lovejoy's sash- and blind-factory is the oldest establish- 
ment of the kind in the city, and is quite extensively en- 
gaged in the manufacture of sawed and dressed lumber, 
doors, sash, blinds, etc. 

S. Or. Pope's door-, sash-, and blind-factory was estab- 
lished by Mr. S. G. Pope in 1851. The manufactory, 
situated on Lake street, is forty by eighty feet, and is three 
stories in height. Owing to the lack of water during the 
dry seasons, in 1863 a thirty-horse power engine was placed 
in the building. During the war these works nutnufactured 
four hundred doors per week. Previous to 1870, Mr. 
Pope did a very extensive shipping business. 



Babcock's pump-factory is a substantial stone structure, 
forty by seventy feet, and four stories in height. Was 
built by Mr. Baron S. Doty about the year 1846. The 
stone used in its construction was obtained upon the site 
of the present city gas-works. The building was used for 
a number of years by Mr. O. S. Cummins as a mauhine- 
.shop. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1854, but was 
immediately rebuilt. Was converted into a flouring-mill in 
1862. Since that time the property has changed hands 
several times, and has been used for various purpo.ses. In 
1873 it was purchased by the present owner, Mr. A. A. 
Babcock, and is used at present as a pump-factory. The 
works are fitted with the latest improved machinery, and 
are capable of manufacturing from one thousand to fifteen 
hundred pumps per year. 

There are two tanneries in the city, one of which was 
built in 1828 by Erastus Vilas. This building has been 
in constant use as a tannery since, and is owned at present 
by M. Vilas. 

There is also au upper leather and morocco tannery, 
owned by Mr. F. N. Burt. 

THE LUMBER TRADE. 

The lumber trade of Ogdensburg is very heavy. Situated 
at the foot of lake navigation, and at the terminus of several 
important lines of railway, and having extraordinary facilities 
for procuring and handling this important product, it com- 
mandsan extensive trade. A large share of the timber handled 
in the New England States passes through Ogdensburg, and 
considerable quantities are exported south over the two rail- 
way lines, the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg, and the 
Utica and Black River. The facilities this point enjoys 
could not fail to attract dealers, and accordingly we find 
several heavy firms located here. Prominent among these 
is the well-known firm of Skillings & Whitney Brothers, 
whose extensive mills and yards are situated at the western 
terminus of the Ogdcn.sburg and Lake Champlain railway. 

The history of this firm is briefly as follows: In 1857, Mr. 
David N. Skillings commenced business on his own account, 
in Boston. At that time Messrs. Charles and David Whit- 
ney, Jr., were also in business at Lowell. In 1855, Mr. 
Lawrence Barnes commenced the lumber business at Bur- 
lington, Vt. These three firms were independent of each 
other, but in 1858 they united, and carried on the business 
in Boston, under the firm-name of D. N. Skillings & Co. ; 
in Lowell, Ogdensburg, Albany, Toledo, and Detroit, as C. 
& D. Whitney, Jr., & Co.; and in Burlington, Vt., and 
Whitehall, N. Y., as L. Barnes & Co. They also subse- 
quently established a branch at Indianapolis, Ind. Business 
was commenced in Ogdensburg in the spring of 1859, 
under the management of 3Ir. Wm. L. Proctor, who still 
continues agent for the firm at this point. In 1871 the 
firm changed to Skillings, Whitney Brothers and Barnes, 
and continued as such until Jan. 1, 1873, when Mr. Barnes 
retired, and the firm became Skillings k Whitney Brothcre. 

On the 1st of January, 1877, Mr. David Whitney,.Jr., 
of Detroit, retired from the firm, taking with him the ves- 
sels employed in transportation, and also the interest of the 
firm at Albany, N. Y. All the interests of the firm are at 
present located at Boston and Ogdensburg. 



1G8 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRKNCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The business steadily increased until about 1873, since 
which date it has somewhat diminished, owing to a variety 
of causes, but principally to the general' stagnation of busi- 
ness. At one time the company occupied, in addition to 
their present extensive grounds, a large lot owned by Mr. 
George Parish, from whom they leased. At present their 
business is consolidated around the Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain railway terminus. 

In the flood-tide of prosperity the firm owned eighteen 
steam and sail vessels, upon which were employed about 
125 men ; and handled lumber to the extent of 125,000,000 
feet annually. An immense steam planing-mill 300 by 80 
feet in dimensions, and driven by a 200-horse power Cor- 
liss engine, was erected in 1871, and put in operation. It 
had a capacity for dressing 100,000 feet in ten hours, and 
gave employment to about 50 bands. 

The amount of lumber handled by them during the season 
of 1877 was from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 feet. The 
pre.'ent number of hands employed varies, according to cir- 
cumstances, from 50 to 200. All descriptions of work 
done in a first-class mill are turned out by the firm. The 
principal market is in New England. 

The principal houses of the firm of Shepard, Hall & Co. 
are located in Boston, JIass., and Burlington, Vt. The 
branch at Ogdensburg was established in 1870. A planing- 
mill was put in operation in 1871. The business of tins 
firm is exclusively wholesale. Tliey deal in all kinds of 
hard and soft lumber, which comes from Canada and the 
west. Their market is mostly in New England. Their 
planing-mill and docks are located near the elevator of the 
Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railway, and their facili- 
ties are ample for the transaction of a large business. This 
firm is connected with an extensive one in Montreal. 

The saw- and planing-mill, shingle-mill, lumber-yard, and 
boat-shop of E. S. Bronson is located on the west side of 
the Oswegatchie, in the rear of the old grist-mill. Mr. 
Bronson purchased the establishment in 18G7 of George 
Parish, and entered into a copartnership with Charles Lyon, 
who bad previously rented the property. This partnership 
lasted a year or two and was dissolved, Mr. Lyon starting a 
mill of his own, and Mr. Bronson continuing at the old 
place. Bronson's mill was burned in February, 1873, a 
short time previous to the great fire of that year on Ford 
and Water streets. This establishment has a capacity for 
planing fifteen thousand feet of lumber, making ten thou- 
sand clapboards, a large amount of shingles, and other work, 
daily, and one boat a week. Mr. Bronson has handled as 
high as 4,000,000 feet of lumber in a year, but averages 
much less ; his manufactures amount to from 500,000 to 
1,000,000 feet of lumber annually, — for 1877 about 700,- 
000. Eight to ten men are employed during the summer. 
The present buildings were erected soon after Mr. B. was 
burned out. 

The saw-mill of Charles Lyon, adjoining Bron.son's estab- 
li.shmciit, does a large business, sawing more than the other 
mill. The planing is done by Mr. Bronson. Mr. Lyon is 
extensively engaged also in the cord-wood trade, keeping a 
considerable force of men chopping in the woods. His 
property was burned in 1871 or 1872, and afterwards re- 
built. Several men are employed around the mill. 



BANKING. 

The first steps taken towards the establishment of banks 
in St. Lawrence County were in 1825, when the necessities 
of the county led the supervisors to pass a resolution in 
which they asserted the unsound state of the circulating 
medium, which consisted largely of Canada issues, from 
which losses were constantly ensuing, and set forth the 
claims of northern New York to the corporate privileges 
and benefits of banks of issue. This resolution passed by 
a vote of eleven to seven. 

On the 30th of April, 1829, the Ogdensburg bank was 
incorporated for 30 years ; capital $100,000, in 2000 shares. 
Horace Allen, Amos Bacon, David C. Judson, Baron S. 
Doty, and William Bacon were appointed to open books for 
subscription of stock. It went into operation soon after 
upon the safety fund principle, being the only one of that 
description ever organized in the county. The institution 
continued business until Dec. 31, 1858, when it discontinued 
business, its obligations being assumed by the Oswegatchie 
bank. 

On the 9th of October, 1838, articles of association were 
filed for a new bank, to commence operation Oct. 15, 1838, 
and continue 100 years ; capital, §100,0110, in 1000 shares, 
and to be managed by 21 directors, one-third of whom were 
to be chosen annually. It began to issue bills in January, 
1839. The name assumed was the St. Lawrence bank. After 
continuing business two or three years it became insolvent, 
and its affairs were closed up. 

The Oswegatchie bank, a chartered institution, went 
into operation Nov. 19, 1854. Its first oflicers were 
Augustus Chapman, president ; James G. Averill, vice- 
president ; E. N. Merriam, cashier. This bank, as above 
stated, assumed the circulation of the old Ogdensburg 
bank. Mr. Chapman died May 11, 1860, and on the 29th 
of the same month Mr. James G. Averill was elected pres- 
ident in his place. J 

The bank continued to do business until June 11, 1866, " 
when it was changed to a private banking firm, under the 
name of Averills & Chapman, who continued until Dec. 1, 
1873, when Mr. James S. Bean became as,sociated with the 
firm, which was changed to Averills, Chapman & Bean, and 
has so continued to the present time. The present partner- 
ship includes the following gentlemen : James G. Averill, 
Wm. J. Averill, R. B. Chapman, J. S. Bean. The officers 
are E. N. Merriam, cashier ; E. B. Vilas, teller ; A. K. 
Strong, book-keeper; and J. S. Martin, clerk. 

C. G. Egert & Co. opened a banking house about 1874, 
with a capital of $50,000, and did business about two 
years. 

The Judson bank was organized under the general 
banking law of the State, June 13, 1853. Its first officers 
were John D. Judson, president ; Daniel Judson, cashier ; 
William Armstrong, teller. The original stockholders were 
Hon. David C. Judson, John D. Judson, Daniel Judson, 
and George N. Seymour. About June 1, 1866, a copart- 
nership was formed under the name and style of " Judsons' 
Bank," and the business was changed to that of a private 
institution. At this date Mr. Seymour retired from the 
firm. Lender the new regime the officers were John D. 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdensbuig. 



Stilhnan Footo was born in Canton, June 13, 1817. He was the son of Still- 
miui Foote,the first settler in Canton. The latter wa-'i born at Simsbury, Cunn., 
Sept. 10, 1763, and was the fifth in descent from Nathaniel Foote, an emigrant 
from Englatid as early as 1G33, when he took the freeman's oath at Watertowti, 
RIas9., and in 16:J5 was one of the "goodlie cimipnnie" who went "farther 
west," ti Pyquag (afterwards Wethersfield), Conn., for " more room," where, 
after tiiking an active part in the Peqnod war, ho died, in 1G44, leaving two 
sons and five daughters, from the eldest uf whom, Nathaniel, the snljfct of this 
sketch traces his descent. Stiliman Fuoie, the elder, born Si-pt. HI, 176iJ, was 
the immediate descendant of Daniel Fuute, of Sinisbury, Conn., from which 
place he removed to Miiidlebnrv, Vt., pri'bably about 177.i. In 1777, being ex- 
posed to the depredations of scouting parties of British, Tori'-s, and Indians, 
and having been pillaged of most of his movalde property, he took his family 
farther south for protection, and on his return, in 1783, purchased about twelve 
hundred acr<.'< of land, where he felled forests, built mills, and resided for many 
years. He had a family of eight sons and four daughters, cf whom, says Swift, 
the historian of Middlebury, tliey " were of great service in the settlement and 
organization of the town." Of these eight sons, the eblest was a lieutenant in 
the Revolutionary army ; the second, Genrge, in the hist year of his life a resi- 
dent I'f Cantcin, wns one of the Grec?n Mountain Boys who applied the " Beach 
Seal" to the settlement of Yorkers, at Vergennes, and stnod by the side of 
Kthan Allen at the surrender of Ticonderoga. The fourth and fiftlisnns served un- 
der Ethan Allen, in the Vermont Volunteers. Mr. Daniel Foote died at Canton, 
May 111, 18(11, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, of smallpox. His is sup- 
poseil to be the first death of a white man in Canton. (See History of Canton.) 
William F.)ote(the eider) was twice marrieil ; tirxt, to Louisa Donaghy, of 
Shetlield, Miiss., by whom he had three chddren, — Chauucey, Henry, and Louisa, 
the wile of Cephas L. Rijckwood. Second, to Mary Pemlier, of New London, 
Conn., by whom he had also three children, — Delia, the wife of Leonard Sears; 
Stiltnmn, the subject of this sketch ; and Mary, wife of Elam Hust. The cir- 
cum-^tiince of his settlement at Canton, ami thf numerous enterprises in which 
he wa'* engaged to promote its welfare and prnsperify, will be spoken of in the 
history of the town of Canton, whore he died, Dec. 27, 18:M, in the sevi-nty- 
Bocund year of his age. 

Stiliman Fnote, the younger, early evinced a laste for reading and study, and 
spent the fall and winter of 1829-;i0 at St. Lawrence Academy, Pi>tsdam. In 
the fall of IS32 he entered Canton Academy, and there continucil tilt the spring 
of lH;Vi, when he entered the freshman chtss at Middlebury College. Vermont. 
He graduated with crfdttable standing in 18i8, being the first collegiate i)upil 
and graduate fn>m that academy. 

While in college he aided in defi-aying his expenses by teaching school, first 
in t^iruwall and Leicester, Vt , and in the winter of 18;17-:18 at W ildington, 
N. Y. After graduating, he began the study of tlie law with Ebim Unst, E>q., 
his brother-in-law, at Waddingtnn,at the name time teaching school. lie spent 
the winter of lK?it-40 in the law-office ot the late H'ui. John L. Russell, in 
Canton, and in the spring of 1840 was inviterl into tiin office of Hon. James 
Redington, at Waddiugton, he havinc just been appointed Surrogate of the 
county. Here he n-mained, discharging; the duty of snri-oga'e's ch-rU, till ho 
tonally operu'd an office on hi-* t>wn account. He w;is achuitted tn the t'ourt of 
C itumon Plfiis uf ihe connty in 1841, and as attorney in th"* Supn-me Coiii-t, in 
Jan., lS4:t. He inuneiiiafely opened an oftice in Waddnigton, whore he prac- 
ticed his profession till May 1, 1845, when he removed to Of;d)'n'luirg au<l en- 
tei-ed in partnership with hisiu-phow, the late Henry C Kooii-, ddi'-t son of his 
brother Cbauncoy. In May, 184G, he was admitted couiisebu' in theSupromo 
Court, and solicitor and ciuinselor in chancery. 

Sept. 2'2, 1847, he was married to Mary R. Cliipman, eldest daughter of Hon. 
Johns. (Miipinan, of Waddinjrton. She died on tho'iilih of March, IKl'.l. leaving 
a son of about nine months, who followed his riiothnr tn August ensuing. On 
the l(ith of Nov., 185;i, he again married, with Elizabeth A. Gun*t, second 



daughter of the late George Gurst, Esq., of Ogdensburg. They have had five 
ch'ldren, of whom one only, a daughter, survives. 

On the 27th of Nov., 1847, Mr. H. G. Foote, being the editor and proprietor of 
the Ogtlensburn Sentinel, and liaving taken the secretaryship of the St. Lawrence 
County Mutual Insurance Company, the law partnership was practically, though 
not formally, dissolved, and Stiliman Foote hecjime the lessee and editor of the 
Sentinel for three years, before the expiration of which he became the pur- 
chaser and proprietor of the cst^ibllshment. In April, 1848, he established the 
Daily SetUinel, being the first attempt to run a daily paper in St. Lawence 
County ; but the times not being propitious for such an enterprise, it was dis- 
continued at the end of five months. Mr. Foote remained the editor and pro- 
prietor of the Sentinel till Oct., 1858, when the material of the office was sold, 
and the subscription list transferred to the St. Lawrence Republican. When 
Mr. Foote succeeded to the editorship of the Snttinel, it was a warm supporter 
of the principles and policy of the Whig party. It gave ita ardent support to 
Henry Clav in 1844, to Gen. Taylor in 1848, and, though the platform of the 
Whig national convention, in 1852, was not entirely Siitisfactory to Mr. Foote, 
he supported Gen. Scott. But his early proclivities were opposed to the insti- 
tution of slavery. He believed in the natural equality of all men before the 
law, and hence,*though not hohling to the right of the national government to 
interfere with the institution in the States, was opposed to its extension into 
the Territories, over wliich the national government held the supreme control. 
As slavery existed only by virtue of State authority, and as the general govern- 
ment was one of limited powers, and was established "to secure the blessings 
of liberty," he held that the genera! government not only had no power to es- 
tablish slavery, hut that it was its imperative duty to prohibit it in the Tern- 
tories, and especially in territory that was free when it came to the national 
possession. His views, therefore, naturally assimilated with those of the 
" Free-Soil wing" of tlie Wliig party, and prepared him, when, in 18o5, that 
party was formally disbanded, to y;o into the Rp-publican organization. He was 
a member of the last Whig State Convention dSVoin the State of >ew l-uk, 
and was chairman of the conimitti-e whicli took the final step to bring together, 
as one body, the State convention of the Free-Soil wing of the Democratic 
party, and that of the Whig party, at Symcuse. He may be said, therefore, to 
have been present at the birth of the Republican party in the State of New 
Yoik From that time, so long as it existed, the Stntiuel whh an earnest Re- 
publican piper, and Mr. Foote has. till the present time, been an active member 
of that party, supporting its principles, p«.dicy, and candidates, with pen and 
tonsue. . -.,1.-1 

He has boon fully identified with the schemes for promoting the educational 
interests of his town au.l city. He filled the offiio of Town Superintendent of 
Schools of Oswegatchie in 1848-43. and on the organization of the city schools, 
in 1857 lie was elected the first Superintendent of Schools, in which cajiacity 
he served six years. He was subsequently elected a member of the Boanl of 
Education, where he served six years, being two years in succession the Pres- 
ident of the Board. . „ , , , , ,_ 

On the breaking out of (ho War of the Rebellion, Mr. Foote devoted himself 
zealously to Jiiding in the organization and fitting out of the regiments of vol- 
unteers sent from the CfUinty. , ,. , 

In Nov 1801, he was olecte.1 Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, which place 
he has acceptably filled to the present time. Jan. 1, 1864, he entered up.ui the 
duties of the office of Surn)gate of the County, which place he filled for fourteen 
succr'ssive yoai-s. - . ^ . i ,^ i 

At the same tinu- ho fornn-d a copartnership with Col. Edward (. Jaiiiesjn 
the practice of )i s profession. whi<h connection was dissolved Jnly 1, 18.4. 
During its continuance, the firm of Foote & James was engaged in some of 
the heaviest ami ni.)st important litijrilion borne on the calendars of St. Law- 
rence and adjoining counties. Since its dissolution. Mr. Footo has continued m 
the practice of the law ( » the present date. 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Enniskillen, 
county of Fermanagh, province of Ulster, Ireland, March 
26, 1811. He was the eldest of a fiimily of two children — 
one son and one daughter (Jane) — of James and Jane El- 
liott Armstrong. His father was drafted into the yeomanry 
corps to serve in the Franco-English war of 1815 ; he was 
a farmer by occupation, and the opportunities afforded his 
children for an education Were very limited. His father, 
in the year 1830, emigrated to this country and settled in 
Perth, province of Ontario, D. C, bringing his family with 
him. The daughter is still living on the homestead taken 
up by her father. The father died in 18G7; the mother 
in 1869. James was nineteen years of age when he came 
to this country, and previous to coming here had learned 
the cooper's trade ; upon reaching America he took up his 
trade as a means of support. His first place of business 
was Iroquois, Canada, where he engaged with Hon. George 
Brouse, member of the Canadian Parliament, for one year, 
receiving therefor £50. At the end of this time ho estab- 
lished business for himself at Edwardsburg, which he car- 
ried on only for one year, and came to Ogdensburg in the 
year 1832, where he has remained until the present time. 
In the beginning of Mr. Armstrong's business career he 
had received no pecuniary support from his father, and 
consequently as a necessity made economy and judicious 
management a part of his study, a regard for which has re- 
sulted in his securing a sufficient competence to place him 
beyond the apprehension of want. 

Upon arriving at Ogdensburg he soon established him 
self in business, and for many years successfully engaged in 



a general lumber and cooper business. About the year 1854 
he established a stave and shingle manufactory and saw- 
mill in Iroquois, Canada, which he has successfully carried 
on until the present time, and during the past year has 
opened a wholesale and retail hardware store in this city. 
Beginning with nothing but his hands, Mr. Armstrong has 
so increased in his business as to be ranked among the most 
enterprising business men of the city. 

In politics Mr. Armstrong was originally a Democrat, 
then a Free-Soiler, but upon the formation of the Republi- 
can party espoused its principles and adopted its platform. 
Held in such esteem by his fellow-townsmen for his integ- 
rity and his general support of all measures tending to pro- 
mote the welfare of the public, he has for several years 
held the office of Supervisor of the 3d ward of his city, and 
in May, 1876, was elected Mayor of the city of Ogdensburg, 
which office ho now holds. 

In the year 1832 (Jan. 6) he married Mi.ss Margaret 
Armstrong, daughter of William and Jane C. Armstrong, 
of Edwardsburg, Canada, her father and mother both being 
of Irish birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have been 
born seven children, — Sarah Jane, William, Margaret, 
Belle, Eliza Ann, James Clendcnning, and George Henry. 
All are living. William was the head cashier for the late 
A. T. Stewart, of New York, for seven years, and at the 
death of Mr. Stewart became one of his legatees, as a re- 
ward for meritorious services. William is now vice-presi- 
dent of the Judson bank, Ogdensburg, and James C. is 
cashier of the same. George Henry is connected with his 
father in business in his native city. 




Residence or v/ILUAM ARMSTRONG, ogdensbuhot.N.y. 



y 



4 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



i(;9 



Judsnn, picsideiit ; Daniel Judson, cashier. The latter 
gentleman died in 1S73, and Mr. James C. Armstrong 
suceocdcd him. Mr. William Armstmnf:; was casliier for 
A. T. Stewart & Co., in Now York, from 1867 to 1875, 
when lie returned to Ogdensburg, and wa.s elected vice- 
]iresident of this bank. David C. Jud.son, Sr., died iu 
1875. The present officers of the bank are as follows: 
John D. Judson, president; William Armstrong, vice-pres- 
ident ; James C. Armstrong, cashier ; D. C. Judson (2d), 
teller; James Ives, book-keeper; E. C. Lee, assistant teller; 
John Brown, clerk. 

Several banks were in operation in Ogden.sburg at differ- 
ent periods from 1838 to 1850, mostly under the manage- 
ment of New York parties. Among them were the Drovers' 
bank and Farmers' and Mechanics' bank. They were banks 
of issue, and their obligations were all redeemed. 

At present the two banking firms located in the city 
have a working capital of $250,000 each, and carry a line 
of deposits of about $500,000 each. 

ATTORNEYS. 

The early attorneys who resided and practiced in Ogdens- 
burg were Hon. Mathew Perkins, Hon. John Fine, Hon. 
Preston King, Hon. William C. Bruwn, lion. Ransom H. 
Gillett, Bishop Perkins, James C. Spencer, afid perhaps a 
few others. Biographies of many of these will be found in 
this work, and notices in different connections, — in the 
court record, civil list, etc. 

In this connection we make brief mention of some of the 
prominent members of the bar who have at various times 
up to the present been located in Ogdensburg. 

Hon. Ransom H. Gillet was born near Lebanon Springs, 
Columbia Co., N. Y., about 1800. He came to Canton 
about 1823, with an axe on his shoulder. Subsequently 
studied law with Hon. Silas Wright, teaching school at the 
same time to assist him in his studies. Received his clas- 
sical education at the St. Lawrence academy, Pot.sdam ; was 
admitted to practice, and associated with Aaron Ilackley, a 
prominent attorney, and tlien collector of the port. Mr. 
Gillet was appointed po.stmaster of Ogdensburg in 1832, 
and was also brigade in.spector of St;ite militia. This latter 
office made him acquainted with the people, and his subse- 
quent popularity elected him- to Congress in 1832, and the 
two following terms, '34 and '36. In the autumn of 1833 
he beciime associated with Charles G. Jlyers. Mr. Gillet 
was appointed by the United States government commis- 
sioner to make a treaty with the Si.v Nations while serving 
in Congress. He was a leading Democrat, and a disciple 
of Hon. Silas Wright. Under Mr. Polk's administration 
he was appointed register of the treasury. He finally re- 
moved to Washington (1845), and in his later years jjrac- 
ticed in the supreme court of the United States in that city 
and in New York. He was also solicitor in the court of 
claims. He retired from business, about 1867, to the old 
farm where he was born, in Columbia county. He wrote a 
popular life of Silas Wright, and also published other 
works. He died in the city of Washington in 1877. 

Hon. A. B. James was born July 1, 1812, at Stephens- 
town, Rens.selacr Co., N. Y. His parents removed in 1814 
to Sweden, Monroe Co., from thence to Byron, Genesee 



Co., and sub-sequently to Batavia, the county-seat, where he 
attended the private academy of Judge Nixon. In 1827 
he located in Troy, where he remained about a year, and 
removed thence to Waddiiigton, St. Lawrence County, N.Y., 
in 182!^). In that place he read law with William Ogden 
until the autumn of 1830, when he removed to Montreal, 
for the purpose of learning the French language, and re- 
mained until September, 1831, paying his way by working 
at the printing business, which he had previously learned. 
In September, 1831, he came to Ogdensburg, and assumed 
the publication of the Northern I.iglit, a paper which had 
been established about eight weeks previously. He continued 
this until 1838 (changing its name in 1834 to the Times 
and Advertiser'), when he sold to Albert Tyler. During 
these years (up to 1838) he completed the 'tudy of the 
law in the office of Hon. James W. Hopkins, was admitted 
to practice in January, 1838, and opened an office in 
Ogdensburg in November of that year. He has been in 
continuous practice since, except when employed in the 
duties of the various offices conferred upon him by the peo- 
ple. In the fall of 1853 he was elected justice of the 
supreme court of New York, and held the office until 1876. 
On the first day of November in that year ho resigned, 
and was elected in the same month a member of the 45th 
congress, for the 19th congressional district. 

During his practice of the law he was associated for about 
one year (in 1839) with B. A. Hill, now of St. Louis, Mo., 
and afterwards for twelve years with H(in. Wni. C. Brown. 
These firms had a ver}' extensive practice. 

Col. Edward C. James, second .son of the preceding, was 
born iu Ogdensburg, May 1, 1841. He attended the acad- 
emy in Ogdensburg, and subsequently the high school of 
Dr. Reed, at Geneva, N. Y. He enlisted as a i)rivate in 
the 50th N. Y. Engineers, which regiment was assigned to 
duty with the army of the Potomac. He was appointed 
adjutant of the regiment ; promoted to major of the 60th 
N. Y. Infantry ALiy 1, 1862; promoted lieutenant-colonel 
of the lOGth N. Y. Infantry in August, 1862; and was 
commissioned colonel of the same in September, 1862. 
Colonel James resigned his commi.ssion in August, 1863, 
returned to Ogdetisburg, and studied with his father, and 
was admitted to practice as an attorney in the same year. 
Opened an office in Ogdensburg Jan. 1, 1864, and has been 
since in constant practice. 

Roscius W. Judson was born at Louisville, near Nor- 
folk, Aug. 17, 1810. His fiither, Eben Judson, came from 
Vermont in 1810; he was the first supervisor of Louisville. 
He died June 29, 1814. Mr. Judson is a selfmade man. 
He was determined to acquire a good education, and did 
so, working out of school hours and vacations to support 
himself meanwhile. He entered Potsdam academj' in 
November, 1828, and remained until April, 1834, when he 
came to Ogdensburg, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 17, 
1839. He chose the profession of law. He has held the 
positions of special county judge and master in chaneerj-. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion Mr. Judson entered 
heartily into the effort to subdue it. He was foremost in 
time of need with money, pen, tongue, and hard work. 
TIjrough his almost unaided endeavors he succeeded in 
raising over 2000 volunteers in St. Lawrence and Frankliq 



170 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



counties. He was made colonel of the 142d Regiment N. 
Y. Vols., and was afterwards promoted to brevet brigadier- 
general. He is a natural orator, and well known through- 
out his section. 

General Judson has four son.s : the eldest, Sclden C., 
enlisted in tlie lOGth N. Y. Infantry ; was promoted captain, 
and breveted major; was assistant adjutant-general on 
General Smith's and General Morris' staffs ; was taken 
prisoner May G, 18G4, in the battle of the Wilderness, and 
was held nine months. Was in eight different prisons 
during his captivity, and suffered extreme hard.ships. He 
read law with his father, and graduated at the Albany law- 
school in 18G7; was admitted to practice the same year. 
Practiced several years in St. Joseph, Mo., and is now in 
business in Chicago. 

His second son, Winslow Judson, graduated at the Al- 
bany law- school in 18G7, and has been in successful practice 
at St. Jo,scph, Mo., since. 

Hon. William C. Brown. — This gentleman was a son 
of Judge A. C. Brown, a prominent and early practitioner, 
and was born in Ogdensburg in 1820. He was admitted 
to practice iu 1841, and was a partner of Hon. A. B. James 
for twelve years, which partnership was continued until the 
latter was elected to the supreme court in 1853. He was 
twice elected county judge, and was a member of the consti- 
tutional convention of 1867. He died in Ogdensburg, in 
December, 1870. 

James C. Spencer was a native of Franklin Co., N. Y., 
and commenced the practice of law in Ogdensburg, in Au- 
gust, 1854. He was a partner of Hon. William C. Brown. 
In 1864 he removed to New York city ; was elected judge 
of the superior court in that city, and served two years. In 
1857 he was appointed U. S. district attorney by James 
Buchanan, and served to 1861. 

David A. Ogden, who came to St. Lawrence County at 
an early day, was a law partner of Hon. Alexander Hamil- 
ton at the lime of the latter's unfortunate death at the 
hands of Aaron Burr, in 1804. He never practiced in 
St. Lawrence County, but filled the ofBce of county judge 
for many years. He was a large land proprietor. 

John W. Grant, a brother of Mrs. Bishop Perkins, was 
a native of Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y., where he was 
born in 1807. He read law with Judge Cady, and re- 
moved to Ogdensburg about 1825, and practiced for a 
number of years. He served as district attorney, and was 
a candidate for Congress in 1841). Died in February, 
18G8. 

Louis Hasbrouck was descended from a reputable French 
family, and was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1777. He 
was educated at Princeton college. New Jersey, where he 
graduated with honor. Read law with Hon. Ogden Hoff- 
man, of New York city, and located in Ogdensburg in 1802. 
Mr. Hasbrouck held various prominent |)cisitioiis : was first 
postmaster at Ogdensburg in 1807, and luld the oflice until 
1829 ; was first county clerk of St. Lawrence County, and 
was member of State assembly iu 1814. He was elected 
State senator in 1832, and held the office until his death. 
(In those days the State senate constituted the court of 
errors.) He was for many years agent for the Van Rens- 
selaer and Harrison estates. He was a partner of Hon. 



John Fine from 1817 to 1834, in which year he died, uni- 
versally respected. 

Louis Ha.sbrouck, son of the preceding, was born in Al- 
bany in 1814. He read law with Hon. John Fine, and 
was admitted to practice in 1838. He followed the profes- 
sion for about ten years, when ho gave it up to attend to 
the large landed estate left, by his father. 

Louis Hasbrouck, Jr., the third of the name who have 
practiced in Ogdensburg, was admitted to the bar in 1861, 
and has since practiced in Ogdensburg. Was partner of 
Hon. Wm. C. Brown at the time of the latter's death. Mr. 
Ilasbroutk was appointed assistant U. S. attorney in 1800- 
61, and at present holds the office of U. S. commissioner. 

Joseph MacNaughton. — Born in Essex, Chittenden Co., 
Vt., July 4. 1824. The family removed to Potsdam, N. Y., 
and from thence to Canton, N. Y., subsequently to Heuvel- 
ton in 1836, and to Ogdensburg in 1840. Mr. MacNaugh- 
ton read law with Hon. R. H. Gillct and Bishop Perkins, 
and was admitted to practice in 1852. He opened an office 
in Ogdensburg, and has remained in the city to the present 
time. He was deputy postmaster under J. M. Doty in 
1846-47 ; was appointed deputy U. S. collector in 1849, 
and held the office a few months, and was again appointed 
to the same office in the spring of 1852, and held it until 
September, 1854. 

Delos McCurdy was born in De Poyster, St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y., June 1 , 184G. Read law with John Magone 
(since deceased), and was admitted in April, 1868; has 
practiced in Ogdensburg to the present time ; was city 
recorder from 1SG8 to 1871, and district attorney in 1872. 

R. B. Lowry was born in Metis, province of Quebec, in 
1837. Removed to Ogdensburg in 1860. Read law with i 
Joseph McNaughton, and was admitted to practice. Taught 1 
school while pursuing his studies, and was superintendent 
of city schools from 1866 to 1875. Was in the army one i 
year. Since 1875 has practiced law in Ogdensburg. ^ 

George Morris was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1817, 
and came to America with his father's family in 1819, and 
settled in Hammond, St. Lawrence County. Removed to 
Missouri in 1840, and remained until 1845. Read law in 
St. Louis, and graduated at Kemper college, Missouri, in 
1843. In 1845 he located in Ogdensburg, and was asso- 
ciated with E. E. Cooley, now of Decorah, Iowa, for some 
time ; has akso been in partnership with B. H. Vary and 
Charles G. Myers, of Ogdensburg. At present is connected 
with his son, Mr. Geo. E. Morris, who was born in Ogdens- 
burg in 1853, studied with his father, and was admitted 
to practice in Saratoga county in the autumn of 1876. Has 
been as.sociated with his ftither since that date. 

Bennett H. Vary was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 
1824. Read law with Joseph Benedict, of Utica, and Geo. 
A. Youngs, of Remsen, Oneida county. Removed to Og- 
densburg in May, 1847 ; read law with Myers & Baldwin ; 
admitted to practice in December, 1849, and has been in 
Ogdensburg to the present time. Has held various town 
offices, and was district attorney for nine years. Has been 
at various times partner with Amos Reed, Edward Clark, 
Geo. Morris, Horace Russell (now assistant district attorney 
of New York), and lastly with John W. Stone. 

Edwin M. Holbrook w:is born July 11. 1828, at Wis- 



U -^ 




Photo, liy Dow, Ogdensburg, 



N. N. Child, M.D., was born in the town of Compton, 
Province of Quebec, Jan. 31, 1837. 

He is the only son of Walter and Laura B. Child. His 
father was born in the town of West Boj'lston, Mass., Dec. 
30, 1789, and was a descendant of Thomas Child, who, with -^ 
his two brothers, came to America in the ship " Mayflower." ' 
Thomas settled in Massachusetts, and the other brothers in * 
Virginia and Pennsylvania. His mother was born in Ver- 
mont, Jan. 7, 1810. She was a daughter of Seth and Rebecca 
Bonnel, the former of Connecticut and the latter of New 
Hampsliire, both of English descent. 

His parents removed from Canada and settled in Wilming- 
ton, Esse.\ county, in 1846. They gave their son the advantages 
of an early education in the common school, and, when he 
was fifteen years of age, placed him in Keesville Academy, 
where he remained three j-ears, receiving acla.ssical education. 
Like many other of the men of standing to-day, he began by 
teaching school winters to pay his expenses and gain an edu- 
cation, and after the age of sixteen years, he, unaided pecuni- 
aril}', finished his English and classical education. 

At the age of twenty-three he entered Dr. H. A. Hough- 
ton's oflSce, of Keesville, Clinton Co., N. Y., and began the 
study of medicine. He remained under his tutorship for 
three years, during which time at intervals he attended lec- 
tures in the medical department of the University of Vermont, 
located at Burlington. He attended a preliminary and regular 
course of lectures at Berkshire Medical College, at Pittsfield, 
Mass. In November, 18(i'2, he attended a course of lectures in 
the HomcEopathic Medical College i>f Pennsylvania, located at 
Philadelphia, graduating from that institution in March, 1863, 
and receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine. 

The same spring (1863) he came to Ogdensburg, and some 
eight months afterwards entered a partnership with Dr. D. E. 
Southwick, and began the practice of his profession. This 
partnership continued until 1S71, when Dr. Cliild opened an 



oiEce by himself, and has since continued a practitioner of 
physic and surgery in the citj- where he first located. 

At the age of twentj— four, and in the }-ear 1800 (Dec. 7), 
Dr. Child married Miss Phebe, daughter of Paul and Sarah 
Southwick, of Keesville, N. Y. Her father was a native of 
Salem, Mass., being born May 15, 1797, and his ancestors early 
settlers of the New England States, and of English birth. 
Her mother was a native of Vermont, being born Sept. 14, 
1800, and her grandfather, on the mother's side, a soldier of 
the Revolutionary War. Dr. and Mrs. Child have two chil- 
dren living, Sarah Augusta and Frank Southwick. 

Dr. Child began, on coming lo this city, to place before the 
people, as opportunity offered, the practice of the same theory 
in medicine as had some seven years before been introduced 
by Dr. Southwick, the establishment of which had gained a 
strong foothold in very many of the most intelligent families 
of the city and surrounding country. His energy was such, 
his desire to lay before the people the most successful exposition 
of medical treatment that the advancing age had experienced, 
tliat the doctor soon grew into favor with the best society in 
the practice of his profession ; and, although only a prac- 
titioner here for fourteen years, has an extensive ride, and a 
large circle of warm friends among those to whom he admin- 
isters in times of need. 

In politics Dr. Child is a Democrat, but, <luring the late 
Rebellion, warmly supported the administration. He is u 
constant student in his profession, clinging closely to its first 
principles, as a safeguard against the evils of opinion. He is 
a member of the American Medical Institute, also of the State 
Medical Society, besides very proficiently rendering aid to the 
medical society of his county, in which he has served as treas- 
urer from its organization. Dr. Child takes an interest in the 
temperance cause, and is a warm advocate of total abstinence, 
carrying with him these principles, and practicing them in 
every family ujion which he is called to administer. 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg. 




Dr. Socrates N. Sherman was born in the town of Barre, Washing- 
ton Co., Vt.. July 22, 1801. llis family were of the yeomanry of the 
Green Mountain State, who practiced and cultivated tbo sterling 
qualities of frujjality, industry, and honest economy, and to whom 
none other than the education of the common school was possible. 

He was the eldest son of the family, and juirticijiated in the labors 
of the farm until twenty years of age, when he entered the office of 
Dr. Van SickUn, then of Harre, as a student of medicine, support- 
ing himself by teaching school winters, until he graduated and re- 
ceived his diploma at Castleton Medical College, in 1S24. 

In the early part of 1825, Dr. Sherman came into this county, and 
located in Hcuvelton in the practice of his profession, where he re- 
mained only a few months, when ho entered into partnership with 
the late Dr. Joseph W. Smith, then the foremost physician in this 
county, ami remained a resident (»f (his place, and in the constant 
practice of his profession, except when called frt)m homo by otficial 
duties, until the time he was stricken and enfeebled by the disease 
which terminated his life. 

lie had great enterprise and great physical endurance, and applied 
himself devotedly to the study and practice of his profession, gaining 
steadily the lovo, respect, and confidence of his patients and the 
public until he dissolved his partnership with Dr. Smith, and cs- 
tablisheil a <lrug-, stationery-, and book-store, continuing his medical 
practice in connection with his other business, which he conducted with 
the energy which distinguished him until his extending practice in- 
duced him to turn his attention again to his profession exclusively. 
His ride extended over this and the ailjoining towns, and his in- 
creasing reputation for great skill, both in physic and surgery, soon 
extended his visits over nearly the entire county. 

Dr. Sherman's frank and manly character, his great and unfeigned 
kindness of heart and of manners, made his patients his friends. To 
thcra he devoted himself, never sparing himself by night or by day, 
in storm or calm, in heat or in cold, l)ut jiromptly flying to the relief 
of the clistressed, regardless of theircondition in life or the prospect 
of remuneration for his services. Uy these means the Doctor early 
achieved an influence which renilered him a power in the community 
in all public enterprises an<l in local politi(\>*. His eonvielions were 
clear and strong, his motives were honest and patriotic, and whatever 
his hand fimiid to do he dirl it with his might. 

His early action was with tho anti-Masonic organization, and wlicn 
the fusion of the anti-Masons with the Democratic-Republicans formed 
the Whig party, he was one of its most active and influential leaders, 
and continued in that position until the formation of tho present 
Republican party, when he joined its ranks, rendering the party 



signal service. In I860 ho was elected a member of the Thirty- 
seventh Congress for the Seventeenth Congressional District, then 
composed of the counties of St. Lawrence and Herkimer. His con- 
gressional career, which opened favorably, was arrested by the War 
of tho Rebellion, in which, against the remonstrances of his friends, 
he persisted in volunteering, as a surgeon in the army. Early in 
1861 he was commissioned as a surgeon of the 34th N. Y. Vols., a 
regiment raised within his congressional district. To the relief of 
the sufferings, diseases, and wounds of his comrades-in-arms he de- 
voted himself, and became so conspicuous for his skill nnd zeal in the 
service that, on the expiration of the term of enlistment of his regi- 
ment, he was retained in the service, and made the Medical Director 
of the department of Western Virginia, where he remained until tho 
close of the war. In the service he contracted the disease which ter- 
minated his life; but this he never regretted, believing it was his 
duty to serve his country in her need, at whatever sacrifice to himself. 

He was always liberal and progressive in his views. His love of 
children was a distinguishing trait in his character, and his appreci- 
ation ">f the benefits of a liberal system of popular education was 
such that he thought no sacrifice too great to be encountered in the 
cause. 

The confidence of the people at large in him enabled him almost 
single-handed to (louduet and carry to a successful termination the 
struggle which culminated in the creation of our extended system of 
free and graded schools under a board of education. The more im- 
jtortant of our magnificent structures in Ogdensburg devoted to that 
cause are monuments of his success against the determined opposi- 
tion of capital. 

Though devoted to public interests and professional pursuits, he 
by no means neglected his social duties. Four brothers, who have 
since become respectable, and some eminent, members of his noble 
profession, owe much of their success to his aid, precept, and 
example. 

In the year 1828 (Keb. 14) he married Miss Lois Low, a native of 
Vermont, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Ogdensburg. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were born two children. Sophia and Low 
Franklin. The daughter married Dr. S. Sanfurd UIo<lgett, of Malono, 
Franklin Co.. N. Y., and resides in Ogdensburg. The son lived to 
the age of twenty-seven years, anil died in 186."!. Mrs. Sherman was 
pre-eminently a clevotod wife and mother, ami warmly endeared to 
all who knew her, and especially to her children and grandchiMren. 
She died, at the age ol' fifty-six years, June 14, 1S64. in the hospital 
in Virginia, while on a visit to her husband. Dr. Sherman died in 
Ogdensburg, Feb. 1, 1873. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



171 



cassot, Lincoln county, Maine; came to Ogdensburg in 
November, 1851. Read law with Brown & Spencer, and 
Wiis admitted to the supreme court of the State Sept. 14, 
1858. Durin;i Mr. Buchanan's administration was assist- 
ant district attorney for the northern district of New York, 
and was admitted to district and circuit courts of the United 
States. Is a commissioner of tlie circuit court of the United 
States for the northern district of New York. In 1864-65 
was engaged in practice in tlie city of New York. Returned to 
Ogdensburg, and in 1870 formed a partnership with Daniel 
Magone, under firm-name of Magone & Holbrook, which is 
still existing. Was admitted as attorney and counselor of 
the supreme court of the United States, January 28, 1875. 

Daniel Magone was born in O.swegatchie, St. Lawrence 
County. Read law with James & Brown. Admitted about 
1851, and has since been in practice in Ogdensburg. Has 
been associated in the profession at various times with Gay- 
lord P. Cliapin (since dead), 0. P. Partridge, now deputy 
in U. S. customs department ; with Charles G. Myers, and, 
lastly, with his present partner, E. M. Holbrook. 

Joseph Y. Chapin, son of David M. Chapin, was born in 
Ogdensburg in 1843. Graduated at Hamilton college, 
Oneida county, New Y'ork, in 1866. Read law with his 
father, and was admitted to practice in 1870; has been 
located in Ogdensburg to the pi'csent time. Was elected 
special surrogate in November, 1877, and also holds the 
office of ward supervisor in county board. 

John W. Stone was born in De Kalb, St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y., in 1846. Read law with B. H. Vary, and 
was admitted to practice in November, 1865, since which 
date he has been associated with Mr. Vary. 

William Peters. — Born in Ogdensburg in 1842. Read law 
with Hon. Francis Kernan, of Utica, N. Y. Admitted to 
practice in 1865. Practiced in New York city ten years. 
Is now located in Ogdensburg. 

L. M. Soper. — Born in Hammond, April 23, 1843. Grad- 
uated at the law department of Columbia university, Wash- 
ington, D. C, in 1869. Graduated from law department of 
Canton, N. Y., university, in 1871. Read law with Lowry 
& Russell, of Canton, two years. Admitted to practice in 
Washington, D. C, in 1869, and in New York, November, 
1870. Received degree of bachelor of laws. Practiced in 
Ogdensburg since November, 1872. 

L. K. Soper. — Born in Macomb, St. Lawrence County, N. 
Y., June 24, 1848. Read law with Hon. E. H. Neary, of 
Gouverneur. Graduated at law department University of 
Canton in June, 1871. Admitted November, 1870. Read 
law also with Foote & James, of Ogdensburg. Now prac- 
ticing in Ogdensburg. 

R. E. Waterman. — Born in Ogdensburg, 1850. Read law 
with J. MacNaughton. Admitted in 1875. Practiced a 
short time in New York city. Now in partnership with 
J. MacNaughton. 

Among the citizens of Ogdensburg who have been promi- 
nently connected with its interests and those of the county, 
and especially deserving of mention on account of his ad- 
vanced age, is Hon. Smith Stilwell, now living in Ogdens- 
burg in his ninety-fourth year, having been born in Sara- 
toga county, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1784. In early life he went 
to Albany, and was employed in a mercantile house for seven 



years as clerk. He subsequently carried on business for 
himself two years. He settled in De Peyster in 1810, 
when the country was a wilderness. He cleared a large 
farm, and remained upon it until 1830, when he sold it and 
purchased his " Laurentia" farm, on the banks of the St. 
Lawrence, four miles above Ogdensburg. This farm ho still 
owns, and several others in the county, all containing about 
430 acres. In 1828 he was appointed deputy United States 
collector, and collector in 1840. He removed tx) Ogdens- 
burg in 1829, where he remained a number of years. From 
1840 to about 1856, at which date he built his present resi- 
dence in Ogdensburg, he lived on his farm. During the 
War of 1812-15 he was in Albany, where he lived until 
1810, having been appointed by Gov. Tompkins city auc- 
tioneer, then an office commissioned by the governor. Re- 
turned to his farm in 1816 with a considerable amount of 
money which he had saved in his business. He was county 
judge for a number of yea»s, and was a member of the 
legislature in 1851-52. He was also on the Fremont 
electoral ticket in 1856. 

Judge Stilwell has been a man of remarkable physical 
powers, as his ninety-four years and present hale and hearty 
appearance readily indicate. His mental faculties are won- 
derfully preserved, and his love of anecdotes, rich jokes, and 
pleasant company make him, in his extreme old age, a most 
agreeable companion. His knowledge of all the early 
families, and more particularly of the aristocratic and 
wealthy land-holders along both shores of the St. Lawrence, 
is perhaps more complete than that of any man living, and 
he delights in conversation and the game of whist. 

PHYSICIANS — OLD SCHOOL. 

Dr. Joseph W. Smith was the first physician who settled 
in St. Lawrence County. He was born in Cheshire, Mass., 
Feb. 22, 1781, and his father soon after removed to Addison, 
Vt., where he died in 1791. Dr. S. studied medicine with 
Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, of Vergennes, in 1799, and com- 
pleted his studies with Dr. William Ro.se, of Middlcbury, 
in 1802. In 1803 he removed to Lisbon, St. Lawrence 
County, where he practiced until 1807, when be removed 
to 0"densburg, where he practiced until about the time of 
his death, July 4, 1835. He was the first president oP the 
county medical society, and held the office for many years. 

The Sherman family were from Barre, 'Washington Co., 
Vt., and are distant connections of the Ohio family of the 
same name. Dr. Socrates N. Sherman, the oldest of the 
brothers, graduated at the Castleton medical college, Ver- 
mont, in 1825, and rode through from his native State to 
Ogdensburg on horseback the same year, and opened an 
office for the practice of his profession. He was for many 
years not only the leading physician, but was prominently 
.connected with the medical society, the schools (often called 
the father of the Ogdensburg school system), and all im- 
portant public matters. In 1860 he was elected to congress^ 
and the following year went into the military service as 
surgeon of the 34lh N. Y. Infantry volunteers, raised in 
Herkimer county, and served with great distinction. He 
was home on a short leave of absence in 1862, but rejoined 
the army in sea.son to participate in the battles of South 
Mountain and Antietam, in September, 1862. He was also 



172 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



present at the battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862. 
lie subsequently resigned from the volunteer service, and was 
conimis.sioncd in the regular army, and assigned to duty in 
West Virginia, where he had general charge of hospitals. 
He returned home in December, 1865, with his constitution 
badly shattered by Ui.'iease contracted during the service, 
and which finally caused his death, Feb. 1, 1873. Ho held 
the office of fiostmaster of Ogdensburg for a few months 
preceding his death. 

Dr. B. F. Sliermau settled iu Ogdensburg in 1835. In 
1837 he commenced teaching school, and continued until 
1840. He studied mediciTie with his brother while engaged 
in teaching. Attended Albany medical college, and graduated 
in 1841. Commenced practice in the town of Hammond, 
St. Lawrence County, the same year, and remained two 
years, when he removed to Potsdam, and practiced about 
two years, and located in Ogdensburg in 1845, where he 
has since remained. Dr. Sherman ranks high in the pro- 
fession, and is well known throughout the State. 

Dr. M. G. Sherman came to Ogdensburg about 1828, 
where he labored for some time as a mechanic. After- 
wards followed the sea for two years, and was shipwrecked. 
Returned to Ogdensburg, studied medicine, and graduated 
at Fairfield, N. Y., in 1836. Practiced in Rossie from 1830 
to 1840, when he removed to Ogdensburg, and practiced 
until 1845, in which year he removed to Canada, and re- 
mained two years, when he returned again to Ogdensburg, 
and continued practice until 1850, when he re-visited Cali- 
fornia. Returned in 1852, and soon after removed to 
Michigan City, Ind. He served as surgeon of the 9th Ind. 
Infantry from 1861 to 1865, and never was off duty a 
day. 

Dr. M. W. Sherman came to Ogdensburg from Vermont, 
about 1837-38. Studied medicine with Dr. S. N. Sherman 
in 1840-11. Graduated at Castleton, Vt., about 1847. 
Practiced in Hermon, St. Lawrence County, three years. 
Removed to Ogdensburg. Went to California, and returned 
in 1852. Subseciuently returned to California, where he 
died in February, 1864. 

Dr. A. B. Sherman came to Ogdensburg about 1830-31. 
Was clerk for Dr. S. N. in book- and diug-store. Bought his 
brother out in 1835. Clo.sed business in 1837. Read medi- 
cine. Graduated in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1838. Practiced 
in Ogdensburg until 1840, with his brothers. Removed to 
Rossie and practiced about two years ; from thence removed 
to Waddington, where he remained until about 1848-49, 
when he removed to Morrisburg, Canada, where he is now 
in practice. 

Dr. Frank R. Sherman, a .son of Dr. B. F., studied with 
his father, and graduated at Cornell university, iu the sci- 
entific department, and subsequently at Bellevue hospital 
college, in Februaiy, 1875. He practiced in Ogdensburg 
about one year, and removed to Michigan City, Ind , where 
he now resides. 

Dr. Zina B. Bridges was born in Masscna, St. Lawrence 
County, N. Y., in 1826. Studied medicine at Fort Covington, 
iu Franklin Co. Graduated at the medical department 
of the University of New York in 1850. Commenced 
practice, and has remained in Ogden.sburg since. 

Dr. Elisha 11. Bridges graduated at Bellevue medical 



college in 1864, and has practiced in Ogdensburg with his 
brother since. During the War of the Rebellion he served 
in the U. S. navy, on board the steamer " Bibb." 

Dr. Robert Morris was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Jan. 
28, 1810. He emigrated to America and settled in the 
town of Hammond. St. Lawrence County, in 1819. Studied 
nudicine with Prof. Thomas Hun, a distinguished practi- 
tioner in Albany. Attended two terms at the Albany med- 
ical college, and graduated Jan. 27, 1846 Also attended 
one term at Geneva, N. Y. Commenced practice in Ham- 
mond, where he remained four years, and removed to Og- 
densburg in 1S50, where he has since been located. Dr. 
Morris went into the service during the late war as surgeon 
of the 91st N. Y. Infantry Volunteers, and served through 
the war. He was health officer for the village of Ogdens- 
burg in 1854, and had a long experience with Asiatic 
cholera, which prevailed extensively in that year. 

Dr. J. H. Benton was born in the town of Antwerp (at 
Oxbow), Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1823. Read medi- 
cine with Dr. Trowbridge, of Watcrtown. Attended lec- 
tures at Willoughby college, Ohio, in 1846, and graduated 
at the University of Pennsylvania in 1848. Practiced two 
years in Blocklcy hospital. West Philadelphia. Practiced 
a few months at Oxbow, and removed to Ogdensburg in 

1851, where he has since remained. Had considerable ex- 
perience with cholera in 1854. 

Dr. C. C. Benton was born Aug. 20, 1828. Studied 
with Drs. Rosa and Trowbridge, of Watcrtown, N. Y., 
about three years. Was with Prof. William E. Horner, 
of Philadelphia, three years, and subsequently with Prof. 
Gibson, of the same city, four years. Both these gentle- 
men are eminent in their profession. He graduated in 
1850. Left Philadelphia in 1854. Traveled in Europe, 
and visited the hospitals of Paris, London, and Edinburgh 
in 1851. Settled at Oxbow in 1854, and practiced until 
1875, when he removed to Ogdensburg. Dr. Benton has 
a fine and well-selected cabinet of minerals and curiosities 
from various parts of the world ; the minerals mostly from 
the neighborhood of Rossie. 

Dr. James S. Raymond was born in Potsdam, N. Y"., 
July 13, 1827. Studied with Dr. J. H. Laughlin, of 
Ogdensburg. Attended lectures at Albany medical col- 
lege. Spent a year at Harvard college, and also Massachu- 
setts general hospital. Took a six months' course, and 
graduated at Philadelphia college of medicine in February, 

1852. Practiced a short time in Kentucky, aud removed 
to Algonac, St. Clair Co., Mich., where he resided for 
nearly eighteen years. Removed to Ogdensburg in 1 869, 
where he has been in practice, and in the drug and medi- 
cine trade, since. 

Dr. Charles C. Bartholomew was born in Waddington, 
St. Lawrence County, IMay 16, 1846. Studied with Dr. 
J. H. Bartholomew at Lansing, Mich. Attended one term 
at Ann Arbor, and graduated at Bellevue hospital college, 
N. Y., in 1870. Commenced practice in Ogden.sburg the 
same year, and has since resided there. Dr. Bartholomew 
is at present president of the St. Lawrence County medical 
society. 

Dr. Robert Boyd was born at Kingston, Ontario, in 
1844. Graduated at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1871 ; also at 



HISTORY OF 8T. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



173 



Bishop's university, Montreal, in ] 877. Located in Ogdens- 
burf; in 1872. Practiced for a short time in 1871-72 in 
WashinfTfon Co., Wis. Since 1872 has been in constant 
practice in Ogdcnsburg. 

There are two other physicians in tlie successful practice 
of their profession in Ogdensburg, belonging to the old 
school, — Dr. Fred. Geare and Dr. J. IL Brownlow, — of 
whom we we have not been able to procure data. 

Among the early physicians of the old school who prac- 
ticed in Ogdcnsburg may be mentioned Drs. Seeley, Jud- 
son, Canfield, Dr. Albert Tyler, Dr. H. D. Laughlin, Dr. 
Crawe, Dr. Mayo,* and Dr. N. W. Howard. Dr. Seeley 
practiced previous to 1835. Dr. Tyler probably earlier. 
He afterwards removed to Washington, D. C. 

Dr. Laughlin died in 1864. Dr. Crawe was from Water- 
town, and returned to that city. Dr. Howard has been 
prominently identified with the city schools for many 
years, and has not practiced his profession since 1855 to 
any extent. 

There are probably others well deserving of mention, but 
of whom we have not been able to obtain the necessary 
data. Many of them will be found in the records of the 
medical societies, and in Chapter X. of this work. 

PHYSICIANS — HOMfEOrATHIC. 

The homoeopathic physicians are Dr. D. E. Southwick 
and Dr. N. N. Child, for an account of whom see biogra- 
phies. 

DENTISTS. 

The resident dentists in Ogdcnsburg are Dr. John Au.s- 
tin, D.D.S , who has practiced for about thirty years ; Dr. 
S. S. Blodgett, D.D.S., for nearly the same period ; Dr. J. 
T. Newell, D.D.S., about fourteen years ; Dr. B. F. Mal- 
lory, D.D.S., and Dr. T. B. Perpignan, D.D.S.,— both the 
last-mentioned only a short time. 

THE OGDENSBURG POST-OFFICE. 

A post-office was first established at Ogden.?burg in 1807, 
during Mr. Jefferson's administration, and Louis Hasbrouck 
was appointed the first postmaster, and held the office until 
1829, through the administrations of Jeffi^rson (partly), 
Madison, Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. During Mr. 
Hasbrouck's administration the office was located on the 
'• Triangle" block, belonging to him. at the foot of Ford 
street. 

Upon the incoming of President Jackson's administra- 
tion Ransom 11. Giilet was appointed postmaster in the 
spring of 1829, and held the office until 1833, when Pres- 
ton King succeeded him during General Jackson's second 
term, and probably held it until the close of Sir. Van 
Buren's term, in 1841. Under the Harrison-Tyler admin- 
istration Piatt B. Fairchild filled the position, and during 
this time the office was located on the south side of Ford 
street. Under Mr. Polk, in 1845, Joseph M. Doty was 
appointed, and served a part of the term, when he was re- 
moved, and Luke Baldwin appointed in his place, and con- 
tinued to the spring of 1849. Under him the office was 
located on State street, where the meat-market now is. In 



1849, under the Taylor-Fillmore administration, George 
Robinson was appointed, and performed the duties of the 
position until the close of 1852, when Luke Baldwin was 
again appointed under Mr. Pierce, and continued until 1856. 
Thomas Bacon was postmaster under Mr. Buchanan, from 
1857 to 1861. 

Under Abraham Lincoln's first administration Robert 
Atcheson held the office until August, 1863, when R. G. Pet- 
tibone succeeded him, and continued to July, 1872, when he 
resigned in favor of Dr. Socrates N. Sherman, who held it 
from that date until his death in February, 1873, when 
Mr. Pettibone was again appointed, and has held it to the 
present time. 

The office has been located in the U. S. Government 
building since its completion, and is fitted up iu every re- 
spect equal to the best offices in the Union. The building 
is the finest in northern New Y^ork."!" 

A money-order department was established in November, 
1864, and the first order was issued on the second day of 
that month. 

During the year ending June 30, 1877, the amount of 
orders drawn was about S38,000, and of those paid during 
the same period not for from S50,000. 

The value of stamped envelopes and postage-stamps sold 
for year ending Dec. 31, 1877, was $10,335.88. 

Number of registered letters sent, 7476 ; number of 
registered letters received, 9828. There are eight daily 
mails each way, and the number of pouches and sacks 
handled during the year amounts to about 12,000 each 
way. 

The office contains 1370 boxes and 369 drawers, both 
kinds being furnished with locks and keys. 

The office belongs to the third class, and the postmaster's 
salary is ^1800 per annum, with liberal allowance for clerk 
hire. The present force consists of R. G. Pettibone. post- 
master, and Lewis B. Leonard, assistant postmaster, with 
three clerks. The office in every respect is a model one, 
and, next to Watertown, transacts the heaviest business in 
the northern part of the State. 

HOTELS. 

The Seymour House, on the southeast corner of Ford 
and State streets, is the most prominent in the city. It 
was erected in 1842 and 1851, and was originally called the 
St. Lawrence hotel. The front on State street is 132 feet, 
and on Ford, 94 feet. It contains about 100 rooms, and is 
finely furnished throughout. Proprietor, F. J. Tallman. 

The Woodman House, on State street, is a good, com- 
fortable hotel, containing about 40 rooms, well arranged and 
ventilated and convenient to business. Most of the travel- 
ing troupes stop at this house. Proprietor, John Har- 
rington. 

The Johnson House is situated near the Ogdensburg and 
Lake Champlain depot, corner Ford and Patterson streets. 
It does a good business during the boating season, and is 
well kept by N. P. Keeler. 

The National hotel, corner of Ford and Catherine .streets, 
is one of the early stone buildings of the city, and convc- 



' Dr. Mayo is now in the United States navv. 



t For description, sec Chapter X. 



174 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



niently located to the ferry and Rome, Watertown and 
Ogdensburg railway. Proprietor, Wm. Owen. 

The New York House is in the west division, near the 
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railway di'pot. Pro- 
prietor, W^ni. Elliott. 

The Oswegatchie House is also in the west division, corner 
of Lake and Main streets. Proprietor, C. Jillson. 

These are the principal hotels, and do the bulk of the 
business. Besides these there are others in various parts 
of the city, in all fifteen that are licensed. 

HALLS. 

There are four commodious public halls in the city, some 
of them fitted up fur theatricals. These are the town-hall, 
Eagle hall, Lyceum hall, and Union hall. 

BUSINESS BLOCKS. 

Ogdensburg can boast of an unusual number of fine and 
improving business buildings, many of them recently con- 
.structed and elegantly finished. They are generally four 
stories in height, a few only being two and three stories, and 
constructed of brick and stone. 

Prominent among the blocks are three belonging to the 
Judson property, — Eagle, Gilbert, Granite (^built of siliceous 
limestone, but somewhat resembling dark granite), — two 
fine ones belonging to W. B. Allen, Barber and Ashley's, two 
belonging to the Hasbrouck estate, James', Pope's, two be- 
longing to Gibbs, and Green's, Rockwell's, and Nevins", — • 
the last three on the west side of the Oswegatchie river. 

MASONIC. 

Extract from an address delivered by E. M. Holbrook, 
February, 1874, at the dedication of the present lodge-room 
of the order in Ogdensburg : 

" It is eminently proper upon this occasion that a refer- 
ence should be made to the birth and growth of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity in this locality, and its present status, as 
well as that in this State and the United States. 

" The first lodge of Freemasons in Ogdensburg was or- 
ganized in 1809. A meeting of the Masons in that place 
was held at the house of Horatio G. Berthrong, situate at 
the place where the Seymour House now stands, on the 
22d of March, 1809. There were present on that occasion 
Bros. John Tibbits, Jr., Nathan Golf, Horatio G. Berthrong, 
Andrew McCollum, Joseph York, Bethuel Houghton, 
John Calkins, Samuel Fairehilds, Henry Berthrong, Samuel 
Chancy, David Cofiin, and Palmer Cleveland. Steps were 
then taken for the organization of a lodge. 

" At the quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge 
held Sept. 6, 1809, a charter was obtained, and a lodge was 
here constituted, under the name of St. Lawrence Lodge. 
The following-named brothers were the first oflicers : Pal- 
mer Cleveland, W. M. ; Bethuel Houghton, S. W. ; John 
Tibbits, Jr., J.W. ; D. M. Lewis, Treas. ; Joseph York, Sec. ; 
H. G. Berthrong, S. D. ; Orin Ives, J. D. ; Samuel Fair- 
child, Tyler. 

" At the annual communication held Dec. 27, 1810, 
Bethuel Houghton was elected W. 5L, and served one 
year, when Palmer Cleveland was elected his successor, and 
.served the lodge in that capacity for several years. On 



account of the war between the United States and Great 
Britain, and the disturbed state of society and business 
consR(|aent to the hostilities between those countries in 
this locality, no meetings of the lodge were held between 
Dec. 28, 1812, and March 14, 1816. On April 18, 1816, 
a meeting was held and the lodge revived, and its meetings 
continued. 

" Unfortunately, the records of the lodge, from July 16, 
1816, to May 9, 1822, have been lost, and a history of the 
lodge between those dates cannot be given. That it con- 
tinued in harmony and was prosperous is evinced from the 
register, which shows a membership of 57, among whom 
were Silvester Gilbert, Amos Bacon, John Fine, George 
N. Seymour, J. W. Smith, Erastus Vilas, Rawlings Web- 
ster, A. C. Low, and many others of the most influential 
citizens of this place. 

"During the year 1822, Amos Bacon served the lodge 
as Master. On Nov. 28, 1822, Silvester Gilbert was chosen 
W. M., serving as such one j'ear. On Dec. 18, 1823, l| 
Abiram Kingsbury was elected his successor, and held the 
office one year. 

" On June 16, 1824, on invitation of the building com- 
mittee of the Presbyterian church in Ogdensburg, the lodge 
laid the corner-stone of their edifice with the usual Masonic 
ceremotiies. 

" At the annual communication held Dec. 9, 1824, Joseph 
W. Smith was elected and installed W. M., and served one 
year. 

" At the next annual communication, held Dec. 1, 1825, 
Silvester Gilbert was again elected W. M., but, dccliuing 
to serve, he was excused by the lodge, and George Guest 
was elected and installed. He continued in office until 
Dec. 14, 1826, when Abiram Kingsbury was elected his 
successor, and served one year. At the annual communi- 
cation held Dec. 6, 1827, George Guest was again elected 
and installed W. M. He was re-elected at the next annual 
communication, and continued to serve the lodge in that 
capacity until and including the regular communication of 
Feb. 19, 1829, when the lodge was practically disbanded, 
and its meetings discontinued, — the ' Morgan' disturbance 
at that time subjecting the brethren to bitter persecution 
and social and political proscription. I 

" The first meetings of the lodge were held in the upper 
story of the stone dwelling on the corner of Isabella and 
Washington streets, the residence of the late Hamilton 
Stewart. This room was occupied for many years. 

" Afterwards the upper story of the Bollis store, on 
Ford street, then the property of the late Amos Bacon, 
was fitted up, and occupied as long as St. Lawrence Lodge 
existed. After the ces.sation of meetings of the lodge on 
account of the ' Morgan' difficulties, St. Lawrence Lodge 
ceased to exist, and for a period of eighteen years there 
were no regular meetings of Freemasons in this place. In 
June, 1847, a di.^pensation was issued by the JIaster of 
INIasons of New York to certain brethren here to organize a 
lodge, to be known as Ogdensburg Lodge. 

" The first meeting under that dispensation was held 
July 22, 1847, with the following officers: G. Grant, W. 
M. ; S. Gilbert, S. W. ; Royal Vilas, J. W. ; R. D. Searle, 
Treas. ; Abijah Abbott, Sec. ; Joel Mack, S. D. ; R. Web- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



175 



stcr, J. D. The brothers continued to hold their meetings 
under the dispensation. March 7, 1848, the Grand Lodge 
granted warrant to Ogdcrisburg Lodge, No. 128. The fol- 
lowing were the first officers and members: George Gue.st, 
W. M. ; Silvester Gilbert, S. W. ; Royal Vila.s"^ J. W. ; 
R. D. Searle, Treas. ; Abijah Abbott, Sec. ; Joel Mack, 
S. 7). ; Rawlings Webster, J. D. ; Luman Newell, Tyler. 
Harry Odell, S. B. Janie.«, Roland Hack, R. Dudley, 
Thomas Atcheson, Joel Houghton, Archibald McGoodin, 
G. C. Stevens, A. JlcColIuni, Gabriel IMuneret, C. Ripley, 
L. Baldwin, John C. Hanley, Smith Low, (xriswold Enos, 
Harvey Church, George Boyd, T. G. Seward, John Young, 
S. C. Walker, William Gordon, and Robert Botliwell. 

" The lodge held its meetings in a room in the upper 
story of the old court-hou.se, which stood where the custom- 
house now stands, in connection with the Ogdensburg 
Chapter, No. 63, R. A. Masons. 

"On April 30, 1855, a committee was appointed by the 
lodge to confer with Mr. Averill as to a room for said 
lodge in the brick building then being constructed by him 
on Ford street. A satisfactory arrangement was not, how- 
ever, made, and on the 1 Itb of June, 1855, the proposition 
of our late Brother Royal Vilas, for the fourth story of his 
two brick stores, was accepted. Steps were immediately 
taken by the lodge and Ogdensburg Chapter, and rooms 
were there fitted up in Vilas block, and were dedicated on 
the evening of September 7, 1855, Rev. Mr. Tredway 
officiating. The lodge continued to hold its meetings in 
that block until January, 1874. . . . The following-named 
brethren have each served as W. M. of the lodge: 1840— 
50, George Guest; 1851-52, John Young; 1853, Luke 
Baldwin; 1854, Joel Mack; 1855, George A. French; 
1856, Edwin M. Holbrook ; 1857, James J). Raymond; 
1858, Heman F. IMillard; 1859, John D.Ransom; 1860, 
Charles S. Burt; 1861, Thomas Hall; 1862, John H. 
Fairchild ; 1863, Amos S. Partridge ; 1864, Jas. Thompson ; 
1866-67, Jas. H. Palmer; 1869, Geo. W. Mack; 1870-71, 
W. N. Cro.«s; 1872, R. Montgomery; 1873-74, A. W. 
Lord, and Richard L. Seaman, the present Master. Of 
those who have served as W. M.'s of Ogdensburg Lodge, 
all who preceded the speaker, and Brothers Jlillard, Ran- 
som, Fairchild, and Mack, who succeeded him, have died, 
and the wind on this February night sighs its weird and 
mournful reijuieni over their snow-clad graves. Of the 
others, besides the speaker, W. Brothers Cross, Mont- 
gomery, and Lord are alone members of the Ogden.sburg 
Lodge, — W. Brothers Raymond, Bush, Hall, and Partridge 
being demitted, and W. Brothers Thompson, Hanna, 
Palmer, Studholm having each become a member of Aca- 
cean Lodge, No. 705. 

"Since the organization of the Ogdensburg lodge, some 
three hundred and sixty have been raised to the sublime de- 
gree of Master Masons, and the membership of said lodge 
at its last return in June. 1874, was one hundred and forty- 
eight. The whole number uu its register is four hundred 
and sixty-two. 

"On Jlarch 16, 1870, the members of Ogdensburg 
brother lodges petitioned for a dispensation for a new 
lodge at this place, to be known as Acacean Lodge. A 
dispensation was granted, with the following officers: M. 



Bretans, W. M. ; James Raymond, S. W. ; W. L. Proc- 
tor, J. W. 

" At the annual convocation of the Grand Lodge in 
1870, a warrant was granted to Acacean Lodge, No. 705, 
with the following as officers: C. H. Butrick, W. M.; 
James S. Raymond, S. W. ; W. L. Proctor, J. W. The 
lodge was constituted and dedicated by Rev. Brother Havens, 
D. D. G. Master, on the 20th day of September, 1870, and 
has continued until last month to meet in the hall recently 
occupied by Ogdensburg Lodge. The following have been 
W. M.'s of Acacean Lodge since its warrant : C. H. Bost- 
wick, 1870-73; M:S. Leo, 1874; W. Brother Gates Curtis, 
a member of Acacean Lodge, was W. M. of De Peyster 
Lodge; W. Brother M. C. Loomis, also a member of Aca- 
cean Lodge, was W. M. of Brownsville Lodge ; W. Brother 
Butrick was also Master of Grass River Lodge in Madrid. 

" On Sept. 18, 1818, a meeting of R. A. Masons was held 
to organize a chapter, and the following were named as 
officers: H. P., S. Gilbert, K. ; Amos Bacon, Scribe. A 
dispensation was granted at a convocation of the Grand 
Chapter of the State of New York, held February, 1819. 
A warrant was granted on May 27, 1819. On May 27, 
1819, the chapter was instituted and dedicated at the old 
court-house, the Rev. A. G. Baldwin acting as G. H. P., 
and who delivered an address. A collation was served at 
the hou.se of William Warner. The first exaltation was 
on the 5th of July, 1819, when Brothers Harvey, Church, 
A. Kingsbury, and William Warren were duly exalted to 
the most sublime degree of Royal Arch Masons. The 
meetings of the chapter were regularly held up to, and 
including, Nov. 27, 1827, when the following were elected 
officers and installed : S. Gilbert, H. P. ; G. W. Kruger, 
K. ; George Guest, S. 

"Since the organization of the chapter, up to this date, 
the exaltations were some sixty. 

" There does not appear to have been any further meet- 
ings of the chapter for a period of about twenty-two years. 

"In 1848 the following companions petitioned for a re- 
vival of the chapter : S. Gilbert, George Guest, Rawlings 
Webster, Henry Church, S. G. Seward, L. Baldwin, R. D. 
Searle, S. B. James, and R. Dudley. 

" At a convocation of the Grand Chapter of the State of 
New York, Feb. 7, 1849, the prayer of the petitioners was 
sranted, and the warrant renewed. 

" On the 3d of March, 1849, some of the petitioners 
met in the office of Mr. Van Rensselaer, at the corner of 
State and Green streets, and a committee was appointed to 
confer with the Ogden.sburg lodge, with reference to a 
room. Arrangements were subsequently made, and on the 
8th of March, 1849, the chapter commenced its regular 
convocation in the hall in the old court-house. The meet- 
ings continued to be held there until September 7, 1855, 
when they were held in the hall in Royal Vilas' block, 
and have been held there until last month. 

"The following have been High Priests of said chapter 
since its reorganization in February, 1849 : S. Gilbert, 
1849-55; E. M. Holbrook, 1856-59, '61, '66-73; J. H. 
Fairchild, 1860-62; C. S. Burt, 1864; N. Lewis, 1865; 
Joseph Studholm, 1874 ; and the speaker is the High Priest 
for the present year. 



Kfi 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Companions Burt, Studholm, and the speaker are the 
only surviviiii; llii:li Priests since tlie cliapter was formed in 
1819. The exaltations in the chapter since its reorgani- 
zation in 1849 have been 150, and its present membership 
is 70. 

" A dispensation was granted in March, 1871, to certain 
petitioners for a commandery of Knights Templar in this 
city. The dispensation was not acted upon the first year, 
and was renewed by the Grand C'oininandcry in October, 

1872. In the following July a connnandtM-y under dispen- 
sation was orgaiiizod by R. H Joseph H. Chaffee, Grand 
Lecturer of the Grand Coniman<lery, and continued its 
work until October, 1873, when, at the annual conclave of 
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State 
of New York, a warrant was given to Ogdensburg Com- 
mandery, No. 54, Knights Templar. The commandery 
was instituted and dedicated under its warrant, December, 

1873, by R. Em. Jolm S. Perry, Grand Treasurer. 

" The following are the present officers of .«aid com- 
mandery : E. M. Holbrook, E. C. ; Jas. Thompson, Genl. ; 
Joseph Studholm, Capt. Gen.; C. H. Butrick, Prelate; N. 
P. Woolley, Treas. ; G. Boswell, Ree. ; T. H. F. Robert- 
son, S. W ; W. B. Hutchinson, J. W. ; D. Hanna, Sd. B. ; 
J. E. Willson, St'nd. B. ; D. Bowen, Warder; Gates Cur- 
tiss, J. S. Raymond, Guards; W. A. Butler, J. Behre, 
Sentinels." 

Since 1874 the Masonic organizations in the city have 
been in a prosperous condition, and, notwithstanding the 
times, have been gradually increasing in membership. 

OGDENSBDRG LODGE, NO. OS, I. 0. O. P., 

was organized with eight cliarter members, Feb. 24, 1847. 
The original number of the lodge was " 273." Upon the 
union of the two Grand Lodges of the State this lodge was 
granted a new charter, and the number was changed to 
"98.' The following are the names of the original mem- 
bers of the society: John B. Haggert, Henry W. Smith, 
Joseph M. Doty, George Boyd, Frank B. Hitchcock, F. 
M. Humphrey, A. M. Hepburne, and George W. Durgin. 

The following officers were elected at the first meeting of 
the society : John B. Haggert, N. G. ; Andrew Hepburne, 
V. G. ; Henry M. Smith, Sec. ; George Boyd, Treas. ; Joseph 
M. Doty, P. Sec. Thirteen persons were duly initiated mem- 
bers of the .society at the first meeting. This is the only 
lodge at present within the county, and has been in a pros- 
perous condition since its organization. Tlieir lodge room 
is one of the finest in the State. 

The present officers of the society are as follows : L. M. 
Sopher, N. G. ; Henry S. Lightall, \. G. ; Jacob Boston, 
R. S.; Francis Corry, Treas. ; Benjamin Wells, Permanent 
Secretary. 

OGDENSBURG ENCAMPMENT, NO. 32, I. O. O. F., 

was organized April 23, 1861, with the following charter 
members: Francis Corry, Elijah White, II. F. Millard, 
Alexander Matheson, T. C. Atcheson, M. Lewis, and Jos. 
Thompson. The officers elected at the first meeting were : 
Elijah White, C. P. ; M. Lewis, H. P. ; Joseph Thomp- 
son, S. W. ; Alexander Matheson, J. W. ; Francis Corry 



Scribe. Meetings are held regularly in the rooms occupied 
by tlie lodge. 

The present officers are : F. N. Burt, C. P. ; James 
Spear, H. P. ; Robert Wright, S. W. ; Laughlin W. Giles, 
J. W. ; Francis Corry, Scribe. 

OGDENSBURG DIVISIO.V, NO. 235, SONS OF TEMPERANCE, 
OF EASTERN NEW YORK, 

was organized March 27, 1847, the charter members being: 
George Boyd, Simeon Dillingham, Henry G. Foote, Andrew 
M. Hepburn, Henry Rockwell, Philo Abbott, Geo. Guest 
(2d),R. G. James, J. C. Hanley, Amasa W. Wooley, Geo. 
W. Durgin, L. R Storrs, John Burke, R. S. Armstrong, 
Philip Hergog. 

This is the only division in this section of the State be- 
longing to the Eastern Grand Division, and it is within the 
territory of the Western Grand Division. The division has 
been in a flourishing condition since its organization. The 
most prosperous meeting ever held in the Oswegatehie 
division was held March 26, 1874 ; the receipts from in- 
itiations alone amounting to one hundred and eight dollars. 
The society at that time numbered over four hundred 
members. 

The present officers of the society are : F. S. Ryan, W. 
P. ; W. A. Callaghan, W. A. ; Hugh Miller, R. S. ; E. 
Weaver, F. S. ; A. Callaghan, Treas.; R. Golden, I. S. ; 
David Mcintosh, 0. S. ; Miss M. F. Cook, A. C. ; Mrs. 
A. Callaghan, Chaplain. 

OGDENSBURG LODGE, NO. 285, I. O. G. T., 

was organized May 25, 1867, with the following charter 
members : G. S. Wriglit, P. H. Millard, C. H. Adams, A. 
N. Partridge, L. G. Cisdier, George R. Persons, C. Smith, 
Serena McCoy, J. N. Thompson, C. A. Webb, \. J. Mack, 
Louisa S. Smith, A. E. Foster, Jennie M. Briley, Helen 
Rutherford, H. E. Higby, E. L. Higby, W. L. Thompson, 
George R. Leonard, John Seeley, S. T. Duclos, and F. E. 
Persons. The following officers were elected at the first 
regular meeting of the society : W. L. Thompson, W. C. 
T.'; C. A. Webb, W. V. T. ; G. S. Wright, W. Chap. ; C. 
H. Adams, W. Sec. ; Serena McCoy, W. A. S. ; A. N. 
Partridge, W. F. S. ; Jennie M. Bailey, W. Treas.; G. R. 
Persons, W. M. ; F. E. Persons, W. D. M. ; Hattie E. 
Higby, W. L G. ; J. M. Thompson, W. 0. G. ; E. L. 
Higby, W. R. H. S. ; Helen Rutherford, W. L. H. S. ; 
P. H. Millard, P. W. C. T. 

Meetings were at first held in the lodge-room occupied 
by the Sons of Temperance. In July, 1872, they moved 
into the present lodge-room, which is commodious, finely 
furnished. During the year 1874 the society numbered 
over three hundred members. With the exception of a 
few weeks during the summer of 1877 meetings have been 
held regularly since its organization. The present officers 
arc as follows ; J. E. Fell, W. C. T. ; Louisa S. Smith, W. 
V. T. ; \Y. II. Wright, W. Sec. ; Ella Wilson, W. A. S. ; 
Charles Robinson, W. F. S. ; J. P. Wallace, AV. Treas. ; 
W. J. Knox, W. C. ; George Robinson, W. M. ; Nettie 
Sturdevant, W. D. M. ; Ella Golden, W. I. G. ; Fanny 
Moore, W. R. S. ; Ida Moore, W. L. S. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



177 



STATE ARMORY. 

The Strong stone building standing on the hill above the 
city water-works was built by the State in 1858, and used 
as a storc-liousc for old muskets and other ordnanec pre- 
viously used by the militia, and of little value. The prop- 
erty was purchased by the city after the War of the Rebel- 
lion, and the building is now used a.s a place in which to 
store the various tools belonging to the city, — plows, shovels, 
picks, scrapers, etc. On the south front of the building 
the tablet from Father Picquet's mission-house, built in 
1749, is set in the wall for preservation. Its rude lettering 
is much worn by the action of the elements, and cannot be 
read except by close scrutiny. 

PARKS. 

The city contains three very pleasant parks, one in the 
west and two in the east division. " Mansion" park, occu- 
pying the space inclosed by Ogden and Rensselaer streets, 
and Ford and New York avenues, in the west division, was 
donated to the village about 1852-53, and the trustees 
accepted it and fenced it in. No improvements were made 
in it until within "the past five years, but it is now neatly 
inclosed and well taken care of, and is a credit to the cily. 
A number of beautiful pines are within the inclosure, and 
lend much to its attractiveness. 

" Hamilton" park lies in the cast division, between 
Green, Knox, Hamilton, and Paterson streets, and is the 
square originally the old cemetery. It was converted into 
a park about the close of the War of the Rebellion, the 
remains having been removed to the city cemetery and 
other localities; some which were not claimed to the pot- 
ter's field. It is a little larger than Mansion park. 

" Central" or " River" park occupies the space along the 
bank of the Oswegatchie in front of the custom-house, 
and was conveyed to the city at a recent date by George 
Pari.sh. 

Many improvements have been made in all the parks, and 
the work of placing in them reservoirs and fountains is now 
going on. 

IRON BRIDGES. 

The Oswegatchie river is spanned within the city limits by 
two wrought iron-bridges, manufactured by the King bridge 
company, of Cleveland, Ohio ; the lower one, crossing from 
the foot of Ford street, was built in 1866, at a cost of about 
$22,500, including sub- and super-structures, approaches, 
etc. It consists of two spans of 11 1 feet each. The road- 
ways, two in number, are each 16 feet wide, and the two 
sidewalks 8 feet each. The upper bridge, connecting 
Fayette and Spring streets, was built in 1873, when mate- 
rial was much cheaper, and the company was doing a larger 
business. Its cost, including piers and abutments, was in 
the neighborhood of $20,000, the superstructure alone 
costing about $12,000. This bridge is 586 feet in length, 
and consists of five spans, averaging a trifle over 117 feet 
each. Two of the .shorter spans are 110 feet each, while 
the longest is 125 feet. It has a single ro.adway, IS feet 
in width, and two sidewalk?, each 5 feet wide. 

Seth G. Pope, Esq., of this city, who was instrumental 
in securing these bridges, has, as agent for the cnnipany, con- 
tracted for and built a number of them in other localities, 
23 



including a very substantial one at Waltham, Massachu- 
setts, differing somewhat in pattern from the two at Ogdens- 
burg. Of the latter the lower one has stood a great strain 
since it wa,s built, and it is more substantial than many 
others built by this company. 

OGDENSBURG FIRES. 

Ogdensburg, like many other towns and cities, has had its 
experience with fire. One of the most destructive confla- 
grations visited the city in 1873. It originated in a hard- 
ware astabli-shmcnt and tin-shop on Water street, below 
the Oswegatchie bridge, in a range of frame buildings, and 
spread with such rapidity and fury as soon to be beyond 
control. Buildings were burned on both sides of Water 
street, above and below the bridge, including those which 
occupied the site of the block now owned by Hon. A. B. 
James. 

The total loss was between one and two hundred thou- 
sand dollars, on which insurance was paid to the amount of 
about one hundred thousand dollars. It made a sad inroad 
into the business of the city, but a large share of the 
srround has since been covered with fine marble and brick 
edifices. 

There have been many minor fires, but this was by for 
the most serious since the great fire of 1S52. 

EXPRESS COMPANIES. 

There are two express companies having offices in the 
city, both in the stone building on State street formerly 
the Ogden.sburg bank, and both in charge of the .same 
agent, — C. P. Geer. They have occupied their present 
location since about 1873. The companies are the " Ameri- 
can" and the •' U. S. and Canada." 



The Ogdensburg city band was originally organized in 
1860 ; it wa.s reorganized under its present name in 187-1, 
and consists of sixteen pieces. It is a fine corps of musi- 
cians, and an honor to the city. Its oflacers are : Leader, 
D. H. Bowen, who has held the position since 1874, he 
having effected the new organization ; President, Hugh 
McCaffrey ; Secretary and Treasurer, James Doyle. 

The La Fayette band was organized in 1874, under the 
direction of Rev. Father La Rose, of the French church. It 
has seventeen instruments, of which but a portion are in 
use, and the membership is at present (December, 1877) 
quite small. iMost of its members belong to the laboring 
class, and are changing often on account of not being able 
to find constant employment. 

FERRIES. 

The early ferries on the St. Lawrence between Ogdens- 
burg and Prescott, Canada, were row- and sail-boats, and 
these continued in use until perhaps about the year 1830, 
when Eli Lusher put on a steam ferry. Isaac Plumb and 
his nephews, Charles, Lewis R,, Ward, and Isaac, succeeded 
Lusher, and continued the business down to 1874, when 
Charles Lyon bought the equipment, and has continued 
it since. Isaac and Ward Plumb are the present cap- 
tains on the two boats, one of which plie; direct between 



178 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the two cities, tlic other (the" Transit") being employed by 
the Oi^dciisburg and Lake Chauiplain railway couii)aiiy in 
conveying freight cars and passengers between the railway 
depols. Messrs. Plumb also own the steamer " Henry 
Plumb." 

These ferries pay a license on both the American and 
British sides of the river. They have been so carefully 
managed that there has never been a serious accident since 
their first establishment. The passenger traffic is exten- 
sive at this point, and the boats make trips every forty 
minutes, at ten cents per head for each passenger, until 
December 1, when the charge is twenty-five cents. A large 
amount of stock and poultry is also handled here, passing 
mostly from the Dominion to the United States. 

MUSEUM. 

Among the places of note in Ogdensburg worthy of in- 
vestigation the museum of General Roscius W. Judson de- 
serves special mention. The general was evidently born 
with an extraordinary and remarkably discriminating taste 
for mementos and relics of " ye olden time," and espoeially 
for everything that would perpetuate the memory of Amer- 
ican heroes and statesmen of the Revolutionary period. 
From his boyhood he has been engaged in gathering, from 
every available source, objects of interest and curiosity of 
every description, and whose history covered the period 
from the ages when this region was occupied by the pre- 
historic people down to the present time. 

His collection of ancient implements of numerous varie- 
ties, found principally in northern New ITork, and largely 
in St. Lawrence County, is very complete, and many of the 
specimens arc exquisitely wrought and ornamented. The 
ancient stone axes are ponderous weapons, that in the hands 
of the powerful men who wielded them must have been 
well-nigh irresistible, and the beautifully finished gouges, 
knives, and images evince a sUill and intelligence that put 
to shame all the efforts of the red race known as Indians, 
and prove beyond a doubt the existence of an ancient peo- 
ple upon this continent, who possessed a remarkable degree 
of civilization. 

Supplementary to these ancient curio-sitics is a fine col- 
lection of Indian implements of war, of husbandry, and of 
the chase, — hatchets, flint arrow- and spear-heads, pipes, 
household utensils, etc. The articles representing the civil, 
military, and domestic life of the colonies, and of the sub- 
sequent union of States, are in wonderful variety ; and, what 
is sometimes lacking in more noted collections, an authentic 
description is furnished with each particular piece or speci- 
men, and they are known to be genuine. 

A special enumeration of the 3000 specimens which 
make up this unique and wonderful collection we have not 
space to furnish, but to every admirer of lime-worn relics 
and rare curiosities from the battle-fields of the republic, 
and from every department of human industry and inven- 
tion, we Would .say, go and see General Judson's collection. 
It is free to all, and the most jiolite, affable, and courteous 
gentleman in the land will delight to explain everything to 
you in his inimitable way. 

The collection deserves to liave a fireproof building 
erected for its safe-keeping, and the citizens of Ogdensburg 



will do honor to themselves by making provision for pre- 
serving it in tlu- interests of their historic city. 

SCUOOLS. 

The earliest school of which we have any record is men- 
tioned in the following memorandum by Mr. Joseph Ros- 
secl, dated Nov. 24, 1800: "Upon application of some of 
our villagers, I have granted the house destined for Captain 
Cherry's bivouac as the place for the use of a school fcir 
upwards of thirty children, whose parents have engaged 
Mr. Richard Hubbard fiir a teacher." Mr. II. was from 
Charlestown, N. H., and the number of his scholars, at first 
only about six, increa.sed very soon to double that number. 
The place having been found too small, a dwelling-house 
was next used for a while, and not long after a small school- 
house was built. The village was included in one district 
until about ISoU— 37, when it was divided into three dis- 
tricts : two on the east side and one on the west side of the 
Oswogatchie river. 

A stone school building was erected as early as 1820-25, 
on Knox street, corner of Caroline street, in which schools 
weie taught up to 1850, when the ffrst of the present 
school buildings was erected on Franklin street, known now 
as No. 1. 

The trustees at that time were Dr. S. N. Sherman, A. B. 
James, and Otis Glynn. This building was a vast improve- ^ 
ment on those of form.er years, and accoumiodated 450 I 
scholars. It cost, complete, about S3000. We are unable 
to give the names of tlie early teachers in the old districts, 
as the records were destroyed by fire, but Dr. B. F. Sher- 
man recollects that a young man by the name of Cleghorn 
taught in the old stone building on Knox street, about 
183U. Dr. B. F. Sherman was himself a teacher, and 
taught his first term in the building now No. 2, then num- 
bered 22, on Washington street. He afterwards taught in 
the old stone building, his last term being in 1840, when 
he abandoned teaching for the study and practice of the 
medical profession. 

The three districts established in 1836-37 wore num- 
bered with other districts of the whole township, and were 
continued as originally organized initil the act consolidating 
the districts within what are now the limits of the city into 
one, which was passed in 1857. By this act the graded 
system, or at least something approximating it, was estab- 
lished, the schools being divided into primary and second- 
ary, and an institute, which furnished all the advantages 
of a high school. This latter was abolished in 1871. and 
a grammar school substituted in its stead. The project of 
establishing a high school is under discussion, and is quite 
likely to be adopted .sooner or later, which st«p would com- 
plete the schools upon the graded .system, and enable pupils 
holding diplomas to enter the higher institutions of learning. 

The school buildings of the city, with their location, ma- 
terial, and date of erection, are as follows : 

No. 1, on Franklin street, built of brick in 1850. 

No. 2, on Washington street, of brick, built in 1854. 
Occupied also for grammar school. 

No. 3, on Park street, of brick, built in 1853. 

No. 4, on New York avenue, of stone, built in 1856. 

No. 5, in east part of city, rebuilt of brick. 




-C^-^o^ 



The suDJect of this sketch was born in Marlborough, N. H., 
Dec. 17, 1804. He was eldest child of a family of nine children 
of James and Lucy Wheelock, both natives of New Hampshire. 

His father, born May 15, 1770, was a lineal descendant of 

Wheelock, who came to this country from England about the year 
1635, in company with his two brothers. 

His mother was youngest child of William Barker, and was 
born July 22, 1780. William Barker was of English birth, and 
came with his brother John, the former settling in the town of 
Marlborough, N. H., being the first white settler of that town, and 
before the town had a name. The latter settled in Lester, Vt., and 
both remained on the land upon which they first settled until their 
death. His father was a farmer by occupation, and being in 
moderate circumstances was only able to give his children any- 
thing more than a common school education. When William was 
about ten years of age his father, with his family, moved to Pitts- 
ford, Rutland county, Vt., and in the year 1836 removed, with three 
of the youngest children, and settled in the town of De Peyster, 
this county, where the father and mother lived until their death, 
he dying May 31, 1855, his wife dying Sept. 11, 1849. 

Until William was nineteen years of age he worked on the farm 
with his father, and then in the year 1824, having previously 
bought his time until he should become of age of his father for 
one hundred dollars, and with his pack on his back, came on foot 
all the way from Pittsford to take up his home in the wilderness. 
Coming to the town of De Peyster, St. Lawrence County, he took 
jobs chopping timber land at five dolhirs per acre, and as soon as he 
had saved the money he went back to the parental roof, paid his 
debt, and by this first speculation gained one year's time for himself. 
Returning to this county, he spent several years clearing land, and 
then engaged as superintendent with the contractors of the Rideau 
canal. After a short time he entered as a partner with Mr. Clif- 
ford as contractors in building some six locks on the canal. Suc- 
cessful in this operation, he went to Maryland, 1832, and contracted 
to build the aqueduct across Catockton creek for the Chesapeake 
and Ohio canal. He next built the viaduct across the same stream 
for tlic Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Successful in these opera- 
tions, he again returned to this county, purchased in all some four 
hundred and thirty-eight acres of land in the town of De Peyster, 
and began farming. Remained on his farm only a short time, and 
an the year 183(3 came to Ogdensburg and built the canal in the 
city for the Ogdensburg water-power company. In 1837 he took 



charge of the Rossie lead mines for the Rossie lead mining com- 
pany, James Averill being president, David C. Judson being vice- 
president. At the end of four years he engaged with George 
Parish to take care of his iron mines, furnaces, ore beds, and wood- 
lands in the town of Rossie ; and, while employed by him, built 
the large furnace, grist-mill, foundry (largest north of Utica), 
machine-shop, and all the brick buildings in Rossie excej)t the 
hotel, and made the entire castings for the Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain railroad ; and at the close of his services with him re- 
ceived not only his entire approbation, but a substantial present, 
not only increasing the value of his employer's property, but suc- 
cessful for himself. 

After fourteen years he returned to his farm, where he remained 
until 1866. Sold his farm, and after one year came to Ogdensburg, 
where he has since resided. Mr. Wheelock has been a successful 
business man, was representative in whatever he turned his atten- 
tion to, and while a farmer took the second prize for the best farm 
in the county, awarded by the judges appointed by the agricultural 
society of the county, and at the present time ranks with the first 
in all its improvements. 

In politics, Mr. Wheelock has been a life-long Democrat, but 
was never active as a politician. In the year 1835, at the age of 
thirtj'-one, he married Mi.ss Susan Adelia, daughter of Daniel and 
Abigail Dike, of Chittenden, Rutland county, Vt. Her father 
was the first male child born in the town, and was son of Captain 
Jonathan Dike, of Scottish birth. Her mother (whose maiden 
name was Mitchell) was a native of Easton, Mass. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock are members of the Presbyterian 
society of Ogdensburg. He has contributed liberally for the sup- 
port of church and school, and has been active in any measure 
looking towards the education of the masses and the building up 
of good society wherever he has been located. 

Coming into the county in its early days of settlement, Mr. 
Wheelock has watched the progress of improvement in the various 
branches of industry of the county ; a man of strong personal 
character, ambitious in all business operations with which he was 
connected, he, as an employee, retained the full confidence of those 
whom he served, and iis a manager of his own business commanded 
the respect of all associated under him. He is a plain, unassuming 
man, largely interested and well versed in the important topics of 
his day, and possessing that good, sound judgment common to the 
self-made men of St. Lawrence County. 



I 



i 



I 



1 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



179 



No. 6, on Fayette .street, of stone, built in 1864. 

No. 7, on Barre street, of brick, built about 18G8. 

No. 8, corner Ford avenue and Pine street, of brick, 
built in 1870. 

No. 9, on Knox street, of wood, rebuilt about 18G5. 
This buildiivj; was formerly u.sed as a fire-engine bouse. 

In these buildinf;s during the past year there have been 
taught twenty-four schools during an average of ten months. 
There were employed in all twenty-four teachers and throe 
assistants. The wages of teachei's range from thirty to 
seventy dollars per month, and assistants receive five dollars 
per week. 

Attendance. — The attendance for the year ending March 
30, 1877, was as follows: spring term, 1221 ; fall term, 
12(i4; winter term, 1271. Average attendance during 
spring term, 957 ; average attendance during fall term, 
1028 ; average attendance during winter term, 1097.* 

Valuation. — The total valuation of school property, in- 
cluding sites, according to State superintendent's report for 
1875, was 553,914. During the year repairs and improve- 
ments wore made on No. 2 to amount of $1174.01. 

Library. — The library belonging to the schools is kept 
in the town-hall building. It is in charge of Miss Mary 
E. Baldwin, librarian, who receives a salary of fifty dollars 
per annum. The total number of books now in condition 
for circulation is 2959. The total receipts and expenditures 
by the board of education for the year were $20,559.07. 
In addition there were also seven private schools in the city, 
with an attendance of 1205 pupils. 

Dr. S. N. Sherman justly deserves the title of father of 
the Ogdensburg school system, for he labored faithfully and 
unremittingly from 1825 to the end of his life in the cause 
of the common schools, and was connected with them in 
some official capacity for many years. He was the first 
president of the board of education established by the act 
of 1857, and held the office continuously until he entered 
the army in 1861. He was elected by common consent as 
the most proper person to fill that important position, no 
one ever thinking of opposing him. He was instrumental 
in procuring the passage of the act consolidating the dis- 
tricts in Ogdensburg, and in erecting several of the fine 
buildings now in use. 

Succeeding him in the office of president have been 
George Parker, Henry Rockwell, Stillman Foote, E. N. 
Mcniam, Dr. N. W. Howard, and Robert ]\Iorris, the 
present incumbent. 

The .superintendents of the city schools have been Still- 
man Foote, John Magono, R. B. Lowry, and Dr. N. W. 
Howard. 

OGDENSBUlKi ACADEMY. 

An act of April 0, 18:5;!, directed that the money then 
in the hands of the supervisor and poor-masters ol' the town 
of Oswegatchic should be delivered up to D. C. Jud.son, S. 
Gilbert, G. N. Seymour, M. S. Daniel, and H. Thomas, 
who were appointed commissioners to receive these moneys, 
and enough more raised by tax upon the town to make 
82000 (on condition that a like sum were first subscribed 
in the village), and to purchase therewith a lot and build- 

* Total nu nber of children of school age in the city, 4159. 



ings for an academy, one room in the building being re- 
served for a town-hall. The inhabitants of each school 
district in town, not in the village, were entitled to credit 
on the tuition of any scholar from their district to the 
amount of the interest on the tax of the district. The 
sujiervisor and town clerk, and the president and clerk of 
the village, were made ex officio trustees of the academy, 
who were to audit the accounts of the commissioners and 
to fill vacancies. On the 24th of April, 1834, the trustees 
were empowered to grant licenses for a ferry across the St. 
Lawrence at the village, the rates and rules of which were 
to be established by the county court of common pleas. 
The income was to be paid over to the above commissioners, 
and when their term of office should expire, on the fulfill- 
ment of the duties for which they were appointed, to be 
paid to the treasurer of the academy. The rights thus 
granted were to continue ten years. 

On the 20tli of April, 1835, the academy was incorpo- 
rated with the following trustees: George Parish, John 
Fine, David Ford, David C. Judson, Henry Van Rensselaer, 
Royal Vilas, Bishop Perkins, Geo. N. Seymour, Baron S. 
Doty, Elijah B. Allen, William Bacon, Smith Stilwell, 
Sylvester Gillet, Amos Bacon, Thomas J. Davies, Joseph 
W. Smith, Ransijin H. Gilbert, James Averill (3d), Duncan 
Turner, George Ranney, Joseph Rosseel, Rodolphus D. 
Searle, Edmund A. Graham, James G. Hopkins, Silas 
Wright, Jr., William Ilogan, Gouverneur Ogden, George 
Redington, and Augustus Chapman, together with the 
supervisor and town clerk of the town of Oswegatehie, and 
the president and clerk of the trustees of the village of 
Ogden.sburg for the time being. They were clothed with 
the usual powers of such officers. Those who held by 
virtue of town or village office were to have the care of the 
town-hall. Previous to the passage of these acts an 
academic school had been established. On the 22d of 
May, 1834, the trustees, at a meeting held at Canton, fixed 
the rent of the ferry at $300 per annum for three years, 
commencing with the 1st of June. This rate has since 
been repeatedly changed. 

On the 8th of October, 1834, Taylor Lewis, of Water- 
ford, subsequently a professor of languages in New York 
university and professor of Greek and Latin in Union col- 
lege, was appointed the first, principal, with a salary of 
$600. On the following ]May the trustees resolved to have 
four departments in their schools, — two male and two fe- 
male. This arrangement was never fully cariied out. The 
first president of the board of trustees was David C. Jud- 
son. He was succeeded by John Fine. In the fall pf 
1837, Mr. Lewis was succeeded by James H. Coffin, after- 
wards vice-president and professor in Lafayette college at 
Easton, Pa. In February, 1838, Mr. Coffin was engaged 
for one year at gSOO, and on the 1st of April, 1839, a new 
agreement was made by which he was to receive whatever 
income might be derived from tuition, ferry, and literature 
fund, reserving a suflic-ient sum for repairs. In the spring 
of 1840 the Rev. J. A. Brayton was engaged, who con- 
tinued in charge of the school until September, 1843, when 
he resigned, and Mr. John Bradshaw was employed in 
November of the same year. He continued the principal 
of the institution tmtil the summer of 1849, when Messrs. 



ISO 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hart F. Lawrence and Roswell G. Pettibone entered jointly 
into an agreement with the trustees in which they assumed 
the care and government of the institution, receiving what- 
ever niiglit accrue from tuition, literature fund, and the 
ferry, excepting only sufiBcient to pay insurance and repairs. 
The Hon. John Fine, president of the board of tru.stces, 
filled this office for many years. Messrs. Lawrence and 
Pettibone continued tlie school to 1850, when Mr. Lawrence 
retired, and Mr. Pettibone continued it for about a year in 
his own name. In 1857 the legislature passed a special act 
whereby the schools of Ogdensburg were consolidated into 
one district, including the academy. 

The old academic building was originally erected in 
1819, and opened in 1820 as the St. Lawrence hotel. It 
stood on the corner of State and Knox streets, opposite the 
site of the new custom-house and post-office, then occupied 
by the old court-house. Upon the organization of the 
academy it was purchased by the commissioners, the village 
contributing one thousand dollars towards its purchase, and 
receiving the privilege therefor of the chapel for the u.se of 
town-meetings and elections. 

The building embraced apartments for a family, study, 
recitation-rooms, and a chapel. The school had a well- 
selected library and philosophical apparatus, and every Ai- 
cility for obtaining a good practical education. The only 
assistance the school ever received from the regents of the 
university was $250, on Feb. 28, 1845, for the purchase 
of apparatus. In the summer of 1851 a teachers' depart- 
ment was organized. 

The act of 1857 established substantially the graded 
8y.stem, including primary and secondary or intermediate 
schools, and an institute, with a board of education, a su- 
perintendent for all the schools, and a principal for the in- 
stitute. Under this arrangement the academy became the 
institute, which was continued in the same building until 
Oct. 21, 1854, when it was destroyed by fire. The insti- 
tute was then established in the school building No. 2, on 
Washington street, where it remained until discontinued in 
1871. 

Mr. Pettibone continued as principal until 1863, when 
he was succeeded by T. N. Brosnan. The following is be- 
lieved to be a correct list of those who have served subse- 
quently: R. B. Lowry, J. S. Grinnell, H. J. Porter, A. B. 
Hepburn, James O'Neil, C. E. Hawkins, W. H. Faulkner, 
C. F. Ainsworth, Mary E. Colleghan, A. B. Shepard (for 
a short time), and E. S. Lane. 

CHURCHES. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first permanent settlement at Ogdensburg was com- 
menced in 1790. In 1805 the first religious society was 
formed, under the title of the "first church and congreg-a- 
tion of Christ in the town of Oswegatchie." In September 
of that year a subscription of $393 was made out, payable 
half-yearly to the minister who should be called and settled. 
In Jan., 18(10, a call was sent through Rev. Isaac Snowdon, 
of New Hartford, then moderator of the presbytery of 
Oneida, to Rev. John Younglove, of that presbytery. It 
was signed in behalf of the congregation by Nathan Ford, 



L. Hasbrouck, and Thos. Davies, and promi.sed to pay the 
sum of $400 annual salary while Mr. Younglove should 
continue pastor. lie accepted, and labored fur a short time 
at this place. After his departure, and until after the War 
of 1812-15, there was no regular minister located here. 
The Rev. Mr. Smart, of Brockville, Canada, occasionally 
held services, and in Dec, 1811, a call was made to the 
Rev. Comfort Williams, who had previously labored here 
for a short time, offering him $000 per annum salary. This 
paper was made in due form, and signed by Nathan Ford, 
L. Hasbrouck, and John Lyon, trustees. Mr. Williams 
came, and continued until the war broke up and scattered 
the congregation. 

The meetings of the society were held at this time in the 
old court-house. The congregation was taken under the 
care of the presbytery of Oneida in 1806. 

Subsequent to the war correspondence was opened be- 
tween the congregation and tlie Oneida presbytery con- 
cerning stated preachers, but without success, until 1819. 
Occasional sermons were delivered by Rev. Jlr. Gerry, of 
Denmark, Samuel T. Mills, and Revs. Isaac Clinton, Phelps, 
and Dunlap. In Sept., 1816, the St. Lawrence presbytery 
was formed from Oneida, and this church was set off with 
others. Mr. John Lyon was the first delegate from the 
new body. Various clergymen officiated here from time to 
time, and services were maintained at the court-house. 
Judge Fine (who had settled in Ogdensburg in 1815) read- 
ing selected sermons. During the year 1817, Rev. Royal 
Phelps visited the place and ascertained the needs of the 
society, and whether it would be advisable to try and unite 
all the professing Christians in the place (about 30) in one 
body ; but society relations were adhered to, and matters 
remained as before. 

In October, Rev. Mr. Dunlap, a Presbyterian, from Low- 
ville, visited the place, and baptized Mr. Lincoln Morris, 
his wife, and three children. 

In the early part of 1919, the Rev. Barnabas Bruin, a 
tutor in Union college, was settled over the society, and the 
same year the first church edifice, called the " Gospel Barn," 
was erected, at a cost of $600. It stood on the corner of 
Ford and Caroline streets. A portion of this structure was 
afterwards converted into a dwelling. 

On Dee. 8, 1819, in that jilace of worship, the following 
eighteen persons — nine males and nine females — were organ- 
ized by Rev. Mr. Bruin into a society under the denomina- 
tion, faith, and government of the Presbyterian church in 
the United States, viz. : John Fine, John Bell, Isabella E. 
Bell his wife, John Elliott, Nathaniel Smith and his wife 
Susannah R. Smith, Benjamin Nichols and Lucy his wife, 
Chester Guerney, David R. Strachan, Mary E. Hubbell, 
Charlotte Spenser, Esther Rice, Philena Colfax, Wm. J. 
Guest and Juliana P. his wife, Christiana Eaton, and Geo. 
Oliver. The church was received tinder the care of the 
St. Lawrence presbytery. On Wednesday, Dee. 15, George 
Bell and John Fine were duly elected elders, and Sabbath, 
the 19tli, were ordained and in.stalled in their work. The 
Lord's Supper was administered the Sabbath after, being 
the first of the new year. The first meeting of the session 
occurred previous to the communion, on Dec. 27, 1819, at 
the hou.se of D. Turner, and Mr. Jared W. Spencer, Mrs. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



181 



Benjamin Wilson, and Mrs. E. Sykes were examined and 
received into full communion on profession of their faith. 
This was certainly a cheerful and hopeful beginning. Four 
days after, at a second meeting of the session, four others 
were also received on profession of their faith, viz. : Dun- 
can Turner and Isabella his wife, IMrs. Lincoln Morris, and 
Mrs. B. Nichols, Jr. Total, twenty-five. The following 
persons were elected trustees of the congregation : Nathan 
Ford, Duncan Turner, Wm. J. Guest, John Lyon, Joseph 
Rosseel, Wolcott Hubbell. 

Shortly after this Mr. Bruin, who was in feeble health, 
went away on a visit, declaring he believed his work was 
done. He had accomplished, by the blessing of God, more 
in one year than he had expected to in three or four. He 
thought his mission was closed. He returned to remain 
only a few days, and finally died in Connecticut, loved as a 
valued .servant of Christ, and lamented that his work should 
so soon be completed. 

The Rev. Isaac Clinton occupied the pulpit as a stated 
supply during the year 1820. He was previously settled 
at Lowville, and was a member of the St. Lawrence presby- 
tery. jMi'. and Mrs. Joseph Rosseel, five members of the 
Lyon family, and fourteen others were admitted to the 
church during the year, making a total of forty-six commu- 
nicants. 

On Sept. 22, 1820, Duncan Turner and Wm. J. Guest 
were elected elders, and ordained and installed on the fol- 
lowing Sabbath. 

In February, 1821, the Rev. James MoAuley, having 
been duly called, entered upon liis labors at a salary of $600 
jier year. 

Elder Wm. J. Guest died in 1823, at the age of forty- 
four years, greatly beloved and respected. 

In February, 1824, Joab Secly, Joseph Ro.sseel, and Sal- 
mon Smith were elected and installed elders of the church. 

The old stone church, the antecedent of the present 
stately edifice, was dedicated in 1825. The parsonage was 
erected in 1839. In 1848 the church was enlarged. The 
church and parsonage, with their improvements, cost alto- 
gether $19,750. 

Weekly prayer-meetings were instituted at an early day, 
and at first held in private dwellings, afterwards in a school- 
house standing where Dr. S. N. Sherman now resides. 
Subse(iuently thoy passed to the stone school-house on 
Knos street, now occupied as an office by ]\L-. H. Church, 
and thence to the old school-house in \Vashiiigton street, 
where they remained until the erection of the old lecture- 
room in 1849. 

The stone church spoken of above was commenced in 
1824. It was originally 72 by 48 feet in dimensions, which 
were enlarged in 1848. Judge Nathan Ford and Elder 
Turner gave respectively $2000 and $1200 towards it. 

In 1825 cau.ses of diflFerencc arose which resulted in a 
separation of the congregation, one part continuing to oc- 
cupy the church, and the other holding services in the 
court-house and calling in the aid of difl^erent clergymen. 
After frequent consultation, the Hon. J. Fim^ and the Hon. 
B. Perkins were appointed to meet the synod and present 
the situation of the two sections of the church. It resulted 
in an amicable adjustment of these dilBculties, and the 



church was again harmonized. In the spring of 1826, the 
Rev. Mr. McAuley resigned his connection with the church. 
During his pastorate of nearly six years one hundred and 
fourteen persons were added to the number of its commu- 
nicants. 

Messrs. Joab Seely and Salmon Smith having resigned 
their offices as elders of the church, on Oct. 10, 1826, 
Messrs. John Lyon and A. Abbott, Esq., were elected to 
the same office. Subsquent to the resignation of Mr. Mc- 
Auley the pulpit was supplied by diffiirent clergymen until 
May 25, 1827, when the Rev. James B. Ambler, a member 
of the Oswego presbytery, engaged to serve the congrega- 
tion as stated supply during the term of three years, his 
salary being fixed at $G00 per year, payable semi annually. 
He continued his labors here for a year and a half, when 
his engagement was terminated by mutual consent. Twelve 
persons united with the church during this period. The 
organ was placed in the church during the year 1828, 
chiefly through the exertions of General Arnold, at a cost 
of $700. 

On the 2d of February, 1829, Rev. Elizur G. Smith en- 
tered upon the duties of pastor. In October of that year 
the old bell, weighing 906 pounds, was replaced by a new 
one from L. Aspinwall, of Albany, weighing 1300 pounds. 
In 1831, Mr. Smith removed to the east on account of his 
health. During his ministry a protracted meeting occurred, 
resulting in the addition of about sixty persons on profes- 
sion. 

In January, 1832, Rev. J. A. Savage succeeded Mr. Smith 
as stated supply, and continued as such until the 18th of Feb- 
ruary, 1835, when he was regularly installed as pastor, and 
remained until Sept. 30, 1850, when he resigned to accept 
a call to the presidency of Carroll college, at Waukesha, 
Wisconsin. 

In 1836 eleven persons were dismissed from this church 
and organized into a Congregational church, which con- 
tinued only a few months. 

Elder John Lyon died in 1812. He was the first of 
this church who settled in Ogdensburg. In the same year 
George M. Foster and Wm. E. Guest were elected elders, 
and Elijah White and Israel Lamb were chosen deacons, 
— the first since the formation of the church. 

The church was enlarged during the fall and winter of 
1847-48, at au expense of $3750, but the sale of slips more 
than met the outlay. A lecture-room 45 by 21 feet was 
added in 1849, and enlarged in 1856, at a total cost of 
$1325. The additions to the church during the pastorate 
of Mr. Savage were 335. From the time of the resigna- 
tion of Mr. Savage until February, 1851, the pulpit was 
supplied by Revs. R. T. Conant, James Rogers, Wm. Smart, 
E. S. Barnes, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Townsend, and A. D. 
Brinkerhofl". 

On the 1st of February, 1851, a call was extended to 
the Rev. L. Merrill Miller, D.D., who accepted and entered 
upon his duties in May following, and has continued until 
the present time. 

The elders serving since 1851 have been Norman Sack- 
rider, George Hurlbut, and Elijah White, elected in 1858, 
and George R. Bell, Allen Chaney, David M. Chapin, and 
Benjamin Ncvin, elected in 1865. 



182 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The deacons have been E. White, Israel Lamb, Harvey 
Lyon, and W. L Thomson. 

About lS5t) tlic necessity oC dividing the congregation, 
or building a new and more eorainodiou.s church, began to 
be apparent. The old edifice seated S14 i)ersons. Dr. Mil- 
ler proposed at first to build a new church on the west side 
of tlie O.swegatchie river, and divide the congregation, but 
this did not fully suit them, and they proposed to build a 
new house of worship sufficient for their needs. Dr. Mil- 
ler at once took the ground that to do this the congregation 
must come promptly forward with the necessary me;ins, and 
push the work with vigor under a competent superintend- 
ence. The breaking out of the War of the Rebellion delayed 
tlie work, and it was not until the spring of I8G0 that op- 
erations were begun in earnest. In May of that year the 
ladies of " The New Church Society" raised funds for 
finishing and furnishing the new edifice. The building 
committee consisted of Dr. Miller, S. Gr. Pope, and Charles 
Lyon, and the doctor gave his personal supervision to the 
work from first to last. 

May 20, 1867, notice was given of the last service in 
the lecture-room building, which was immediately removed, 
and the work of excavation begun. The last service, with 
appropriate exercises, in the church, transpired on the third 
day of June following. On the next day began the re- 
moval of the church furniture and the building itself 
Public worship and Sabbath-school .service were held in 
Lyceum hall. The materials of the old edifice, as fur as 
possible, have api)eared in this house. The east wall and 
tower were mostly retained. The west tower, west wall, 
and most of ths north and south walls are entirely new. The 
buttresses are also new. The structure is of blue limestone 
(caps and facings being cut stone) from the base to the spire, 
which rises 190 feet. Built in pointed Gothic style, it pre- 
sents the true churchly aspect of solidity, symmetry, and 
spaciousness. The Sunday-school and lecture-room are fur- 
nished with ample accommodation and ante-rooms. Tiie 
pastor's study is a convenient, home-like room, from which 
a passage-way leads to the pulpit. Comfort and conveni- 
ence and edification of worshipers have been consulted 
with success, as well as church architecture and durability. 
The dimensions of the main building are 78 by 108 feet. 
Size of audience-room 70 by 90, which, with pleasant gal 
leries half around the church, has an easy capacity for 1200 
persons. The corner-stone was laid with appi'opriate exer- 
cises on the 21st day of August, 18G6. The new lec- 
ture-room was first occupied for the annual Sunday-school 
festival January 4, 18(57. Church s'^rviees commenced in 
the same room the Sabbath following. The church, finished 
and furnished, was dedicated to the wor.sliip of Almighty 
God on the 20th day of September, a.d. 1867. The 
total present value of the church property, including par- 
sonage, is about $75,000. 

The new cliurch .society, up to its annual report for 1876, 
had received, from its organization in 186."), $12,224.82. 
In addition to this, there are attached to the church two 
other societies, to wit : the Dorcas society, which was 
organized in 1828, under the name of the "Fragment so- 
ciety," for providing garments for the needy, and the 
" Ladies' mi.ssionary society." 



The first Sabbath-school was organized in the summer of 
1820. IMr. Joseph Ro.s,scel was the first superintendent, 
and served until 1861, when Mr. R. G. Pettibone succeeded 
him. In connrction with the church, schools have at differ- 
ent periods been opened in various ])arts of the city, and in the 
surrounding country. In 1876 there were three remain- 
ing connected, namely : the church school and the 2d and 
;5d ward schools. The pastor is rx offii-in superintendent. 

The report for 187 (i .showed: Officers and teachers, 13 
male, 38 female, total 51. Scholars: males 172, females 
202, total 374 ; aggregate, 425. 

Among the prominent members who have died were 
Duncan Turner, in 1852, Joseph Ros.seel, in 1863, Wm. E. 
Guest, in 1864, Abijah Abbott, in 1866, and Hon. John 
Fine, in 1867. 

The amount of moneys raised for various purpcses from 
1852 to 1876, inclusive, has been as follows : For home 
purposes, $137,878.39; for foreign purpo.ses, $31,815.73 ; 
total, $160,694.12. 

The organ ■which now graces the lecture-room of the 
Presbyterian church and assists in its devotional exercises, 
was placed in the old church in the year 1828, chiefly 
through the exertions of General Arnold, and cost $700. 
The new organ, which gracefully fills so large a place in the 
new church, was built by the well-known and popular es- 
tablishment at Westfield, Ma.ss., William A. Johnson, pro- 
prietor. He was the builder of the large organ in Chicago, 
one of the largest in America. Our organ, in the judg- 
ment of professional experts, is unsurpas.sed in beauty and 
purity of tone, voicing, and general effect by any organ of 
its size and appointments built in this country. It has two 
manuals, from C C to A, in Sop. — 58 keys ; also, ore 
pedal manual from C C C to D — 27 keys ; 1323 pipes are 
divided between great organ, pedal organ, and swell organ. 
It has 30 choice stops, with 5 mechanical registers. The 
case is of chestnut, with black walnut mountings and orna- 
ments. The front pipes are ornamented in gold and colors. 

The church has had during its existence six difl"erent 
bells. The present one, weighing 1823 pounds, was placed 
in the tower in 1861. A fine town-clock is also connected 
with the bell, having four ornamental faces, and furnishing 
time to the public. 

The church has on its roll since its organization 1280 
communicants. It received from 1819 to 1851, 583 ; had 
on its roll in 1851, 217 ; received since, — by examination, 
471; by certificate, 226, — 697; dismissed since 1851, 
277 ; died since 1851, 135 ; now on the roll, 502, Bap- 
tisms of children during the quarter centurj', 629 ; of adults, 
101 ; total, 730. 

FIRST B.iPTIST CHURCH. 

This church was organized June 30, 1809, as the Oswe- 
gatehie Baptist church, nine members uniting to organize 
it, — six males and three females, — as follows: Daniel 
McNeil, Amasa Townsliend, Samuel Havens, James Salis- 
bury, Isaac Parce, Truman Parce, Mary Townshend, Polly 
Salisbury, and Elizabeth Parce. The organization was ef- 
fected by the agency of Rev. Samuel Rowley, of the Massa- 
chusetts missionary society, who was moderator of the 
meeting, Samuel Havens acting; as clerk. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



183 



The Articles of Faitli aiul Covenant adojitod were known 
as the Articles and Covenant of the'Vermont Association. 
Samuel Havens was elected clerk of the church. The 
church met in school-houses and private residences in dif- 
ferent parts of the town, and had no pastor or regular 
preaching. The first baptisms recorded were in November, 
by Elder Carr. John Taylor and Lucy Allen were the 
candidates. 

From December 10, ISIO, to July 12, 1817, there are 
no records of meetings, the events of the War of 1812 so 
scattering and di.sheartening the members that the church 
seemed to sink out of existence. In July, 1817, the 
church resumed its meetings, evidently being moved thereto 
by the labors of Elder David Boyntou, of the Fairfield asso- 
ciation (Vermont). 

The fiist regular engagement for stated preaching was 
made with a Bro. Brown, a licentiate of what place is not 
stated. The terms of agreement were that the church pro- 
vide him a place to live in, and that he should live on 
terms of equality with the brethren, and should not leave 
them for greater teuiporal gain. The church made appli- 
cation fur member.ship in the St. Lawrence Baptist asso- 
ciation in January, 1818, at the meeting held at Russell. 
Brothers Brown, McNeil, and Payne being appointed as 
delegates. 

From 1818 to 1824, Rev. Jonathan Payne, Sr., was 
regular preacher to the church, but was not pastor. The 
first pastor was Nathaniel Culver, a noted pulpit orator and 
debater, who served the church one year, — during parts of 
1827-28. In 1829, Rev. J. W. Sawyer be.ame pastor of 
the church, serving it one-half the time till 1834. Rev. 
J. M. Howard was pastor from January, 1834, to Sep- 
tember, 1837. 

In November, 1837, Rev. W. H. Rice became pastor of 
the church, and held the ofiice one year or luore. Rev. J. 
M. Howard returned to the pastoral work in 1839, and 
continued till about January, 1842, from which time Rev. 
Gratten Brand served as pastor till January, 1843. In 
jMay, 1843, Rev. Charles Willard became pastor, serving 
till January, 1S4G. He w;is followed by Rev. A. Case 
from May, 1846, to January 2, 1848. Rev. J. N. Webb 
was called as pastor May 1, 1848, and served till Feb- 
ruary, 1852. Rev. Wm. Carpenter followed from August, 
1852, to January, 1854. Rev. Charles E. Elliot, from 
November, 1854, to January, 1856. Rev. T. H. Green 
succeeded him from June, 1857, until August, 1859. Rev. 
H. M. Carr, just graduated from Madison university, was 
ordained pastor in October, 1859, and served the church 
until September .'!U, 1861. Rev. H. C. Reals served as 
pastor nine months, and Rev. J. H. Walden supplied six 
months between October, 18(11, and February, 1863. 

In April, 18C3, Rev. Wm. Carpenter commenced his 
second term of service as pastor, and continued till April 
11, 1867. He was followed by Rev. L. L. Wood, graduate 
of JMadison university, who was ordained September 10, 
1S67, and served till September, 1870. Rev. H. W. 
Barnes, the present pastor, commenced his work in De- 
cember, 1870, having served seven years at the date of this 
article. 

This church has had but one house of worship, which 



has been several times considerably changed by additions 
and repairs. The corner-stone of the building was laid 
July 3, 1830. The lecture-room was occupied for services 
about the close of the year, or the early part of 1831. The 
btiilding was not completed and dedicated till 1833. Rev. 
J. W. Sawyer was pastor, and J. C. Lewis clerk. The 
original structure had galleries on three sides. 

In 1 855 (Rev. C. E. Elliot pastor, and Deacon E. Vilas 
clerk) the house was enlarged by an addition of twenty- 
four feet to its length,-the galleries were removed, the pulpit 
placed in the rear end of the house, and the floor, origi- 
nally inclined towards the front, was leveled. Further re- 
pairs and improvements were made in 1860, Rev. H. M. 
Carr pastor, Wm. Hawkins clerk. 

In 1831 the church was organized under the statute 
of 1813, and changed its name from the Oswegatchie Bap- 
tist church to the First Baptist church and society of 
Ogdensburg. May 17, 1869, the church was reincorporated 
as the First Baptist church of the city of Ogdensburg, and 
a con.stitution and by-laws adopted, a copy of which may be 
found in the church archives. At this time Rev. L. L. 
Wood was pastor, and E. S. Brownsou clerk. 

In 1871 the church was substantially rebuilt from base- 
ment up, furnished with a fine organ, fre.sooed, upholstered, 
a steeple added, and sheds for teams and a house for the 
sexton erected, at a cost of $16,000. 

A special act of legislature was passed, in 1875, ratifying, 
confirming, and approving all the acts of the society, such 
as its change of name and title, its acts of rebuildintr and 
giving security for moneys loaned it by bonds and a mort- 
gage on its property, and correcting any errors which may 
have been committed in its organization, reincorporation, 
or business. The mortgage has been, since the passage of 
this act, cancelled and discharged, and the property, valued 
at $20,000, is at this date free from incumbrance. The 
society numbers one hundred and ninety-seven communi- 
cants, more than eighty of whom reside outside the city. 

The church participates in the benevolent work of 
American Baptists, such as home and foreign missions, 
publication society work, tract and Bible distribution, 
ministerial education, etc. Its regular services are public 
worship twice each Sunday, a Sunday-school, and two 
prayer-meetings weekly. The custom of the church is to 
celebrate the Lord's Supper monthly, on the first Sunday 
of the month. The covenant-meeting and business-meeting 
of the church united are held als(j monthly. 

The Sunday-school of the first Baptist church in Ogden.s- 
burg was organized about 1827-28. Its earliest records 
are dated 1830, but no account is given of its organization. 
In December, 1830, the names of 37 scholars were enrolled ; 
in 1834 the number had reached 112. J. C. Lewis seems 
to have been some of the time superintendent of the school. 
Its library was largely the gill of individuals, and con.sisted 
of standard books. Its classes were marked as " Testament 
classes" and " Spelling-book" classes. 

The school was reorganized in 1869, and a constitution 
and rules were adopted, under which it is now acting. It 
lia.s a membership of about 140, and is divided into three 
departments : primary cla.ss, intermediate classes, and Bible 
classes. It makes regular weekly contributions for its own 



184 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



expenses, and annually appropriates from $25 to $G0 for 
the cause of education among the freednioii. Its scholars 
range from four to seventy year.s of age. Its teachers are 
mainly Christian women. Its pa.stor has a ]iermanent place 
and cliargo in the scliool. Its present officers are W. L. 
Proctor, superintendent ; W. H. Butrick, assistant super- 
intendent ; E. S. Brownson, secretary and treasurer ; Fred. 
Davis, E. Douglass, and Charles Butrick, librarians. W. 
L. Proctor has served as superititeiiderit almost uninter- 
ruptedly for nine or ten years, and E. S. Biown.son as sec- 
retary and treasurer. 

The church has under its care a mission school, known 
as the Bethel mission, organized about 18G8. A day school 
was for four or five years 'connected with the mission, with 
Mi,ss May Kelly as teacher. It meets in a building erected 
for its accommodation, and owned by W. L. Proctor, who 
was for several years its superintendent. A benevolent and 
industrial department is connected with the school, with the 
care and clothing of its poor members as its object. This 
school numbers nearly one hundred members. It is under 
the charge of Benjamin Algie, as acting superintendent. 
One Christian woman, connected with the school from its 
commencement, should bo honored as carrying the school 
in her heart, and ministering to it as a mother to her 
children. 

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 

The first Methodist Episcopal society in Ogdensburg was 
organized Feb. 21, 1825, the following per.sons signifying 
their desire to become stated hearers in tiie Methodist Epis- 
copal church, viz.. Joseph Brooks, Lewis Lyon, James W. 
Lytle, Ichabod Arnold, Wni. Henry, Joseph Arnold, Loyal 
Giffin, Gabriel Headman, David Chapin, Joseph Cule, Tim- 
othy Case, Jas. Butterfield, Richard Hathaway, Jas. Say- 
ward, Samuel W. Brady, John Hathaway, Samuel WilLson, 
Reuben Brown, Jas. Parlow, Je.sse J. Shaver. Under the 
pastoral charge of the late Rev. Gardner Baker, the follow- 
ing gentlemen were elected trustees, viz., Ichabod Arnold, 
Joseph Arnold. Joseph Cole, David Chapin, and Jo.seph 
Brooks. The society proceeded immediately to erect a 
small wooden chapel on the corner of Montgomery and Caro- 
lina streets, which served the church for twenty-five years, 
under the pastoral care of the following ministers respect- 
ively, viz., Revs. Gardner Baker, W. "W. Rundall, Squier 
Chase, Philo Barbery, John Seys, E. Hines, L. K. Reding- 
ton, E. Hall, John Lovis, W. S. Bowdish, L. Whitcomb, 
Geo. Sawyer, John Sawyer, Edward Banister, John Lovis, 
Jas. H. Larab, P. D. Gorrie, Hiram Shepard. 

Under the pastoral charge of the Rev. John Sawyer, in 
the year 1841, an extetisive revival was enjoyed by the 
cliurch, which gave new energy to the hitherto small so- 
ciety ; and, again, in the years 1847 and 1848, under the 
charge of the Rev. P. D. Gorrie, as the result of another 
revival, a large number was added to the church ; and, in 
1849, the Rev. Hiram Shejiard was appointed to the charge ; 
and, in 1850, under the direction of a building committee, 
composed of J. M. Woolley, Geo. Arnold, and Henry Plumb, 
the old wooden chapel was removed, and the present brick 
church edifice was erected, and lor .sixteen j'cars the church 
was served by the following ministers : Revs. J. P. Jennings, 



D. M. Rodgers, W. S. Titus, J. B. Foot, A. S. Wightnian, 
Samui'l Call, B. S. Wright, Thomas Richey, and John T. 
Ilewctt. 

In the year 1866, the centennial year of Methodism in 
the United States, this edifice was remodeled and partially 
rebuilt, under the direction of a building committee, com- 
posed of Rev. J. T. Hewett, Dr. D. E. Southwick, and J. 
M. Woolley, and has been served since that time by the 
Rev. H. W. Bennett, Rev. E. C. Bruse, Rev. C. II. Guile, 
and Rev. F. H. Beck respectively. The church has now 
over 300 communicants. 

The Sabbiith-school of the church was quite small until 
the year 1848, when, under the eflicient superintendency of 
David Fields, Esq., it began to assume somewhat larger 
proportions, until it is now one of the largest and most effi- 
cient Sabbath-schools in the county. It has 38 officers and 
teachers, 37!) scholars, and a library consisting of 435 vol- 
umes. Its superintendents have been, since Mr. Fields re- 
tired, Capt. I. D. Ran.som (under whose superintendence 
more than any one else it is indebted for its present stand- 
ing), Abram Metcalf, and J. M. AVoolley. Its present 
officers are W. I. Knox, superintendent; L. R. Plumb, 
librarian ; L. E. Plumb, secretary. 

The present officers of the church are Jas. R. Morris, J. 
P. Johnson, Dr. N. N. Childs, J. M. Woolley, S. B. Hut- 
chins, D. H. Davis, and H. D. Northrup, trustees; J. P. 
Johnson, clerk ; A. N. Partridge, treasurer. 

ST. John's protestant episcopal church. 

The Rev. Daniel Nash, on a missionary tour, in 1816, 
visited this place, and, in a report which he made, says 
that he was the first Episcopal clergyman who had visited 
that village and the county of St. Lawrence. The second 
one who officiated was the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, a mis- 
sionary, who came early in June, 1818, and at times per- 
formed divine offices in the court-house ; and, on the 23d 
of May, 1820, a society was incorporated, having Thomas 
J. Davies and Isaac Plumb wardens, George Parish, Louis 
Hasbrouck, David Ford, David C. Judson, Andrew McCol- 
lom, Junius Walton, Richaid W. Colfax, and Silvester Gil- 
bert vestrymen. The first report to the bishop was that of 
15 members. In 1 821 it was resolved to build a stone church 
edifice; and, in the same year. Rev. L. Carter was invited 
to a temporary charge, which he immediately assumed, and 
on the 10th of August, 1821, he laid the cornerstone on a 
lot of ground given for that purpose by David and George 
Parish. In October, 1823, the building was opened for 
worship. In 1824 the Rev. Addison Searle and Rev. Mr. 
Beardsley were called to take temporary charge of the con- 
gregation, and in 1825 the firet measures were adopted by 
the vestry for the erection of the present rectory. In the 
same year the Rev. Mr. Todd accepted the cliarge of the 
parish. In 1830 the Rev. Nathaniel Iluse was called to 
the parochial charge, and in 1833 the Rev. Richard Bury 
was chosen to a temporary charge. In 1838 the Rev. 
Francis Trcmayne became the minister; and in 183G the 
Rev. William Barton became the first rector, and continued 
until 1839, when he resigned, and the Rev. Mr. Brayton 
was temporarily employed. In 1810 the Rev. H. R. 
Peters was invited to the rectorship, and still remains. In 



I 



n 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



185 



1843 the churcli was tlioroiighly repaired, enlarged, and 
made to assume its present appearance. This work was un- 
dertaicen by Hon. H. Van Rensselaer, one of tiie wardens, 
who very liberally proposed to make the addition, and 
carry up the tower to a proportionate height, in considera- 
tion of the additional pews. This increased the length 30 
feet, making its present dimensions 90 by 42 feet, and the 
church is capable of seating from 500 to 600. In conse- 
quence of the growth of the congregation, further additions, 
or a new edifice, will ere long be needed. The rectory ad- 
joins the church in the same inclosure, is of stone, and was 
built on land given by George Parish. There is a large 
bell in the tower, and the churcli contains a fine organ.* 
(Written in 1852.) 

In the year 1809 the vestry resolved to remove the old 
church and parsonage, and to build a more commodious 
place of worship on the same site. In the spring of 1870 
the work on the new church was commenced, and on the 
27th of July, 1871, the Bishop of Albany consecrated the 
finished building in the presence of 2o clergymen and a 
vast congregation. This church is perhaps the finest and 
costliest in tiie northern part of the State. 

It was designed by Enilen T. Littcll, of New York, and 
is of the early decorated Gothic style of architecture. The 
plan comprises chancel, nave, aisles, tower, organ-chamber, 
sacristy, and porch. The extreme dimensions are 150 feet 
by 75 feet. The main entrance is through the tower, which 
rises 110 feet, and is crowned by angles aiid intermediate 
pinnacles, forming a striking feature in the view of the 
city from any quarter. The entrance-door is canopied, 
tlie canopy surmounted by a cross, and flanked by triple 
columns. The crowning pinnacles of the tower are con- 
nected by an open stone parapet. The body of the church is 
divided into nave and aisles. There are eight bays separated 
by buttresses and lighted with lancet-windows, five of which 
are filled with handsome subject-glass, in memory of late 
members of the parish. The clerestory has two traceried 
windows to each bay, and the arches of the clerestory wall 
are supported by coupled wrought-iron columns, with capi- 
tals of cast metal, from the foliage of which the gas-jets 
project. The chancel is 30 feet in depth and 25 in width, 
with apsidal termination. On the south side of the chjn- 
col is the organ-chamber, and on the north side of the sac- 
risty, adjoining the organ-chamber and sacristy in the 
easternmost bay, are side-porches. The roof is partly open, 
with arched ribs and moulded panels in the ceiling. From 
the junction of the arched ribs in the chancel a corona 
depi-nds. The church is wainscoted with wliite-ash, with 
black walnut mouldings, the wainscoting in tlie apse being 
deeply jiancled, with trcfoiled heads in the panels. The 
seats are of white-ash, with black walnut rails, and the 
chancel furniture is of black walnut. The church is built 
of the dark-blue calcifcrous sandstone found at Ogdcns- 
burg, and the string-corners, arches, and trimmings gener- 
ally are of light-buff Ohio freestone, forming a striking and 
brilliant contrast. The roofs are slated with purple and 



* The history of Ihc church to 1852 was furnishcil for Dr. Ilougli's 
work by Ucv. Mr. Peters, the additional material by Kev. Mr. .Mor- 
risun. 



red Vermont slate, in equal proportions, with a small amount 
of green .slate, all laid in harmonious patterns. The ridges 
are surmounted by iron castings, and the gables crowned 
with iron crosses, all finished in blue and gold. The gen- 
eral efl^L!Ct of the whole edifice is that of solid and seemly 
stateliness, and its acoustic properties are perfect. It is at 
present seated for about 1000 persons, and, if necessary, the 
accommodation can be somewhat increa.scd. The cost of 
the building was between 870,000 and $80,000. 

In 1875, St. John's chapel was built to the south and 
rear of the church, after the plans of the eminent archi- 
tect who had designed the church. So happily was the 
scheme carried out that both buildings seem parts of one 
original design. The chapel contains a lecture-room de- 
signed to accommodate about 325 persons, two commodious 
school-rooms, with adjoining class-rooms, besides guild- 
rooms, etc. The total cost was about $12,000. 

In the year 1872, Dr. H. R. Peters having resigned the 
rectorate, the Rev. H. W. Beers, D.D., was called by the 
vestry, and entered on his duties as rector in June of that 
year. 

In March, 1875, Dr. Beers resigned his post to take 
charge of a church in the city of San Francisco, and in 
the following June, Rev. J. D. Morrison, the present rector, 
was called to the position. The chui-ch has on its roll be- 
tween 350 and 400 communicants, and there are some 280 
children connected with the Sunday-school. In connection 
with the church there are several institutions devoted to 
charity and to education. 

St. John's guild, organized by the rector in 1876, 
among various branches of parish work with which it is 
charged, cares for the poor through its district visitors and 
Dorcas society, distributing hundreds of dollars and large 
quantities of food and clothing to the necessitous annually. 

St. John's orphanage, organized in the spring of 1877, 
receives and cares for orphan children, without distinction 
of creed or name. 

St. John's high school, established by the rector in 
1876, is intended to furnish a thorough grammar school or 
academic training to pupils. Though still in its infancy, 
the school has already won many friends. The present 
master is Rev. Geo. C. Griswold, who is also the rector's 
assistant. The clergy of this church, in addition to their 
parish duties, have been carrying on a successful mission 
work in the adjoining township of Lisbon. The current 
expenses of the church during the last year (including an 
annuity of §1000, which is secured to Dr. Peters for life) 
amounted to somewhat more than S50(K). During that time 
more than $2000 was also given to various charities, besides 
large sums for parish improvements. Considering the 
manner in which it responds to Its obligations In the present 
season of financial depression, when so many enterprises are 
prostrated. It Is not difficult to see that a future of great 
and vigorous usefulness is in store for St. John's church, 
Ogdensburg. 

The following are the dates when the several parishes in 
St. Lawrence County were admitted into union with the 
diocesan convention (some of them had been in existence 
for .some years previous to tlie dates given) : St. John's, Og- 
densburg, 1820 ; St. Paul's, Waddington, 1824 ; Christ 



180 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



iliuicli, Nol•l■i^sto\vll, lSi53; Trinity, Potsilam, 1835; Grace 
cliuich, Canton, 1836; Grace church, Norfolk, 1844; 
St. John's, Massena, 1870 ; St. Luke's, Lisbon, 1871 ; 
Trinity, Gouvcrncur, 1809. 

St. ThoHias' church, Lawrcnceville, and Trinity cha)jel, 
Morloy, — tlu' hitter one of tlie most ]ierfcct specimens of a 
rural church to be found anywhere, — and nearly a score of 
mi.s.sions, should be added to the above list. Everywhere 
the work is growing rapidly. 

SAINT Mary's (roman catholic) cathedral. 

The advent of the Catholic religion in the region now 
occupied by St. Lawrence County, dates back to the year 
1749, when Father Francis Picquet,* a French missionary, 
of the order of Sulpieians, established a luission-house, and 
erected a strong stockade, defended by a few small guns, 
near the ground now occupied by the Rome, Watertown 
and Ogdt;iisburg railway depot in Ogdensburg. 

Succeeding him, in 1760, was Father Le Garde, who was 
with M. Pouchot in Fort Levis during the siege by Gen. 
Amherst, and who afterwards died at Montreal. Whether 
a mission was maintained here subsequent to the conquest 
by the English we have been unable to ascertain. 

The earliest communicants were mostly Indians of the 
Onondaga tribe of the Five Nations, converted by De 
Lamberville, Father Picquet, and other missionaries, and 
induced to emigrate from central New York and settle on 
the banks of the St. Lawrence, where Offdensburir now 
stands, but then known to the Indians as Oswegntdiie, or 
Swegatchie, and named by Father Pic(|uet •' La Presenta- 
tion." Over the door of his mi.ssion-house the Rev. Father 
caused a stone tablet to be inserted, bearing the Latin in- 
scription : 

" In nomine -\- Dei omnipottntis Iliiic luibilutiuni tni/ia 
dedit Fran's. Picquet, 1749. " 

When the post was destroyed by the French, in 1760, 
this tablet was left among the ruins, where it remained until 
1831, in which year it was unearthed, and some years later, 
upon the erection of the State arsenal, was inserted over 
the south entrance, where it still may be seen. 

From about the close of the French war it is probable 
that there was no regular mission maintained, and the place 
was without the ordinances of the Christian religion until 
about 1831-32, when missionaries began to make occasional 
visits to the then village of Ogdensburg ; about which date, 
or perhaps a little later, a small stone chapel was erected on 
the lot adjoining west of the cathedral of St. Mary. The 
first resident priest was Rev. Father James S.ilmon, who 
came about 1832-33. The next was Rev. Father David 
S. Bacon, about 1839, and he was succeeded by Rev. Father 
James Mackay, in December, 1840. Under Father Mackay's 
care a church was organized and incorporated Nov. 29, 
1848. The original trustees were James Kennedy, Daniel 
Burns, and James McNally. In 1852, Father Mackay 
had met with sufiScient encouragement to enable him to 
erect the present substantial and imposing edifice. It is 
constructed of tlie dark-colored calciferous sandstone found 
in the vicinity, and is an honor to the society and an orna- 



* For sketch of Father Picquet, eee General History, auU. 



mcnt (o the church architecture of the city. A large and 
convenient vestry-room was added in the rear in 1872. 

When Father Mackay first came to Ogdensburg he was 
placed in charge of the entire Catholic population of St. 
Lawrence County, which now requires the services of 
sixteen priests for its accommodation. He was continued 
in this position for about twenty-five years, since which he 
has given his time to the congregation in Ogdensburg."}" 

A female school was established in connection with the 
church as early as 1848, and a fine stone school building 
afterwards erected. This school is under the control and 
tuition of (he "Sisters of Cliariti/." A school for males 
was also opened in the springof 1877, and an excellent and 
commodious building of brick erected during the same year. 
This school is conducted by the brothers of the order 
" Clerks of St. Viateur." Both these institutions liave 
been put in successful operation, and the buildings erected, 
under the superintendence of the Vcri/ Reverend James 
Mackay, V.G., which titles he has earned by a long and 
laborious series of years spent in the service of the " mother 
church." The schools combined have an average attend- 
ance (jf four hundred pupils, and are in a flourishing con- 
dition. 

Ogdensburg was erected into a bishopric in 1872. In 
May of the same year the Right Rev. Bishop E. P. Wad- 
hams located here as assistant bishop for the diocese. 

For many years past there has been no remarkable in- 
crease of the number of communicants to St. Mary's, owing 
principally to the lack of foreign immigration, and the slow 
increa.se of population. The number is kept good mostly 
by additions from the lising generation. The erection of 
a bishopric, and the residence of the principal magnate of 
the diocese in Ogdensburg, together with the popularity of 
Father Mackay, give the churches an added dignity and 
importance which undoubtedly contribute greatly to their 
growth and prosperity. 

The average number of communicants of St. Mary's 
cathedral is 1200 to 1300. On remarkable occasions it has 
been as high as 1600. The congregation is mostly made 
up from the Irish population of Ogdensburg and vicinity, 
which is probably 1500 or more. The property belonging 
to St. Mary's cathedral is quite valuable, being among the 
best in the city. The total value of church and school 
property in Ogdensburg belonging to the Catholics approxi- 
mates $100,000. 

ST. JOHN baptist — FRENCH CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

A congrcEation was organized under the above title on 
the 24th of April, 1859, by Father J. B. Lemereier. It 
included most of the French families then living in and 
around Ogden.sburg, and during the first year the rev. 
father reported sixty additions by bapti.sm. Father Le- 
mereier remained until his death, which occurred on the 
12th of Dec., 1803. He was buried in the church on the 
5th of January following. During his pasto]-ate he erected 
the fine brick edifice now occupied by the congregation, and 
also the parsonage adjoining. 

■j" During Father Mackay's residence in Ogdensburg he has erected 
five churches in the county : at Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Cnnton, \\:u\- 
dington, and Hossic. 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



187 



Father Lemcrcier was a native of Nantes, in France. 
From the date of hi.s death until October, 1864, there was 
no permanent pastor, but services were conducted by various 
priests who visited Ogdensburg from other stations. At 
the last-mentioned date Father Renauld was settled as pas- 
tor, and remained until June, 18GG. He was also from 
France. He was succeeded in July, 1866, by Father L. 
Griffa,an Italian by birth, who continued until June, 1867, 
when ho was succeeded by Father George Jeannotte, who 
officiated with great acceptability until March, 1877, when 
the present pastor, Rev. Father P. O. La Rose, who had 
been an assistant to Father Jeannotte for four years, suc- 
ceeded him. Both the last-named gentlemen are natives 
of the province of Ontario, from near Montreal. 

The first meetings of the society were held in Eagle hall 
for some time, and for a .short period in the " Mansion," 
now occupied by the Gray Nuitf: as a convent. The church 
edifice is a large and commodious structure of brick, and 
can accommodate 1400 people. It is furnished with a fine 
organ and bell, and stands in a very commanding situation, 
overlooking the city and the St. Lawrence. The total cost 
of the church, parsonage, and grounds has been aboi)t 

$to,ooo. 

In connection with this church are two free schools, one 
for males and one for females. The former is located on 
Ford street, and is under the control of the brothers of 
the order '■^Clerks of St. Viatcur" who also have charge 
of a similar school connected with the St. Mary's cathe- 
dral. The pupils number 250. The female school is con- 
ducted by the Grny Nuns, and the number of pupils is 
about 120. 

The Catholics have also two convents in Ogdensburg. 
One established by the " Clerks of St. Viateur" from 
Joliet, near Montreal, about 1872, and having a school in 
connection known as " St. Philip Neri's Boarding Academy," 
in which tuition fees are charged ; and the other, " Convent 
of our Lady of Victory," established at an earlier date, by 
the "Gray Nun.s." Rev. Cyril Fournier, C.S.V., is su- 
perior of the Ford street convent, which has ten brothers ; 
and Mother de Chantel is lady superior of the convent of 
"Our Lady of Victory" adjoining the French church. The 
latter institution is established in a large building originally 
erected by a prominent citizen for a family dwelling. The 
])roperty owned by the Catholics in Ogdensburg is kept in 
excellent condition, and evinces in every way a most 
thorough and careful supervision. The Catholic population 
of tiic city is between four and five thousand, of whom 
three thousand are French, connected with St. John's 
church ; the remainder being mostly Irish, and communi- 
cants at St. Mary's cathedral. The number of regular com- 
municants at St. John's is about 2000. The French church 
is situated almost within a stone's throw of the site of 
Father Picquet's mission-house erected in 1749, but instead 
of the vast wilderness that surrounded the latter are now 
the well-cultivated fields and comfortable homes of an in- 
telligent and industrious people ; and in the place of the 
dusky sons and daughters of the forest who made up Father 
Picquet's congregation are the sons and daughters of those 
pioneers of New France who first planted the cross in the 
wilds of the St. Lawrence. A busy city has grown up on 



the ground occupied by La Presentation, and the steam- 
whistle wakes the echoes where in the early day was heard 
the war-whoop of the Iroquois. 

YOUNG men's christian ASSOCIATION. 

This organization was formed Jan. 19, 1877, the old 
association, organized about 1872, having disbanded. The 
officers of the present association are : President, J. B. 
John.son ; First Vice-President, Charles McClair ; Second 
Vice-President, E. S. Lane ; Corresponding Secretary, M. 
J. Ives ; Recording Secretary, W. J. Knox ; Treasurer, 
A. M. Partridge. Rooms have been fitted up on the third 
floor of the Grilbert block, confer of Ford and State streets, 
including a chapel and free reading-room. The chapel is 
tastily furnished, and contains an Estey " Boudoir" organ. 
The reading-room contains a small library of standard, his- 
torical, and religious works, and about fifteen papers and 
magazines are taken, ipcliiding the prominent dailies and 
weeklies, tlje standard monthlies, and the most prominent 
religions papers. The active and associate member.ship, 
Dec. 24, 1877, was ninety-five. 

REMARKABLE WEATHER. 

It is worthy of record that the full and winter of 1877-78 
were the mildest known on the St. Lawrence for the past 
sixty years. The rivers were open as late as Jan. 1, 1878, 
and there had been no snow to remain up to that date. 

"steamer excursion. 

On the first day of January the steamer "Armstrong," 
Captain Plumb, made an excursion from Ogdensburg and 
Prescott to Brockville and return, a circumstance before 
unheard of in this region. 

CExMETERIES. 

The first ground occupied for burial purposes within the 
present limits of the city of Ogdensburg was on the high 
ground west of the Oswegatehie river, on the block east of 
the French church, where, possibly, burials were made by 
Father Picquet as early as 1749-50, and certainly by the 
British garrison, which subsequently occupied the post of 
Oswegatehie, from 1760 to 1796. 

A burying-ground formerly occupied the present beauti- 
ful site of Hamilton park, but upon the organization of the 
present cemetery association, in 1847, this was discontinued 
for purposes of sepulture, and the remains were mostly 
transferred to the new grounds. 

The Ogdensburg cemetery association was incorporated 
July 26, 1847, with the following persons as trustees: 
George N. Seymour, Elijah B. Allen, John Fine, Collins 
A. Burnham, Edwin Clark, David C. Judson, William 
Brown, Amos Bacon, and James G. Hopkins. It was 
dedicated on the ISth of September, 1847, by the clergy 
and citizens, and an address was delivered by the Hon. 
John Fine. The grounds arc situated on the 0.swegatchie 
river, a little south of the city limits. The amount origin- 
ally purchased was about ten acres, but subsequent pur- 
chases have brought the total up to about thirteen acres. 
This cemetery is Uistefully laid out with numerous carriage- 



188 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



roads and walks, and is beautifully ornamented with shade- 
trees and shrubbery, and contains many fine monuments. 
It is about twenty-five feet above ordinary water in the 
Oswi'gatchie river, and the ground is a .sandy loam, the best 
possible composition of soil for the purposes required. The 
present officers of the association are as follows : President, 
Elijah White; Vice-President, Walter B. Allen; Secre- 
tary and Trca.surcr, Charles lium. The board of trustees 
consists of the following gentlemen : Elijah White, W. B. 
Allen, Charles Lum, James G. Averill, John D Judson, 
Wm. L. I'roctor, CI. R. Bell, D. Seymour, and Alden 
Vilas. 

The Catholics of Ogdensburg possess two fine cemeteries; 
one belonging to the congregation of St. Mary's cathedral, 
and situated south of the Ogdensburg cemetery, the other 
belonging to the Flench population, located on the west 
side of the Oswegatehio. They are both tastefully laid out 
and kept in fine order. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. NATHAN FORD. 

Nathan Ford was born at MorrLstown, N. J., Dec. 8, 
17C3, and, having at an early age lost both parents, he 
spent his cliildhood with his paternal grandAither, Jacob 
Ford, and remained, after the death of the latter in 1777, 
with the family, receiving but a common education. In 
1779-80, he, though a youth of but seventeen, solicited a 
service in the continental armies, and obtained and faith- 
fully discharged the duties of assistant-deputy quarter- 
master-general during the memorable winter of suflering in 
which the American army lay encamped on the hills back 
of Morristown. While still a young man, he obtained the 
confidence of .several of the parties who had, many of them, 
been oiEcers in the RevolutiuM, and who had become in- 
terested in the laud speculations of Northern New York, 
and was sent by them in 179-1 and 1795 to explore the 
northern part of the State, where they had made their 
purchases, and also to examine and report upon several of 
the islands near Kingston, which thi^y were proposing to 
purchase upon speculation. 

We have given some of the details of the settlement at 
Oswegatchie, from wdiieli it will be learned tiiat he was a 
man of indomitable energy and force of character, which 
proved adequate to the trying emergencies which surrounded 
him, and which would have discouraged common tnen from 
proceeding. The Oswryntclue Indians often proved an- 
noying, especially when stimulated by ardent .spirits, and 
on one occasion a number of them in the night-time 
entered the old stone garrison which he inhabited, seized 
Dick, his negro slave, and were about to put him into the 
fire which was burning in the room, but the cries of the 
frightened negro arou.sed Mr. Ford, who seized his sword, 
and, without waiting to dress, he rushed into the room and 
succeeded, with the help he a&sembled, in driving out the 
intiudcrs. This affair [irobably oceuiicil in a iliunken row, 



for after the Indians had been driven from the house they 
began to quarrel among themselves, and one Battise, said 
to be a chief of the tribe, got stripped and beaten till he 
was nearly dead. During the night he knocked at the 
door of Mr. Lyon for admission, and was allowed to enter 
and spend the night on the floor. In the morning, as he 
arose to depart, he stooped down to the hearth, blackened 
both hands with coal, and rubbing them over his face, he, 
with a whoop and a bound, sallied forth to avenge the 
injuries he had received on the previous night. These 
Indians were peculiarly addicted to intemperance, having 
for many years resided near a post where li(|uors were 
easily procured, and in consequence frequent quarrels arose 
among them, and the night was often made hideous by 
their bacchanalian riots and yelling. Two or three of their 
number got killed at these revels in 1796-7. 

Early in 1803 a dispute concerning timber on Ogden's 
island, alluded to elsewhere, had reached such a pitch that 
life was threatened, and the affair necessarily came under 
the notice of Judge Ford, who wrote to Governor Clinton 
as follows ; 

" Upon my .irriviil lierc, I aviiiloj myself of the first safe oppor- 
tunity to forward the letter (your excellency did me the honor to 
commit to my care) to the chiefs of the St. Regis village. Upon incjuiry, 
I found they had carried a very high hand respecting tlie island busi- 
ness, and absolutely went so far as to threaten the taking of scalps. 
This threat was made by Gray, and was previous to Judge Edsall's 
sending the express forward. Upon my being informed of this out- 
rageous conduct I wrote Gray a letter upon the subject, and wished to 
know how he durst throw out such thre.its against the citizens of this 
State, and told him it was absolutely necessary for him to come forward 
and make such conccssionsasconduct like this required; that harmony 
and good understanding the citizens of this country were willing to 
cultivate, but threats like this they would be far from submitting to, 
and the sooner he gave satisfactory explanations upon the subject the 
sooner harmony would be restored. Had he resiiicd in the county or 
State, as a magistrate I should have pursued a different method with 
him. Colonel Lewis, who was on his way home from Oneida (and 
who had not seen your excellency's letter to the chiefs, or mine to 
Gr.ay), called upon me. I explained to him the subject of your ex- 
cellency's letter, and also mine to Gray. I told him it was a matter 
of astonishment that be and Gray should have to act in such open 
defiance of the laws of the State as they had done respecting the sale 
of the timber upon the island: had it been by cnmnum Indians, some 
little apology might have been made for them, but for him and Gray 
there certainly could be none, because they knew better, and they as 
certainly could have no doubt resting upon their minds as to the 
islands being comprehended in the sale of those lands to the Stale : 
and as an cviilence, that at the time of the treaty he and Gray applied 
to your excellency to know if the islands would not be taken possession 
of before the corn which was then upon them would be fit to gather. 
This was too strong a circumstance to admit of a quibble, and too 
well grounded in their recollection to be denied. He attempted a 
weak apology, and concluded by saying he hoped good understand- 
ing would not be broken up, and that similar conduct would not lake 
place. I thou stated to him Gray's threats, and the necessity there 
was of his coming forward and making satisfactory acknowledgments, 
which should be made as i)ublic as his threats had been. This he 
assured me he should doj and accordingly Gray came up, and, after 
making the fullest recantation, declared he never meant or intended 
harm to any of the citizens of this State, and that he must have been 
in liquor when so unguarded an expression eseajied him, and hoped 
the thing might be overlooked. I then talked with him upon the 
subject of the island. Ho did not pretend but that the islands were 
contained in the sales to the State, but attempted to apologize by im- 
pressing the idea of a grant made to the St. Regis people of that 
particular island by the Oatceijatchie Indians. I found no ditBcully 
to confovind him in this specious pretext, for it has been his and 
TiCwis' uniforTU declarati(pii to me that the Omce^titrhie Indians never 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg, 



was born in Orange, Worcester Co., Mass., April 17, 1791. 
He was the fifth child, in a family of seven children, of 
James and Phebe Allen, both natives of the same State, 
— the former of Acton, the latter of Mendon. His father 
was a cloth-manufacturer by trade, and through his busi- 
ness was enabled to support his family and give bis children 
the advantages of a common-school education. He carried 
out very strictly the principles of family training inherited 
from Puritan ancestry, being a descendant, in the fourth 
generation, from James Allen, who emigrated from Eng- 
land, and settled near Boston, Mass. His father and grand- 
father were both soldiers of the Eevolutionary War, were at 
the battle of Bunker Hill, and served in the American army 
until the close of the war. At the age of fifteen, Elijah 
went to Worcester to learn the mercantile business with his 
uncle, Samuel Brazier, but soon after went to Mendon, 
where he engaged with his cousin, John Tyler, in the dry- 
goods business. At the age of nineteen he was sent to the 
city of Charleston, S. C, to take charge of a branch store 
of Mr. Tyler's, where he remained until the breaking out 
of the War of 1812, leaving that city on account of the 
embargo placed upon the port, preventing the landing of 
goods. 

He married Miss Harriet, daughter of David and Nancy 
Ann Seymour, the former a native of Hartford, Conn., 
and the latter a native of Massachusetts. After his mar- 
riage, in Springfield, Vt., he went to Albany, where he 
established himself in the wholesale mercantile business, 
which he carried on for several years. Being much inter- 
ested in the fur trade, he went to Chicago, which then had 
only a few log houses and a small garrison to protect the 
traders of the post. Ho remained there only two years, 
»nd went to Sault St. Mary, Mich., another post for the 
^r trade, where he was successful in his business operations 
for some seven years. 

In the year 1827 he came with his family and settled in 



Ogdensburg, where he opened a general mercantile busi- 
ness. With the increasing prosperity of Ogdensburg, and 
the increase in trade, he enlarged his business. Keeping 
pace with the demand, he opened a wholesale grocery and 
tea house, trading mostly with Canada, some branches of 
which he maintained until his death, Feb. 16, 1869. He 
was interested in the old river steamer " United States," 
the first that made regular, reliable trips up and down the 
St. Lawrence. He was also interested in the control of 
the steamers " Oneida" and "St. Lawrence." The boating 
trade of the river increased until the steamboat company, 
of which Mr, Allen was elected president, had placed upon 
the river and lake eleven elegant and commodious steamers. 
He was largely interested in building the Ogdensburg and 
Lake Champlain Bailroad. His ambition for the public 
improvements looking towards the increase of trade for his 
city and the extension of its borders was such that he lost 
large sums of money in trying to put forward the first 
Rome and Ogdensburg Railroad, and also in the establish- 
ment of the Marine Railway, an enterprise which must 
always prove a benefit to the city. During his business 
career in Ogdensburg he was largely interested in the 
river trade, and, before the establishment of railroads, did a 
very extensive business as a forwarding and shipping mer- 
chant. Among the business men of his county none wore 
more active. 

In politics, Jlr. Allen was first identified with the Whig, 
afterwards with the Republican party ; he never solicited 
public o£5ce, or neglected his business for any political 
preferment. He was a liberal contributor to both church 
and school interests, and largely assisted in the erection of 
the Presbyterian church edifice of his city, of which body 
of Christians he and his wife were members to the time of 
their death. She has jjassed away, but her many virtues 
are still remembered by her friends, and grnily impresse4 
upon the minds of her children. 



.--V^^E 




> ^^ 



Photo, by Dow, Ogdenslmrg. 



CHARLES LYON. 



The subject of this sketch was born at Fort A.nn, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1814, and at the time when his 
parents, John and Patience Lyon, were on a visit to her 
native county. His father, for his first wife, married Miss 
Betsey Blanchard, 1808, by whom he had one son, David 
C, who is a graduate of Union college, and a Presbyterian 
minister of St. Paul, Minnesota. She died April 9, 1810. 
By his second wife he had seven children, — Harvey, Charles, 
Roby Ann, John Smith, Mary Jane, George, and Aaron. 
Of these, only three are living, — Harvey, Charles, and 
Greorge, — the first a resident of Hammond, this county, the 
latter a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri. Charles, the 
subject of this memoir, resides in the city of Ogdensburg. 

His father by occupation carried on farming, but also en- 
gaged largely in the lumber business. Charles very early in 
life assisted his father in his business as a lumberman during 
the winter season and in the summer season worked on the 
farm. From the time he was thirteen to fifteen years of age 
he had become so scliooled in business as to take charge of 
his fjither's lumber-yard. He then spent one year in school 
at the academy in Ogdensburg. At the age of nineteen he 
went to New York city, and remained one year as clerk in 
a wholesale dry goods store. He then went to ^Vlbany, 
whore he remained for three years in the fur store of Gan- 
sevoort Melville, when he succeeded him in the fur business 
under the firm-name of Lyon & Cheesebro, which firm con- 
tinued in business for four years, when Mr. Lyon returned 
to Ogdensburg and engaged in the lumber business, which 
to a greater or less extent he has followed down to the 
present time. Soon after returning from Albany he pur- 
chased the farm settled by his grandfather when he first 
came to this county, which he made his residence for soqe 
twenty years, and during the time of his residence there he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of timber land ad- 
joining and a part of the original laqd purchase of Judge 
Nathan Ford, at that time owned by the heirs of the judge. 
Since that time he has caused to be cleared over sixteen 
hundred acres of original timber land, making some forty- 
eight thousand cords of vfood after the sawing timber had 



been taken off, which in the aggregate amounted to some 
eleven million feet. This land after being cleared he has 
sold for farming lands. He has owned some twenty-eight 
hundred acres, and after his sales still retains some seven- 
teen hundred acres. He is also a large real estate owner 
in the city. Among the business men of Ogdensburg no 
one is more active, no one takes a greater interest in build- 
ing up and beautifying the city, and years after he has left 
all these interests his works will stand as monuments of his 
industry and ambition. In the j'ear 183(5, Dec. 19, while 
at Albany, he married Miss Maria, daughter of Henry and 
Maria Vandenburg, of that city, but who was born in Cort- 
land Co., N. Y., May 22, 1813. Her father was a native 
of Coxsackie, on the Hudson, and her grandfather was a 
native of Holland. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were born six 
children, — -Mary Sprague, Martha Safford, David Howard, 
Emma Sophia and Anna Maria (twins), and Ella Louise. 
All are living except Martha Saflford, who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Lyon united with the Second Presbyterian church (jf 
Albany, under Dr. Chester, when she was only thirteen 
years of age, and is now ^ member of the Presbyteriaij I 
church of Ogdensburg. Careful in the instruction of her 
children, her lessons of morality will live with them years 
after she has passed away. Mr. Lyon for some forty-eij;lit 
years has been connected with the same church with his 
wife, has been very actively engaged in Sabbath-school 
work for over a half-contury, and becomes more endeared 
to that interest as years increase. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, first casting his vote in the old Whig party. He 
was never solicitous of ofiice, and although held in high 
esteem by his fellow-citizens, and political preferment 
oflFered, yet he shrank from publicity. Once, however, he 
was elected supervisor, in which ofiico he served one term. 
Liberal in his views, ^e is also liberal in his assistance in 
every enterprise looking to the building up of good society 
i^nd the su()port of churches and schools. He has always 
taken a deep interest in the agricultural interests of his 
county, and has been prominentjy identified with the 
society from its early days. 



4 




'huto. by Kent, Rocliester. 



CHARLES a. MYERS 

was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence County, Feb. 17, 1810. 
His father was of German, his mother of Scottish, pater- 
nity. They settled on a farm on tlie St. Lawrence river in 
1800, where Charles G. was born, the youngest of three 
children. The eldest, James C, born in 179'J, is now 
active and vigorous, and still resides on the homestead farm. 
The second, Lucretia, was distinguished for fine literary 
ability and piety, and died in 182G. The subject of this 
sketch, at the age of ten years, entered the St. Lawrence 
Academy at Potsdam, and continued there for about five 
years, during which time he attained a fair knowledge of 
the classics and the ordinary academic course. At the age 
of sixteen he entered the law-office of Gouverneur and 
William Ogden, at Waddington, St. Lawrence County, and 
there and at the tlien village of Rochester, ^lonroe Co., com- 
pleted the term of clerkship then required for admission to 
the bar, and was admitted as attorney-at law and solicitor 
in Chancery at the October term, 1832, at Albany. 

In 1833 he formed a partnership with Hon. Ransom H. 
Gillet, then member of congress ibr his district, residing 
at Ogdensburg, and at once entered upon the active jiractice 
of his profession, being brought forward more rapidly than 
was then usual, by reason of the continued absence of his 
senior in congress. 

In 1844 he was commissioned Surrogate, and served four 
years; in 1848 was Member of Assembly, 1st district ; in 
1847 was elected District Attorney, and re-elected, serving 
as such until January 1, 1854; in 1859 he was elected 
Attorney-General. In 1861, as a member of the Military 
Board, he participated in the organization of thirty thousand 
troops. For his participation therein see t\w '' Military 
Reports, 18t)2." In 1863-64 he served as chairman of tlio 
military committee of his senatorial district, and greatly 
aided the organization of the 95th, lOlJtIi, and 1 12d regi- 



ments of volunteers. In 1873 he was appointed Canal 
Appraiser on nomination of Gov. Dix, which office he still 

holds. 

A Democrat from his youth, in 1847, as a "Barn- 
burner," he attended the Herkimer convention. In the 
a.s!5embly, in 1848, he moved the Wilmot Proviso, amend- 
inir the resolution for the admission of Texa.s. Opposed 
from the first to the extension of slavery into free territory, 
he joined the Republican party at its organization, and has 
continued with it ever since. 

Mr. iMyers, politically, was entitled to a much higher 
position than he ever secured, and in the estimation of his 
friends his ability and sterling honesty should have given 
him greater political preferment. Independent in thought, 
followed by judicious action, yet far above any underhanded 
measure to accomplish his objects, he is unswerving and 
faithful to principle, irrespective of men. 

In the lirde of his ac(|uaintance he stands a peer among 
his associates, having great consideration for others in pre- 
ference to himself; gentlemanly, uni)retentious ; and in his 
own family, especially, his social qualities are pre-eminent. 
He never led opposition to any enterprise tending to benefit 
society, educate the rising generation, or establish it upon a 
religious basis ; but always gave encouragement to ambition 
rightly directed, and to pure motives apparent in others. 
He is among the prominent members of the bar of his county, 
and particularly distinguished as a safe and wise counselor. 

In 1836 he married Miss Frances Ann Ranney, by whom 
he had two sons and two daughters. George R., his eldest 
son, was colonel of the ISth New York Volunteers in the 
War of the Rebellion, who, after his term of service ex- 
jiircd, was breveted brigadier-general for meritorious ser- 
vices. His second son, Charles MeC, is a lawyer, and a 
partner with his father. His eldest daughter, Frances A., 
married Mr. George A. Eddy, of the N. T. Company, and 
his youngest, IMary, is unmarried. 




Photo, by Dow, Ogden&biirg. 



(^/W^^^^ 




was born in the town of Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County, 
Oct. 3, 1827. 

He was the eldest son of a family of three children of 
Ira and Ahnira H. Chapin. The former was a native of 
Connecticut, the latter of Herkimer county; her maiden 
name was Pinney, and she was a dausihtcr of Judge Piiiney, 
who married a daughter of an iTidian chief of the JUohuirk 
tribe. Judge Pinney came to Oswegatchie iis early as 1808 
with his family, and he and his wife were both buried in 
the village of Heuvelton. 

His father belonged to the large family of Chapins of 
the New England .States, who are descendants from English 
stock, and came to St, Lawrence County with his father, 
John Chapin, during the pioneer days of the county's 
history. He first settled at Ogden.sburg. His father was 
engiiged in the lumbering business in the earlier part of his 
life, but sub.se(iuently followed farming, which he carried 
on until his death in the year 1842, aged fifty-two years. 

The father died when Edward J. was only fifteen 
years old. The mother, with due consideration and fore- 
thought for the future prosperity of her children, educated 
her third son, Alexander P., for a doctor; he graduated at 
Castleton, Vermont ; opened the practice of his profe,s.--ic)n at 
Matamoras, Mexico, but only livi^d some .six years thereafter. 
and died at the age of thirty years, in the year 1858. The 
second son, (Jaylord P., was educated for a lawyer; gradu- 
ated at Middlebury College, Vermont; was admitted to 
practice his profession about the year 1854 ; became promi- 
nently identified during his short career with the bar of 
Ogdensburg, but only lived about four years after he was 
admitted to the bar, and died in the year 185G, aged thirty 
years. In the year 18.t4 the mother died. 

After the death of the entire family, except the subject 



of this memoir, Edward J. (having previously man- 
aged farm matters with his mother, and assisted in the 
education of his two brothers), at about the time of the 
death of his second brother, was appointed under-sheriff of 
his county, which office he retained for some nine years, 
and during the entire time discharged the duties of the 
office to the satisfaction of the people, and with such honor 
to him.self, that at the end of this time he was elected 
sheriff", which office he enjoyed for the term allowed by 
law. For the next six years immediately following he was 
under-sheriff. He was in 1873 again elected sheriff for 
his second term, which term of office expired Jan. 1, 1877, 
njaking in all twenty-one years' continual .'Jervice as under- 
sheriff and sheriff. He was chief of police of Ogdens- 
burg from its incorporation as a city. May, 1868 (with the 
exception of one J'ear), until August, 1877. 

In his early manhood days he was a member of the 
Whig party, and from the time of his first vote began to 
take an active part in politics. U])on the formation of the 
Republican party he united with its principles and adopted 
its yilattbrm, and has since unswervinglv stood firm in its 
ranks. In 1870 he married Miss Jemima, daughter of 
Henjamin and Sarah Nevin. of this city. Her father was 
of Irish birth, and caiTie to America at the age of nineteen 
years, and settled in the town of Brasher, in 1817. Her 
mother was a native of New Hampshire, her maiden name 
being Woodbury. 

Mr. Chapin's public career has been such as to gain the 
full confidence not only of his own political friends, but 
also of those opposed to him in politics. Unassuming, he 
despises the man who engages in anything underhanded to 
aci'oniplish any object; .scrupulously honest, and a man of 
sterling integrity. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



189 



had any claim whatever to lands in this part of the State, conse- 
quently they could not grant an island in the river. In consequence 
of bi.s excellency's letter, the business of the island I hope is happily 
concluded, and I hope a similar occasion will not jircsent itself. I 
consider it proper to give your excellency the earliest information 
upon this sulijcct. and it was hut yesterday that Gray cauio forward." 

Mr. Ford was a]i]ioiiiti'il fir.st judge, which office he held 
for many years, and in this capacity he ever evinced tliat 
promptness and decision, joined with sound judgment, that 
rendered him peculiarly valuable to the public, and a terror 
to evil-doers. In jiolitics he was Federal, and although he 
denounced tlie policy of the war, his course was such as to 
secure the confidence of the officers stationed at Ogdens- 
burg, and he was particularly iLseful in dissuading from 
predatory incursions for plundering, which led only to re- 
taliations. For several years previous to his death, which 
occurred in April, 1829, his constitution had been yielding 
to the insiduous approaches of consumption, but the vigor 
of his mind remained unimpaired, and he continued to feel 
a deep interest in public affiiirs, after his strength had de- 
nied him the power of taking part in them. He had scf;ii 
and fell the first feeble beginnings of a colony which had 
grown up to a populous and thriving town, and the howling- 
wilderness, traversed only by savages and wild beasts, tran.s- 
formod into cultivated fields and inhabited by an intelligent 
and prosperous people. With the progress of a third of a 
century before him, he looked forward into coming years, 
atid, witli the prophetic faith natural to his employment, 
Idealized in his mental vision the change which a century 
would work in the condition of the country around him. 
Some time before his death, a friend, conversing on this 
subject, asked him if, in his dreams, the future aspect of 
the town ever presented itself The idea instantly struck 
hira, and with an energy beyond his .strength, and an eye 
kindling with enthusiasm, he replied, " Dream? I see it ! 
A rich and populous cili/.' A wide extent of country 
covered with houses ; a harbor crowded with the fleet of the 
lakes !" He then went on and in glowing language por- 
trayed the coining greatness and opulence which natural 
advantages were destined to confer upon the town. From 
the earliest period, Mr. Ford took the strotigest interest in 
the welfare of the Presbyterian church in the village. 

In person, 3Ir. Ford was thin and slender, and his fea- 
tures are well represented in the portrait given ; his eye 
possessed unusual brilliancy, and when excited by any topic 
that engaged his whole soul, it sparkled with enthusiasm 
and feeling. In his manners he was courteous and grace- 
ful, and his hospitality was of that elegant kiiul which, 
while it made its recipients at ease, gave them a sense of 
welcome, and a hnme feeling, so eminently pleasing to thei* 
guests. He was interred in the family vault, in the western 
part of the village, which is neatly enclosed in a wall, and 
the grounds within arc suitably adorned with shrubbery. 



LOUIS HASBROUCK 

was the fifth in descent from a family of French Hugue- 
nots, who fled from France to Holland, and thence to New 
York, and settled on the Hudson, in the present town of 
New Paltz, Ulster county. He was born at New Paltz, on 



the banks of the Wallkill, April 22, 1777, and received his 
collegiate education at Nassau Hall, in Princeton, at which 
he graduated Sept. 25, 1797, and studied law in New York 
under Josiah Ogden Hoff'nian and Cadwallader Golden. In 
August, 1801, he was admitted at Albany to practice in 
the supreme court, and, in September following, to the 
Ulster court of common pleas. While at Albany, at the 
time of his admission to the supreme court, he met with 
Judge Ford, and was persuaded to come to Ogdensburg to 
settle, and through the same influence he received an 
appointment as clerk of the county JIarch 10, 1802. In 
June he arrived at Ogdensburg, and officiated at the first 
court held in the old garrison in that month. He came by 
horseback, with others, through the Mohawk and Pilack 
river countries. He returned in October, and continued 
for two yetirs to spend his winters below, and his summers 
in Ogdensburg. In May, 1S04, he started, with the view 
of making a permanent residence, accompanied by his wife, 
brother, a lady cousin, and a female slave, and proceeded up 
the Mohawk valley and the Black river settlements, in a 
wagon, as far as Coffin's tavern, in West Carthage. It 
being impossible to proceed farther by wagon, he hired 
another horse of a Frenchman called Battise, and proceeded 
on from thence with throe horses to the five travelers. One 
of the horses was used as a pack-horse, and across it were 
laid two bags containing provision and clothing. Their 
outfit for a march of several days through a wilderness, 
with no guide but a line of marked trees, and only casual 
opportunities of procuring supplies from the huts of scat- 
tered settlers, consisted of some dried beef, a few lemons 
for making lemonade, hard crackers, and a little tea and 
sugar. For milk, bread, and other provisions, they trusted 
to the supplies they might procure along the road of the 
inhabitants, or kill in the forest with their fire-arms. BIr. 
Joseph Ilasbrouck led the way, and the others followed in 
Indian file, adopting at times the practice of riding and 
tying, and at others mounting double. The route led 
through Wilna, Antwerp, and somewhere near the line of 
the Old State road to the Oswegatchie, at the present vil- 
lage of Heuvelton, where they crossed the river in a scow. 
Their first night was spent at Lewis's, their second at Lee's 
(now Mordecai Cook's, in Antwerp), their third at Bris- 
tol's (De Peyster's"), and their fourth at the old garrison in 
Ogdensburg. The Hasbrouck mansion was erected the 
year previous, and finished in 1804. Sir. Ha.sbrouck 
moved for a few weeks into Judge Ford's building, at the 
garrison. Mr. Hasbrouck arrived in the infiincy of its 
settlement, and commenced the practice of law in that vil- 
lage, which he continued till his death. He held the office 
of county clerk until 1817. During a period of thirty-two 
years, in which he saw the progressive and rapid rise of the 
county from a wilderness to a populous and pr(Jsperous dis- 
trict, he was intimately concerned with its business and its 
interests, and was extensively kuown to its citizens, by all 
classes of whom he was highly esteemed for the many ex- 
cellent qualities he possessed. With the purest rectitude 
of principle in all his conduct, he united a kindness and 
benevolence of disposition that made him alike respected tind 
beloved by all. Modest and unpretcnditig in his manners, 
he sought not public distinction, and preferred the walks of 



190 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



private life, from which he could not be prevailed to willi- 
draw, until, at the fall election of 18li2, he reluctantly 
consented to allow his political friends to nominate hiiu for 
the office of senator of this State. To this office he was 
elected, and continued until his decea.se, which resulted from 
hydrothorax, on the 20th of August, 18:St. The mem- 
bers of the bar of the county of St. Lawrence, re.sident in 
Ogdeusburg, convened the day after, and testified their re- 
spect for the amiable character of the deceased by passing 
a series of resolutions highly expressive of their esteem for 
hi.s merits and sorrow at his death, and followed in a body 
to his last resting-place the remains of the citizen whoso 
memory it was their privilege to honor. The trustees of 
the village also called a meeting of the inhabitants to C(jn- 
sider the proper measures to be taken for paying suitable 
respect to his memory. The meeting thus a.ssembled 
adopted measures fur testifying their sorrow and expressing 
their sympathy with the family of the deceased.* 



DR. J. W. SMITH 

was the first physician who settled in St. Lawrence County, 
at a period when the hardships of that laborious profession 
were unusually severe. The physician's avocation is always 
one of great responsibility, and requires for its successful 
prosecution the greatest amount of sagacity and skill ; but 
especially amid the privations of a new settlement, where 
conveniences fur the sick are sometimes not procurable, and 
the usual methods, from necessity, are supplanted by such 
as the exigencies of the moment may suggest, does it re- 
quire in a special manner the exercise of sound judgment 
and a prompt and judicious action. Dr. Smith was born at 
Cheshire, Mass., Feb. 22, 1781. His father removed from 
Cheshire to Addison, Vt., and died in the year 1791. He 
studied with Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, of Vergennes, in 
171)9, and completed his professional studies with Dr. Wil- 
liam Ro.se, at Middlebury, in 1802. In the following year 
ho removed to Lisbon and commenced practice. During 
the time he resided here his business extended to Madrid, 
Canton, and Oswegatchie, and was one of great hardship 
from the want of jiassable roads, and the great distance 
which he was compelled to travel, often on foot, from the 
impossibility of getting through otherwise, and exposed to 
the various vicissitudes incident to a new country. He has 
been known to travel on foot through the forest by torch- 
light, at night, without a road, to Canton, a distance of 
eighteen miles. In 1807 ho removed to Ogdensburg, and 
became the first physician at that place. He was the first 
president of the county medical society, and continued to 
fill that office during a great part of the time till his 
death. He al.so held the office of loan commissioner fur 
some time. He died at Ogdensburg July 4, 1835. 

The following tribute to his memory, published soon 
after his decease, is believed to be but a just picture of his 
life and character : 

" From tho first settlement of the county to the close of his life 
his whole time aiiJ energies were devoted to his profession. He 

r • 

« Br. TTough. 



uii'lorwont incrcdihlf f.itigur in his extended practice in tho country 
witliout roads, and never spared himself in his exertions to mitigate 
the pain of others; neither dangerous roads, or the darkness of 
night, or inclement weather, ever deterred him from attending to tho 
calls of the sick, even though that call were by the most poor an<l 
profligate of our race; all will bear him witness to his kindncs?, 
oiiarity, and compassion. It was no selfish principle that prompted 
his exertions. The love of gain seemed to have no influence with 
him, for he habitually did himself great injustice, as well in respect 
to the amount of his charges as in his reluctance to collect those he 
had made. Ho was undoubtedly a man of great science, skill, and 
judgment in bis profession. Perhaps no physician ever bad the uni- 
versal confidence both of liis professionsil brethren and of his patients 
than Dr. Smith ; at iho bedside of a patient ho was rarely mistaken, 
either in the disease or its appropriate remedy. To the poor and 
distressed he was the good Samaritan, and in the various relations of 
professional and private life lie was ever founil exemplary.""!' 



JOSEPH YORK, 

the second sheriff' of St. Lawrence County, an active parti- 
san in the war of 1812-15, and a citizen who enjoyed to a 
great degree the esteem of the public, was born in Claren- 
don, Mass., Jan. 8, 1781, and removed, with his father's 
family, at an early age to Randolph, Vt. From thence he 
emigrated, in 1805, to Ogdensburg, and for three years 
held the post of deputy-sheriff" under Thomas J. Davias, 
when he succeeded that gentleman, and held the office of 
sheriff' four years. At the battle of Feb. 22, 1813, he was 
residing in the court-house, and had care of the prisoners. 
Jleasures had been taken to raise a new company, and he 
was to have been one of its officers. He had charge of a 
cannon which was posted at the corner of Ford and 
Euphamia streets, and was the only person of his party 
who was not killed or wounded. He was captured and 
taken to Prescott, but soon after, at the intercession of his 
wife, he was paroled, and in a few weeks after exchanged. 
The prisoners in jail were .set free on their own assertion that 
they were confined for political off'enses, but upon being 
a.ssurcd of the contrary they were mostly reariested, and 
given up to Mr. York, who met the British authorities at 
the national boundary on the ice, in the middle of the 
St. Lawrence, and received them. Among these was one 
who had fled to Montreal upon his receiving his liberty, 
and was there captured. He had been confined on a 
charge of murder. During three successive years, Mr. 
York represented the county in the legislature. The town 
of York, in Livingston Co., N. Y., derives its name from 
him. He died on the Gth of May, 1827, at the age of 
forty-six, after a lingering illness of several months. 

Mr. York was a very public-spirited man, and especially 
in times of danger or alarm he was one of those who 
placed himself in front, and by his word and example en- 
couraged others more timid or lass qualified to think for 
themselves at moments of excitement. This was particu- 
larly the case in fires, on which occasion he never failed to 
take the lead in directing the means to be taken for sup- 
pressing the consuming element and in rescuing prop- 
erty.f 



t Dr. Hough. 




Photo, by Duw, Ogdcnsbiirg. 



The suhjoct of this ski.'tch was burn at the village of Ogdenshtirg, St. Law- 
renco Co., N. Y., on October 14, ISdO. His father dieil soon after the birth uf 
Preston, leaving t"> him .1 nioiU^st competence, and committing his son to the 
giianlian.ship of the late Hon. Louis Hasbioiick. 

Mr. King received his cliussical course, preparatory for college, at the St 
Liiwrence academy, ami entered Union college in 1821, whence he graduated 
with distinction. 

He pureupd the study of the law in his nntivo village with his guardian and 
the lat"' Judge Fine, and was duly licensed as an attorney'. He never practiced 
his profession. His inclination led him into the pnlitical field. Ho soon became 
a writer upon and editor of the St. Lawrence lifjnihlicuu, a Democratic paper; 
and he ardently espoused and advocated the principles and measures then held 
an-l pu:-sucd by the Pemo<ratic party. 

In 18 VZ lie was appuinteil postniiister at Ogdensbnrg, which office he held for 
several years, and in 1S;14 he was elected a member of a^^sembly, and was re- 
elected there several consecutive times to that office. 

He at once took a foremost rank in the b-gi^lature as a radical, opposed to 
corporate monopolies*, and in favur of hard monej*. His associates and com- 
panions in the legislature were Abijali Mann, Samuel Young, Richard Hulbort, 
and others of like opinions, and during his service he became an expert and 
Hcconiplisht^d piirliameniarian, which stoud him in good stead in after-life. 

His ardent love I'f Di-ni"cr.ttic institutions induced him, in 18:i7~:!8, to form 
the 8(}-calIefl " patriot'' movement tu sever Canada from Cieat Britain, and when 
that aflair culminated in the unfortunate expedition of Von Schoultz, and his 
capture at " Windmill p<iint," Mr. King headed an efTort to rescue the luckless 
survivors, which was only defeated by the treachery of tlie messenger whom 
he sent to the men, urging them to esciipo on his steamer. His failure to 
rescue these men weighed heavily on his spirits, and produced an illness from 
which he did not recover fur several months. 

In 184.^ ho wiis elected a member of Congress, and twice, consecutively, re- 
elected to the !*ame office. Duritig these six yc'ars' wervice iti the IKuse he was 
distinguished as a coid, vigilant, and iiidnstriitus member, and a.s a fi-arles-s ami 
aide advocate of " free s il, free speeih, and free men."' He is said to have 
been the real author of the famous " Wilmut proviso," thougli with ciraracter- 
istic modesty he allowed another to ofter it. 

Aft«>r the close nf his services in the House of Uepn-sentatives he served as 
one of the commissioners of harbor improvement in the city of New York. 

During all this period, Mr. King had been a conspicuous nu'mber of the 
Democratic parly in the State, and one of the trusted leaders of that diviaiou 
of the parly then known as " Barnburners." 

When, in IS.M, the B;irnburners, following the lead of the late Jidin Van 
Buren, surrend.'r.-d the cnntnd of thr party tu the " Hunkers,"' ""d abandoned 
the doctrine.s uf free soil, and the "corm-r-stone," Mr. King bocaiuo one of the 



prominent founders of the Republican party, and wa.s run unsucceeslully in 
1855 as its candidate for the office of secretary of state. 

In l?o7 he was elected by the Republican party to the Senate of the United 
States, and served his full time in that body, where he held a high rank for 
solid influence. "He had the high honor of speaking in the Senate nf the 
United States the first plain words which told the Southern leaders that if they 
chose war, war they should have." His firmness, courage, and unhe'*:tiiting 
faith in the triumph of the right enabled him to render far more efficient ser- 
vice to his ('ountry in his unassuming and uuostentatiuus manner, by his wise 
and prudent counsels, than many other members who commanded more public 
attention by display and ostentation. 

When the late Mr. Greeley attempted a combination to force Mr. Seward from 
the cabinet, Mr. King firmly sustained tlie i;reat secretary, and thereby in- 
curred Mr. Greeley's unreleniiiig hostility. At the expiration of his term, Jlr. 
King persistently refused to solicit snpputt for re-election, relying upon his 
record and the justice of his constituency. In the canvass, Mr. Greeley ap- 
peared as a bitter opponent, assigning as one reason, Mr. King's adherence to 
Mr. Seward, and Mr. Kitig was defeated. 

In 1864, Mr. King was a prominent delegate in the Baltimore convention, 
and advocated and secured the nomination of Andrew Johnson for vice-president. 

Upon the accession of Mr. Jolinson to the i)residency, Mr. King was for some 
time his guest, ami heartily approved the reject i(ui by the president of the nu- 
merous presents tendered; Mr. King lndding through life the doctrine of 
Sihts Wright, whose political pupil he was, that public men ought never to 
embarrass themselves by incurring obligations to individuals which might, 
perchance, influence them in the performance of puldic duties. 

In the summer of 18fi'>, Mr. King wa-s appointed collectur of tlie port of New 
York, an office in the a<lnuuJ>itralion of whi<di he was not fairly settled when 
liis death by his owu hand, in a sudden fit of ijisanity, terminated his career 
November 12, 1865. 

Mr. King never married. He was kind and afTertinnate to his relatives, 
steadfast to his principles, and faithful to his friemls ; urbane and affable to 
all, and sympathizing and accessible to high and low, rich and poor, alike. Ho 
was frugal in hia personal expenses, plain in his apparel and modes of life, but 
always leaily to relieve the necessities of the needy and afflicted. His grasp of 
public afl'aii's and political questions wtvs intuitive and masterly. Ho was not 
an orator. He was too terse and laconic in expression for a successful speaker, 
but could express more solid sense in a sentence or two than would serve an 
orator for uti extended speech. 

The integrity and purity of the man are demonstrated by the fact that, though 
he held all the public positions above enumerat<-d, and lavished nothing in 
unnece-ssaiy expensi's,at bis death his modest estate consisted mainly in real 
property inher.ted from his father. 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdenslmrg. 



D. E. SOUTH WICK, M.D. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Keesville, Clinton 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1831. He was the only son and 
third child of a family of six children of Paul and Sarah 
Southwick. His father was a native of Saletn, Mass., 
being born May 15, 1797, and his ancestors early settlers 
of the eastern States and of Enn-lish birth. His mother 
was born Sept. 14, 1800. His father, at the age of ten 
years, came to Keesville, and remained there until his 
death. He was a farmer by occupation, and in circum- 
stances to give his children the advantages of a good edu- 
cation. David E. was early a student in the common 
school, but received his first instruction in a private school 
kept in the family. At the age of eighteen he entered the 
academy of his native place and remained for some three 
years, at the end of which time he commenced the study of 
medicine witii Dr. Blanchard, of Keesville. After a year 
he entered the office of Dr. Ward, of the same place, and 
during the year attended a course of medical lectures in 
Albany, and at the close of the year entered the Homoeo- 
pathic medical college at Philadelphia (the first homoeo- 
pathic college started in the United States). Here he 
spent about one year, and graduated, receiving the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Medicine in the year 1857. Coming 
home he remained for a short time, caring for his father, 
who had been thrown from liis carriage. His father shortly 
after died, being sixty-three years of age. His mother had 
died when he was quite young. In the year 1857 he came 
to Ogdensburg, and began the practice of his profession, 
where he has remained until the writing of this brief sketch 
(1877). 

In the year 1871, Dr. Southwick married Miss Sarah 
Frances, daughter of Alden and Ellen Vilas, of this city. 
Mr. Alden Vilas was one of the pioneers of Oswegatchic, 
and of New England birth. He came to this county at the 
age of sixteen years, and was a descendant of Peter Vilas, 
who was born 1704, in England. Her mother was daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Sarah Cliandler, of Reading, Vt. 

Dr. Southwick opened up the practice of the homoeo- 



pathic theory in the city of Ogdensburg, and was the first 
physician of that school who permanently located there, and 
hence was the pioneer of his profession in the city where 
he has since resided. As, in the introducing of any new 
doctrine, opposition of opposing theories is expected, it was 
no exception in Dr. Southwick's experience. This he met 
with true, manly dignity and consideration, feeling the value 
of the correct practice of the peculiar theory which he was 
about to propagate, yielding to others their own opinions, 
but reserving the result of his own in the development of 
his practice. 

Quite fortunately for the doctor, an epidemic peculiar to 
children, called " scarlatina," broke out, in the treatment 
of which he was very successful. This, being in the winter 
following his arrival in the city the August previous, at 
once gave a strong impetus to the new theory, and placed 
its propagation favorably before the people. Ilis great 
skill in practicing medicine has gradually become a matter 
of fact in the minds of the people, and has made his pa- 
tients his warmest friends. 

In 18G4 he took into partnership with him Dr. N. N. 
Child, the partnership lasting until the year 1871, since 
which time Dr. Southwick has remained alone in the prac- 
tice of his profession, yielding his services to the needy poor 
as soon as to the wealthy, to those from whom he never 
expected any remuneration for services as well as to those 
who were in circumstances to pay. 

Dr. Southwick never takes an active part in the political 
arena, but is strongly imbued with Republican principles, 
and esteems highly the value of a vote for principle instead 
of for men. In social life he is considerate in conversation, 
gentlemanly in all his ways, modest, and unassuming. He 
is liberal in his views, and ready to assist every enterprise 
for the good of society, the education of the masses, and 
the propagation of the principles of the Protestant religion. 
He is a member of the American Medical Institute, also of 
the State medical society, and president of the county 
medical society. 





^^7< 4^ 



"^ ^C 



Photo, by Dow. 



aA<M/ 



.r^. 



oOh^' '^'^'^iA^n^, 



ANTHONY FURNESS. 



The subject of tins sketch was born iu the parish of 
Cliburn, county of Westmoreland, England, Oct. 15, 1797. 
He was the eldest son of a family of ten children of John ' 
and Jamcs"n?uruess, both natives of the same county. 
His father w'as a stone-mason by trade, and laid up a f;iir 
competence for himself and family, but gave his children 
liberal opportunities for obtaining an education. 

Anthony worked with his father until he was of age, 
and learned the mason trade, as also did four others of his 
brothers. At the age of twenty-one, and in the year 1818, 
he emigrated from England, landing at Quebec. After a 
few days he came to Ogdensburg, and at once began work 
at his trade. From that time until age debarred him from 
the active duties of life, he continued in his business, and 
as contractor and builder has erected some of the finest 
residences now in the city of his adoption. 

At the age of twenty-six, and in the year 1823, he 
married Jliss Margaret, daughter of James Gilmour, of 
Morristown. She was born in Paisley, Scotland, December 
20, 1802, and came to America with her flither, June 20, 
1820. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Furness have been born nine children : 
John R., Elizabeth J., James A., William, Mary, James 
H., Isabella Scott, George A., and Charles Howie. Of 
these, the throe oldest arc dead. William has entered the 
law-office of Hon. D. Magone, of Ogdensburg. M;H-y 
resides with her father, having lost lier husband, Seth 
Pomeroy, June, 18(51 ; they were residents of Detroit, 
Mich. James H. went to Austin, Nevada, in 1802, with 
a party to work in the silver-mines. Very little has been 
lieard of him since, and it is nut known now by his friends 



where he is. Isabella Scott married Allen Gilmour, and 
resides in Albany, N. Y. George A. is in the dry goods 
bu.siness in his native city ; he married Miss Martha, 
daughter of Fred. Winslow, and resides in Ogdensburg. 
Charles Howie married Miss Annie, daughter of William 
Vollaus, of Oswegatchie. and resides in Gloversville, N. Y. 

Mrs. Furness, in the early history of the Presbyterian 
church of Ogdensburg, united with that body, and re- 
mained a member of the same until the time of her death, 
August 6, 1867. She was a model Christian woman, in- 
structed her children in their early life in all that was 
necessary to impress upon their minds lessons of morality 
and religion ; devoted to the best interests of society, a 
faithful wife, a loving mother, honored by all who knew 
her, and especially endeared to her sistei-s in the church. 

Anthony Furness, on first coming to this city, entered 
the ranks of the Whig party, having imbibed liberal prin- 
ciples of the same party before leaving his native country. 
Upon the formation of the Republican party he naturally 
cast his lot with it, and has always regarded the right of 
sufi'rage a boon conferred upon every American citizen. 
He is a very plain, unassuming man, and lives in the 
hearts of his children, who surround him in his old age. 
He is now in liis eighty-first year, having lived to see the 
various changes in the city's history. 

He has been connected with the Presbyterian church for 
the last thirty years, and his record will go down to his 
offs]>ring without a blemish to mar its evenness or detract 
from its influence upon generations unl)orn of his race. 
He is still active in mind and body, and resides in the 
house built by himself in the year 1840. 





U MRS. G. N. SEYMOUR. 

Plioto. by Dow, Ogdensburg. 



GEORGE N. SEYMOUR. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Sitrin};fic?M, Vt., April 14, \1%\. He 
W118 the eldest son of a family of five chiUJren of David and Nancy Seyraonr, 
viz.: George N., Harriet, Isaac, David L., and Nancy Ann. David Seymour was 

a native of Hartford, Conn., and a lineal desceiident of Seymour, who 

emigrated to this country from England, and settled in Hartford Boon after the 
landing of the I'ilgrlms. Nancy Seyiiiqur (whose maiden name was Nichols) 
was a daughter of Nalhaniel NichuN, of Winchenden, Ma=s. In 1806, Bavid 
Si-ymonr, leaving his fimily in Vermont, oame to St. Lawrence County with 
Gen. Lewis Morris as a surveyor and contractor, bringing a company of men 
with him. He erected the obi court-house of Ogdensburg where the new cuB- 
tuni-house now stjindn; took the contract for building the bridges on the old 
Stite road to Albany, and while at work at Houvelton went in bathing, and 
was drowned. His body was tho first intoi'red in the old cemetery. 

The mother and widow, witli true devotion to her cliildren, unaitled pecuni- 
arily, and with but liltle competence left at the sudden death of her husband, 
met her pu.-^ilion with remarkable courage, and with a will to do, by judiciona 
m-inagemerit aTid fon^thongbt, gave her ciiildrea each a liberal education for 
that day, and trained them while young in all that lays the foundation for 
true manhood and womanliood. Sliedied at the residence of her daughte?', 
Mrn. Gilbert, in Ogdensburg, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 

In the year 1808, at the age of fourteen years, George N. came to Ogdensburg, 
recommended by Gen. Lewis Morris, of Vermont (guai-dian of his father's child- 
ren), to the firm of Itosseel & Lewis, merchants. He w;i9 bound out to these 
gentlemen until he was of ago. It was during th"!se seven years of apprentice- 
ship that he was schoob-d in business tactics, and laid the fuunJation of careful 
business haliits, which, together with the careful and more than ordinary train- 
ing of his mother, formed the genu of his successful operations as a merchant 
in after-years. His education from hooks while young was of such a character 
as to lay the founilation for a good business ability. Upon arriving at the age 
of twenty-one he entered the land-oftico of Mr. David Parish, and was soon 
after sent to Vermont to solicit emigration to the county, and for the purpose 
of inducing settlement on the hinds uwned by Mr. Parish. At the age of twenty- 
two he went to New York, pin chased a stock of goods, brought tliorn to Ogdens- 
burg, and began business f.jf himself. He hiid acquired sufficient reputation 
fi»r his integrity with tlioso with whuin he had been a.ssociatcil to command 
their full confidence, and commenced buiinos.s upon borrowed capital, loaned 
from Mr. Parish. 

HiA careful and judicious management in business secured for himself and 
family a conipetcnce which placed him beyond the apprehension of want. 
Scrupulously honest, he wa^ held in high esteem by bis fellovv-nien, and often 
intrusted with the affair-i of other-i as executor or gu irdian. He was counsel 
and as.sistance to those iti need, and during the great famine in Ireland was 
president of the lelief cumuiitli-e for his county. He \yas drafted, and served 



in the War of 1812 for a short time, mostly at Socket's Harbor. Mr. Seymour 
in politics was first a Federalist, afterwards a Whig, but upon the breaking up 
of that party ever after stood independent for the principles involved, and not 
for tlie men, thought and acted for himself, regarding the right of suffrage as 
the gift of the people. He took a deep interest in matters of church and school, 
and was a member of the Presbyterian Society of Ogdensburg. 

In 1844 he took into partnership with him his two sons, and at the end of 
ten years left his merciintile business in their hand.-*, which they continued 
until 186M, He was chosen vice-president of the Ogdensburg bank upon ita 
organization, and held that position for several years. He was also a stock- 
holder in the Judson bank from the time of itd organization until his death, 
July 27, 1859. 

At the age of twenty-throe, and in the year 1818, he married Miss Sophia 
Mary, daughter of Louis and Sarah de Villers, of Wilna, Jefferson county. 
Her father was a native of Abbeville, France, and descended from an ancient 
and respectable family; was in the service of Loui.s XVI. as lieutenant in Iho 
Battiilion Vermandois, a corps composing a part of the Royal Guards, and 
stationed most of the time at Pari-i. He was transferred to the regimeiif 
serving in America under Gen. Kocbambeau, and came to this country about 
the close of the Revolutionary War, with Cuunt Le Ray de Chaumont, for thq 
purpose of joining the Allies. Her father first came to Trenton, afterwardn to 
Cooperstown, thence to Butternuts, where he married Miss Sanih Kinney, of 
Ojtniecticut birth. It was at Butternuts that Miss Sophia Mary de Villers wag 
born, October 10, 1797. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Seymour were born four children, — Harriet Ann, George de 
Villers, Isaac Lewis, and Sophia Mary. Of these all are living. Harriet Ann 
married Mr. John D. Judson, a banker cif Ogdensburg city, and resides in that 
place; George de Villers married Miss Frances G. Fonl, of New Jersey, and 
resides in his native city; Isaac Lewis married Miss JMary Ann Crysler, of 
Williamsburg, Ontario, and resides also in Ogdensburg; Sophia Mary married 
Mr. George Conant, of Ogdensburg, and resides in New York city. 

Mi's. Seymour many years ago united with the Presbyterian church of this 
city, and has remained a member of the same until the present lime. She is 
at till! writing of this sketch celebrating her eightieth birthday, surrounded 
by her children and grandchildren. She ha.s lived to see four generations In 
her own family, and still retJiins her accustomed activity of Itolh l>ody and 
n^ind. Coming into the county in the early days of its settlement, she has 
noted the various changes from the rude cabin to residences of gnindenr, be- 
tokening the wealth of this generation. In Iter day school'*, churches, and 
societies have been established. She has the pleasure of seeing before the close 
of her life the result of her early lessons of instruction to her children, and 
their influence down the generations beyoinl. She lives in the hearts of her 
children, endeared to Iheui by the parental lies of an affectionate mother. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



191 




Plmto. by Dow, Ogilciisbiirg. 



The Perkins family are tlie descendants of Sir Jacob 
Perkins, a knight, and president of a college in England. 
Ilis sons, Joseph and John, when young, came to New 
England. They, and fifteen others, were the first settlers 
of old Ipswich. They were born about the commence- 
ment of the IGth century. It was from the latter, John, 
that the subject of this memoir is descended. John was a 
friend to the Indians, had their confidence, and saved the 
town from destruction by their giving him timely notice. 
John Perkins, Sr. (son of Jacob), was born in Newent, 
Gloucester, England, in 15IM); came to New England in 
1631, in the same ship which brought Roger Williams; 
died at Ipswich, in 1654, aged sixty-four. He left three 
sons and three daughters. The names of the sons are re- 
corded in the Ipswich town-records among those who had 
the right of commonage then, — the last day of the last 
month, 1641. The .grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, Mathew Perkins, married Miss Hannah Bishop, a 
native of Connecticut, in 1738. 

Bishop Perkins was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., 
Mass., Sept. 5, 1787, and was, at the time of his death 
(Nov. 20, 1866), in the eightieth year of his age. He 
received his preparatory instruction from Rev. Timothy 
M. Cooley, of East Granville, and entered Williams college 
in tlie year 1807. Soon after leaving college he entered a 
law-ofliec in Troy, but eventually finished his studies with 
Hon. Joseph Kirkland, of Utica. Coming to reside in St. 
Lawrence County soon after the close of the War of 1812, 
ho first located hini.self at Lisbon, but soon after removed 
to Ogdensburg, succeeding to the business of Mr. Bowen, 
at that time the most distinguished member of the bar. 
He was soon after appointed district attorney, which office 
lie held by coiitinurd appointment lor more than twenty 



years, discharging its duties with such ability, integrity, 
and devotion to the public good that change or competition 
was scarcely thought of. The same may be said of the 
oflBce of clerk of the board of supervi.sors, which he held 
fur about the same period. At a later time he was mem- 
ber of congress ; he was also member of the constitu- 
tional convention of 1846, and in the assembly of this 
State. 

In politics Mr. Perkins was a life-long Democrat. He 
never sought public offices, or any political preferment, nor 
did he shrink from bearing a public burden placed upon 
him by his county. 

The leading trait of "Sir. Perkins' character as a public 
man was an unselfish devotion to the maintenance and sup- 
port of whatever his judgment dictated to be right. With- 
out any of the art or address of the scheming politician, it 
was the universal confidence in his integrity and faithful- 
ness that gave him the official positions he held. In private 
life, in his social affections and friendships, Mr. Perkins 
possessed and acted with a kindness of heart and feelings 
that never tired, and a generosity that forgot selfish con- 
siderations. To his family and intimate friends he was 
stron,ti,ly endeared, and, though living (after premonitions 
which warned them of his end) beyond expectation, his 
loss was severely felt. 

At a meeting of the bar of the village of Ogdensburg, 
held at the office of Justice James, on November 22, 1866, 
convened on occasion of the death of Hon. Bishop Per- 
kins, the Hon. D. C. Judsbn was called to the chair, and 
George Morris appointed secretary. After remarks on the 
character and virtues of the deceased by Justice James, 
Charles G. Myers, B. H. Vary, and others, the following 
resolutions were adopted : 

Jiesolved, That in the death of Hon. Bishop Perliins, the bar uf 
St. Lawrence County have lost its oldest member, one whose integ- 
rity, candor and ])rofessional courtesy, liberality, and altility have 
given character to the bar of this county, of which wo may well be 
proud; and that it behooves us as survivors to emulate his example 
and endeavor to perpetuate its influence upon those who shall come 
after. 

lieiolvedy That high as is our appreciation of the professional and 
ofiicial career and character of our deceased brother, who ably exe- 
cuted the duties of the oflice of prosecutor and legislator, it is in 
his domestic and social relations (hat he shines brightest, wherein 
ho emphatically proved himself " an honest man — the noblest work 
of God." 

The bar of tlie county erected his monument, and placed 
upon it the following inscription : 

"Dishop Perkins, born in Becket, Berkshire county, Mass., Sept. 
5, 1787. A lairycr for forty years ; the leader and exemplar of the 
St. Lawrence County Bar, in logic, research, integrity, and all that 
elevates and adorns the profession. He lived without guile, and 
died without rej)roaeh.'' 

In 1822 he married Miss Mary, daughter of AVilliam 
and Margaret Grant, of Johnstown. N. Y. Her father 
and mother were both of Scotti.-h birth, coming to America 
with their parents when they were quite young. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Perkins was born one daughter, JIargaret Grant 
Perkins, who resides with and kindly cares for her mother 
in her declining years. 



192 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



DANIEL JUDSON. 

The subject of tliis sketch was boni in Washington, 
Litchfield Co., Conn., M:uch 18, 1797. 

He was the eii;hth chili! and si.xth .son of (.iencral David 
Jndson, who had a family of fourteen children. General 
Judson was a native of Washin,s:;ton, Conn., and was born 
JIareh 1), 1755. He was a descendant of William Judson, 
who emigrated from Lancaster, England, about the year 
1G34. TL; was second lieutenant, lieutenant, and captain 
in the War of the Revolution, as appears by the dates of 
his conuuissions. In 1778 he graduated at Y^ale college. 
In 1790 he was appointed by the general assembly of the 
State of Connecticut to be a lieutenant-colonel, commander 
of the 29th regiment of militia. By his commission, dated 
1795, he was appointed by the general assembly of the 
State of Connecticut to be brigadier-general of the Sth 
brigade of militia of that State. 

February 28, 1784, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of Thomas and Eunice Davis, of Washington, Conn. Her 
father, Thomas Davis, was descended from English ances- 
try. 

In private life General Jud.son was a merchant while in 
Connecticut. In the year 1806 he came to St. Liwrence 
Co., N. Y., bringing with him his family, at that time con- 
sisting of himself, wife, and twelve children, except his 
eldest daughter, Abigail, who was married, and remained 
behind. His other two children, Adclia and John D., were 
born in this county. The general first settled near Black 
lake, buying a large quantity of land, and, with his sons, 
began clearing oif the original iorest, built a log house, 
and afterwards erected a frame liou.se, the first built on 
Black lake. His forethought in coming into a new country 
with his family has proved his good, sound judgment, and 
to his children, pecuniarily, has been a field for extensive 
operations as bu.sine.ss men. The early family training in- 
herited from Puritan ancestry, and practiced in the culture 
of the children, tended to impress upon their minds very 
fully industrious habits, laid the foundation for a thorough 
business ability, and prepared them for the various exten- 
sive and successful operations which they carried on in after- 
years. From the time that General Judson came to this 
county until his death, February 14, 1818, lie was in very 
poor health, but directed the operations of his sons. His 
wife died at the age of 87 years, Juno 10, 1850. He 
passed away during the pioneer days of the county's his- 
tory, and his children are among the oldest residents of the 
county at the time of the writing of this sketch. The 
eldest daughter is still living at the age of 93 years, quite 
active in mind, and being able to give many of the facts 
herein noticed. 

Daniel was nine years of age when his parents came to 
St. Lawrence County, and as with the children in the pio- 
neer days of the county's history, their services measured 
largely from a i)ecuniaiy point of view, this ca.se was no 
exception. 

As early as the year 1825 he established himself in bu.si- 
ness in the village of Ogdensburg, where the Judson 
bank is now located, which he carried on in a quiet way, 
always gentlemanly in his deportment and methodical in all 



his business operations. In 1836, at the time of the great 
money crisis, he wound up his general business, and soon 
after became a stockholder in the Ogdensburg bank. He 
was one of the originators of the Judson bank, was one of 
its stockholders, and was nominally its cashier from its 
organization until the time of his death, August 21, 1873. 

Mr. Jud.son was never an active politician, and cared not 
for any [iroferment that jiolitieal parties could offer. He w;is 
originally a Silver-Gray Whig, afterwards an unswerving 
Democrat. He was for many years connected with church 
interests, was a member of the Epi.scopal church of his city, 
and for many years one of its vestrymen. It is said of him 
" That he was noted for his evenness of life, his una.ssuni- 
ing manner, his plain and honest dealing, and his sterling 
integrity." 

At the age of fifty years (June 23, 1847) he married 
Miss Susan, daughter of [Ion. Charles B. Phelps, a native of 
Portland, Conn. He was a prominent member of the bar 
of Litchfield Co., and has enjoyed the high ofEces of his 
State as member of the House of llepresenlatives, Speaker 
of the House, State senator, and judge of his county for 
a long term of years. She was born in Woodbury, Conn., 
March 23, 1818. To Mr. and Mrs. Judson were born two 
children, Fannie M. and Elsie JL, both living. The former 
married Mr. W. E. Furniss, a prominent and enterprising 
miller of Osrdensburg. 



DAVID C. JUDSON 

came into the county of St. Lawrence in the spring of 
1808, his father's family having settled on Black lake, in 
0.swegatchie, two years previously, from Washington, Conn. 
It being the period of the embargo, Mr. J. engaged in no 
permanent business until 1811, when, on the appointment 
of the late Thomas J. Davies to the ofiice of sheriff, he, in 
connection with his friend, Mr. York, undertook to do all 
the active duties of the ofiice throughout the countv. thu 
former taking all east of the east line of Lisbon and Canton, 
and the latter the remainder. 

He accordingly located at Hamilton, in Madrid, and this 
arrangement continued during the official term of Mr. Da- 
vies, and of Mr. York, his successor. In 1818 he was ap- 
pointed sheriff, and assumed the active duties of the we.stern 
half; he thus became thoroughly conversant with the en- 
tire county, and a witness of its early and feeble begin- 
nings, which was of eminent service to him in subsequent 
life. In the division of the Democratic Jiarty, during the 
era of good feeling in national politics, in relation to Mr. 
Clinton and his policy, Mr. J., adhering to Mr. C, was re- 
moved from the office of sheriff on the triumph of the 
Bucktail party in 1821. 

He was immediately after nominated and elected to the 
.senate from the eastern district. The constitution of 1821 
coming into operation in 1822, by which all legislative and 
judicial offices were vacated, he declined renomination, and 
was principally instrumental in securing the nomination of 
Silas Wright, Jr., who was elected, and then fire! occupied 
the field in which he became so eminent. In the selection 
of a new site for tlie public buildings, Mr. Judson, from 




<=^SJc^^^/^, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiVCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



193 



his intimate knowledge of the county, gave his influence 
f(ir a change, believing that the public wants required it, 
and his identification with this measure contributed to liis 
election to the assembly in 1818, the county having before 
been decidedly federal. The measure was brought forward 
this session, but defeated, principally through the influence 
of the late George Parish. In 1S26 it was again brought 
forward, aided by Mr. Wright, in the senate, and Mr. Jud- 
son, notwithstanding his interests and residence at Ogdens- 
burg, gave his influence for it. It was at last successful, 
having been made tlie issue of the election of 1827, and he 
was one of the building committee appointed to superintend 
the erection of the new buildings, which were completed in 
time for the fail term of 1829, at a co.st of less than seven 
thousand dollars. 

From 1829 till 1840 he was one of the judges of the 
county court. In the fall of 1829 he was chosen cashier of 
the Ogdensburg bank, and remained till 1810, when he re- 
signed, and in the fall of that year was appointed collector 
of tlie district of Oswegatchie, by Van Buren, and held 
tills station under the different presidents until 1819. From 
the year 1849 until his decease Mr. Judson devoted his 
time principally to his extensive private business and the 
care and development of the large property which he bad 
accjuired. In June, 1853, in connection with his brothers, 
Daniel and John D. Judson, and others, he established at 
Ogdensburg the Jud.son bank, under the laws of the State 
of New York, of which John D. Judson. Esq., was presi- 
dent, and Daniel Judson, Escp, cashier. This bank con- 
tinued in business until about the year 1867, when it was 
closed up, in consequence of the onerous taxation imposed by 
Congress upon the circulation, etc., of the State banks. After 
its close Mr. Judson, witli his brothers, continued the busi- 
ness as private bankers. In 18G2, Mr. Judson was elected 
jiresident of the then village of Ogdensburg, and was re- 
elected in 18(53. 

During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Judson was an 
active supporter of the Union, and occupied a leading posi- 
tion upon all local comiuittees which had for their object the 
furnishing of men and money in aid of the government, 
and on all occasions evincing his patrioti.sra by his counsel 
and personal efforts and large contributions of money. In 
1868, at a meeting of the citizens of Ogdensburg for the 
purpose of securing an act of incorporation as a city, Mr. 
Judson was appointed one of the committee to prepare a 
city charter, and took a prominent part in the formation of 
the organic act by which Ogdensburg became a city. 
Always a zealous member of the Deiuocratic party, he was 
frequently the recipient of nominations by that party to 
important official stations, viz., member of congress, presi- 
dential elector, etc. He was the candidate of that party at 
the first election for mayor of the city of Ogdeii.sbnrg. To 
the active efforts of Mr. Judson, and his liberal contribu- 
tions of money, the church and society of St John of Og- 
densburg are greatly indebted for their present elegant 
church edificre. 

For several years before his death Mr. Judson was almost 

exclusively occupied in the management of his property, 

but was always ready to give bis couii.scl and supiiorl to all 

public matters in promotion of the interests of the city and 

25 



county. He died at Ogdensburg, May 5, 1875, at the age 

of eighty-nine years. 

It is seldom that an individual is found who, for nearly 
three-fourths of a century, has been so extensively and so 
intimately concerned in public affairs, and it is but justice 
to add, that his worth is appreciated ;is extensively as his 
name is known; and in most of the public improvements of 
the county in general, and of Ogdensburg and vicinity in 
particular, we witness many of the beneficial results of his 
influence. 



HON. SILVESTER GILBERT 

was born at Otogo, Otsego county, N. Y., September 24, 
1787. His ancestors were of English birth, and on coming 
to America first settled at Hartford, Conn., and are traced 
to the various localities of Middletown, Conn., New Lebanon, 
N. Y., and the birthplace of the subject of this luemoir. 
Soon after he became of age, about the year 1810, he came 
to Ogdensburg, and established himself in business as a 
hatter, which trade he had learned previous to coming here. 
He evinced from the first the ability and good judgment 
necessary for successful operations as a business man. Soon 
after the War of 1812, he formed a copartnership with the 
late Judge Averill in the mercantile business, in which oper- 
ation, with different public and financial positions, he spent 
most of his active life. Mr. Gilbert was an active and 
careful politician. In his earlier days he was a Federalist, 
afterwards a Silver- Gray Whig, but upon the breaking up 
of the Whig party united with the Democrats. 

Before leaving the county of his birth, he joined the 
Ma.sonic fraternity. He assisted in forming the first lodge 
in Ogdensburg, of which, in 1826, he was Master. He 
was highly esteemed by the members of the fraternity, not 
only at home, but throughout the State, holding the office 
of Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter in 1852, '53, '55; 
Grand King, 1857-58; and in 1859-60, that of Deputy 
Grand High Priest. Devotion to principle of whatever he 
conceived right was characteristic of him through his entire 
life, and unswervingly he remained a Mason for some fifty- 
five years. 

He was a man of unquestioned integrity, retaining the 
full confidence of all with whom he was associated, and 
was elected to fill not only important but responsible places 
within the gift of the people. He ha.s been severally elected 
as supervisor of the town of Oswegatchie, member of a.s- 
sembly, and president of the Drovers' bank ; and in all 
and every position, filled them to the satisfaction of his 
constituents and to the honor of him.self. 

In the Harrisburg convention, in 1839, when General 
Harri.son received his nomination for the presidency, he 
was one of the delegates from the Empire State representing 
the great St. Lawrence County. 

Especially in the circle of private life and social inter- 
course was the beauty and usefulness of Mr. Gilbert's life 
most felt and enjoyed. His genial and kind feelings, agree- 
able and pleasant manners, with his unpretending, correct 
moral habits, made him the useful exemplar of society 
aniund him. His religions duties were jicrfornu'd with 
unwavering fidelity, and though devotedly attached to the 



lot 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Episcopal cliureh, his efforts in building it up and main- 
taining it wore never tinctured with intolerance. 

In the domestic circle and in the bosom of his numerous 
family he was the beloved and airreeable companion, the 
affectionate father, the ever-kind hu.sbaiid. 

Ujmn the incorporation of the Episcopal church in 1820, 
the Hon. Silvester Gilbert was elected one of its first ves- 
trymen, and in 1835 was elected warden, which latter office 
he held until the day of his death. He was always a warm 
supporter of church and school interest, and it may be said 
here, without any depreciation of the efforts of others, that 
he was the main man in putting forward and completing 
the first church edifice of St. John's in this city. 

For his first wife he married Miss Lois Ranney, Feb. 16, 
1818. She died Aug. 19, 1819, leaving one son, who is 
now living. Fur his second wife, Dec. 16, 1822, he married 
Mi.ss Nancy Ann, daughter of David and Nancy Seymour 
(the former a native of Hartford, Conn., and the latter a 
native of Winchenden, Mass.), by whom he had twelve 
children, eight of whom are now living. The mother of 
these children still lives (honored and respected by her 
children and a large circle of relations) in the old stone 
house, which fur more than fifty years has been the home 
of the family, and which for many of these years ^as the 
centre from which many enterprises, social, political, or eccle- 
siastical, emanated. At the time of the political excitement 
attendant upon the election of General Harrison, a banner, 
worked in the house by the ladies of the village, was presented, 
by the Hon. Henry Van Rensselaer, to the Tippecanoe Club. 
The hospitable doors were always open, and a genial host 
and hostess ready to receive their numerous friends. Mr. 
Gilbert died suddenly, Oct. 25, 1865. 

'*Su5taiuod and soothed 
By an unt'altering trust, approached his end 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about liiui, 
And lies down to pleasant dreams." 



DAVID M. CHAPIN. 

The subject of this sketch was born about three miles 
from the city of Ogdcnsburg, April 22, 1806. His grand- 
father, John Chapin, came from New England and .settled 
in Ogdensburg in the year 1800, when the village com- 
prised only a few houses besides the old French garrison, 
bringing with him a family of seven sons and four daugh- 
ters, all but one of whom lived to old age, the father him- 
self living to be about one hundred years of age. From 
this family sprang numerous families in the county of St. 
Lawrence of the same name. 

David's father, John Chapin, was the eldest of the seven 
sons, and married Mi.ss Abigail Thrasher, who bore him 
ten children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the 
eldest. His father died in 1856, aged seventy-five years. 
His mother died in June, 1836. 

David 1^1. spent his infiiney and childhood on a farm 
with his ]>arents, on the ridge (so called ), abuut three miles 
from Ogden.sburg, on the Heuvelton mad. His early edu- 
cation was limited to the common school. At the age of 



twenty years, feeling the necessity of more educatiun. he 
set out with the determination to secure it if possible, un- 
aided pecuniarily, and with a few articles of wearing ap- 
parel in his hand. Arriving at western Oneida county, he 
joined a class of young men under the tutorship of Rev. 
Jonathan Gale. Here, by working four hours each day, 
he carried on his studies and kept up his necessary ex- 
penses. At the end of four months he went to Rome, N. 
Y., and began to prepare for college under the instruction 
of Prof Grosvenor. In the year 1830 he entered the 
sophomore class in Hamilton college, and remained one 
year. Returning to Ogdensburg, he, in October, 1831, 
opened a select school, which he kept up for some three 
years, and in the mean time entered his name as a law 
student in the office of Hun. James G. Hopkins. 

In the year 1836 he was admitted to practice law in the 
supreme court of New York State, and afterwards admitted 
to practice in the United States court. He has continued 
the practice of his profession to a greater or less extent 








Pbotn. l)y Dow, Ogdeuhbur-;. 

until the present time, but in his later years has given a 
large amount of his time to life, fire, and marine insurance 
and negotiating loans by bond and mortgages on real estate. 

In politics, Mr. Chapin was originally a Democrat, but 
upon the formation of the Republican party adopted its 
principles, and has since been an active member of that 
party and firmly adhered to its platform. In April, 1861, 
he was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to the 
office of collector of customs for the district of Oswcgatchie, 
which office he held until August, 1866. 

In the year 1838 (ftlarch 15) he married INIiss Mary 
Elsie, daughter of Joseph York, formerly of Vermont, but 
among the pioneers of Oswegatohie. Her father was sheriff 
of the county in 1812-13; was taken prisoner by the 
BrilLsh, carried to Johnstown, but aftrrwards released. He 
was subsequently member uf the slate legislature. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Chapin were burn five children, — Mary 




//2^<^^..^z>^ y^r2</^ 




Kx -^f wyvx ^ ; _-j jy\nt ^ - "^fr a^gga ^S neurav yrmreTn ^. . fflmnpi^ -_ vTsnrsK^ . w^ro^ /tj-vna 



-VjanssrTKW" "-:^i 




^:^| J ON ES H OU SEHp^ 




JoN£S Slock .Frop^ or Mrs.E. JONES, Ogoensbur&, Nvn Yqhk. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



195 



Lavinia, Joseph York, Sojiliia Elizabeth, Louise Elsie, and 
David John. All are living except the youngest, who 
died in infancy. Mary L. married (ieorge B. Bacon, of 
the United States Navy ; Josepli York is a practicing 
attorney in the city of Ogdensburg and supervisor of the 
first ward ; Sophia Elizabeth married Jacob B. Wells, of 
New York, and resides in that city. 



WM. JONES 



was born in Jefferson county. May 30, 181G. He was 
eldest son of Solomon and Sally Jones, — the former of New 
England birtli, the hitter born in Canada. William worked 
until he was nineteen years of age with his father, making 
brick, then he engaged as clerk in a grocery-store, and at 
tlie end of two years bought out the store and began busi- 
ness for himself 

For his first wife, in the year 1845, he married Miss 
Fannie Moore, by whom he had two children, Francis Levi 
and Albert H. The former enlisted in the War of the 
Rebellion, served about one and a half years, and his con- 
stitution giving way, he came home and died in ISOiS. 
Albert H. resides in Nevf York. His first wife died in 
18.50. For his second wife he married, in 1853, Miss 
Elizabeth Fackiell, daughter of John and Jane Clements 
Fackrell, the former of English, the latter of Irish, birth. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born five children, — Fanny 
E., Luther H., John E., Jenny M., and William F. All 
are living except John E., who was drowned in the St. 
Lawrence river when only four years of age, in the year 
1864. 

Mr. Jones was unaided pecuniarily, and struck out in 
his early years with tiie right kind of a determination to 
succeed as a busine.ss man. For many years he carried on 
the grocery business in Ogdensburg, and was known as a 
man of stern integrity and careful business habits. In all 
his business operations he was successful, and accumulated 
a suificient competence to place him beyond want. 

He was quite active as a politician, stood unswervingly 
in the Democratic party, and was elected to some of the 
most important offices in his village and city. 

In the year 1852-53, he erected the Jones block (now 
the Woodman Hou.se block), an engraving of which will 
be found, in connection with his portrait, on one of the 
pages of this work. He died Jan. 1, 1871. 



GEORGE PARKER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Westminister, Vt., Feb. 18, 1817. He Wiis second son of 
a family of three children of Isaa c and Anna Parker. His 
father was a native of Massachusetts, and only son descended 
from one of three brothers, who in the early settlement of 
the New England States emigrated from England and 
settled .there. His mother was a native of llockinjiliam. 



Vt., and of Scotch descent, her maiden name being Camp- 
bell. When he wa.s eight years of age his father removed 
to Franklin county, N. Y., and subsequently came to the 
town of Massena, St. Lawrence County. 

His means for ol)taining an education had been some- 
what limited, and at the age of thirteen years he entered a 
store as clerk in Hogansburg. He possessed great force of 
character, and his early instruction was .such as to lay the 
foundation for good business habits and fit him for the self- 
reliant position which he took in business circles in after-life. 
Unaided pecuniarily, he began at that age for himself and 
struck out into the bu.sy world, meeting its obstacles with 
that courage and manliness applicable to those older in years 
and with greater experience. At the age of eighteen years 
he engaged as clerk with John C. Bush, a merchant of 
Ogdensburg, and remained with him some three years. 
Subsequently he was agent and manager for the firm of 
Skinner & Bush, at their iron-works in the town of 
Brasher. 

In the .spring of 1840 he left the firm of Skinner & 
Bu.sh and went into business for himself in the village of 
Massena as a merchant, in partnership with Mr. E. D. 
Ransom, but remained there only a few years and came 
back to Ogdensburg, where he engaged in trade for a short 
time. About the year 1848 he engaged in railroad busi- 
ness, and was closely connected with the interests of the 
Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain R. R. for the nest seven- 
teen years in various offices, and for a time as superin- 
tendent of the road. During this time he had purchased 
an interest in some mill property, which subsequently en- 
gaged his whole attention, and during the latter years of 
his life was a successful operator in that business. The 
interest thus started, since his death is carried on by his 
eldest son (living), James W. Parker, a young man of 
enterprise and good business ability. 

At the age of twenty-three and in the year 1841 (Jan. 
12), he married Miss Fanny E., daughter of James and 
Betsy Wilcox, of New Haven, Vt. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker 
were born seven children, four of whom are living. Mary 
resides in Ogdensburg ; James W., previously mentioned ; 
Annie Campbell, married Lieutenant Fred. M. Symonds, 
U.S.N. ; and William Henry is a graduate of Cornell 
university. 

Mr. Parker was very prompt in all matters of business, 
energetic in everything he undertook, and yet amid his 
business relations and cares alwaj's found time for improv- 
ing his store of useful knowledge. He was very fond of 
scientific and historical reading. Many years ago he was 
favorably known as a pleasant writer for the press, was very 
closely and intimately connected with the educational interests 
of the city as a member of the board of education, and was 
always ready to encourage any enterprise looking to the 
building up of good society and the education of the rising 
generation. 

In politics, Mr. Parker was a Democrat, and unswervingly 
remained so, but was never an active politician. He w;is 
conver.sant with the business interests of the city and county, 
and was from its organization connected with the Board of 
Trade. He was president of the same at the time of his 
death, July 27, 18l!8. 



196 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




Photo, liy J. H. Kent, It^clicsltT. 



A^^^' ^ ^ 




'2aAa// 




REV. L. M. MILLER, D.D., 

w:i.s bnni in Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1819, 
beiiii; tlio .same year tliat the church in Ogdcnsburg, over 
which lie ha.s so long ministered as pastor, was reorganized 
and re-established after its dispersion by the War of 1812- 
15. He united with the First Presbyterian church of 
Rochester at the age of thirteen years, and prepared for 
college in attendance upon the " old high school," subse- 
quently called Collegiate Institute, and over which the Rev. 
Pr. Chester Dewey for many years presided. Notwith- 
standing the drawback of feeble health, he graduated with 
honor at Hamilton college, in the notable afid very suc- 
cessful cla.ss of 1840. Though enfeebled by a severe cough 
and general debility, and discouraged by the repeated ad- 
vice of physicians, and their assurance that it would be 
useless for him to pursue his studies longer with any view 
to prosecute the work of the ministry, he persisted in going 
forward, and entered Princeton .seminary in tlie fall of 1840, 
passed the examinations of one year, and attended many 
of the iQctures of the second year. When compelled by 
want of strength to leave the seminary, he took charge of 
a small school in the family of the Hon. Dr. Fitzhugh, of 
Livinpston Co., and putting himself under the direction of 
Steuben (O. S.) presbytery, was by them examined and 
licensed to preach, in November, 1843. 

In May, 1844, he was called to the Presbyterian church 
of Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and was ordained and installed 
as pastor in October of the same year. In October, 1846, 
he was married to Miss Lydia R., a daughter of the Hon. 



David Ramsey, of Bath. After a service of seven years 
with that church, — filling the offices of stated clerk of 
Steuben presbytery and permanent clerk of the synod of 
Buffalo, preaching and lecturing much outside of his own 
parish, and acting as trustee to Genesee academy, — he re- 
ceived and accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Pres- 
byterian church of Ogdcnsburg, N. Y., in February of 1851. 

In going to this place, by a severe stage accident he was 
laid up with a broken limb, and could not enter upon his 
labors. His installation took place June 25, 1851. Though 
repeatedly called to enter other desirable fields of service, 
he still remains, and is now completing the twenty-seventh 
year of his pastorate there. His incessant labors in this 
field, over his own church and for other churches, have 
been interrupted only by a brief illness in the winter of 
1805-66, and a visit of nearly ten months in Europe, 
Egypt, and Syria, in 1809-70. 

During this pastorate, notwithstanding con.stant decrease 
by deaths and removals in large numbers, the roll of com- 
municants has much more than doubled, and a new ornate 
stone church edifice (a view of which will be found on the 
opposite page), with an easy capacity for twelve hundred 
persons, has been built and amply furnished in every de- 
sirable manner for the purposes of worship and the conveni- 
ence of the congregation. 

Dr. Miller has been corresponding secretary of the St. 
Liwroncc County Bible Society for quarter of a century, 
and intimately connected with various ecclesiastical and 
benevolent associations of the county, devoting successfully 
much time and labor to their various objects. He has 




FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND PARSONAGE. 

0GOEN5BUBS. H f 

( QROUND Plah do K 120 riir .1 




Jl 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



197 



been ealleJ to repeat many uf liis lectures Ufion liis travels 
and (itlier tojiies, and to publish many of his sermons. 

lie received the honorary degree of S.T.D. from his 
Alma Mater in ISGS, and was elected a trustee of- Hamil- 
ton eollege in 1809. Ho was an advocate for the preser- 
vation of the Union in its integrity, and in earnest and 
active sympathy with the soldiers of the Union army. 

Zealous for the reunion of the Old and New School 
branches of the Presbyterian church, he was among the 
fir.st who proposed and advocated that step. After the re- 
union, the Synod of Central New York was formed, of 
which body he wa'j elected moderator, at Utica, in 1873. 

Taking an active interest in the cause of Christian edu- 
cation, he has encouraged eleven of the young men of his 
church to enter the ministry, the most of whom are now at 
work, with evident success, in its various fields. 

By a reference to Dr. Miller's pastoral record for the 
year closing in May, 1877, we conclude that he is .still as 
arduous in his work as ever. It is as follows: .sermons, 
100 ; lectures and addresses, 256 ; marriages, 26 ; funerals, 
32. From his entire pastoral service, exclusive of visita- 
tation, which is laborious, we have taken the following sum- 
mary : sermons preached, 4512; lectures and addresses 
delivered, 4879; marriages performed, 1009; funerals 
attended, 802. Total, 11,202. 



WILLIAM L. PROCTER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in East Washing- 
ton, N. H., March 20, 1837. He is the oldest son of Mr. 
Israel Procter, a farmer of tliat place. He worked with 
liis father upon the farm until twenty years of age, when, 
with his father's consent, he removed with his uncle 
(mother's brother), Lawrence Barnes, to Burlington, Yt., 
and worked for him in the lumber business until June 3, 
18.59, when he was transferred to Ogdensburg, N. Y., to 
conduct a branch of the lumber business which had re- 
cently been established at that place under the firm-name 
of C. & D. Whitney, Jr., & Co., of which his uncle, Law- 
rence Barnes, was a partner. He has been since the com- 
mencement connected with the firm under the new style of 
Skillings & Whitney Brothers, Mr. Barnes having with- 
drawn his inteiest Jan. 1, 1873. Mr. Procter was mar- 
ried Feb. 12, 1801, to Miss Dolly P. Howard, daughter of 
Rev. J. M. Howard, of Ogdensburg, the ceremony being 
performed by the bride's father. 

William L. and Dolly P. Procter have had born to them 
the following children : 

An infant son, born Aug. 4, 1862, died Aug. 9, 1802; 
William Henry Procter, born July 21,1803; Lawrence 
Manning Procter, born Aug. 10, 1805; Mary (Minnie) 
Isabel Procter, born April 10, 1807 ; Nancy (Nannie) Grace 
Procter, born Aug. 17, 1809; Mabel Jane Procter, born 
July 6, 1872. 

Mr. Procter was elected trustee of the village in 1860-7 ; 
was elected alderman, to fill the vacancy of Chester Water- 
man, in July, 18G8, and for the full term of 1809-70. He 
was elected mayor of the city in 1870, and sworn in Jan. 
1, 1871, holding the ofiice continuously until June 1, 1875. 




Pill >(..». liy Dow, Ogdensburg. 



[-^a. t^.Q^/^^!^ 



The subject of this sketch was born in Middlebury, 
Mass., April 17, 1802. His father, Peter Foster, was of 
Welsh descent, and served in the Revolutionary army. 
There is now an old Bible in possession of the fiiniily which 
was hidden under the stones over the gateway of the castle 
during the persecution of the Protestants. When George 
M. was fjuite young his parents moved to Vermont. His 
mother's maiden name was Sarah Conant Morton. 

About the year 1826, George M. came to St. Lawrence 
County, and soon after learned the harness and saddlery 
business. Launclied upon the world with nothing but his 
hands to depend upon as a means of support, as with many 
of the most successful and enterprising men of his genera- 
tion, he early learned the necessity of economy and judicious 
mana"ement in all business affairs as the safeguards to a 
competence for life. About the year 1825 he established 
business for himself in the village of Ogden.sburg. His 
business operations were marked with varying successes and 
reverses. During the first part of his business career he 
was in partnership with Mr. Samuel P. Archibald, and 
during the latter part with the late David C. Jud.son. For 
nearly fifty years he was one of the enterprising business 
men of his village and city, and held in so high esteem by 
all with whom he was .i.ssociated as to gain for him the full 
confidence of the public for his upright dealing and charac- 
teristic honesty. In politics Mr. Foster was, in his earlier 
days, what was then known as a '-Silver-Gray" Whig, but 
upon the breaking up of the Whig party stood ever after 
until his death independent of either of the two great parties 
since in existence. His opinions thus independently given 
for what he conceived right, with his good common sense, 
secured him many political friends of both parties, and he 
was tlie recipient of their suffrages for many years as asses- 



198 



IIISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sor of" llie tdwii (jf Oswegatchie, and Inr sdiiie fuurtecui yrare 
its supoivisoi'. Mr. Poster was very closely a.ssociated with 
the Presbyterian eliurch of Ogdensburg, aiij for many years 
prominent in the councils of that body, having enjoyed the 
office of deacon for several years, and for many years pre- 
vious to his death that of elder. He was liberal in his 
views in relation to the interests of school, and gave en- 
couragement to any enterprise tending to educate the ri.sing 
generation. 

In the year 1832, and at the age of thirty, he married 
Miss Mary Jarvis, of Camden, N. Y., by whom he had five 
children, — Sarah C, George, Mary J., Charles, and Na- 
thaniel. Of these the two youngest are dead. Sarah C. 
married Dr. Lucius Hannahs, of Theresa, and is now his 
widow. George learned the harness and saddlery busine.ss 
with his father, and succeeded him in the same in Ogdens- 
burg ; married Miss Mary A. Fancher, of Essex, N. Y., 



and to-day controls that particular branch of trade in liis 
city which he carries on. It is due to the memory of 
Charles Foster to say that he, with H. R. James and J. 
W. Hopkins (neither of whom were of age), started, March 
1, 185.5, Tlie Bays Dully Journal, now the Oydfiishurg 
Journal, and while as students published the " Morning 
Glory" and " Young America." Charles died in Denver 
City, in 18G1. 

The mother of these children died while they were 
young, but her instruction was such to them in their youth 
as to impress indelibly upon their minds the basis of jiiin- 
ciplo upon which true manhood and womanhood rests. She 
died a member of the Episcopal church, in the year 1841. 
Mr. Foster afterwards married Miss Mary A. Hopkins, of 
Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1812, and survived iier 
some thirteen years, he dying in the year 1871, in the sev- 
entieth year of his age. 



-o > «oOc>^^e- 



HISTORY OF THE TOAVNS. 



OSWEGATCHIE. 



I 



OsWEG.VTOHiE was incorporated with the county March 
8, 1802, from Lisbon, and originally embraced the towns of 
De Kalb, Gouverneur, Morristown, and De Peyster. It 
lies upon the St. Lawrence river, at the mouth of the Os- 
wegatchie (from which it derives its name), and enjoys 
unrivaled advantages for manufactures and commerce. 

The water-power within the town is extensive and valu- 
able. The principal busine.ss of the inhabitants is that of 
farming, and most of the land within the town is at present 
under profitable cultivation. The first settlement within 
the town was commenced in 1796, by Samuel Ogden, at 
the present city of Ogdcn.sburg, for an account of which 
see the history of Ogdensburg. 

THE VILLAGE OF HEUVELTON. 

The village of Heuvelton, situated in the southeastern 
part of the town, upon the Oswegatchie river, is a station 
upon the Rome, Watertown and Ogden.'sbiirg railroad, by 
which it is distant seven and one-fourth miles from Ogdens- 
burg. It contains three churches, a union school, eight 
grocery-stores, three furniture-stores, one hardware-store, 
two harness-stores, four blacksmith-shops, four shoe-shops, 
two tanneries, a grist-mill, two saw-mills, a sash-, door-, and 
blind-factory, three cooper-shops, a hotel, a telegraph- and 
an express-office, and has about five liundrcd inhabitants. 

The Oswegatchie furnishes a fine water-power at this 
point. The village was surveyed by Judge Edsall, of 



Madrid, before it had an inhabitant, and received the name 
of " Fordsburgh," from Nathan Ford. It was often men- 
tioned as the East Branch, meaning the place where the 
highway crossed the East branch, or Oswegatchie. This 
river was frequently called the East branch, while the In- 
dian river, or outlet of Black lake, bore the name of " West 
branch." Truman Bristol, and families by the name of 
Havens, Jones, and Osburne, were the first settlers in this 
portion of the town. They began small improvements 
about the year 1805. In the fall of 180G, Jairus Reming- 
ton, formerly a Presbyterian minister, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, but then from Putney, Vermont, moved in by 
way of the Black river country with his family, and 
commenced keeping a public-house on the left bank of the 
river, upon the site of the present residence of John Pick- 
ens. He had visited the place .several times previously, 
and had made an arrangement with Judge Ford to estab- 
lish an inn at this point, where it was very much needed 
for the accommodation of the nunn-rous travelers and im- 
migrants who were coming into the country by the State 
road which had been opened a short time previous. Judge 
Ford wrote, January G, 18l)G, as follows: 

" I have also .«old four lots in our village at tlic Kast Branch bridge 
to a gentleman who is a man of education and influence in Massa- 
chusetts, and al.so in Vermont. His intention is to set up business, 
and, from the representation ho makes to me, I am induced to believe 
be will he very serviceable, not only as an inhabitant, but as being a 





Joseph Wh eater 



Mrs. Joseph Wheatep. 



(photos. BY OOWOODENSSUfia) 






Beniah Morbison 



(photos by DOW.Or,P£NSBUf^G) 



Mrs. Ben I AH MoRmson. 




FtESiDtNCE OF BENIAH UORR/SON.05W£G/ircHit,ST. LAWft'fHCf Co. H. Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



199 



person who will bring with him a, number of emigrants. I have 
made it his interest to be serviceable to us this way, as I have 
also those who have gone to Vermont. This gentleman has also 
gone for his family. Ho has made arrangements for building, and, 
as an evidence of his being in earnest, he has made considerable 
advances to carpenters here for beginning early in the spring. From 
present appearances I have grounds to believe there will be a strong 
emigration to our settlement the ensuing season." 

Jutlp;e riiiney settled here with his fiimily in 1808. 
Some of the members of tiiis family are buried in the 
southeast corner of the lot now owned by Mrs. Mary Ross, 
on Lisbon street. During the year 1808, a Mr. Redfield 
located at the village with liis family. There were very 
few settlers besides these until 182(1, when Jacob A. Vanden 
Hcuvel, an enterprising gentleman from the city of New 
York, having purchased the village, and an extensive tract of 
land adjoining, commenced the erection of a grist-mill and 
numerous other improvements. The name of the village was 
changed at this time to " Heuvel" in honor of him, and, 
as the village owes much to him for its early growth and 
prosperity, tlie following biief account of his life may be 
of interest : 

Mr. J. A. Vanden Heuve! was the son of a Hollander who 
emigrated to New York in 17112, having previously resided 
several years in the Dutch colony of Demarara, in Guiana, 
of which he was for some time the governor. At the time 
of his removal to New York, J. A. Vanden Heuvel was 
a boy five years of age. He continued to live with his 
father, and attended school in the city until he entered 
Yale college, at which institution he graduated when at the 
age of eighteen years. He returned to the city of New 
York, and engaged in the study of the law. Shortly after 
this his fiither sent him to Demarara to settle his business 
at that place. After an absence of four or five years he 
returned to New York. A short time after this his father, 
through the influence of a friend (one Thomas L. Ogden), 
was persuaded to purchase a tract of land, in company with 
him, in St. Lawrence County. After the purchase this land 
was divided between them. He was authorized to change 
his name from Vitiuh'ii Heuvel to Van Heuvel, by an act of 
the legislature passed Feb. S, 1832. He died at the resi- 
dence of Mr. G. D. Bell in the town of Clay, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., May 5, 1874, at the age of eighty-nine 
years. 

The first religious meetings were held by the Methodists. 
Dr. S. N. Sherman was the first physician of the place, 
having located here in 1825. Mr. Van Heuvel, with much 
liberality, erected a church for the Episcopal worship, but 
it was never much used by this denomination, and subse- 
quently passed into the hands of the Univcrsalists. 

The first death in this part of the town is said to have 
been that of Mr. David Seymour, who was drowned in 
180G. He was at the time engaged in the erection of a 
bridge. 

The first school was taught in the village, in the winter 
of 1808 and 1809, by Dyer Badger. 

By deed, dated Oct. 25, 1822, Mr. Van Heuvel ccmveycd 
to the school district a site which has since been used for 
school purposes, and is the same that is now occupied by 
the union free school. During the years 1S08 and 1811, 
efforts were made by parties from New York City to pur- 



chase the water privileges at this place for the purpose of 
erecting mills. 

In 1828, a gentleman remained in the village for some 
time, during which he endeavored to purchase the water- 
power for the purpose of erecting glass-works. 

The name of the village was changed to Hcuvcltoii in 
January, 1832. 

A saw-mill and dam had been erected by Mr. Remington 
many years previous. 

The place soon began to increa.se in population quite 
rapidly. 

The bridge, which had been erected .some distance above 
the present one, was carried off by the high water, as have 
one or two others which have been built at this place. 
During the fall of 1825 the village was visited by a fever, 
which for a time baffled the skill of the physicians. It is 
said that during the first few days of its continuance there 
were no less than eighteen deaths in the village. 

During the rebellion the village of Hcuvelton furnLshcd 
portions of two companies, one of which was commanded 
by Captain Dan. S. Giflin, and the second by Captain William 
Johnson, who was killed at the head of his coujmaud at 
the battle of Gettysburg. The village has been growing 
rapidly for the past few years, and its railroad connections, 
together with its water-power, insure its future prosperity. 
A substantial iron bridge was erected acro.ss the river at 
this point in 1875 by the Canton Bridge Company, of 
Canton, Ohio. This structure, with its approaches, cost 
the town nearly ten thousand dollars. The bridge is wliat 
is known as a " truss arch bridge." It is handsomely finished 
and painted, and is an ornament to the village. 

A post-ofiice was established at an early day, and the 
following-named persons have held the postmastership in 
the order in which they are named: George Seaman, Wil- 
liam Thurston, Horace GiSin, George Seaman, and John 
Pickens, the present incumbent, who has held the position 
since 18G0. 

The earliest settlement in the vicinity of 

BLACK LAKE 

was made in 1797 by Capt. Joseph Thurber, and his sons 
Kesley J. and John K. Thurber, from the town of Augusta, 
in Canada, but originally from New Hanip.sliire. Mr. Thur- 
ber had been a very early settler at Plattsburg. David 
Rose, David Judson, Thomas J. Davics, and others were 
early settlers in this part of the town. 

Jacob Pohlman, a millwright, who had been employed in 
1797 by Mr. Ford upon his mill at Ogdensburg, was an 
early settler in this town, in the vicinity of the lake. He 
emigrated from Germany when a young man, and first 
arrived in Philadelphia. A short time af^er his arrival he 
met Mr. Ford in Albany, who persuaded him to remove to 
the new settlement, and he spent the remainder of his life 
in the town. 

Settlement commenced upon the river road near the 
Morristown line about the same time, Thomas Lee being 
the pioneer settler. The first school in Oswegatchie was 
opened in this settlement, and John K. Thurber was the 
first teacher. Capt. David Giffin, Adam Millis, and Elijah 
Carley also located along this road. 



200 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The first deatli in tlie town after tlie arrival of Judge 
Ford and his party was that of Mrs. Lyon. The first 
marriage among the settlors was that of James Chambers 
and Elizabeth Thurbcr in 179G. As there was no mauis- 
trate or clergyman authorized to perform the marriage cere- 
mony, tliis interesting event took place upon the Canada 
shore. In 1811, Mr. John King, from New Jersey, arrived 
as a clerk for Mr. Ford. 

Settlement was comnieiiced at what is known as the Ver- 
mont settlement about the year 1820. During that and the 
two succeeding years the following-named persons, most of 
them from Wiud.sor county, Vt., settled at this point: 
Messrs. John Scriptures, Nathan Greason, Daniel Rice, 
Clark Rice, Abner Guiles, Abner Gutterson, Samuel Gree- 
ley, John Thurston, Artemas Spring, George Fuller, 
Joseph Fields, Otis Glinn, Levi Puffer, Edward Dyer, 
William Thurston, and George Seaman. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The town records were destroyed April 17, 1839, in the 
great fire at Ogdensburg, and the following list of supervisors 
is partly made up from other sources. 

Superv;sors.—\802-i:i, Nathan Ford; 1814-23, Louis 
Hasbrouck; 1825-28, Silvester Gilbert; 1829, Washington 
Ford; 1830, Jacob Arnold ; 1831, Baron S. Doty ; 1832- 
34, Preston King; 1835, Joseph W. Smith; 183(3, Royal 
Vilas; 1838, Baron S. Doty; 1839-44, George W. Shep- 
ard; 1845-52, George M. Foster; 1853, Henry D. Laugh- 
lin; 1854-56, George M. Foster; 1S57, Norman Sackridcr; 
1858-59, George M. Foster; 1860, James G. Hopkins; 
18G1, Ela N. Merriam; 1862-63, William J. Avercll ; 
1861-66, Seth G. Pope; 1867, Bennett II. Vary; 1868- 
69, William J. Avcrell ; 1870-74, Samuel H. Palmer; 
1875, Henry Ilodee ; 1876, Carlisle B. Herriam ; 1877, 
Harvey L. Jones. 

Present Town Officers. — Harvey L. Jones, .supervisor ; 
George M. Maguire, town clerk ; William W. Felton, Elijah 
White, James A. Mack, Alexander V. Lanning, justices. 

CAPITAL CRIMES. 

The first man hanged in the county of which we have 
any record was a Frenchman by the name of Louis Ger- 
teau, alias Louis Conrad, alias Jean Baptisto Gerteau. He 
was indicted for the murder of Marcia Scarborough, in the 
town of Massena, in 1816, and was hanged to a tree within 
the present city limits of Ogdensburg, on the 12th of July, 
nine days after the trial. 

William Kerby was tried at Ogdensburg, Aug. 23, 1823, 
and sentenced to be hanged on Thur.sday, Nov. 6. He, for 
some reason, was never hanged. The indictment upon 
which he was tried recites that on the 26th of Dec , 1822, 
the morning after Christmas, not having the fear of God 
before his eyes, and being moved and seduced by the in- 
stigations of the devil, he threw John Hughes off the 
bridge over the Oswegatchie liver at Ogdensburg. 

Van Van Dyke, who was hung at Canton on Friday, 
Dec. 21, 1877, for the murder of his wife, was, at the 
time of the murder, at work upon the liirm (jf Mrs. D.iily, 
in the town of Oswe-iatchie. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

Henry Lovejoy, John Austin, William J. Shields, John 
W. Piercy, Henry Robin.son, as.se.s.sors ; William Mayne, 
John Snyder, William Barbour, commissioners of high- 
ways ; Walter J. Pickens, William King, overseers of the 
poor; John Pickens, Matthew Barker, Patrick Hackett, 
town auditors; Ozias Huntington, Alfred J. Marceau, Wil- 
liam Sentiman, William Tindall. William 11. Bell, eon- 
stables; A. B. Chapin, H. D. Northrop, Thomas Smith, 
commissioners of excise. 

At a special town-meeting, held Aug. 27, 1862, it was 

liesoheil, That there should be raised, by tax upon the real and 
personal property within the town, the sum of SIO.IIOO, to he appro- 
priated and paid to persons who should volunteer for three yearj^, or 
during the war, in any of the regiments of volunteers furnished by 
the State. 

INCIDENTS. 

Upon the occasion of the breaking out of the War of 
1812, many who had settled within the borders of this 
town foreseeing that, situated as it was upon the frontier, 
it would become the .scene of strife, and believing discre- 
tion to be the better part of valor, sought safety in flight. 

It is said that .so great was the excitement that in many 
instances cattle were left uncared for and fields of ripening 
grain unharvested. 

Many an incident is related by the early settlers of these 
exciting times which space will not permit us to record. 

Among tlie families who located in the northern part of 
the town at an early day was that of Capt. David Giffin. 
Upon the commencement of hostilities his hired men left 
him. He had at the time a large field of wheat ripe, and 
in a condition to be harvested. He knew that without as- 
sistance he would be unable to do the work. He accord- 
ingly visited Ogdensburg, where General Benedict was 
stationed, and stating his case to him, he asked to have a 
detachment of soldiers sent to harvest the grain. The gen- 
eral at first laughed at the idea, but finally told him to 
visit the barracks, and that if he could find men there 
who were willing to go that ho would give his permission. 
Mr. GiflSn had little difliculty in obtaining assistance, the 
men agreeing to receive one bushel of wheat each per day 
for their services. Within two days after work had been 
commenced in the field the entire crop was harvested. 

Upon the occasion of a rumor that an attack was to be 
made upon the village, three families who were living at 
Ogden.sburg ascended the Oswegatchie liver to Heuvelton 
during the night in a small boat. 

THE UNION FREE SCHOOL, DIST. NO. 5, OF OSWEGATCHIE, 

was organized Oct. 31, 1874. The school building, which 
was erected that year at a cost of S6000, consists of three 
departments. 

The school is under the supervision of a board of educa- 
tion consisting of nine members, and has an attendance of 
about one hundred students residing within the district, ■ 
together with a large attendance from other discricts. 

Situated at the little village of Heuvelton, upon the line 
of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad, conve- 
nient of access, and removed from the evil influences of the 




Photo, by Dow, Ogdensburg. 



A truthful representation of a wui thy life is a legacy to humanity : 
as such we jireseut an outline of the life and character of Nathan 
Ford Giffin, a pioneer of Oswegatchie, and prominently identified 
with its interests. He is a lineal descendant of Simon Giffin, who 
came from the north of Ireland some time previous to the year 1761, 
and settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was a man of wealth and 
culture, and although but little is known of his history it is presum- 
able he was a prominent citizen, from the fact that one of the public 
parks of Halifax bears his name. He left a family of four children 
— John, George, Elizabeth, and Simon, Jr. Simon, Jr., ultimately 
moved to Connecticut, where he died at an advanced age, leaving a 
family of four children — David, Edward, James, and Jennie. David, 
father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Bennington, Vt., 
where he was born Sept. 8, 1766. In 1792 he married J crush a Tomp- 
son, and in the year 1800 came to St. Lawrence County, and located 
in the town of Oswegatchie, about six miles above Ogdensburg, on 
the river St. Lawrence, where he purchased a farm which he carried 
on in connection with his trade — that of a blacksmith. At this time 
he was thirty-four years of age, full of life and vigor, and well fitted 
to perform the arduous duties of a pioneer. From this time forward, 
though a man of limited means, he was closely identified with the 
growth and development of this part of the county. 

In 17U6, Nathan Ford came to Ogdensburg as agent for the Ogdcns, 
and between hiui and the elder GifTin an intimacy sprang up which 
soon ri])ened into a strong friendship, and at Ford's request the son 
born to him Dec. 6, 1805, took his name. Mr. Giffin was prominent 
in all matters devoted to the interests of his town and county, and 
ever ready to make any sacrifice demanded of him. When the 
present highway from Morristown to Ogdensburg was hiid out he 
took the job of constructing some five miles of the road. During the 
War of 1812 he took an active part in military matters. lie was 
chosen captain of militia, and commanded a company during the 
operations of the army on the frontier. Being thoroughly ac- 
quainted with the country on both sides of iho St. Lawrence, his 
services were extremely valuable; and one of his sons, also named 
David, and now living at Brier Hill, was occa.sionally selected for 
secret service across the bonier. After the war his attention was 
again turned to his farm and shop in connection with his duties as 
quasi land agent in rendering assistance to new S' ttlers in locating 
land. He spent the remainder of his days upon his farm in peace 
and quiet. April 2, 18-10, he passed to a higher existence, leaving his 
devoted wife, who was all that is expressed in the terms amiable and 
intelligent, and tlie following children to mourn his loss: Harriet, 



David, George, Alameda, Henry, Nathan Ford, William C, and 
Jerusha T. Of the above, Nathan Ford Gifiin, our present subject, 
was the second child born to David in Oswegatchie, and is at this 
writing the oldest native-born resident of the town. His boyhood 
days were spent upon his father's farm sharing the hardships and 
privations of a jiioneer family. After attaining his majority he 
resided a short time in Seneca county, where he learned the trade of 
a tanner and currier. Returning to his native town he formed a co- 
partnership with his brother William in the business of tanning, but 
the investment proving unremunerative, they sold out, and in 1830 he 
located permanently at Heuvelton, where he has since resided. Here 
he has been actively engaged in a business life. For several years 
he carried on the following different branches of business, to wit: 
general merchant, tanning and currying, saw-, shingle-, and flouring- 
mills, shoe- and harness-shop, and the manufacture of pot- and pearl- 
ash. Being a man of fine business ability, and extremely energetic, he 
has been eminently successful in all his undertakings, and is enjoying 
a well-earned competency, the result of a long life chnracterized by 
untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing, and all will 
hold his memory in respect and esteem for his uprightness of character 
and his quiet and unassuming deportment. Though actively inter- 
ested in the development of his village and town, he has had no desire 
for political i»referment, and has never accepted office of any kind 
either by election or appointment, excepting that of justice of the 
peace, which he held for four years. He has been an active supporter 
of the Methodist church of Heuvelton, of which he is a member, and 
has contributed largely towards the construction of church edifices 
and their maintenance. In character ho is positive, acts upon reflec- 
tion, but decisive and firm iu his decisions when reached. Socially 
ho is genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those 
with whom he came in contact. Entirely destitute of ostentation, ho 
is of that class that must be known to be appreciated. Noted for his 
hospitality, his house has always been open to all. In I8;!I, Mr. Gif- 
fin was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of Duty and 
Martha Galloway. She was a native of Canada, where she was born 
June G, 1813. The fruits of this union were eight children — Eliza- 
beth M., Nathan C, Charles H., Dan S., David G., Edwin W., Wil- 
liam M., and Levcrett W. Jan. 16, 186;i, Mrs. Giffin died, and in 
March, 1864, Mr. Gifiin was again married to Miss Mary Southwiek, 
of Rccseville, Essex Co., N, Y. 

Thus concludes the history and genealogy of one of the old fami- 
lies of Oswegatchie, and it is to such as they that this generation are 
indebted for the present wcftlth and devclnpraent of our country. 





JOHN E. TALLMAN. 



I'huto. by L)ow, Ogileasburg. 



MRS. JOHN E, TALLMAN. 



JOHN E. TALLMAN. 



Among the truly representative men of the town of Os- 
wegatchie, few, if any, have been more intimately associated 
with the material development of the town than John E. 
Tallman. Mr. Tallman has not only witnessed the transi- 
tion of a thill settlement into one of the largest and most 
prosperous agricultural districts in the county, and in his 
own person has typified so admirably the agencies which 
have wrought manyofthe.se changes, that no history of the 
town would be complete without some sketch of his life. 
He was born in Troy, N. Y., in May, 1804, and was the 
eldest child in the family of Nathan E. and Eliza (Wool) 
Tallman, wliich consisted of four boys. His mother w;js a 
sister of Gen. John E. Wool, after whom our subject was 
named. 

The elder Tallman was born in Boston, Mass., in 1781 ; 
but little is known of his early history farther than 
that he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and lived in 
Boston until he attained his majority, wlien he moved to 
Troy, where ho was married. Mrs. Tallman was born in 
New York city in 1794. From Troy he wont to Albany, 
and at the breaking out of the War of 1812 he enlisted, 
and served during its continuance. In 1815 he came with 
his family to the town of Oswegatcliie, where he resided 
until his death. 

When sixteen years of age our subject was thrown en- 



tirely upon his own resources, and commenced life as a 
farm hand. In 1823 ho purchased eighty acres of land, 
which is a part of the farm he now owns. Upon attaining 
his majority he found himself in debt for his farm and six 
hundred dollars beside ; and, as evidence of his business 
ability and thrift as a farmer, it is only necessary to say 
that he paid every dollar of bis indebtedness, and added to 
his first purcha.se over four huiulred acres. Aside from his 
operations in farming, Mr. Tallman has dealt extensively in 
butter, and also been engaged in other enterprises. He 
owned and operated at one time the Ogdensburg paper- 
mills, which were destroyed by fire in 1S6H, at a loss of forty 
thousand dollars. Mr. Tallmaii's career as a farmer and 
business man has been strongly marked by foresight and 
energ}'. When once determined upon a course he pursued 
it to a successful termination. 

In 1826, Mr. Tallman was united in marriage to Miss 
Betsey Ro.segrant, of Little Falls, Herkimer county, N. Y. 
The result of this union has been ten children, eight of 
whom are living. Mr. Tallman is now in his seventy-third 
year, and can look back over his past life with the consola- 
tion that he has improved his opportunities, done his part 
towards the develo|inient of his town, and that he is in 
every way worthy of the position accorded him by his 
fcllow-towiisuii'ii. 





!U^^ 




/ 



/ 



^?^^^!^ 






<>; 




( PHOT05 ly Dow \ 



|^R5. JOHN s. Sharp 



John s, Sharp. 




RES/DENCE OF JOHN S. SHARP, Oswcgatcmic.St. I.>iw«ence Co.N.K 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



201 



larger cities, this school presents many advantages for the 
instruction of the young. 

THE HEUVELTON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was organized Aug. IS, 1868. The following officers were 
elected : President, Lewis Sanburn ; Secretary, Dan. S. 
Giffiii ; Treasurer, John Pickens ; Trustees, G. T. Howard, 
Lewis Sanburn, E. L. Wright, John Pickens, Thomas E. 
Suiithers, William P. Johnson, Dan. S. Giffin, Thos. Mayne 
(3d), John Hutchinson, William Steel, and Thomas Hum- 
phrey. 

The grounds owned by the association are situated near 
the village, and contain about eight acres. They were pur- 
chased .shortly after the organization of the association at a 
cost of $10t)0. About the same amount has since been ex- 
pended in improvements. The sale of lots has amounted 
to 12500. 

THE LOYAL ORANGE LODGE (NO. 91), 

of Heuvelton, was organized March 24, 187-4, with thirteen 
members. The original officers of the society were as fol- 
lows : Jackson Banford, W. M. ; William Badger, D. M. ; 
Thomas Jackson, Rec. Sec. ; Lewis Palmer, Treas. ; James 
T. Dailj', Chap. ; Sanderson Banford, T. ; James Bean, 
James Todd, John Banford, James Cook, James Sander- 
son, Committee. The lodge was granted a new charter 
June 26, 1875. It has at present a membership of fifty. 
Meetings are held every second week. 

THE OSWEGATCniE PAIR-GROUND COMPANY 

was incorporated April 12, 1860, with a capital stock of 
$8000, divided into 1600 shares of $5 each, with the priv- 
ilege of increasing it to §15,000. The first directors were 
George D. V. Seymour, William J. Averell, Peter Mc- 
Gregor, Chester Dyke, and Chas. G. Myers. 

THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL 
ASSOCIATION* 

was organized in 1850, with A. P. Morse, of Hammond, 
president ; Charles Shepard, of Ogdonsburg, secretary ; and 
George N. Seymour, of Ogdonsburg, treasurer. They ne- 
gotiated with James Averell for the purchase of one hun- 
dred acres of land by private subscription. The land se- 
lected lay upon the east bank of the Oswegatchie, about 
one mile south of the city. Annual fairs wore held until 
the breaking out of the war, when the association, feeling 
the payments of interest and principal too much of a bur- 
den, relinquished the grounds to Mr. Averell, who Con- 
sented to take them back without further compensation 
than the interest already paid. 

THE OSWEO.VTrillE AGRICULTIRAL SOCIETY 

was organized June 10, 1871, and that year the legislature 
constituted Messrs. D. C. Judson, A. B. James, Z. B. 
Bridges, J. C. Houghton, and John Pickens superintend- 
ents of fair-gnnnids, and autiiiirizcd tlicni to issue bonds (jf 
the town of Oswegatchie to the amount of §15,000, and to 
apply the proceeds to the purchase of grounds and the erec- 



"> This orgnaizatioQ has since dissolved. 



26 



tion of buildings. The amount of the town bonds was in- 
creased in 1872 to 820,000. Those bonds were negotiated 
at par, and $7500 were applied to the purchase of twenty- 
seven acres of land lying on the east side of the Oswe- 
gatchie, in the .south part of the city, and partly within the 
corporation. The remainder, with an additional $3000, 
which had been received as the profits from two fairs, was 
applied to the erection of buildings and inclosing the 
grounds. 

The buildings consist of an agricultural hall, 62 by 32 
feet; a mechanic's hall, 100 by 40 feet; a dairy hall, 65 
by 32 feet ; a floral ball, 75 feet in diameter, with a gallery 
18 feet in width ; a dining hall, under the grand stand, 45 
by 100 feet; a kitchen, 18 by 36 feet; two cattle sheds, 
each 300 feet in length ; a horse barn, 30 by 50 feet ; 
office, 16 by 18 feet; shed, 26 by 50 feet; wing, 26 by 36 
feet ; and a small dwelling, which is used by the officers 
during the fair, and occupied by a man who has charge of 
the grounds. There is an excellent halfmile track, which 
incloses a ball-ground. The grounds are held in trust for the 
town by the superintendents, who rent them to the society 
annually for the profits of the fair to the extent of the in- 
terest on the bonds. The first officers of the society were 
Hon. A. B. James, president ; Hon. J. D. Judson, treas- 
urer ; Hon. Arnold E. Smith, secretary; J. C. Houghton, 
superintendent ; Thomas N. Derby, marshal. The present 
officers are as follows : William H. Daniels, president ; 
John D. Judson, treasurer; N. W. Howard, secretary; C. 
Waterman, superintendent ; J. C. Houghton, marshal. 

The following list shows the receipts and expenses of the 
society for each year since its organization : 

Year. Kecoipts. Expenses. 

ISn $54.19.92 $5650.ir 

1872 5259.50 6677.20 

1873 6796.25 6740.80 

1S74 7164.70 6495.11 

1S75 6760.40 S2.17.45 

1876 4600.05 6737.64 

1877 6690.46 6685.14 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. S. N. Sherman was the first practicing physician in 
the village of Heuvelton. He was a pupil of Dr. James 
Van Sicklin, of Barry, Vt. Graduated at the C;tstleton 
medical college in the fall of 1823. Located at the village 
of Heuvelton in 1824, and continued in practice at that 
place for one year, when he removed to Ogdonsburg. where 
he practiced until a .short time before his death, which 
occurred in 1874. He was for many years a member of 
the county medical society. 

Dr. L. Samburn, of Heuvelton, was the pupil of Dr. 
James Van Sicklin, of Barry, Vt. Attended two courses 
of lectures at the Castleton medical college. Afterwards 
attended lectures at the Burlington university, and gradu- 
ated at that institution in 1S25. Removed the year fol- 
lowing to the village of Heuvelton, where he has since 
continued in practice. He is a member of the county 
medical society, and has several times been a delegate to 
the State medical convention. 

Dr. Bigelow located at the village of Heuvelton in 1832, 
and continued in practice until the fall of 1833. 

Dr. A. C. Taylor was a graduate of the Burlington mod- 



202 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ical c<illej;^c. He located at tlie villai;o of Heiivclton in 
1830, and continued in j)racticc at that jilacc until 1874, 
when he removed to the town of Maloiie, Franklin county, 
whore he is in practice at present. He was a member of 
the count}' medical .society. 

Dr. J. ]i. Wallace was the pupil of Dr. George Buchanan, 
of the lloyal Infirmary of Glasgow, Scotland. Gradu- 
ated at the Andervonian univor.sity, in Gla.sgow, in 1S72. 
Ijoeated at the villai;;e of Ileuvellon, where he has since 
hoeii in practice. He is a licentiate of the Faculty of 
I'liysieians and Surgeons of Glasgow. He is also a member 
of the State medical society of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Jason Turner attended lectures at the Homoeopathic 
medical college of Detroit. Graduated at that institution 
in 1872. Located in the city of Detroit, where lie con- 
tinued in practice for two years. Attended lectures at the 
Heidelberg medical college in 1874, located at the village 
of Heuvclton in October, 1875, and has continued in prac- 
tice at that place until the present time. He is a member 
of the county medical society. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

at Heuvelton was organized in 1826, with twenty mem- 
bers, by Rev. Messrs. Joseph Brooks and William W. 
llundell, the latter of whom was the first pastor. The 
first house of worship was erected in 1843. In 1870 the 
present edifice, which will seat five hundred persons, was 
erected at a cost of $10,000. The present number of 
members is about one hundred and sixty. The present 
pastor is Rev. "W. F. Ball. The church property is valued 
at $12,500. The first Sabbath-school of this denomina- 
tion in Heuvelton was organized in 1832. 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY 

of Heuvelton was organized by G. T. Howard, A. M. Gray, 
E. Kate, J. Pickens, and A. H. McMurphy, Sept. 26, 
1842. Was reorganized July 3, 1850, and again reorgan- 
ized April 5, 1859, and changed to 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first pastor was the Rev. B. B. Parsons. The 
church edifice was erected in 1844, It will seat two hun- 
dred jiersons. The society is without a resident pastor. 
The church property is valued at 81200. 

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF OSWEGATCHIE, 

at Heuvelton, was organized, with forty members, by 
Joseplius Briggs, the (irst pastor, April 16, 1842, and re- 
organized Sept. 26, 1842, and April 15, 1843. The 
church edifice was erected in 1829 by Jacob Van Heuvel, 
for the Episcopalians, but was used for a short time only 
by that society, and subsequently passed into the hands of 
the Universalists. Its cost was $3000, and it will seat 
four hundred pcnsons. There arc at ]'resent about sixty 
members of the society. The church is valued at 85000. 
The society is at present without a regular pastor. Ser- 
vices are, however, held regularlv. 



We are under obligations to the following-named per- 
sons for indumation furnished : Judge Stilwell, Thomas 
Jackson, Jackson Banford, Daniel S. Giffin, Dr. L. Sam- 
burn, William Thurston, Nathan F. Giffin, Dr. J. B. Wal- 
lace, John Pickens, Dr. Jason Turner, and many others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



BENJAMIN NEVIN. 

The subject of this sketch was boru in Donaghadee, 
county Down, Ireland, Sept. 20, 1797. 

He was eldest son of a family of thirteen children of 
John and Jemima Nevin. His father was born July 21, 
1771, came to America and first settled with the balance of 
his family (that had not previously emigrated) in the town 




■^^^. 



I'liutu. by Puw, OgdeDsburg. 



\^i^>A' 



of Brasher, St. Lawrence County, during the early days of 
the settlement of that town. 

Previous to the settlement of the family here the subject 
of this memoir and his brother Francis had found a home 
here, and settled in the same town. The inducements 
offered for settlers in a new country over those of a resi- 
dence at home were sufficient to incur the necessary expense 
and dangers consequent upon a change, and would give a 
larger field for business and better fruits for the labor of his 
children. 

The father died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. 
The mother was born Sej)tember, 1775, and died several 
years before her husband. Benjamin first landed at New 
York, and soon after came to Helena, town of Brasher, as 
land-agent for Daniel JlcCormick, who owned a very large 





riiolu;^. liy Dow, O^Jonsburf; 



LEWIS NORTIIKUP. 



JIRS. NANl'V NORTHR0P. 



LEWIS iNORTHRUP. 



Among the early settlers of the town of Oswegatchie, 
none are more worthy of special mention than the subject 
of this sketch. He was born Feb. 2, ISUl, in Pottstown, 
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and was the fourth child in the 
family of Joel and Sarah (Van Dercook) Northrup, which 
consisted of ten children. The elder Northruj) was a black- 
smith by trade, and, owing to his limited circumstances, 
was unable to give his children the advantages of an edu- 
cation. From Pottstown lie removed to Spraker's Basin, 
and in 1814 came to St. Lawrence County and settled in 
the town of Lisbon, about five miles from Ogdensburg. 
The youth of that period acknowledged obligations to their 
parents in their labor till majority, and Lewis Northrup, 
working out, contributed his earnings towards the support 
of the family. Thus familiarized with toil and privation, 
he was well fitted for the arduous duties of a ]iioneer. 
After attaining his majority lie eonimenced life for himself 
Previous to tliis time he hail tullowed boating and rafting 
on the St. Jjawrence, and to some extent had been engaged 



in lumbering ; but farming biung more congenial to his 
tastes, he decided to engage in it as a permanent business ; 
and, in harmony with this decision, he purchased land in 
the town of Oswegatchie. After some changes and i-everses 
he purchased, near where he now resides, twenty-two acres 
of land, and since this time has been engaged in flirming 
and lumbering, and that he has been successful his fine 
farm of two hundred acres is all that is needed in evidence. 
In 182-4, Mr. Northrup was married to Miss Nancy, 
daughter of Alvin and Betsey Simons. They were origi- 
nally from Vermont, and among the first settlers of Oswe- 
gatchie, having located in the year 1806. Mr. Simons was 
prominently identified with the town, and considered to be 
one of the prominent citizens of that day. Since Mr. 
Northrup's marriage his life has been spent in the (juiet 
occupation of a former, with no other ambition than to be 
a irood citizen and an industrious, honorable man, and the 
universal respect and esteem of his neighbors attest that his 
life has been a success. 



1 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



203 



estate, extending not only in this county but Franklin. To 
Mr. Nevin was intrusted tiie entire business, which <;rew in 
proportion as the country became settled, and the business 
was of such extent as to require three sub-agents under Mr. 
Nevin, stationed at different localities on the estate. This 
position Mr. Nevin held during the entire time he lived in 
St. Lawrence County. During his sojourn in the town of 
Brasher he was appointed postmaster, which office he held 
for several years, and was elected supervisor of his town for 
several terms. 

Li politics Mr. Nevin was formerly a Whig, but upon 
the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, and 
adopted its principles. He was unassuming in his way, and 
never sought any political preferment, neither did he refuse 
his aid for whatever he conceived right. 

In the year 1851 he removed to the town of Oswegatchie, 
and purchased a farm known as the " Rockingham Place," 
located on the banks of the St. Lawrence river and over- 
looking the Canada shore and Prescott. Here he lived and 
carried ou farming in connection with his agency until the 
time of his death, Nov. 25, 186G. 

Mr. Nevin was connected with the Presbyterian church 
for many years as deacon previous to his leaving the town 
of Brasher, and upon coming to Ogdensburg united with 
tlic Presbyterian body of that city, and became one of its 
ardent supporters, was prominent in its councils and always 
ready to lend his influence and give his means for its sup- 
port. For many years before his death he was an elder of 
the church. 

He was a man of correct habits, great industry, a 
thorough business man, posses.sed with sterling integrity, 
capable and trustworthy in every respect, and highly 
esteemed by all who knew him. Successful in his business 
operations, he secured for himself and family a sufficient 
competence to place them beyond the apprehension of want. 

January 28, 1835, he married Miss Sarah Woodbury, 
of New Hampshire, but at the time of her marriage of 
Fort Covington, N. Y. She was born Oct. 6, 1815, was a 
near connection of Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire, 
justice of the United States court. She was a lady of great 
personal accomplishments, possessing all those qualities that 
made her the devoted wife and mother, and commanded 
the respect of all who knew her. She died March 3, 1852. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Nevin were born six children : David A., 
John H., Jemima, Abigail C, Oswald B., and Washington. 
All are livimr. 



BENIAH MORRISON. 

William Morrison, the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, was a native of Portsmouth, N. H.; but little is 
known of his history, further than that he was a soldier in 
the War of the Revolution. At the close of the war he settled 
in the town of Gilmington, where Benjamin, Beniah's 
father, was born, in the year 178D. In 1816 he moved to 
Starksborough, Addison Co., Vt., where Beniah was born 
Oct. 8, 1818, the eldest iu a family of four boys and three 
girls. At the age of sixteen his father died, and he took 
charge of the farm until he canij to St. Lawrence County, 
in 1844, locating upon the far.n upon which he now resides. 



His first purchase was twenty-five acres. To this he has 
added, from time to time, until he now owns a beautiful 
farm of throe hundred and sixty-five acres, under a high 
state of cultivation, a view of which, in connection with 
portraits of him.self and wife, can be seen in another part 
of this work. In connection with his extensive farm, Mr. 
Morrison has been largely engaged in the nursery business ; 
ho had at one time fifty thousand trees in stock. In 
January, 1841, Mr. M<irrison was united in marriage to 
Miss Eunice, daughter of Joseph and Phoebe (Millington) 
Rounds, of his native county. They have been blessed 
with three children — Benjamin F., born August 2, 1842, 
iu Starksborough, Vt., and living on tlie old place; Edna 
II., born Oct. 31, 1844, and Leroy, born Jan. 14, 1852. 

Mr. Morri.son has always been a straightforward, reliable 
business man, a successful and energetic farmer, and is 
well worthy of the competency he is now enjoying, and the 
honorable posiuou he holds among his fellow-townsmen. 




ANTHONY FURNESS. 



I'hutii. by Dow. 



The subject of this sketch was born in the year 1803, in 
the county of Westmoreland, England. His parents were 
farmers in good circumstances, but not possessed of suffi- 
cient means to give their children the advatitagcs of education. 
At the age of tcii years he was placed at service on a farm, 
and thus laid the foundation for one of the prominent traits 
of his character, — untiring industry. By economy he man- 
aged to save a considerable sum from his earnings, whicli 
Wiis placed at interest, and at the age of twenty-seven, the 
date of his emigration to America, ho foun<l himself pos- 
sessed of sufficient means to establish himself in the home 
of his ado]ition. He first settled in Ogdensburg, where he 
worked by the month for .some time. He then purcha.sed 
seventy-five acres of land, which is a pdrtion of his present 
farm, for which he was to pay seven dollars per acre. The 
land was iji an unimproved state, and being heavily timbered 



204 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the construction of a farm was no small ta.sk ; but by degrees 
field after fii'ld was added, and industry and frugality were 
rewarded, and to the original purchase si.xty-five acres were 
added. As soon as his home was free from debt he began 
to look around him fur .some one "to share his joys and 
sorrows." He made the acquaintance of Miss Catherine, 
daughter of William Ashworth, of Macomb, whom he 
married March 17, 1842. The result of this union were 
four children. In June, 1854, Mrs. Furncss died, and in 
February, 1855, Mr. Furness was again married to Miss 
Isabi'lhi Bainl, by whom he had one child. In January, 
1864, .^lrs. Furness died, leaving her husband and a large 
'^ circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mr. Furness is em- 
phatically a self-made man. Denied the advantages of educa- 
tion, he has cut his way tlirough life by the sweat of his 
brow. Starting with seven .sovereigns, he has accumulated a 
fine property by honesty, industry, frugality, and honorable 
dealing, and in looking back upon his past life he can con- 
sole himself with the fact that he has done his part towards 
the development of the town of Oswegatchie. Mr. Furness 
is a member of the Methodist Epi.seopal church of Heu- 
velton, and hel{)ed to construct the present church edifice. 
All in all, he is a valuable citizen, and a worthy" member of 
society. 



JOHN S. SHARP. 

John S. Sharp was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., Sept. 
4, 1810, and was the fourth child in the family of Jacob 
and Sally Sharp, which consisted of four boys and four 
girls. The elder Sharp was also a native of Columbia county, 
where he was born in 17G1. In 1817 he removed with bis 
fixmily to Herkimer county, where he remained until 1824, 
when he moved to St. Lawrence County, settling in the town 
of Oswegatchie, where he lived until his death, which 
occurred in 1825. John was at this time a sturdy lad of 
fifteen, and the elder Sharp being a man of very limited 
means, he was thrown entirely upon his own resources, and 
commenced life by working as a farm-hand. 

Being careful and economical he .saved a little each year 
from his earnings, and, in 1839, he bought thirty acres of 
land, which formed the base of his present magnificent farm 
of three hundred and twenty-five acres, a view of which, 
in connection with his residence and portraits of himself 



and wife, can be seen in another part of this volume. Mr. 
Sharp is emphatically a self-made man, and an exemplar of 
the adage that " the rolling stone gathers no moss." 

Starting with nothing but his hands and a robust con- 
stitution, he has secured a well-earned competency and an 
enviable reputation as a thorough and .systematic farmer. 

In 183G, Mr. Sharp was married to Julia Ann Spoor, of 
Herkimer county. She was an excellent woman and a worthy 
wife and mother. From this union there were three chil- 
dren : Catherine, born Feb. 14, 1841; John, born Feb. 
22, 1843; and Isaac A., born April 22, 1845. 

In 1845, Mrs. Sharp died, and in 1848 Mr. Sharp was 
again married to Miss Margaret L. Utter, by whom he has 
had six children: Harriet A., born April 20, 1854; Julia 
A., born April 12, 1856; Charles S., born Oct. 16, 1857; 
Sarah L., born Oct. 20, 1859; William M., born Dec. 1, 
1SG9 ; and Charles S., born May 20, 1852, deceased. 



JOSEPH WHEATER 

was the sixth child in the family of Daniel and Mary 
(Sherwood) Wheater, which consisted of nine children. 
He was born in the town of Hilliam, Yorkshire, England, 
Nov. 10, 1826. His father was a farmer in good circum- 
stances; but with a view of bettering the condition of his 
family, he severed the ties which bound him to the land of 
his birth, and emigrated to the United States in 1844, lo- 
cating in the town of Oswegatchie, where he continued to 
reside until his death, which occurred March 11, 1862, 
when Joseph succeeded to his father's estate. In 1853, 
Mr. Wheater was united in marriage to Miss Margaret, 
daughter of John and Sarah Lightfoot ; she was born at 
Church Fenton, Yorkshire, England, March 8, 1826. In 
April, 1830, her father emigrated to the United States, and 
settled in Ogdensburg, where he lived until his death, which 
occurred May 11, 1876. Mr. Wheater is very properly 
classed among the prominent farmers and representative 
men of Oswegatchie. He is the pioprietor of a magnifi- 
cent farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres, a view of 
which, in connection with portraits of himself and wife, 
we present on another page. Mr. and Mrs. Wheater are 
prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
and both have done much towards its support and main- 
tenance. 




Res ■ OF Walter f?. Gray, Heuwlton, stmwwnci co,n. y. 



TJAV-7-*-!t._ ^V_>|vi-A','^ 







Residencl or 0. A. MEAD, Canton 





E. H SOUTHWORTH . 



Mrs. EH. SOUTHWORTH . 




RiSiDCNCE or E.H. SOUTH WOffTH,C/iNrow,-V.K 



c A :Nr T o N. 



The town of Canton, geographically, is situated between 
the towns of Lisbon on tlie north, Potsdam on the east, 
Pierrepont and Russell on the south, and De Kalb on the 
west. It is a perfect square, with an area of one hundred 
square miles, and lies northwesterly and southeasterly, — its 
boundary lines, oast and west, running at right angles from 
the St. Lawrence river, which is some ten miles or more 
distant, forming the northern boundary of the town of Lis- 
bon. Its surface is a general level, though not a flat plain, 
being diversified by gentle undulations and gracefully-rising 
ridges. Its soil is of the best in the county of St. Law- 
rence, and is not surpassed, if equaled, by that of any in 
the county. It is underlaid with limastone, and is warm 
and light, and well adapted to cultivation, though dairying 
is the principal business of its thrifty farmers. Quarries 
of good building stone, of a light-grayish color, have been 
lately opened within its limits, which afford an excellent 
material for construction purposes, and which are exhaust- 
less practically. Ou the Grasse river, below the High Falls, 
is a deposit of iron pyrites, which was formerly worked for 
the manufacture of copperas, which is described farther on 
in detail. 

The town is watered efficiently by the Grasse river, which 
enters it on lot 7, range 10, and runs north to lot 7, range 
8, then easterly to lot 5, range 8, then northerly through 
Canton village, till near the north line of lot 4, range 4, 
then bends to the west into lot 5, same range, then northerly 
into the northeast quarter of lot 5, range 2, thence north- 
easterly, passing through the village of Morley, and making 
its exit on the north line of the northoa.st quarter of lot 3, 
range 1. Little river is its main tributary, and runs some- 
what deviously through lot 5, northwest corner lot 4, range 
10, along south line lot 4, range 9, northerly through lots 
3, ranges 9, 8, and 7, then westward, near the north lines of 
lots 3 and 4, range 7, and empties into the Grasse, a little 
south of the limits of the village of Canton. Harrison 
creek is also not an inconsiderable affiuent of the Grasse, 
coming in from De Kalb on lot 10, range 9, and running 
nearly due east to its junction with the main stream, near 
the west line of lot 7, range 8. The Oswegatchie throws 
one of its numerous curves into the northwestern corner 
of the town at Rensselaer Falls, sweeping in and out again, 
in a mile and a half of its length. 

The striking feature in the topography of Canton is the 
natural canal, leading from the Oswegatchie, near Rensse- 
laer Falls village, almost due east, to the Grasse river on 
lot 5, range 2. Dr. Hough, in his History of St. Law- 
rence and Franklin Counties, thus describes it : 

"It was originally open both at this and Grasse river, 
and navigable for small boats, and became the highway to 



mill by the pioneers. This channel is six miles long, and 
from five to ten and even twenty-five rods wide, with a 
descent of three feet towards the Oswegatchie. It runs 
through an alluvial flat of about four thousand five hundred 
acres, covered by a forest of black ash and soft maple, which 
has hitherto been too wet to cultivate, but is now in process 
of reclaiming. The outlet on the Oswegatchie has been 
closed, and a canal cut along the bank to below the dam, by 
which the water is expected to be lowered about four feet. 
It has cost about six thousand dollars. The outlet on 
Grasse river has long since been closed. This channel is 
known on some maps and among the inhabitants as Indian 
creek." 

Since the publication of the doctor's work, the drainage 
of the land adjacent to the canal has steadily progressed, 
until a considerable area has been reclaimed and is now 
good grazing lands, and some even fit to cultivate. In time 
it is confidently expected it will prove to be of the very 
best lands in the town. 

The name of the town is derived from the old survey- 
township, and was one of the names placed on the original 
map of the surveyor-general of the State. This official 
seemed determined that the townships of Macomb's purchase 
should not begin their existence without at least a name, 
which was noted, whatever their future progress might 
reveal of worth. And thus the wilds of St. Lawrence blos- 
somed all over with the names of ancient heroes, and more 
ancient cities, long before there were inhabitants therein 
to honor the nomenclature. 

AN ABSTR.\CT OP TITLE 

to lands in this town shows the following changes down 
to the actual settlers : Macomb, the original purchaser 
from the State ; Macomb to William Edgar; Edgar to A. 
Vonfeister ; Vonfeister to Stephen Van Rensselaer, J. 0. 
Hoflfraan, and Richard Harrison ; Hoffman to Van Rensse- 
laer, his interest, vesting the town in Van Rensselaer, the 
west seven miles by ten, and in Harrison, the east three 
miles by ten. The changes in detail will be found in the 
chapter on land-titles in the general history of the county. 

The survey of the town we quote entire from Dr. Hough, 
in his work before referred to : 

" Canton was surveyed by Amos Lay, assisted by Reuben 
Sherwood and Joseph Edsajl, in the summer of 1799. 
Their labore included both townships of Canton and Lis- 
bon. Among the men who were employed to assist were 
the following: Festus and Septimus Tracy, Nahum Allen, 
George Go.ss, Abner Hazlcton, Alvin White, Jacob Red- 

ington, ■ Thompson. The supplies of provisions for 

the summer's operations were boated u]i, in canoes, through 

205 



206 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Oswegatchie river and Indian creek (natural canal), and up 
the Grasse river, to the site of the present village of Canton. 
While working near the St. Lawrence, their supplies were 
carried directly over at whatever point they might happen 
to need them. The survey of the two townships heing 
completed, the hands returned to New England through 
Canada. 

SETTLEMENT. 

" While the survey was going on, the parties engaged on 
it were frequently back and forth from the front settle- 
ments in Canada, and the subject of the value of the 
lands was much discussed, and a high idea was entertained 
of their probable value for agricultural purposes. This led 
to the formation of an association, consisting of thirty 
or forty Canadians, who propo.sed to form a settlement 
on the tract, and who sent one of their number to Albany, 
to negotiate a bargain with the proprietors, for a pur- 
chase. This agent is said to have effected a conditional 
bargain for one-quartor of a township, wherever the com- 
pany might wish to locate, in Lisbon or Canton. Upon 
receiving this intelligence, the whole party decided upon 
traversing the tract, to learn its actual value by direct ob- 
servation ; and accordingly, taking several days' provisions 
on their backs, and guided by persons who had been em- 
ployed in the survey, they separated in small parties, and 
pursued their course in various directions through the woods. 
At night they would meet at an appointed place, kindle an 
immense fire of logs and dry materials which they collected, 
and camp around it for the night. 

" Everything proceeded agreeably for awhile, but unfor- 
tunately for their harmony, numbers of them came from 
ditferent quarters upon a remarkably beautiful tract of land, 
in the southeastern part of Canton, where the hard timber 
was unusually clear and lofty, and a meandering stream 
wandered through the forest between banks that, in their 
native growth of timber and herbage, and the soil at the 
surface, betokened unusual richness and fertility. Here, 
without the knowledge of each other, several parties resolved 
to locate their interests, and in accordance with the preva- 
lent custom, commenced slight improvements, which, in 
their opinion, would confer a pre-emption right to the soil. 
These proceedings soon became known to the whole party, 
and the overlapping claims of rivals engendered a party 
strife, in which each loudly vociferated his claims and in- 
sisted upon the priority of his arrival, and in an incredibly 
short space of time the schemes of the whole party were 
dissipated. Of confidence in each other's honor, they had 
none ; and the mutual distrust led to the dissolution of the 
company, who scattered immediately, and by different 
routes sought the St. Lawrence, and crossed again to 
Canada. Some being ignorant of the course of the rivers, 
wandered from their way, and did not reach the great river 
till they had arrived in Louisville ; and when they gained 
the settlements, were well-nigh exhausted with hunger and 
fatigue. 

" The first land that was taken up with the view of actual 
settlement in the town of Canton was by Daniel Harring- 
ton, a native of Connecticut, but who had afterwards lived 
in Vermont and in Canada. In 1800, he took up a tract 
of land on the east side of Gra.sse river, where Canton vil- 



lage now is, having commenced a small improvement the 
fall before, which consisted of a slight clearing near the 
present agricultural fair-ground and on the bank of the 
river, where he sowed less than an acre of land to wheat, 
in the fall of 1800 ; and having no team to assist him, he 
harrowed in the grain with a hand-rake. The crop was 
sold to Mr. Foote, and, when harvested, yielded more than 
sixty bushels, notwithstanding the immense numVjers of 
squirrels of that year. By a striking coincidence, the ofii- 
cers of the society, in selecting their fair-grounds, located 
them almost exactly on the .spot which had thus early be- 
tokened its capabilities for agricultural improvement. The 
cabin of this pioneer stood on the spot where the flag-staff 
of the fairground is erected. In the fall of 1799, several 
men came into town, and made slight clearings, supposing 
that thereby they acquired a pre emption right; but the 
first permanent settler was StiUman Foote, Es(|., from Mid- 
dlebury, Vt., who came into town to look for lands in 1800, 
and purchased the mile square on wiiich Canton village 
now stands. Harrington's title, including the wheat crop, 
he purchased for a horse, saddle, and bridle. In March, 
1801, Mr. Foote left his home in Vermont, for his location, 
with two teams laden with provisions and furniture ; but 
upon the approach of warm weather he was obliged to 
leave a great part of his load at Willisborough, on Lake 
Champlain, to be taken, together with the irons for a mill, 
by the more circuitous route of Lake Champlain and St. 
Lawrence river to Lisbon, the nearest accessible point, about 
18 miles from his destination. A very poor road conducted 
our emigrants as far as Chateaugay, where every trace of a 
road ended, and they were obliged to seek the St. Lawrence 
at St. Regis, where they crossed and proceeded along the 
Canada shore to opposite Lisbon. From this point they 
were guided to Canton by an obscure trace, marked for a 
road. Mr. Daniel W. Church, who had been engaged as a 
millwright, followed by water, having charge of the mill- 
irons and remainder of the loading left at the lake. From 
his diary before us, the following memoranda are taken : 

" ' March 27 took leave of my family an J home. 29th, went to 
Bason ereck, and waited some days. April 1, got a passage for old 
Mr. Foote [Daniel F., the father of S. F.] to Plattsburg, in company 
with one Mr. Storcr, who had a spare horse there, and sent my two 
men with him. Thought I had taken a prudent step to keep the old 
gentleman from eatching the smallpox, which he would be much ex- 
posed to should he go with me through Canada. 4th. Got our load- 
ing on board, and set sailj got myself set on shore at Carlotte to get 
more loading. The vessel could not wait; I got aboard of another 
with Johnson, and set sail. Just at night the wind rises, and the 
evening is very dark. The passengers, of whom there were JO, begin 
to be very sick. The vessel is poorly manned, and I remain on deck 
to assist the captain in working it, as it is in some danger. Run in 
at Peru, and lay at anchor in the swell all night. Could hardly see 
land when within 20 yards, and suffered intolerably with cold, having 
no blanket, nor even great-coat. 5lh. The wind dies away, and we 
set our passengers on shore, and sail with a moderate breeze till the 
morning of the fith, when we reached St. John. Met with Johnson , 
and my other company, and walked to Laprairie. 8th. Go to the 
Indian village, 9 miles above Laprairie, and ferry across to Lachine. 
The Indian village is the handsomest town I have seen in my whole 
voyage, excejit Mount Real. To see the Indians at their homes was 
quite new to me. 9th. Went back to Mount Real on foot after a 
canal ticket. Set out just at evening, and it was dark before I left 
the place. Lost my way, and, returning, was hindered some time, 
but arrived at my company in so short a time as to surprise them. 
lOtli, Agree with Mr. Tutlle concerning a boat, as follows: He is to 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



207 



hare a boat and two hands, or one band and work himself; and I am 

to find the rest of tlie help, and pay the canal ticket. Tuttle is clerk 
to one Cryptler, and takes a passage in another boat, and agrees with 
Mr. Grant to hire two hands, but the latter cannot, because it is seed- 
time with the Canadians. We set out without help, but cannot get 
along, Ihe curr<nt is so strong. Happen to hear of two hands, who 
will go to Point Clair, 8 or 9 miles: hire them, and arrive there, 
nih. Go to Cedars with great difficulty. 12th. Arrive at the King's 
locks, where the hands being all beaten out, leave the boat, and we 
hire Canadians in their room. I go in Ihe boat, and come very near 
getting lost in the rapids. Meet with as much hardship as I know 
how to get along with, and. after toiling as hard as possible, arrive 
at the head of Lake St. Francis between 9 and 10 in the evening. 
]3lh. Sail across the lake a little below Cornwall. 14th. Go above 
Cornwall. Tuttle hires 2 hands, one good, the other worse than 
none. We find it impossible to get any farther with our loading, 
loth. Arranged business, and set out on foot, hardly able to stir. 

Go to Crystler's, and have difficulty in settling with , who refuses 

to allow some borrowed money. IGlh. Arrive at Lisbon, at the bouse 
of James Turner. 17th. Reach Canton, with seventeen blisters on 
my hand, occasioned by rowing and pulling the bateau along. Find 
Thomas down with the fever and ague.' 

" Mr. Church was accorupanied by Lebbeus Johnson and 
sons ; John Flannegan, a journeyman ; Thoiua.s Marvin, an 
apprentice, and one or two others. He found in the camp 
Mr. Foote and liis fitther, who had come through on horse- 
back, and others to the number of twelve, who all occupied 
the same shanty, and without the first convenience, as every 
article not of prime necessity had been left at Cornwall until 
a road could so far be cleared as to allow of the passage to 
teams. An entire week was consumed in getting the teams 
from Lisbon ; and on Saturday night they were still three 
miles from camp, where the cattle were left to browse, and 
the men came on. The whole party then proceeded to re- 
turn to them, and the loads were got in. The first clearing 
was made on the west side of the river, near the water's 
edge, just below the present bridge. The party immediately 
set about preparing the frame of a saw-mill, but had scarcely 
begun operations when the camp wos visited by sickness, 
and one of the number stricken down by death. On the 
2d of May, Mr. Church, the millwright, was attacked by 
intermittent fever, contracted the summer previous ; and 
about the same time the elder Mr. Foote was taken with 
symptoms, at first not understood, but soon too sadly recog- 
nized as the smallpox. Five of the company had been in- 
oculated, and this operation was forthwith performed upon 
the other six. Although nearly fourscore years of age, 
the invalid bore his sickness well, and at one time it was 
hoped he would survive. But, on the accession of the 
secondary fever, he grew worse, and died. His last words 
were, ' God's will be done.' Mr. Church, at this time, 
was not able to sit up in his couch of hemlock boughs, and 
the symptoms were beginning to appear upon those who 
had been inoculated. Stillman Foote had fallen a few days 
previous and broken a rib, which disabled him from ren- 
derir)g assistance. They kept the corpse until the third 
day, watching it by turns, and then committed it to the 
earth, wrapped in the hammock on which he died, with a 
few hemlock boughs below him, and the bark of an elui- 
tree for a coffin. There was at this time no medical aid to 
be had nearer than Johnstown, in Canada, and even this 
was not to be reached, as the heavy rains had rendered all 
the streams impassable, so that a young man who had been 
sent out was obliged to return. This is believed to be the 



first death of a white person in Canton, and occurred May 
10, 1801. We will here resume our quotation from Mr. 
Church's diary, which describes the difficulties of the set- 
tlers with vividness. It covers some of the events above 
described : 

"'May 2. Myself had the fever and ague. 4th. Had an intoler- 
able fit of it. Gloomy times. 5th. AVorked. Very rainy at night,- 
camp leaks everywhere; no place to lay dowu in. Sleep none at all. 
Had free scope for my thought.', not having anything to interrupt 
me but the snoring of the rest of the company, soaking in water. 
With great difficulty I prevent the rain dropping on old Mr. Foote. 
Let any person imagine himself in the woods, fifteen miles from any 
house, sick of the fever and ague, one of the company rotten with the 
smallpox, one with his ribs broke, one other ghostified with the fever 
and ague, three inoculated with the smallpox, and only three well 
ones, and let him imagine himself exposed to all the rains, without 
physician, or nurse, or medicines; then let him awake, and find it a 
dream, and see how glad he will be! 10th. More trouble; the old 
gentleman died, and I am growing worse every day. The three well 
ones bury the old man as well as they can in his hammock, and put 
some barks over him. Hard times for poor Stillman, who had to lay 
his own father in his winding-sheet. 13th. Ride out to Lisbon with 
extreme difficulty. I cannot sit on a horse. Ride barebacked. Get 
wet with rain through and through. From Canton to Lisbon settle- 
ment is fifteen miles without the least opening; very little road, and 
very many swamps and mireholes. 14th. Go to Dr. Adams' and 
back on foot, fourteen miles. Half an hour before I set out, while the 
fever was on, I could not walk across the house. 25th. So far recov- 
ered as to ride back to Canton.' 

" Mr. Church was soon compelled to go back to his 
friends, and the rest- of the party, having partly finished 
the mill, returned to spend the winter in Vermont. In the 
spring of 1802, Mr. Foote returned with his family, con- 
sisting of a wife, two sons, and a daughter, and they took 
up their abode in a corner of the saw-mill. Mr. Church 
and three companions proceeded through the woods from 
Chateaugay, a distance of about 70 miles, without mark or 
guide but a compass. Their goods were borne by a pack- 
horse, and they were five days on the pathless road, most of 
the time in the rain, and towards the last of their journey 
so short of provisions that they were obliged to subsist upon 
pork and partridges, of the latter of which they chanced to 
kill a few on the way. During this summer a single run 
of rock-stones, driven by a tub-wheel, was got in operation 
in a part of the mill, and this was the first and only grist- 
mill in town until after the war. 

" During the summer of 1802 a thrilling incident hap- 
pened, which well-nigh proved fatal to one of the party. On 
a Sabbath morning about 20 persons had assembled at the 
mill, from the several clearings, to spend a day in social in- 
tercourse and discuss the news. Two men were crossing 
the river in the only boat in the place, and had gained an 
island, when the current unexpectedly caught the boat, and 
was taking it down stream. One jumped out, but in so 
doing threw the bow of the boat farther into the current, 
and the remaining one, finding it impossible to gain the 
island, jumped overboard with his setting-pole, and lodged 
on a rock where he could maintain himself but with great 
difficulty, while the boat was swept down and broken 
among the rapids below. Mr. Church procured a rope, 
and swam over to the island, where, making one end fast 
to a tree, he let himself down stream till be could get the 
other end into the hands of the one in peril, who was thus 
rescued from what appeared to be certain destruction." 



208 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



EARLY SKTTLERS. 

In 1802 tlio town began to settle very rapidly, and, 
among others, Peter 11. Leonard, Moses Leonard, Tiiomas 
D. Olin, Chester DoweyjIIjebbeus Johnson (and five sotis)) 
James Parkill, Daniel and Nathan Walker. Thomas Kings- 
bury, most of them with families, and from Vermont, 
located. 

The locations of the first settlers were as follows : In 
1802, James Parkill, the first clerk of the town, lot 2, range 
6, nearly opposite the Bridge farm ;• Peter R. Leonard, lot 
2, range 6, near the present railroad crossing. In 1804 
]\Ir. Leonard located near the new cemetery, and kept a 
public-house for several years, and moved into Pierrepont 
in 1807. Moses Leonard settled near him. Daniel Walker 
located on lot 8, range 5, on the old De Kalb road, and 
Nathan Walker located on what is now the County poor 
farm. Benjamin Walker also located on lot 5, range .5. T. 
D. Olin located on the road through the Olin settlement. 
Thomas Kingsbury located on what is now known as the 
Judd farm, lie was a Revolutionary soldier. 

Among the other pioneer settlers may be named the fol- 
lowing: Jacob Conkey, father of Dr. J. S. Conkey, of 
Canton village, on the Bridge farm ; Jo.seph and William 
Ames, on lot 1, range 6; Dan Judd, a Revolutionary sol- 
dier, and the first miller in Foote's mill, at the village, on 
the Tyler Martin farm ; Walter Clark, on lot 2, range 6 ; 
Asa Conkey, on the Southworth farm ; Festus Tracy, the 
first to select his land in the town, doing so while assisting 
in the survey in 1709. His son, Elisha, occupies the old 
homestead. Thomas II. Conkey, father of II. H. Conkey, 
located on the Potter farm, lot 2, range 7 ; Joshua, Conkey* 
also on lot 2. Peter Brown, near the brick church, and 
succeeded in 1805 by John Farwell. Jeduthun Farwell, 
on lot 2, range 7. Harvey Knox bought the John Farwell 
farm, and now occupies it. Ebenezer Sandereon, on the 
farm now occupied by his son. Nelson, and the widow of 
the pioneer. Salmon Ward Squires, 1806, on lot 1, range 
9, now occupied by his son, Wm. Orrin Squires, who was 
born on the farm. Abdiel II. Tracy, on lot 2, range 9, 
and Anson Parker on the same lot. Henry Mead also on 
the same lot, and where he is still living at the age of 
ninety-two years, and his wife at the age of eighty years. 
They were from Vermont, and are living with their son, 
Orville Mead. Peter Langdon, also from Dorset, Vt., in 
1807, opened the first store in South Canton, and died in 
1867, aged ninety-one years. His son, Albert Langdon, 
lives on the homestead, and is the proprietor of an extensive 
butter-factory. Benjamin and John Rose, also from Dor- 
set, Vt., in 1806, located on lot 1, range 10 ; a son of John 
Rose occupies the homestead of his father. In ISIO, 
Jesse Barnes settled on lot 4, range 9, and his .son, Truman 
Barnes, now owns and occupies the homestead. Amos 
Smith and Hubbard Clark were pioneers on the same lot, 
and their sons, James Smith and Alanson Clark, own and 
occupy the homesteads. In 1805, William Perry, from 

»■ Joshua Conkey at seventeen years of age was a drummer at Ben- 
nington ; held a captain's commission in war of 1812; was talten 
prisoner at OgJensburg, and taken to Halifax. When set at liberty 
was sent by sea to Boston, and walkc-*! from that city to Canton. 



Rutland, Vt., located on lot 5, range 10. (A biography of 
this old pioneer may be seen at the end of the hi.story of 
this town.) Samuel Leonard was an early settler on the 
Canton road, about a mile north of the brick church. His 
father died on this farm in 1841, at the advanced age of 
one hundred years and five months. Rev. Constant South- 
worth, father of E. II. Southworth, moved from Vermont- 
at an early day, and settled near the brick church. He 
was pastor of the Congregational church organized here in 
1823, and lived on the parsonage lot about a mile west of 
Smith's corners, on the High Falls road. He was a grad- 
uate of Middlebury college, and was a classmate of Silas 
Wright. 

John Hopkins was a pioneer of 1803, and settled on the 
river opposite the present poor farm. He was from Pitts- 
ford, Vt. A daughter, Mrs. Rhoda Crary, now eighty- 
seven years old, then a girl of thirteen, writes that " it was 
in the month of March when we came ; the snow was deep, 
and my brother and I rode on horseback twenty-five miles. 
I had a puppy and a kitten given me when I started, and 
I carried them all of the way in my woolen apron. The 
first night we stayed at Lebbeus Johnson's, and the next 
day went to our own place. My mother, and a sister aged 
ten years, went into the woods one day to hunt for the 
cows, and sister stepped into a bear-trap, which, springing, 
drove two great spikes through her leg, but fortunately 
passed the bones. They were half a mile from the house, 
and mother made several attempts to release the prisoner, 
but could not, and went back to the house and sent another 
sister two miles to a neighbor's to get help, which, speedily 
in fact, but to poor sister in the trap very tardily, arrived, 
and set her free." This letter was written but a few days 
previous to the present writing, and though the writer is 
nearly ninety years old, yet the chirography is remaikably 
clear and the orthography perfect. 

In the vicinity of Morley, on the north side of the river, 
on lot 3, range 1, the early settlers were Peck, S. Belden, 
S. G. May, and Eaton Ray. Across the river and east of 
the village were Thomas Fenton, Reuben Wilson, and G. 
Simmons, on lot 2, range 1. On lot 1, range 1, were the 
families of Wm. Hollenbeck, Hill, Hutchinson, Wm. Fos- 
ter, Nathan Clark, David Olin, Paine, Robinson, and 
Luther L. Page. 

On the river-road from IMorley to Canton, among the 
early settlers, were James Lankton and J. Wiley, on lot 3, 
range 1 ; Ira Butler and E. Covey, on the Butterworth 
farm ; Jeremiah Day, on lot 4, range 2. Amos Jones set- 
tled on the Harrison place, on the Potsdam road. Ileber 
Sykes was a pioneer on lot 4, range 3. Moses Sanderson, 
in 1816, located on lot 3, range 3, and Lemuel Jenison was 
also a pioneer on the same lot. Jonathan Day settled on 
the road through the Olin settlement as early as 1S05-G. 
Solomon Walker, in 1808, located on 240 acres in the 
northwest corner of lot 3, range 5. In 1811, Lyman Tup- 
per located on lots 2 and 3, ranges 4 and o. Among the 
pioneers in the western part of the town may be named the 
Barber family, whose descendants in the vicinity of the old 
homestead are quite numerous. 

Aaron Barrows, in 1816, moved in from Dorset, Vt., 
and settled on lot 1, range 9, and a son, Parlin Barrows, 




Canton. ST. lawrlnceco., n.y. 




Res. or S.W. LASELL 



Mill of LASELL mo JE.WE.Tn 

Canton, Nfw York 



<«^«bi^.- 





Mrs. PuNr Wright 



Pliny Wri&ht. 



-'^sr .■■■■. A,-y :^:-,^.v ..^v«i;k5^!^«ia^ 









m 



■A 




Old Home or THE LATE 60V. S/LAS WRIGHT#FRfsfNT ffE5 oj PLinv wrioh 

CANrON,5T LAWfff NC£ CO.N V 



Nil'fffSALtST CHUKH. ) 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



209 



now owns and occupies the same farm. Another son, Dea- 
con Pro-sper Barrows, lived and died in Canton. Aaron, 
another son, lives in the vicinity of the homestead, and is a 
merchant and the postmaster at Crary's Mills, where he 
has been in trade for thirty years. 

In the neighborhood of South Canton lived one William 
Lemon, a " Green mountain boy," who stood six feet seven 
inches in his stockings. He came from Vermont in com- 
pany with S. Baldwin and John Farwell, passing through 
Troy. On the route they met some teams, and, as the 
snow was deep, the teamsters refused to give half of tlie 
road. After some words Mr. Baldwin said, " You had 
better give us half of the road peaceably, or we will force 
you to do so." This only provoked laughter and jeers, 
whereupon Baldwin said, " William, rise up and clear the 
road ! ' As Lemon's proportions began to assume a perpen- 
dicular, the teamsters began to grow uneasy ; and as he 
rose to his feet and began to straighten up, the obstinate 
fellow shouted, " Hold on ! hold on ! We have seen enough 
of you!" And they speedily pul'ed out and gave the de- 
sired room. As they passed. Lemon said, " I wasn't half 
up when you called to me to sit down." 

Mathew Wallace, a pioneer in Parishville in 1812, 
moved into Canton in 1821, and located on lot 3, range 9, 
where he died at the age of ninety. 

\The first birth in the town was that of a daughter of L. 
Johnson, in 1803 ; and the first male born in the town was 
Hiram Leonard, a son of Peter R. Leonard, who was born 
the same year. Mr. Leonard is a resident of Colton, in his 
seventy-fifth year, and a hale and active man. 

The second death in the town was that of one Osgood, 
who was killed in 1S03, about three miles south of Foote's, 
by the fall of a tree. 

The first school was taught, in 1804, by William Bar- 
ker, near the new cemetery ; and religious meetings began 
to be held the same year. 

MANUFACTURES. 

In 1807, Jeduthun Farwell, from Dorset, Vt., built a 
dam across the Little river, at the hamlet now known as 
Brick Church. He built a saw-mill there, and put into it 
also a run of rock or field-stones, and attached a bolt. The 
stones came from the town of Russell, and were got out by 
Joseph Hutchinson. This saw-mill stood on the north 
bank of the stream. A few years later Mr. Farwell built a 
stone grist-mill on the south bank of the stream which con- 
tained two run of rock-stones. He also built a distillery 
near the grist-mill. The saw-mill is still standing, but a 
cheese-factory occupies the site of the grist-mill. At what 
is now known as Butterfleld's mills, Elisha Clark built the 
first saw- and grist-mills erected there. 

COPPERAS AND ALUM. 

" About a mile below the high falls on Grasse river, near 
the south part of Canton, where that river i.ssues from a ro- 
mantic rocky ravine, its channel broken by rapids, and its 
banks discolored by reddish and yellow stains from the 
efflorescence of iron pyrites, which here form an important 
constituent of the rock, stand the remains of a manufac- 
tory of copperas and alum, which have for many years been 
27 



going to ruin. This manufactory was commenced in the year 
1832, by S. & H. Foote, of Canton, who on the following 
summer were joined by G. W. Shepard and J. C. Bush, of 
Ogdensburg, the premises having been leased of Harry Van 
Ren.sselaer for ten years for the purpose. During the first 
year but little was done but getting the works in order and 
erecting suitable fixtures for the manufacture. In the 
summers of 1833, '34, '35, and a part of 1836, from sixty 
to eighty hands were employed, but the enterprise being 
found one that did not remunerate, it was abandoned. The 
process of the manufacture depends upon chemical princi- 
ples, and was as follows : The rock abounding in iron py- 
rites (sulphuret of iron) was first dug and broken by hand, 
a process easily effected, from the tender and porous texture 
of the mineral. A clay bed having been prepared on the 
ground, and a quantity of wood first laid, it was covered 
with the pulverized stone, and ignited. When once fairly 
on fire, it would burn of itself, from the great percentage 
of sulphur in the mineral, and it needed no further care 
than to throw on new ore, with water, to reduce the pile to 
a smouldering heap, charged with the saline substances 
sought, which were lixiviated by the application of water ; 
the ley collected and boiled in a large leaden tank, ten or 
twelve feet square, and two feet deep, and, when sufficiently 
concentrated, pumped into vats and allowed to crystallize on 
racks hung in them for the purpose. After the first crop 
of crystals of copperas was obtained, the residual liquor was 
again boiled, with the addition of certain proportions of 
potash, and the second time set to crystallize, when alum was 
obtained. The proportions obtained were three parts of 
copperas to one of alum. 

'• The fumes which arose from the burning and smoulder- 
ing heaps were very disagreeable, and so noxious that a 
great number of trees in the vicinity were destroyed by 
those poisonous emanations. 3Iore than a thousand tons 
of copperas, and a third as much of alum, were made here 
while the works were in operation. Most of it found its 
way to the New Y^ork market. Unlimited quantities of 
iron pyrites exist at this place, which may hereafter offer 
inducements for the renewal of this manufacture, or the 
making of soda ash, should facilities for transportation to 
market be incretised, or cheaper or more efficient methods 
of manufacture be discovered."* 

Nothing has, up to the present time (1878) been done 
to resume operations at this point, and is not likely to be 
soon. 

Other manufactures and interests will be treated of under 
the several village histories which follow. 

PAIRYING INTERESTS 

are the prominent ones in the forming community of Can- 
ton, there being eight cheese- and three butter-factories in 
the town, viz.: West Canton chee.se-factory, of Luman 
Mead, capacity, GOO cows ; South Canton cheese-factory, 
Washington Spaulding, 500 cows ; Hiram Hildreth's 
cheese-factory, near Morley, 400 cows ; Bridge cheese-fac- 
tory, Buttcrfield & Son, 350 cows ; Truman Barnes' cheese- 
factory, 300 cows ; Canton cheese-factory, Cleveland & 

• Dr. Hough. 



210 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mathers, operated li\' Mead & Bariows, '.U)i) ccnvs ; Free- 
man factory, at Rensselaer Falls, 300 cow.s ; Fayville fac- 
tory, E. G. Woodbridge (heaviest patron), 150 cows ; A. 
Lanj^don. butter-factory, 500 cows ; Morley butter-factory, 
A. S. Robinson, 800 cows; product of 1877, 24,0(10 
pounds; High Falls butter-factory, Lucius Riuliard.son, 
15(1 cows. The Morrell cheese-factory in Pierrepout draws 
sonic of its milk from Canton, and there are about one- 
third as many cows as those above onumerati^d milked fur 
butter, which is made in private families, which will make 
over 5000 cows milked for butter and cheese for marketing 
in the town. 

There were 597,920 pounds of butter and 1,212,684 
pounds of cheese shipped from Canton railroad station in 
1877, or about 91 car-loads of both articles. 

P0PUL.\TION. 

In 1845 Canton had 40135 inhabitants of the human 
persuasion; in 1850 they had multiplied and replenished 
the town so that they numbered 4685, In 1855 there 
were 4995 ; in 1860, 0379 ; in 1SG5, 5964 ; 1870, 6014 ; 
and in 1875, 6018, 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

Canton was erected as a separate town from Lisbon 
March 28, 1805. The first town-meeting was directed to 
be held at the house of Stillman Foote, March 4, 1806, 
The electors having been assembled, Stillman Foote was 
chosen moderator, and the following elected to the respec- 
tive offices: Stillman Foote, supervisor; James I'arkill, 
town clerk ; William Perry, Thomas D, Olin, George Foote, 
assessors ; Mason Foote, constable and collector ; Daniel 
Walker and John Farwell, overseers of the poor ; Medad 
Moody, Amos Smith, and Moses Leonard, commissioners 
of highways; Hubbard Clark, Walter Clark, Festus Tracy, 
Solomon Walker, James Parkill, Uri Barber, John Hop- 
kins, Zadoek Clark, Titus Sikes, and George Foote, over- 
seers of highways ; Peter Brown, William Lemon, and 
Jonathan Day, fence-viewers; Stillman Foote and Peter R. 
Leonard, pound-masters. 

Following is the succession of supervisors since the for- 
mation of the town : 



1806. Stillman Foote. 
1807-08. Banii-l Walker. 
1809-12. Daniel Campbell. 
1813-22. Daniel Walker. 
1823-24. Thomas 1>. Olin. 
1825-27. Jeiluthun Farwell. 
1828-30. .Tames Parkill. 
1831-33. Silas Baldwin, Jr. 
1834-35. John Ueaton. 
1830-40. Lemuel Buck. 
1841-42. Henry Barber. 
1843-44. Richard \. Harrison. 
1845-46. ilenry Barber. 



184T-48. Cyrus Abernathy. 
1S49. William F. Cahoon. 
1850-52. Hiram F. Johnson. 
1853-54. Thomas V. Russell. 
1855-56. Charles U. Allen. 
1857-58. George Robinson. 
1859-61. Jeremiah Traver, 
1802-60. Milton D. Packard. 
1867-70. Horace W. Hale. 
1871. Charles N. Conkey. 
1872-75. M. D. Packard. 
1876-77, Leslie W, Russell, 



Stillman Foote was appointed the first magistrate. The 
following have been town clerks for four or more consecu- 
tive years: Nathan Walker, J. L. Barnes, Simon D. Moody, 
Ziba N. Ellis, Amasa O. Brown, and Silas Baldwin since 
1857, excepting 1861, a service of nineteen years. 

The town ofiicers elected Feb. 13. 1877, were: Leslie 



Ku.ssell, supervisor ; Silas Baldwin, town clerk ; Langdon 
Clark, justice of the peace; Albert T. Martin, as,ses,sor; 
Leslie A, Williams, collector : Jerome T, Johnson, John 
W, Brown, overseers of the poor; H, H. Conkey, F. C. 
Murphy, R. L. Church, William Crane, Barton Weel, 
constables; A, S, Knliinson and Marvin R. Wait, town 
auditors. 

The records of the town contain some interestinsi memo- 
randa, from which extracts have been made, 

ISOO, — Five dollars bounty offered for every wolf killc<l 
in the town ; the .same in 1812; and doubh^ this amount 
in 1810 and 1816. 

1810. — " Voted that a fine of $12 be imposed on all jug- 
glers, mountebanks, and wire-dancers." Fifty dollars were 
raised for securing the rights and privileges of fish, and S. 
Foote, D. Campbell, and N. Walker were appointed a com- 
mittee for this purpose. This was afterward a subject of 
nmch interest to the town, and resulted in legislative action, 
as will be elsewhere noted. 

1811. — R&solved to preserve in the town records the 
dates of the births, deaths, and marriages, which were to be 
reported to the clerk under a penalty for neglect. In 1812 
the assessors were charged with the collection of these 
data. 

1823. — A tax of 8500 was voted for the support of the 
poor; and a like amount in 1825. 

1835. — Voted to petition the legislature for a law to tax 
the town S500 to be paid to the trustees of the public lands, 
in trust for the academy, to be invested for its benefit, on 
condition that the trustees execute bonds for the convey- 
ance of the lot and buildings for a school. The following 
year, M. Jenison, J. 11. Conkey, S. D. Olin, R, N, Harri- 
son, D, Mack, J, Ames (2d), C, Foote, S, Wright, Jr,, L, 
Moody, D, Clark, H, Barber, and A. Smith were appointed 
a committee to superintend the academy and employ a 
teacher, and to attend to the interests of the town therein. 
In 1837, a tax of $500 for three years was voted for the 
academy, on condition that an equal amount be raised by 
subscription to maintain the institution, 

1840, — -A bounty of one shilling was voted for every 
crow killed in town ; and in 1841—42, a bounty often cents 
was voted for a similar purpose, 

1846. — A special meeting was held May 19, 1846, to 
vote on the matter of granting license for the sale of spirit- 
uous liquors in town ; 255 voters declared for no license and 
142 for license. Again, on April 27, 1847, on the .same 
is.sue, 318 expressed themselves in favor of no license, and 
297 for license. In 1877 the town elected a board of ex- 
cise commis.siouers oppo.sed to granting license. 

The late civil war evoked the following action on the 
part of the town of Canton : At a special meeting, Aug. 23, 
1S62, a tax of $4200 was voted for bounty purposes, at 85(t 
per volunteer, on condition that the quota be filled to meet 
the exigency of the case ; otherwi.se only .so much of a tax 
should be levied as would enable the jiayment of $50 per 
volunteer actuallj' enlisted. The legislature was petitioMod 
to legalize this action, and George C. Bogne, EbencZir 
Miner, Milton D. Packard, L. E. B. Winslow, Albert 
Langdon, Wm. Perry, Jr., Cornelius Van Waters, T. L. 
Harrison, Algernon Robinson, and Binirham A. Svkes were 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



211 



uppoiiitpcl a committee to procure the necessary fuuds and 
atteiul to their disbursement. On the 12th of December, 
of the same year, tlie voters assembled at a special meeting 
authorized the supervisor and town clerk to issue interest- 
bearing certificates of 8300 each, to be countersigned by a 
justice of the peace, and granted on the order of tlie auditing 
committee, to an amount not exceeding $18,000, which were 
to be paid to such volunteers as would bo necessary to fill the 
quota. Wm. II. Sawyer, Joseph Barnes, and Algernon S. 
Robiusnti were appointed the committee to audit accounts, 
and served in this capacity until the close of the war. The 
last special meeting was held Feb. 23, 1864, when a bounty 
of $400 per volunteer was decreed, subject to the foregoing 
conditions. 

At the annual meeting in 1865 $6000 was voted to be 
paid to such men of the town as had been in the service, 
and who had not heretofore received the $300 bounty. 
Tlie several quotas of the town were generally speedily and 
satisfactorily filled, and considerable private aid was given 
to further the measures of the war. 

The town has been divided into five election districts or 
voting precincts, — Nos. 1 and 5 being in the village; No. 2 
at Morley ; No. 3 at Jerusalem Corners, and No. 4 at Rensse- 
laer Falls. The comparative votes here given indicate the 
past and present voting citizenship of the town. At the 
gubernatorial election, April 30, 1807, Morgan D. Lewis 
received 43 votes and Daniel D. Tompkins 14 votes. Three 
years later 73 voters declared their preference for Jonas 
Piatt and 40 for Daniel D. Tompkins. At tlie election for 
governor, in 1876, 928 votes were cast for the Republican 
nominee and 532 for the Democratic candidate, — a total of 
1460 votes. 

INTEll.N.\L IMPROVEMENTS AND TOWN INTERESTS. 

The public highways have received proper attention from 
the first, — at the first town-meeting ten road districts 
having been formed for the purpo.se of working them. 
These have been subdivided until they number eighty- 
seven. The streams of the town are spanned by substan- 
tial structures, among them being several first-class wrought- 
iron bridges, costing from $1500 to $8000, and the ap- 
propriations made for their repair have been liberal and 
timely. 

Sevc-ral f^tatc road.s were early located, and the Farish- 
ville turnpike company located its route throuiih the town 
about 1815. In 1827 the company surrendered its fran- 
chise, and a few years later that part of the road from 
Canton to Ogdensburg was improved by taxation ; and, in 
1850, measures were taken to plank the road-bed, tolls 
being charged. Besides this there were the Canton plank- 
road, from the villagi; to the town line of De Kalb ; the 
Canton, Jlorley and Madrid plank-road to tiiose places, 
and others in the western part of the town, whicii are de- 
scribed in the general history of the county, constructed 
from 1848 to 1853, and who.se road-beds reverted to the 
town as soon as the first set of planks had decayed. These 
generally form excellent highways, and are the principal 
thoroughfares of the town. 

As early as 1823 the project of using Grasse river in the 
town, in the series of improvements by whicli navigation 



was to be afforded by means of the Oswegatchie, natural 
canal, and the Grasse to the St. Lawrence, was discus.sed, 
and received legislative consideration, and, in 1831, a com- 
pany was incorporated to carry this idea into effect. The 
measure was further agitated in 1836, but no improve- 
ments in this direction have ever been made in the town of 
Canton. 

Mention has been made of the action of the legislature 
concerning Gra.sse river. In 1815, C. Willson, F. Tracy, 
and Wm. Richardson were appointed a committee to make 
Grasse river navigable for fish ; and on the 12th of April, 
1824, a law made the river a public highway, from its 
mouth to the high falls in Canton, the construction of dams 
being allowed on condition that passages or sluices be pro- 
vided for fish to pass. Neglecting to do this or setting nets 
or weirs was punishable by a fine of $25. In 1825 the 
town appointed Minot Jeni.son and Thomas D. Olin to in- 
vestigate the condition of dams, and prosecute any viola- 
tion of the law under a guarantee to indemnify them from 
losses arising from lawsuits. Since the country has been 
cleared the quantity of water in this stream has been di- 
minished so much that it is not esteemed of so much con- 
sequence as formerly. 

Railroad facilities are afforded by the Rome, Watertown 
and Ogdensburg company, which operates a line running 
through the town from west to a little north of east, south 
of the centre, and in the western part of the town a line 
having a northerly direction. The entire length in town is 
about 15 miles, the road-bed being about 325 feet above 
tide, with easy grades and curves, and is firmly ballasted. 
Stations and side-tracks are provided at Canton village and 
at Rensselaer Falls. At the former place are neat and 
ample depot-buildings, from which large quantities of 
freight are received and discharged, and the travel from 
this point is very considerable. The road was built by the 
Potsdam and Watertown company, which was organized 
Jan. 9, 1852. Work iu town was commenced in 1853, 
and in the fall of 1854 trains began running regularly 
from the two points above named. The eastern section of 
the road was constructed under the direction of B. Hods- 
kin, one of the first directors. In 1860 the Potsdam and 
Watertown company sold its franchises and property to the 
present company, which, in 1862, constructed the Ogdens- 
burg branch from the main line at De Kalb Junction, com- 
pleting it through the town of Canton that year. 

The first telegraphic communication was over the wires 
of the Vermont and Boston line, constructed along the 
State road from Potsdam, througli Canton, to Ogdensburg 
in 1851, stock having been taken along the line to defray 
the expense. Subsequently the Montreal company erected 
lines along the railroad, and at present also controls the old 
line. Offices are maintained at the villages in the town. 
Exfiress facilities are aflbrded by the American company, 
which has an office in the business part of the village of 
Canton. 

The project of erecting a town-hall was agitated in 
1845, and on the 21st of April, 1846, the supervisors of 
the county were directed by an act of the legislature to 
levy a tax on the town of $333.35 annually for three 3'ears, 
to be paid to Benjamin Squire and Cyrus Abernathy, as 



212 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



commissioners in trust, with power to erect the building. 
A plain but substantial frame structure was erected nearly 
opposite the court-house, on a spacious lot fronting the 
public square. The control of the house was delegated to 
the supervisor of the town and his successors in office. The 
building has been frequently repaired, but on the 2d of 
May, 1877, a special meeting was held to determine the 
propriety of erecting a new and more modern hall for the 
use of the town. W. H. Sawyer, M. D. Packard, and C. 
N. Conkey, as a committee of the annual meeting, reported 
in favor of a hall costing ^20,000, to be paid in four annual 
instalments, and that the bonds of the town be issued to 
secure this amount. The electors approved the report, and 
appointed L. W. Russell, W. H. Kimball, and Worth Cham- 
berlain to execute its provisions. The board of supervisors 
legalized this action of the town, and the initiatory steps 
for building have been taken. 

A description of the proposed building will be found in 
connection with the history of the village. 

EDUCATION. 

The town of Canton has from the first been interested 
in advancing the cause of education, giving proper encour- 
agement to the common schools and in a liberal measure 
for the promotion of the several institutions of learning 
which have been fostered in its midst, a detailed history of 
which will appear in connection with a sketch of the vil- 
lage. 

Schools were early taught in different localities, — -the first 
one on the corner of the new cemetery-grounds in 1804. 
Districts were formed as the country settled up. Thirty 
districts in all were created, which have been reduced to 
the present number, — twenty-eight. In 1877 these con- 
tained 20G7 children between the ages of 5 and 21 years, 
from which an average attendance of 907 pupils was 
secured, and $7558 were appropriated for the maintenance 
of these schools, and 37 teachers were employed and paid 
S8272 for services. 

In 1816 an act of 1807, relating to the gospel- and 
school-lots of central New York, was extended to this 
county, and authorized the supervisor and two commission- 
ers, chosen at a town-meeting, to lease them for a term not 
exceeding 21 years, and apply the proceeds to the support 
of the gospel or schools, or both, as might be directed. 
Subsequently the literature-lot was donated to the academy 
at Lowville. Besides this revenue, the town appropriations 
were usually equal to the State aid, and the schools have 
thus been well maintained. In many districts excellent 
houses, furnished with the requisites for successful teach- 
ing, have been provided. 

There are 29 school-houses in the town, valued, with their 
sites, at 814,100. 

MORLEY VILLAGE. 

Morley, formerly known as Long Rapids, is pleasantly 
situated on both sides of the Grasse river, in the northeast 
corner of tlie town, near the line between Canton and Lis- 
bon, and six miles from Canton village. Stillman Foot* 
began the settlement by building a dam and erecting a saw- 
mill in 1810. Christopher Wilson and Pitts Bailey, from 



Vermont, bought the village site and the saw-mill, which 
was in an unfinished state. In 1815 they put into this 
mill two run of rock-stones, with a bolt. Two years later 
they built a new mill, and put in burr-stones. These mills 
stood about four rods east of the present stone mill. In 
one corner of the last mill Mr. Thomas Fenton had a room 
where he carried on wool-carding and cloth-dressing. He 
continued here about eight years, and then built a factory 
a few rods down the stream, which he occupied about twenty 
years. Wilson settled on the east side of the river, and 
built the first frame house, on the spot now partly occupied 
by Mr. L. Fenton's house. Bailey built a frame house on 
the west side of the river. It now forms a part of the Er- 
vin hotel, which Bailey built and kept many years. The 
first, bridge was built about 1820. Before this the .settlei-s 
on the west side in going to mill would stop on the bank < 
with their horse, and a flat-bottomed boat or scow would 
go over from the mill for their grist, and return it, when 
ground, in the same way. The first saw-mill on the west 
side was built by Charles Barrett, who also built the tavern 
recently burned. The first store and goods was kept by J. 
P. Cummings, in a frame building, where the engine-house 
now stands. A year or two later he built the stone build- 
ing which is still standing. In this store he was a partner 
of Isaac Whitney for six years, and then Whitney bought 
the Bailey tavern, which he kept some twelve years. The 
present stone grist-mill has four run of stone, and was built 
in 1840. It is owned by Mr. T. L. Harrison, and is under 
the management of Mr. Rufus K. Jackson. Wm. Wash- 
burn was the first blacksmith, and Eden Ray the first car- 
penter, in the village. The school-house in the village was 
built about eighteen years ago, after plans furnished by Mr. 
W. H. Harrison. It is of stone, one story high, and built 
in the Gothic order of architecture, its cost being about 
three thousand dollars. When the post^ofiice was first es- 
tablished here, at Mr. Harrison's request the name of the 
village was changed to Morley. This village is the resi- 
dence of Mr. Thomas L. Harrison, a son of one of the late 
proprietors of this town. Mr. Harrison is secretary of the 
State agricultural society. On his farm here near the vil- 
lage, he has the finest herds of short-horn cattle in the 
country. For seven head he was offered, and refused, forty- 
five thousand dollars. He occasionally sells a cow for six 
thousand dollars, or a bull for fifteen or twenty thousand 
dollars. A shorthorn calf will bring from five hundred to 
one thousand dollars. 

The village of Morley contains 2 churches, 1 flouring- 
mill, 1 saw-mill, 1 butter-tub factory, 2 asheries, 1 hotel, 
4 stores, and the usual mechanic shops, and has a popula- 
tion of about 300 souls. 

EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MORLEY. 

Trinity chapel was erected in 1870-71, mainly through 
the efforts of Mr. T. L. Harrison, a liberal and wealthy 
churchman, a resident of the village. It is a stone struc- 
ture, of the English Gothic rural style of architecture, open 
roof inside, roof-boards and rafters finished in oil, and in 
all its appointments presents a very neat appearance. The 
chapel is twenty-four by sixty-two feet, with a recessed 
chancel of sixteen by twenty-four feet, and will seat about 





R.K.Jackson. 



Mffs.FI. K.Jackson. 



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RESIDLNCE or H. K.JACKSON, .VloRUV. lUtifON./Sr.lAWWNCf lc,\ ' 




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ffESIOE/VCC or JOSHUA W. FIHNIh' 




^ORLCY, St. Lawftcnce County , New YofK. 




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WM.H F(NNIMORE. 



MRS.WM. H.FINNIMORE 




/f£S/DENC£ or WILL/AM H.FINNIMORE, Morlzy, lCANTOH)ST.L^viREH(;t 'u.,:^ . 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



213 



two hundred and fifty persons. The cost was about twelve 
thousand dollars. On the 26th day of July, 1871, it was 
consecrated by Bishop Doane, assisted by the neighboring 
clerii'y. This is a mission chapel, and is under the control 
of the board of missions of the diocese of Albany. The 
present missionary in charge is the Rev. Charles S. Olmstead. 
The membership is 125, communicants 42. number con- 
firmed since consecration of chapel 54. The Sunday-school 
numbers 75 scholars, with the rector as superintendent. 
Previous to building this chapel, occasional church services 
were held in the school-house for a number of years, by 
clergymen from Canton and other places. A Sunday-school 
was organized and carried on by ladies connected with the 
church, during a period of twenty years, which school was 
held in the school-house. The missionaries in charge of this 
mission have been Rev. W. S. Hayward, Rev. E. G. Prout, 
Rev. A. Whitaker. 

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, MORLET. 

On the 23d day of September, 1843, the members of the 
congregation worshiping at the school-house in the village of 
Morley met, pursuant to law, and proceeded to organize the 
First Wesleyan Methodist society of the village of Morley. 
Hiram Barber and John Byington were chosen to preside, 
and David Clemens, Joel Seger, Zelotus Whitney, John W. 
Allen, and Thomas Buffam were chosen ti-ustees. Among 
the first members of this society were David and Naurilla 
Clemens, Ira and Joanna Day, John Byington and wife, 
Wesley Byington and wife, James S. and Rachel Wright, 
Edward and Ruth Gould, Thomas and Sally Fisher, Wil- 
son and Lorena Freeman, Peter and Mary Wheeler, Marilla 
Whitney, Hiram H. Lockwood, Truman Penoyer, Oriow 
Walbridge. The church edifice was built in 1843. It is 
a plain one-story frame building, size 40 feet by 60 feet, 
cost $1200. The parsonage, built in 1845, is in the same 
inclosure ; cost $800. The pastor first chosen was Rev. 
Lincoln Brown. The following have been some of the 
officiating pastors since : Rev. Joel Grinnoll, Rev. Isaac 
Sprague, Rev. Wm. P. Ray, Rev. Dyar Willis, Rev. N. 
Wardncr. Rev. J. L. Benton is the present pastor. Mem- 
bership, 110. The Sunday-school is in charge of James S. 
Wright, superintendent. Number of scholars, 92 ; teach- 
ers, ; library, volumes, 200. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT CRARY's .MILLS. 

This society was organized September 5, 1823, at the 
M. E. (brick) church, located on mile square 3, range 9. 
The following is a list of the names of tho.se who composed 
the society upon its organization : Wm. Hatch, Hubbard 
Clark, James Burgess, Amos Smith, Elisha Clark, Shubael 
Clark, Joseph Chandler, Luther Brown, Amos Clark, Justus 
Stiles, Jeduthun Farwell, Smith Page. Rev. Constant 
Southworth was moderator. The trustees elected were 
Jeduthun Farwell, Wm. Hatch, Luther Brown, and Samuel 
Clark. 

Soon after their organization, Hon. S. Van Rensselaer 
deeded to the society thirty-five acres of land, on which to 
build a church and parsonage. The parsonage and barn were 
built and occupied, but the society after ten years found that 
the greater number of their members lived in the vicinity 



of Crary's Mills, and resolved to build their church there. 
They put up a frame for a church building in 1840, which 
was completed in 1844, and dedicated. The size of the 
building was 32 feet by 44 feet. The land which was 
deeded by Hon. S. Van Rensselaer not having been fully 
occupied for the purposes intended, reverted to the heirs. 
In 1858 the society bought the land at $10 an acre, and 
sold it afterwards at a profit. In 1859 the society was re- 
organized by an election of six trustees instead of four, as 
formerly. In 1873 the church building was repaired 
thoroughly, and a porch of 12 feet and a belfry added, the 
whole expen.se being $2200. Rededicated by Rev. Wm. 
Miller, February 12, 1874. Rev. Constant Southworth 
was pastor from 1823 to 1831. Rev. C. W. Fifield is the 
present pastor. Geo. Harper, superintendent of Sabbath- 
school ; children 60 ; attendance 40. 

RENSSELAER FALLS. 

The village of Rensselaer Falls is situated in the north- 
west corner of the town, on the east bank of the Oswe- 
gatchie river. The R., W. & 0. R. R. runs through the 
village. It is 13 miles distant from Ogdensburg, and 10 
miles from Canton. It contains nine stores, two churches, 
a hotel, a grist-mill, two saw-mills, the Phoenix bent 
works, a chair-factory, a cheese-box factory, two wagon- 
shops, and other mechanic shops. The river has a fall of 
six feet at this place, which gives a good water-power. The 
village was begun in 1839 by the erection of a forge by 
Tate, ChaflFee & Co. It first had the name of Tateville, 
from Robert Tate, of the above firm, but it has been more 
generally known as Canton Falls, until the establishment of 
a post-office. The forge had three fires, and was situated 
on the west bank of the river just below the dam. In 1845 
the forge was rented to J. W. Browne, who ran it three 
years, using bog ore from Lisbon and specular ore from 
Hermon. John ShuU, Jr., as agent for Van Rensselaer, 
built a saw-mill in 1839, on the site now occupied by the 
Phoenix bent works. The first mill was carried ofi" by a 
flood, and the second was burned.- The first grist-mill was 
built in 1842, by Henry Van Rensselaer, which was burned, 
and in 1846 the present stone grist-mill was built. Jesse 
Bunnell was the first miller, Mr. Rathbone was the first 
shoemaker, Caleb Johnson the first blacksmith ; his shop 
stood just above the bridge, on the east bank of the river. 
The first tavern was built and kept by John Shull. Jr. 
The first store was kept by Thomas Leonard, where J. W. 
Browne now has his store. Mr. Browne is the oldest mer- 
chant in the village, having been there nearly thirty years. 
Dr. T. Murdoek has been there thirty years, and is the 
oldest physician in the place, and was the first. He came 
from Vermont. The post-office was established here De- 
cember 19, 1851, Archibald Shull being first postmaster. 
The present postmaster is 0. Van Waters. The popula- 
tion of the village is about 350. Among the early settlers 
in the vicinity of Rensselaer Falls were the following per- 
sons, and their location : on lot 9, range 2, John Shull, Sr., 
N. Hammond ; on lot 8, range 2, Jacob Shull, Mrs. Ames, 
Arch. Shull, Christian Gliering, and A. Johnson; on lot 7, 
range 2, W. Randall; on lot 7, range 1, J. Ghering and 
C. Goodell ; on lot 8, range 1 . J. T. Johnson, J. Ghering, 



214 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jr., niid Mrs. Swift; (ui Int. !), raiijre 1. Dea. Haniia, S. Wal- 
roth, Leonard Hcirrin^, and A. iSundfrliii ; on lot 10, range 

I, A. Sharp. The road leadinsf west from the Canton and 
running through range 4, is icnown as the Irish settlement 
road, and was settled about thirty years ago by a largo 
nundier of emigrants from the lOmerald isle. 

.MKTIIODIST EPISCOPAL CllUKCII AT RENSSELAER FALLS. 

The first Methodist Episcopal class was formed in the 
spring of 1853, by Rev. A. Blackman, from the Heuvelton 
circuit. The members of this class were J. L. Gilbert, 
Mary Ann Gilbert, Jo.seph Gilbert and wife, Mrs. Van 
Waters, Sophia Parsons, and Catharine Chaffee. The class 
remained about the same up to 1855, when Rev. S. F. 
Kenyon succeeded Rev. H. Woodruff, and began to preach 
here every two weeks. During this year some additions 
were made to the class. In 185G, W. C. Lent, a local 
preacher, was engaged, and the class received new members. 
During 1857 the church grew, and from the progress it was 
apparent that the society must have a church of their own. 
This .society having been a charge of Heuvelton, in 1858, 
the Kendrew neighborhood (in De Kalb) was taken, and 
with this cla.ss formed a charge, having their own quarterly 
conference, and W. C. Lent was continued over it. Nov. 

II, 1858, the society was legally incorporated, with Jo.seph 
L. Gilbert, Robert Wilstrop, and Joseph Wheater as 
trustees. During this year a church was built at an ex- 
pense, including the site, of $1000. This church was sit- 
uated on Rensselaer street, just east of State. Previous to 
building this house, meetings were held in the school-house. 
1859, W. C. Lent was returned to this charge. A parsonage 
was built on the church lot at an expense of $-100, and a 
church was built in the Kendrew neighborhood at a cost of 
$900. Cooper's Falls appointment was taken from De Kulb 
circuit and annexed to this charge. In 18(30, conference ap- 
pointed Rev. A. Mosier to the charge. 1862, the last year 
under the pastorate of Father Mosier, was prosperous. Rev. 
J. V. Humjihrey came here this year; under his pastorate 
the charge gained a little. 

1863. — The session of conference held at Watertown 
appointed Rev. A. M. Roe, A.M., formerly principal of 
Gouverneur Wesieyan seminary, to the charge, and the 
church prospered. 

18G4. — Rev. A. M. Roe was returned. In 1865, con- 
ference at Potsdam appointed Rev. G. P. Kenuey. During 
this year there was a revival, and the church increased and 
prospered. In 1866, there was more than the usual pros- 
perity, and congregations were good, and the society felt the 
need of a better church. Towards the close of the year the 
church and parsonage were sold for $1875. A new church 
was projected. In 1867, Rev. G. P. Kenney was returned. 
A lot was bought for the new edifice, which was to be of 
brick, size, forty by sixty feet, with basement under the 
whole, and all above ground. In November the building 
was inclosed, and the ba.semeut made ready for use during 
the winter. In 1868, Rev A. T. Copeland was sent to this 
charge. The church edifice was completed and dedicated 
Sept. 16, 1868. Rev. B. I. Ives, ciiaplain of Auburn 
prison, preached the sermon, after which he .stated that the 
church cost about $8000, and that a balance of $5000 was 



to be raised. Subscriptions were called for, and the follow- 
ing sums subscribed: Joseph Wheater, $1000 ; Thomas 
A. Madill, Hiram Stoddard, and Benjamin Wheater, each 
$500; R. Wilstrop and wife, $500; J. L. Gilbert and 
wife, $250 ; Thomas Dickinson, J. W. Browne, and A. S. 
Barter, each $200. Others subscribed with equal liberality. 
The amount realized was $5114. This unexpected result 
gave great satisfaction to all concerned. During this year 
a union protracted meeting was held by the Methodist and 
Congregational churches, with great success. The pastors 
officiating since that time have been Rev. W. F. Brown, 
1H70 ; Rev. J. B. McCullough, 1873. During this year a 
parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the church. 

1877. — This church has a present memberehip of 160, 
and is under the pastoral charge of Rev. C. Phelps. The 
present trustees are J. W. Browne, Joseph Wheater, and 
S. F. Dexter. The Sunday-school has about 75 scholars ; 
ofiicers and teachers, 15. George Spooner, superintendent. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF REN.SSELAER FALLS 

was organized June 6, 1842, at the school-house in the vil- 
lage, with the following members : Deacon John Shull and 
wife, Jacob Shull and wife, Archibald Shull and wife. Chris- 
tian Ghering and wife, and Joseph Lytic and wife. 

The society prospered and grew with a healthy growth. 
In 1847, they decided to erect a church edifice suitable to 
the needs of the .society. At a meeting legally called, 
Jacob Shull and F. F. Rathbone were chosen to preside, 
and John Shull, Jr., William Hanna, and T. F. Rathbone 
were chosen trustees, July 19, 1847. Work was begun, 
but the building was not completed until in 1848, the latter 
part of the year. Jan. 11, 1849, the church edifice was 
dedicated, the dedicatory prayer being made by the pastor, 
Rev. G. Cross, and the sermon preached by Rev. B. B. 
Parsons. The sine of the church was thirty -six by fifty 
feet, and cost $800. In 1875, extensive repairs, alterations, 
and improvements were made to it, and Feb. 16, 1876, it 
was re-dedicated, the sermon for the occasion being preached 
by Rev. J. C. Holbrook, D.D., of Syracuse, the dedicatory 
prayer by Rev. G. Cross, a former pastor, now of Richville. 
The size of the building as improved is thirty-six by sixty 
feet, and the cost was about $5000. The parsonage belong- 
ing to the society was built in 1870, and cost about $1500. 
The value of the property held by the society is not far 
from $8000. The pastors have been as follows: Rev. L. 
W. Chaney, Rev. R. T. Cross, and the present pastor, Rev. 
G. A. Rockwood, who has been pastor during nine years. 
The present membership of the church is one hundred and 
two. The present trustees of the society are T. F. Craig, 
Andrew Bennett, and Robert Akius. In connection with 
the church is the Women's Missionary board, with a mem- 
bership of forty-five. 

The Sabbath-school has a membership of 150 scholars. 
Library, 200 volumes. Sujierintendent, Mr. N. E. Doty. 
The church and Sabbath-school arc both in a prosperous 
and flourishing condition. 

FELLOWSHIP LODGE, NO. 749, F. AND A. M. 

This lodge was organized March 5, 1874. Its charter 
members were, John R. Mills, Frank B. Dorothy, P. 





0. Norton . 



Mffs.o. f/oi?roN. 




RES. OF MRS. O.NORTON .CANTON, Sr.UWRiMZ CO..N V 



M.. 








N Sanderson. 



Mrs. E. .Sanderson. 





MffS N.SANDiHSON. 



L Sanderson 

PHOTOS gr Mrs OR J HircHcocK. ^.jwto'j 




RES Ot" N.SANDFRSON,C<iNroH z;. 



O.N Y 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



215 



JlcCVriiiick, L. H. Hill, Ivwin H. Ru.sp, Daniel l)i>kin- 
sDii, and JauK's E. Barber. Its first officers, U. I)., were, 
J. R. Mills, W. M.; F. B. Dorothy, 8. W.; P. MeCor- 
mick, J. W. Its present officers are, L. H. Hill, W. M. ; 
S. J. Lewis. 8. W. ; M. Chambers, J. W. ; T. McKelvy, 
Treas. ; J. J. Doty, Sec. ; Win. Dexter, 8. D. ; A. Clark, 
J. D. ; W. B. Rose, Tyler. 

THE VILLAGE OF CANTON. 

This villatje, the seat of justice of St. Lawrence County 
since L828, is situated near the centre of the town north 
and south, and on lots 3 and 4 of ranges V. and VI. east 
and west. It is ]8 miles from Ogdensburg, 11 miles from 
Potsdam, and 24 miles from Gouverneur. with whicli city 
and .illage.s it is connected by the Rome, Watertown and 
Ogden.sburg railroad. By rail it is about 30 miles from the 
latter city. Originally, its area was one mile square, lying 
northeast and southwest, on both sides of the Grasse river, 
but was subsequently enlarged to two miles square, and 
again reduced to its original limits. 

The first settlement was made (jn the present plat of the 
village by one Daniel Harrington, the details of which have 
been previously given in the history of the town. Stillman 
Foote located the original mile square in 1800, and pur- 
chased the same of the proprietors, and was really the first 
permanent settler, not only of the village, but also of the 
town. 

I-'rominent among the early settlers on the village site 
were Dr. Wm. Noble, the first physician, who owned the 
tract including the present university grounds, and located 
in 1804-5; Dr. Daniel Campbell, 1807; Dr.^EHjah 
Haker, 1808 ; Edwin Jones, father of D. M. Jones, the 
niaiuifacturer and merchant of to-day, 1803 ; Amos Jones, 
8r., Medad Moody, father of Captain Lucius Moody, 1804; 
Silas Wright, 1819. and his brother Pliny, the latter still 
a resident of the village ; Silas Baldwin and Dr. Darius 
Clark, 1824; and Nathaniel and B. Hodskin, 1827. Mr. 
lialdwin, or, as he was always called, 'S(|uire Baldwin, and 
B. Hodskin still reside in the village. Others were E. 
Frost, Alvin C. Low, S. Prentice, and E. Bridge. Harry 
Smith came in 1830, and Walter Brown about the same 
time. In 1825, Ebenezer Jliner came to the village tem- 
porarily, iind settled permanently in 1829. Also Clapp, 
Bailey, the Walkers, Benjamin, Dan, and Solomon, and 
Joseph and John Barnes were early comers to the village. 

Stillman Foote lived in one end of his saw-mill for a time 
after his family's arrival, and then built a house on the 
brow of the hill, in 1802, which, enlarged and renewed, still 
overlooks the village uTider the overarching branches of 
some great elms, planted out by the present Stillman Foote. 
of Ogdensburg, and his brothers. Dr. Campbell built his 
house where the one occupied by Mr. Traver now stands, 
and, in 1812, it, with the house of Mr. Foote on the op- 
l)o.site side of the river, were about all the dwellings there 
were in the village, at least of any jiretensions. Mrs. 
Miner, widow of E. Miner, deceased, and daughter of Dr. 
Campbell, says the first dance ever held by white folks 
in Canton was in the upper part of a large wood-shed at- 
tached to tlie doctor's house. Ai. Indian family used fre- 



([uently to stop at an old house which .stood (Jii the present 
site of tlu' Hodskin hou.se. 

During the War of 1812, the doctor closed liis store ai]d 
opened a tavern for the accommodation of travelers and 
troops passing through the village en ronle for Ogdenslturg 
and the scene of hostilities. On one occasion, a sloop-load 
of goods was confiscated by the American commander, and 
sent secretly to Dr. Campbell's house. A force of our 
British cousins started from Prescott to recover the goods 
of which they had been despoiled, but Providence was on 
the side of the Yankees, and a furious snow-storm delayed 
and at last turned the soldiers back, and the goods were 
sold. The value of the same was S50,000, and the sale was 
ever after known as the " great vendue." 

Captain Lucius Moody, still a resident of the village, was 
born therein in 1800, being the second male born ill the 
the town. His father, Medad Moody, bo'ught about two 
acres of ground, including the present site of the Hodskin 
House, and built a house thereon, and in after-years built 
a larger one for hotel purposes. Capt. Moody is at the 
present time the oldest resident, in point of occupancy, in 
the village. His father was born in Amherst, Mass., and 
came from Weybridge, Vt., with his wife and two chil- 
dren, Simeon D. and Clarissa, — afterwards the wife of Gov. 
Silas Wright, — in 1804, finding their way through the 
forest from Lake Champlain to St. Regis by blazed trees. 
His first location was on the south side of the river, just 
above the present bridge. He was captain of a military 
company at Ogdensburg during the War of 1812. 

MANUFACTURING. 

Excellent water-power is aft'orded by the Gra.sse river at 
the village, tliere being natural fiills or rapids, which have 
been improved by several substantial dams and fliiines. 
Power is thus supplied to a number of manufacturing es- 
tablishments, whose products are a source of considerable 
revenue to the place. Stillman Foote was the pioneer 
manufacturer. Having obtained possession of the mill site 
and its privileges in 1800, the following year he began to 
build a saw-mill, under the direction of Daniel W. Church, 
a millwright, from Vermont, bringing the mill-irons from 
that State. It stood near the site of the present • Eagle 
Jlills," and was gotten into operation in the fall of 18(11. 
" The next summer, a single run of rock-stones, driven by 
a tub wheel, was put in a part of the mill ; and this was 
the first and only mill in town until after the War of 1812. " 
In 1820 the second saw-mill wa.s put up in the same locality. 
by a son of the above, Henry Foote, the framework being 
used afterwards in the construction of another mill on the 
same site, which became widely known as the " Jackson 
Mill.'' This was erected on a very extensive scale, in 1860, 
by the late E. E. Jackson, and was at that time reputed 
the best mill of the kind in the country. Subsequently 
this became the property of B. Hodskin, by whom it is yet 
operated. It is a very complete establisliraent for the 
manufacture of all kinds of lumber, with a cutting ca]iacity 
of 20,0(10 feet per ten hours, and contains a planer, cdger, 
shingle and lath machines. In 1872, 4,000,000 feet of 
spruce lumber were manufactured, most of which was 
shipped to the Albany markets. The logs to supply this 



216 



HISTOliy OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



mill are floated down the river t'nmi poiiitH thirty miles 
abuve, ami furiiisli an exeellcnt i|Uality of lumber. When 
fully worked, tliirty men are employed in these mills. 

About 1840, Silas WriD;ht built a custom-work saw-mill 
on the site of the planing-mill, whicli was burned in 1852. 
Another .saw-mill, oeeupyinjr the .site of tiic •' St. Lawrence" 
grist-mill, was erected by Chauncey Foote, in 1845. After 
beinj; the property of L. Buck, it was sold to Captain 
Moody, who removed it to make way for the grist-mill. 

A short di.stance above the island, near the mouth of 
Van Rensselaer creek, Silas Parker built a saw-mill in 
1850, with a capacity of from 5000 to 10,000 feet per day. 
This is at present operated by Joel Noolan. 

The first good grist-mill was in a stone building erected 
east of the saw-mills on the island on the opposite side of 
the river, about 1817, by Stillmaii Foote. It was operated 
a number of years, but was discontinued when other mills 
were built. A fire destroyed the building, but a part of the 
wall remains in the shops erected on its site. 

In 1842, Henry Van Rensselaer erected the ''Eagle 
Mills," for custom and merchant work. It is a very fine 
four-story structure, built of the beautiful stone found in 
this section, 45 Ijy 65 feet, the walls being 2i feet thick. 
At first there were three run of .stones, but another has been 
added, giving it a capacity of 600 bushels per day. The 
mill has seven iron water-wheels, and all the improved 
modern machinery. Since 1871 it has been the property 
of Lasoll & Jewett. A fine view of tliese excellent mills 
appears in this work. 

The " St. Lawrence Mills'' is a fine three-story brick 
building, on the island, opposite the above. It was erected 
in 1859-60, by Lucius Moody, is 40 by 60 feet, has five 
wheels and four run of stones, and, like the other mills, 
does custom and merchant work. It is at present owned 
and operated by ITodskin & Sherwin. and is first-class in 
every respect. 

Some time before the War of 1812, Stillman Foote e.s- 
tabli.shed a bloom-forge on the east side of the river, in the 
rear of where Jones' fui'nace now stands. The forge was 
run on bog ores found in the northern part of the town, 
and red hematite from Chaumont. The power was fur- 
nished by a large undershot wheel, and the manufacture of 
iron was successfully carried on until about 1828. 

About 1815, Mr. Foot« also put up a distillery in the 
same locality, and in 1827 an extensive marble-factory, near 
the same place. About all the material used in the countv 
before 1835 was here prepared, the material used being the 
rock found at Crary's ^lills. At that point Mr. Foote had 
erected machinery to cut the stone into suitable blocks. 
Unfortunately, this rock did not withstand the corrosive 
effects of the elements, and its manufacture had soon to be 
abandoned. 

In 1827, Nathaniel Hodskin erected a pocket-furnace, 
on the west side of the river, which was tlie first establish- 
ment of the kind in the county. It hail an open forge 
capable of melting half a ton of iron at a time, the fire 
being fed by charcoal. Here were made ordinary castings 
and the famous Jcthro Wood plow, whose introduction 
marks an important era in the history of the agriculture of 
the State. This establishment was removed to the east 



side of the river in 1833, into a large stone building, which 
is yet occupied for this purj)ose. and B. Hodskin associated 
with his father in the conduct of the business. The work 
produced now included mill-irons and casting for machinery, 
that u.sed in the Eagle mills being liere manufaetured. 
Stoves were also made, and the manufacture uf improved 
plows, as the •' Poughkeepsie,'' '' Peekskill," and •' Eagle 
of Worcester"' patterns, received especial attention. It is 
estimated that nearly all thi! plows u.sed in St. Lawrence 
and Franklin counties, previous to 1851), came from these 
shops. 

In 1852 the property passed into the liands of D. M. 
Jones, who, in 1860, enlarged the capacity of the works by 
the addition of a large brick furnace of the best construction. 
The stone building was supplied with iron working lathes, 
etc., and has since been used as a general macliine-shop in 
connection with the furnace. Mr. Jones employs ten men 
in the manufacture of general foundry-work, stoves, and 
plows and cultivators of his own designing, which are favor- 
ably used. 

Storr's machine-works occupy a frame building on the 
island, erected in 1871, for the manufacture of a machine 
to be used by tailors in pressing the seams of clothing. 
The device is a very ingenious one, and more than 2000 
machines have been .sold, one establishment alone, in Bos- 
ton, employing 60. The machine is the invention of Levi 
B. Storrs, by whom the factory is carried on. Employs 
from eight to ten men, and uses steam- and water-power. 

In the early days of the town there were a number of 
pot and pearl asheries at the village, carried on by L. E. 
Clark, B. Hodskin, and others, and a large establishment 
of this nature by E. Miner, from 1830 to 1854. 

The first to engage in the tanning business was Elias C. 
Page, who began in a small way near the bridge on the 
island. A larger tannery was put up by him near the 
same place, in 1830, which was destroyed by fire, and in 
1840 he laid the foundation of Jones' tannery. This was 
very much enlarged by J. Traver, who purchased the prop- 
erty in 1853, and is at present an extensive establishment, 
occupying three large buildings. From ten to twelve hun- 
dred cords of hemlock bark are used annually in the 93 
vats, whose capacity is 75,000 calf-skins per annum. 
Eight men are employed ( no leather being finished), under 
the direction of a skillful foreman. 

A fourth tannery was jiut up in 1846, by David Sears, 
which was subsequently converted to other uses. 

The manufacture of woolen articles began in 1827 ; a 
■ man named Bird having a carding-machine in a building 
attached to the saw-mill, on the west side. A similar ma- 
chine is at present operated in the old furnace building, the 
upper portion of which was adapted for a woolen-factory in 
1850, by B. Hodskin. There were two sets of machinery, 
to manufacture all sorts of woolen goods. After a few years' 
operation the factory was di.scontinucd. 

A potato-starch factory was put up in 1848, by B. Hods- 
kin and D. D. Weed, which was also discontinued after 
three years' operation, and was the only one which was ever 
erected in town. 

About 1852, A. Fowler began the manufacture of axes | 
and edged tools in a small shop on the ca.st side of the ' 






WM.O.SQUIffZS 



MffS.WM. 0.5(juif?t:s. 







ResionNCF or Wm. 0. SQUIRES , Canton, N.-Y. 



I^* 



m 



vi-. 



I .Vfi 





Asa Conk^y. 



U!\s AsaConkey. 



Asa Conkey, at his death the oldest citizen of this 
county, resided in Canton seventy-one years. He 
was a native of Massachusetts, being born in Pelliam, 
in that State, Nov. 22, 1784. Nine years afterward 
his father removed with his family to Orwell, Vt., 
and thence to this town, April 16, 1802. The sub- 
ject of our memoir was then in his eighteenth year, 
and engaged in the carpenter's trade with his father 
for a considerable time. During the last war with 
Great Britain (1812) he enlisted and served under 
General Rrown. In 1814 he married Anna Clark, 
of Orwell, Vt., who died throe years afterward. 
The year following he married Mrs. Mary Bannister. 
His first home was on the land now occupied by Mr. 
Henry Southworth. In 1816 he bought a farm 
where Mr. Charles Matthews now lives. The death 
of his first wife occurred there, and was the fore- 
runner of otluir trials. Soon after he met those of 
another kind. Business reverses, unprofitable specu- 
lations, and other disappointments stripped him of 
all his possessions, and in 1824, and at the age 
of forty, he began the world anew with, as he said 
himself, a stout heart, willing hands, and trust in 
Providence. In 1826 he removed to the valuable 
and beautiful lands where he passed the rest of his 
life. 

Industry and foresiglit were effectual in accumu- 
lating a comiM'tencc; and having passed into years 
beyond the usually allotted age of man, and buried 



his wife, he retired from the activities of secular life, 
leaving the many concerns of his business to his son, 
Charles N., in whom he justly reposed the most 
unquestioning confidence, and who uniformly honored 
him with affectionate respect. There also survived 
him a daughter, Mrs. E. C. Goff', and two sons, 
Theodore and Hamilton, all in Wisconsin, and the 
Rev. Dr. Bannister, of the uiu'versitj' in Evanston, 
111., his wife's son by her previous marriage, and who 
was to him, in all respects, like his own child. One 
child died in infancy. 

That event of his life most noticeable and valuable 
was his liecoming a Christian. This occurre<l in 
1827. Six years later he was elected and ordained 
an elder in the Presbyterian church, and lived and 
died having "good report of all men, and of the 
truth itself." Sprung from the Scotch-Irish colony 
that settled in New Hampshire about 1720; trained 
amid the traditions of Indian incursions and the 
old French war ; habituated to New England indus- 
try, thoughtfnlne.ss, ])crseverance, and improving 
skill, ho was well qualified to be the influential man 
he truly was. His piety was of the most Scripturally 
intelligent type. Judging a man by the ti ue standard, 
not what he ha~t, or what he kno;rf<, but what he is, 
Asa Conkey was one of the just whose memory is 
blessed. I^ed of the Spirit of God by the faith 
which is in C^hrist Jesus, his faith was like the light 
which shincth more and more until the perfect day. 






HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



217 



river. Subsequently he established himself on the island, 
where he carrii^d on the works until 1875, when the present 
proprietor, M. A, Fowler, assumed the business. Several 
thousand axes and many edged tools are produced per year. 
The building of which he occupies a part was erected about 
1846, by Barrows & Blanchard, for a butter-tub and cheese- 
box factory. Several years later Henry Stickles put in 
machinery for a sash and blind factory, and as such it has 
been operated ever since. 

On the site of Sears' tiinnery are Lawrence & Taylor's 
planing-mill, T. Williams' chair-factory, and Peter Nolan's 
furniture-factory. Among the first to engage in the manu- 
facture of furniture was the firm of Lawrence & Irwin. 
The former is yet in the business. A. J. Gage & Co. are 
also furniture-manufacturers. 

Thomas Champlin came to Canton about 1820, and 
worked at hLs trade as a wheelwright from that time until 
his death. In 1875, S. W. Wright established himself as 
a carriage-builder, in the old Cbauiplin shop on Water street, 
erecting, in 1877, a new building in addition, to accommo- 
date his busine.ss. Employment is given to nine men, and 
all kinds of vehicles are manufactured. On the same street 
T. E. Clark has carried on the busine.ss since 1874, in a 
building which .stands on a spot that has always been used 
for shop-purposes. The lower part is used as a smithy by 
E. D. & T. D. Jackson, the former having worked at this 
place since 1843. Farther down the street, C. Bailey 
worked at the trade at an early day, and in 1846 erected 
the present stone shop, which still bears his name. Amos 
Jones, Sr., was the fir.st in the place to engage at the trade, 
having a shop near the Presbyterian church. Walter Brown, 
Jr., and a man named Frost, were also early smiths in the 
village. 

On the island, south of the bridge, a commodious .shop 
has been erected, in which G. E. Champlin & J. W. Jef- 
frey carry on the manufacture of carriages and wagons on 
a large scale. 

In 1874, J. H. Rushton engaged in boat-building on a 
small scale, u.sing a model which has proved very satisfac- 
tory. The business has been gradually enlarged, until at 
present nearly a hundred boats per year are built, with an 
increasing demand from all parts of the country. A spec- 
ialty is made of very light boats, for fishing and sporting 
purposes, and the " Rob Roy" canoe. 

Besides the foregoing manufacturing interests, the village 
has the usual complement of small mechanic shops. 

A bo3', named Lewis Kirk, an apprentice with Mr. 
Hedges, attempted the manufacture of a spinning-jenny, 
but, not succeeding, went to Lowell, Mass., where his talent 
for invention and ingenious workmanship was recognized, 
and he became in after-years one of the leading machinists 
of that great manufacturing city. 

TRADE. 

The first stock of goods brought into the village for the 
purposes of trade was a small one by Dr. Campbell, who 
kept the same in a room in his dwelling-house in 1807, and 
which room was afterwards converted into a bar-room, when 
lie opened his hou.se as a tavern. 

In 1827 there were three stor&s in the village, conducted 
28 



by E. Bridge, on Main street, above Union block, in a brick 
house, the fir.st building of that material in the village. 
Barnes and Sacridcr were opposite, the .site of the Ilodskin 
house, in the frame building now used for a blacksmith- 
shop. A. C. Low and A. Bacon were where Harry Smith's 
drug-store now stands. 

B. Hodskin established the first hardware-store in 1850, 
in the old white hou.se, in company with H. I). Langdon. 
Daniel Mack was one of the first to open a drug-store, on 
the site of Jacob Jewett's store. Harry Smith began 
trading in 1832, and has continued in the business ever 
since to the present time. Solomon Boynton was one of the 
leading merchants on Main street in 1830, and later. He 
died in the village. Ebenezer Miner began trading in the 
village in 1830, or thereabouts, and continued until 1857, 
and was for many years a leading merchant, keeping a gen- 
eral stock. Christopher Cook and Simeon D. Moody, the 
latter an early merchant and long in trade, were also among 
the business men of Main street. M. D. Packard is one 
of the oldest dry goods men in the jilace, having been .so 
engaged since 1854, and in the .same location. Moses 
Whitcomb was one of the leading men in the dry goods 
line in the town in his time. Medad Moody and Nathan 
Walker were in trade together soon afler 1816, and sent 
twice a week to Ogdensburg for pork and flour by an ox- 
team. 

In the furniture trade, Lorenzo Law.son has been en- 
gaged for more than thirty-five years. Joseph Ellsworth 
has been over twenty j'ears in the boot and shoe trade, and 
is the oldest dealer in that line at present in the village. 
L. B Storrs is the oldest clothier, having been thirty years 
in the business here. R. B. Ellsworth is also in the cloth- 
ing trade in Miner block. D. M. Jonas and II. L. Sackrider 
have been engaged in the hardware trade since 185D. The 
dry goods men at present are Packard, Simmons & Safford, 
and Havens. Conkey & Sherman have an elegant drug-store 
and carry a heavy stock. They have been so engaged 
since 1865. Harry Smith and Seymour are also engaged 
in the druggist's line. Dr. Wm. Noble had a store on the 
Potsdam road in 1835, and before. Mr. Smith has always 
kept more or less of a general stock of merchandise, and 
in earlier days it was .said that no one could ask for an 
article at his counter and not find what ho wanted. 

A wager was once laid betwesn two friends — one a 
stranger to the town — that no article could be called for 
by the stranger that Mr. Smith could not produce. The 
stranger immediately walked into the store and called for 
"a second-hand hog-yoke." "All right, I have just the 
article you want," said Mr. Smith, and, throwing open the 
door of a back room, sure enough there was the very thing 
called for. 

THE PROFESSIONS. 
The attorneys of the present will be found named in the 
history of the bar. Hon. Silas Wright was the first lawyer 
to locate in Canton, and he came here in 1819. Silas 
Baldwin came in 1824, and formed a partnership with 
Mr. Wright, though he was not formally admitted to the 
bar until 1827. Wm. C. Cooke was admitted in 1843; 
John Le-slic Russell, in 1830 ; Thomas V. Ru.ssell,in 1838; 
Judge W. H. Sawyer, 1852 ; Leslie W. Russell, 1862. 



218 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tlie pliysicians have been aa follows : Dr. W. Noble, the 
first one, about 1805-6 ; Dr. Daniel Campbell, 1807 ; Dr. 
Elijah Baker, 1808 ; Dr. Darius Clark, 1824 ; Dr. J. S. 
Conkoy, 1843; Dr. R. R. Sherman, 1860; Drs. A. C. 
Ames, J. C. Preston. The last four named are still in 
practice, and belong to the old school of medicine. Drs. 
Baker and Clark were the leading physicians of the village 
and vicinity for many years, and were skillful in their pro- 
fes.sion and prominent in the community. Both died in the 
village, and were buried in the old cemetery. Dr. Ames 
was a student of Dr. Baker, and Dr. Conkey and Dr. Sher- 
man were students of Dr. Clark. Dr. Conkey practiced 
about twenty years in Antwerp, Jefferson county. 

Of the homoeopathic school, Dr. Austin was the first 
physician to locate in Canton, coming here in 1857. He 
was succeeded by Dr. Reno, and the latter by Dr. Fisher. 
Dr. Daygart al.so practiced here, and Drs. E. E. Fisher and 
Sanford Hoag are ihe present practitioners. 

The dentists are Dr. John Hitchcock, who located in 
1865 ; Dr. Fred. Hosley, 1873 ; and Dr. J. H. Wilson, in 
or about 1874. Dr. Joshua G. Willis and Dr. Favell were 
the first to operate in the dental profession in tlie village. 
Bowcrman Brothers and Dr. Holmes were here before 
1805. Dr. Gleason succeeded Dr. Holmes, and Dr. Hosley 
succeeded Gleason. 

The clerical profession is represented by the pastors of 
the several churches, who are named in that connection ; 
and the teachers are also named in connection with the 
university and schools. 

THE PRESS 

is represented by the St. Lawrence Plaindealer and the 
Commercial Advertiser, detailed sketches of which appear 
in the chapter devoted to the press in the general history. 

AUTHORSHIP. 

Prof. John S. Lee, D.D., of the St. Lawrence univer- 
sity, has been a traveler to some considerable extent, and 
has given to the world his observations and conclusions in 
two neat and tastily-printed volumes, from the Williamson 
and Cantvvell press, of Cincinnati. One of them, entitled 
" Sacred Cities," an octavo of 266 pages, treats of his trav- 
els in Palestine, and is a most interesting companion. An- 
other, entitled " Nature and Art in the Old World," is an 
octavo of 441 pages, very neatly printed, and a valuable 
addition to the library. The criticisms of the press have 
been very flattering to the author of these books, and it is 
with pleasure that we place upon the records of the county 
the present notice of the doctor and his works. 

1>H0T0GR.\PHY. 

Mrs. Dr. Hitchcock is the present excellent artist in the 
village, having opened a gallery here in 1866, as successor 
of N. L. Stone, now of Potsdam. She has executed a large 
portion of the photographic work for this history, and has 
a good patronage. Mr. Stone succeeded Sherman. 

BANKING. 

R. j\L Godard & Co. were the first to establish a bank- 
ing-office in Canton, and they did so in 1858, and failed in 



1860-61. They were succeeded, in 1862, by H. J. Mes- 
senger, who opened a banking-office, in 1862 or thereabouts, 
with Holland as cashier, and two years later organized the 
bank of Canton under the State banking law. Mcs.senger 
suspended in 1868, M. D. Packard being appointed re- 
ceiver. During the time of the bank of Canton the Com- 
mercial bank was begun, and after receiving deposits for 
about three weeks closed its doors, and its manager departed 
with the funds. 

In January, 1870, the present banking-house of S. D. 
Hungerford ct Co. was opened in the building occupied for- 
merly by the bank of Canton, under the management of 
W. H. Kimball, president, and S. D. Kimball, cashier. In 
1870 the present banking-office was built and occupied. 
The business of the bank is confined to loans and deposits, 
the latter averaging about 8125,000 during the year last 
past. 

HOTELS. 

The first public-house opened for entertainment of trav- 
elers was by Stillman Foote, Sr., in 1804, on the south side 
of the river, on the hill. Dr. Campbell opened the .second 
one, in 1812, on the east side of the river, on the site now 
occupied by Mr. Traver"s house. Medad Moody erected a 
square frame house on the present site of the Hodskin 
House, in 1820, which was destroyed by fire and rebuilt 
.several times, the last time it was burned being in 1862. 
It was not rebuilt. Mr. Moody was its host. B. Hodskin 
bought the site and, in 1864, put up the present house, 
which is a brick edifice, 55 by 50 feet, and 60 by 40 feet 
to the rear, four stories in height, has forty sleeping-rooms 
and spacious parlors, and cost $25,000. It has been con- 
ducted a portion of the time by Mr. Hodskin, but the pres- 
ent landlord is H. Bromley. The house was built on de- 
mand of the people for suitable accommodations for the 
convenience of those having business at the county-seat, 
and for the traveling public, and a bonus of $5000 was 
given by the people in aid of its construction. Mr. Hods- 
kin has, during the fall of 1877, erected an elegant and 
commodious cottage, on adjoining grounds to the main hotel, 
for the comfort and convenience of family boarders, which 
is as yet uncompleted, but is designed to be ready for the 
next season's business. A view of the " Hodskin" and its 
surroundings, including the cottage, may be .seen on another 
page. 

The "American House" was built in 1825 by S. Pren- 
tice, and kept as the "Prentice hotel" until about 1840, 
when it passed into the ownership of Henry Foote, and 
from him to the Bridge brothers, who changed the name to 
the "American." It is at present the property of B. 
Hodskin ; B. Lynde, host. 

Tlie '■ Commercial hotel" is run principally for the ac- 
commodation of those attending the courts. 

PUBLIC HALLS. 

The Union block, built in 1850, contained the first pub- 
lic hall, aside from the town-hall, in the village. It was 
erected by B. Hodskin, and was destroyed by tire in 1869. 

Before 1858, Ebenezer Miner put up a small hall, which 
was destroyed by fire that year, and rebuilt by Mr. Miner, 
and again destroyed. In 1871, Mr. Miner erected the 



NATHANIEL HODSKIN. 



Nathaniel Ilodskin was an early pioneer of Chenango county, State 
of New York, whither he immigrated with his parents, when a boy 
of twelve years, from his native State of New Hampshire, wherein he 
was born May 15, 1788. He and his 
father cleared up a heavily-timbered 
farm in the town of Otselic, the latter 
dying there before the son attained 
bis majority. About the year 1800, 
Mr. Uodskin married Lydia Hill, 
also a native of New England, who 
immigrated to Otsolic with her pa- 
rents at an early day. In 1827, Mr. 
Hodskin removed with his family to 
Canton, St. Lawrence County, where 
he arrived on the 27th day of Sep- 
tember, stopping at the Moody 
House, then occupying the site of 
the present Hodskin House, built by 
his son. 

Soon after his arrival in Canton, 
Mr. Hodskin began the erection of a 
"pocket" furnace, and had it in 
operation in four weeks' time, and 
manufactured plows therein during 
the fall and winter succeeding. This 
furnace was just below the present 
site of the Eagle Mills, and was the 
first one erected in the county. In 
1833 he and his son, B. Hodskin, 
built the stone furnace now owued 
by D. M. Jones, the father and son 
continuing in partnership in the busi- 
ness until 1847, when the elder Hod- 
skin retired from the firm, and after about two years removed to 
the farm now owned by Mr. Tallman, just on the edge of the village. 
He remained on the farm but two or three years, when he returned to 




the village and reoccupied the dwelling he first erected in 1828-20, 
and passed the remainder of his days therein. 

Mr. Hodskin was an active business man, and successful generally, 
though he never accumulated a largo 
amount of wealth. He, however, 
had a comfortable competency, from 
which he contributed, as far as he 
was able, to all public enterprises for 
the benefit of his town. 

In politics Mr. Hodskin was for- 
merly a member of the Whig party, 
but on the disruption of that organi- 
zation he cast his lot with that of its 
life-long opponent, the Democratic 
party. He was never an applicant 
for office, and resolutely declined all 
important ones, but yet was ever 
willing to do what was required of 
the private citizen. 

He and his wife were members of 
the Universalist church, and lived 
in concord together for sixty-si.\ 
years, being blest with robust health 
until within a very short period 
before their demise, — Mr. Hodskin 
dying August IS, 1875, aged eighty- 
seven years, and his wife, March 27, 
1877, aged eighty-six years. It is 
saidof her that she was kind, benevo- 
lent, and industrious, a most excel- 
lent nurse in time of sickness, and 
persisted in doing her own house- 
work without the aid of a domestic 
until her hu.^liand's last illness. Two sons and three daughters blessed 
their union, of whom two now survive, — B. Hodskin, of Canton, and 
Clarissa, now Mrs. Hiram A. Rice, of Jefferson county. 



BAEZILLAl HODSKIN. 



Barzillai Hodskin, the oldest son of Nathaniel Hodskin, of Canton, 
was born in Otselic, Chenango county. State of New York, March 27, 
1810. When about twelve years old he removed with his father's 
family to Madison county, and from thence, in 1827, to Canton. He 
received a fair common-school education, and when twenty-two j-ears 
of age engaged with his father, in 
Canton, in the furnace business, and 
remained so connected until 1847, 
when his father retired and the son 
continued the business until 1854, at 
which time he sold it out. In 1850 
he engaged in the hardware trade in 
Canton with a Mr. Langdon, and on 
closing out his furnace business gave 
his entire attention to his hardware 
trade; but Mr. Langdon dying the 
same year, the stock was sold and the 
partnership closed. In November of 
that year he was elected county treas- 
urer of the county of St. Lawrence, 
and for the next succeeding four 
years his time was occupied with hi? 
official duties and those of director 
of the Potsdam and Watertown rail 
road, to which position he was chosen 
the same year. In 1858 ho was 
chosen treasurer of tho road, and 
held the office until tho road was 
sold in 18fi0. As managing director 
ho was actively engaged in the con- 
struction of the road and its opora- 
tioDB. From 1850 to 1860 he was 
associated also with others in tho 

construction of every plank-road leading from Canton, and con- 
tributed largely in money and time for the prosecution of those 
enterprises. In ISfil, with Mr. Cutting, he began again in tho hard- 
ware trade in Carthage, Jefi'erson county, whore they remained one 
year, and then removed to (Jouverneur, Mr. Hodskin selling his 
interest in 1863, and closing his mercantile career. In 1S04. Mr. 




Hodskin built the Hodskin House (a view of which we present to our 
readers on another page of this work), and conducted it as a hostelry 
a portion of the time for the next four years. In 1869 and 1870 he 
was engaged in silver-mining in Colorado, being the superintendent 
for the St. Lawrence Silver Mining Company. In May, 1872. he en- 
gaged in superintending the saw-mill 
of E. E.Jackson for the executors of 
that estate, and bought the property 
in January, 1874, and has been en- 
gaged in the manufacture of lumber 
since then to the present time. 

Mr. Hodskin's has been an active 
and busy life, and besides the 
various enterprises before mentioned, 
he has engaged, extensively in build- 
ing, having erected in Canton five 
dwellings, some of them of imposing 
appearance and somewhat costly in 
construction, and several business 
blocks, and though the village has 
been devastated by fires in its busi- 
ness portion rather frequently, he 
has fortunately escaped thorn all. 

On the Sth day of January, 1835, 
he was united in marriage to Sarah 
A. Hutchins, daughter of Roswcll 
Hutchins, of Norfolk. She is a native 
of St. Lawrence County, her father 
being born in Vermont. Two chil- 
dren, now living, have been born to 
Mr. and Mr.s. Hodskin, — Uoswell N., 
a merchant in Omaha, Nebraska, 
and Delia B., now living at home. 
In politics Mr. Hodskin was formerly a Whig, but since 1858 has 
been of the Democratic faith. The esteem in which he is held by his 
fellow-citizons is best shown, perhaps, by their choice of him as 
county treasurer and superintendent of the poor, though opposed to 
him largely in politics tliroughout the county. 
In religious belief he is a Universalist. 





FESTUS TRACY. 



MRS. FESTUS TRACY. 



FESTUS TRACY. 



The name of Festus Tracy deserves a conspicuous place on the roll 
of the St. Lawrence County pioneers, and the record of his life fur- 
nishes us another illustrious example of that sturdy, self-reliant, and 
determined class of men who are the pride and boast of our country. 
It was this noble yeomanry who encountered danger and endured 
hardship in order that the development of the resources of the coun- 
try might be rendered possible. All honor to them, and thrice honor 
to the memory of him who not only helped to pave the way for immi- 
gration, but who himself became one of the must useful and promi- 
nent men of thu town. Festus Tracy was a self-made man, anil 
possessed those admirable qualities common to that class of men in 
iL full measure. '* Ills was a will to do and dare," and though beset 
by many ditficuUies, nothing could deter the accomplishment of his 
purposes. He was the third son of Perez and Elizabeth (Hyde) 
Tracy, and a native of Norwich, Conn. While but a mere lad his 
parents moved to Orwell, Vt., where they opened a public-house 
for the entertainment of the many travelers then passing that way. 
Soon after their settlement a fatal epidemic prevailed, to which both 
Mr. and Mrs. Tracj' fell victims. Absalom Fuller, a cousin of the 
family, had compassion on the orphanage of Festus, and adopted 
him into his own family, rearing him to the life of a farmer. His 
educational advantages were thus limited to the spare intervals when 
the work of the farm did not require his assistance; but he made 
good use of his opportunities, and had a laudable ambition to rise 
above his circumstances. Having attained his majority, he bade his 
benefactor adieu, and struck out boldly to seek bis fortune in the 
then unexplored regions of the northwest, engaging to assist Amos 
Lay in surveying. The period from 1798 to 1800 was thus spent in 
the wilds of Franklin and St. Lawrence counties, and while engaged 
in surveying the town of Canton the richness of the soil and proba- 
ble future value of the land attracted his attention, and induced him 
to select a lot for his future home. His winters wore spent in Canada 



lumbering, and in the country hunting fur-bearing animals, whicli. 
together with his earnings as a surveyor, enabled him to purchnse the 
two hundred acres of land he had selected in 1799. and some live 
stock besides. He returned to Vermont, where, about ISOl. he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Conkey, who was the daughter of a Revolutionary sire 
from the State of Rhode Island, Joshua Conkey, who was a druni- 
mer-boy at the battle of Bennington, and again did service for his 
country in 1812, holding a ca])tain's commission. While in service 
he was taken prisoner, carried to Halifax by the British, exchanged 
and landed at Boston, from which place he walked to Canton, where 
he had made his new home. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Tracy settled on his land, in a rude lug 
hut without windows or other doors than a blanket hung over the open- 
ing left in the wall. To procure window-glass in the fall necessitated 
a journey to Canada, and many privations did this young uoupic 
bear to maintain their place as pioneers. But friends and neighbors 
were soon added to the settlement, and with them came the necessary 
adjuncts of life, and even its attendant comforts. Thenceforth the 
lot of Festus and Elizabeth Tracy was lightened, and their children 
enjoyed the blessing of a good, comfortable home. The following is 
an account of their family and the condition of the children : Albert 
G., physician, died in Havana: Hosea Catlin, farmer, died on South- 
worth's place; Lauren P., gunsmith, died in Canton ; Mary J., wife of 
Tyler Martin; Milliceut S., wife of Benjamin Hoster, of Boston ; Uri, 
farmer, died on Catlin Tracy's place; Elisha J., farmer, occupies the 
homestead ; Sylvia E. is the wife of E. H. Southworth, living near 
Canton ; Orilla is a resident of Boston. 

Festus Tracy liveil to a good old age near the scenes of his early 
struggles, honored and beloved by all who knew him. He departed 
this life Jan. 11, 1857. His consort was no less respected, and sur- 
vived him until Sept. 15, 1808, when she, too. passed to her heavenly 
rest. 




><■•*"#' 





HARVEY KNOX. 



MRS. HARVEY KNOX. 



HARVEY KNOX. 



The old and well-known Knox fiiniily was founded in 
the green Isle of Erin, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. It 
has, moreover, a noble ancestry, its members being lineal 
descendants of the last Earl of Knox. In 1837, William 
Knox, the progenitor of those whose names appear in this 
connection, emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, to America, 
settling in Blanfurd, Hampden Co., Mass. His sons. John, 
William, and Adam, accompanied their father, and found 
homes in the same locality. One of them, William, reared 
eight daughters and five sons, who were named William, 
Kdward, John, Titus, and Orrin. The first of these was 
the father of six sons, — William, Samuel, John, Nathan, 
David, and James, — and from the thirdofthe.se has sprung 
th(^ Knox family upon which this memoir is based. 

John and Anna (Gunn) Knox were the parents of six 
sons and three daughters, — Henry, Jolin, Gerry, Chester, 
Harvey, Clarissa, Harriet, and Philomelia, — all of whom 
were born at Blanford, Mass., and moved with their parents 
U) the town of Russell in ISOG, and were the third family 
in town in the order of settlement. The father had as- 
sisted in surveying the town the year before, and had pur- 
cha.sed six hundred acres of land, which became his future 
home. 

The immediate subject of this sketch is the sixth and 
youngest son of the above family, and was born Oct. 13, 
1801. He was, therefore, but a child when he came to his 



new home, and as a lad and youth was deprived of the ad- 
vantages of good schools and other means of education. 
He is chiefly self-taught, but has employed to good advan- 
tage the knowledge of which he thus became possessed, 
and found it practical. Mr. Knox served as postmaster of 
Russell village four years, and has honorably held several 
town offices in Russell and Canton, but has always preferred 
the quiet of his chosen avocation, farming. In 1846 he 
left the neighborhood of his youth and purchased a firm 
near Canton, where ho has since resided, his old age being 
brightened by the consciousness of a life well spent. 

In January, 1830, he united in marriage with Harriet 
King, daughter of Henry King, of Canton, by whom he 
had one child, a daughter, who was named Harriet P., born 
Jan. 11, 1833, who grew to womanhood, and married Ellis 
Benson, of Potsdam. Soon after the birth of this child 
Mrs. Knox was called from this earthly life to the joys of 
the life beyond the tomb. 

On Jan. 4, 1835, Mr. Knox was the second time married, 
taking as a consort Lucinda S., the daughter of Adolphus 
Hosley. The issue of this union were four children, of 
which three only .survive at present. Mary C. became the 
wife of Ebenezer L. Sanderson, and Harvey W. S. resides 
on the homestead, lightening his father's cares and labors 
by carrying on the farm. He is married to Horal L. 
Hickok, of Pari,shville, and has a laniily oC three children. 




JUDGE W. II. SAWYER. 

Judge Sawyer, of Canton, has for more than a quarter of 
a century practiced before the bar of the courts of St. Law- 
rence County and tliuso of the State, winning his way 
tlirough the honorable profession of the law to the supreme 
bench, whereon his reputation was still further extended, 
and he became more widely known as an able jurist. 

He was born Oct. 15, 1826, in Potsdam, St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y. His father, George R. Sawyer, was a native 
of Westmoreland, N. H., and his mother, Hannah (Taft) 
Sawyer, was born in Ferrisburg, Vt. They removed to St. 
Lawrence County in or about the year 18U8. William H. 
Sawyer was educated at the St. Lawrence academy at Pots- 
dam, and began the study of the law with the firm of Cook 
& Barker, attorneys, of Canton, and continued with them 
until 1851, when he was admitted to the bar, and began 
the practice of the profession in CantoTi. where he has pur- 
sued it to the present time. In 1862 he as.sociated Leslie 
W. Russell with him in a law partnership, which was main- 
tained until Dec. 29, 1876, at which time Mr. Sawyer re- 
ceived the app<iiMtnieiit of justice of the supreme court for 
the fourth judicial district from the governor of the State, 
and the partnership Wiis terminated by Judge Sawyer 
takiti"; the bench. 



His practice has been an extensive one, and scarcely an 
important suit in the county has been brought to trial in 
wbicb the judge has not appeared either for the party 
plaintiff or defendant for the past fifteen years and more 
previous to bis appointment as justice of the supreme 
court. 

In politics Judge Sawyer is and has ever been a Demo- 
crat. The estimate the people have placed upon his abilities 
and their confidence therein is shown by the hearty sup]>ort 
they gave him in the election of 1877, when he was the 
candidate on the ticket of his party for the position he then 
occupied in a district largely opposed to him in politics 
His home vote, among his own townsmen and neighbors, 
was most flattering, even though a St. Lawrence citizen of 
the dominant party of the county was o])posed to him. 
This vote, though it did not place the judge upon the bench, 
did show unmistakably his power with the people with 
whom he has lived all of his days, and was au expression 
of confidence all the more pleasing from its rarity. 

On Sept. 22, 185-t, Judge Sawyer was united in marriage 
to Marion H. Clark, a native of Canton, and a daughter of 
Dr. Darius Clark, a native of Vermont. 

Nine children have blest the union of Judge and .Mrs. 
Sawyer, — .seven buvs and two girls, — all nnw living. 





'A^g^t^^A/^ 



^^ 



Among the citizens of St. Lawrence County, none were 
moi-o widely and favorably known in its confines than was 
Dr. Darius Clark, of Canton. For nearly half a century he 
ministered to the ills of the body in his own county, and as 
a physician was known far beyond its boundaries by his 
skill in the practice of his profession. He was also known 
in public life, being intrusted with important commissions 
by the people and the governor of the State, and in the ex- 
ecution of the trusts committed to him ho was never found 
wanting. 

Dr. Clark was born in Weybridge, Vt., April 7, 1798, 
his parents being Samuel and Lucy f Lawrence) Clark, 
natives of Boston, Mass., the latter a member of the noted 
Lawrence family of that city. Dr. Clark was the youngest 
of thirteen children, and a brother, Solomon Clark, of Ma- 
lone, Franklin Co., N. Y., is the sole survivor of the family. 
Dr. Clark came to Malonc some time previous to 1822, and 
began the study of medicine with Dr. Waterhouse, a noted 
physician of that county, and pursued the same until 1824, 
when he was admitted to the practice of the profession, and 
removed to Canton, where he ever after resided. He was 
admitted to the St. Lawrence medical society the same 
year, and was a prominent member of the same during his 
medical career, being its secretary for several years. Dr. 
Clark, though having an extensive practice which monop- 
olized the greater portion of his time, yet did not ignore 
other calls than professional ones. He was an ardent 
Democrat politically, and maintained his party allegiance 
faithfully to the last. In 1848 he was elected inspector of 
State's prisou.s, and re-elected in 1851, serving six years. 



Later in life we find him executing various commissions 
entrusted to him by the governor, notably, investigations 
of complaints arising from and against the management of 
the State's prisons at Dannemora and elsewhere. That 
these trusts were faithfully executed, the repeated calls upon 
him for similar services are suflBcient proof He was also 
for several years the assessor of his town, a position of 
vastly more honor than profit, and one where the best 
judgment and most just intention fails sometimes to give 
satisfaction to all. But Dr. Clark must have been more 
than ordinarily successful, even in this delicate position, to 
have retained the same j-ear after year without solicitation 
or desire. The doctor was also largely interested in all 
matters of public interest, and was energetic in their initia- 
tion and conduct to comjiletion or realization, and relained 
his interest during his life. 

On Feb. 5, 1826, Dr. Clark was united in marriage to 
Clarissa Maria, daughter of Dr. E. Baker, the first physician 
of Canton, and for years the leading practitioner in the 
county. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Clark, 
— Darius D., Marion H., and Maria Louisa, — of whom 
Marion, now the wife of Judge AV. H. Sawyer, of Si. 
Lawrence County, alone survives. 

The son was educated at West Point, and entered the 
army as a lieutenant, and died at Fort Yuma in 1859. 
Maria married Benjamin Coon, and removed to Michigan, 
where she also died. Dr. and Mrs. Clark were members 
of Trinity (Episcopal) church of Canton, and died in the 
communion of the same, the former early in January, 1870, 
and the latter about the middle of September. 1870. 





yT(^^.-^An 



For a generation John Leslie llusscll occui)icJ a leading position 
and a prominent one among the citizens of St. Lawrence. For twenty- 
one years the custodian of their public revenues, by repeated eleva- 
tions to the office of county treasurer, he filled the position with honor 
to himself and the acceptance of his constituency, and left the office 
without a spot on his integrity or a penny of the enormous funds 
passing through his hands sticking to his palms unlawfully. In the 
assembly ami the constitutional convention his voice was heard, and 
his abilities felt and acknowledged. In the advancement of the in- 
terests of the county, its prosperity and improvement, he bore for 
years a most prominent part. Conspicuous at the bar, and in the in- 
terests of internal improvements of northern New York, his sphere 
of usefulness was as extensive as it was ably tilled. 

The family is an ancient and honorable one, being the Russell 
family 'of England, of which the Duke of Bedford is the present head. 
The first ancestor of the family who settled in America came hither 
about 16.30. and bis son was none other than that same Presbyterian 
minister who, at North iladley, Mass., secreted in the cellar of his 
house the regicide judges, Goffe and Whalley. A prayer-book and 
Gi;eek Testament brought to America by this minister's father has 
remained in the American branch of the family to the present date, 
Judge Leslie W. Russell, of Canton, having it in his possession. On 
one of the fly-leaves is the signature, "Samuel Russell, 1700." 

John Leslie Russell was born at Fairfax, Vt., Feb. 11, 1805, and 
removed with his parents, John Hancock and Anna (Wood) Russell, 
to Malone, Franklin county, in 1807. He was educated at the com- 
mon school and St. Alban's academy preparatory to a collegiate 
course, and entered the University of Vermont, at Burlington, in 
1823, graduating therefrom in 1826. For one year immediately suc- 
ceeding his graduation ho road law with Judge Ingalls, of Union 
village, Washington Co., N. Y., and then returned to Malone, and 
completed his legal studies with Asa Ilascall, of that place, and was 
admitted to the practice of the profession in 1828. In the fall of 
1829 he removed to the village of Canton, whore he followed his pro- 
fession actively until 1814, at which time, being elected to the State 
assembly, he was largely instrumental in procuring the charter for 
the Northern New York railroad, now known as the Ogdensburg and 
Champlain railroail, and was apjiointed attorney and one of the direc- 
tors of that corporation, and was one of the executive managers, and 
remained so connected until 185.'J. The duties of this appointment 
and his own extensive private interests taking his attention princi- 



pally, ho relinquished the practice of his profession in the courts 
almost wholly after 1844. In 1834, Mr. Russell was appointed county 
treasurer by the board of supervisors, and held the office under such 
appointment until the adoption of the constitution of 1846, when it 
was made an elective office; and he was chosen in 1847 for a term of 
four years, and re-elected in 1851 for a similar term, holding the posi- 
tion continuously twenty-one years. In 1833 he was apjiointed post- 
master of Canton, and bold that ])osition until 1841, under Presidents 
Jackson and Van Buren. In 1844 and 1845 he served in the assem- 
bly, and in 1846 was a member of the constitutional convention, and 
served on the committee on currency and banking, and took a prom- 
inent part in the discussions of that body. On the death of A. C. 
Low, county clerk, Mr. Russell was appointed to fill the unexpired 
term, and held the office for the benefit of Mr. Low's wiilow, transfer- 
ring to her the entire proceeds of the office during his incumbency. 
In 1 850 he was a candidate for canal commissioner on the Democratic 
State ticket, but was defeated, the State giving nearly 60,000 Re]»ub- 
lican majority. He was a life-long Democrat. 

In 1833, Mr. Russell was appointed the agent and attorney of 
Misses Frances and Jane Harrison, of New York, and managed their 
large landed interests in St. Lawrence County from that time forward 
to the time of his death, which occurred .^.pi'il 19, 1861. He was the 
intimate friend of Hon. Silas Wright through the years of that states- 
man's career, and when in the assembly was understood to represent 
Mr. Wright's views on the floor. 

In 1S32 he married Mary S., daughter of Jacob Wcad, of Malone. 
She was a native of Brandon, Vt., and died in May, 1870, leaving 
four children to treasure her memory as a sweet and holy thing, viz., 
Adeline, then Mrs. Wallace Pratt, of Kansas City, but deceased in 
March, 1873 : Mary, wife of Watson J. Ferry, of Kansas City : Leslie 
W., a prominent lawyer of Canton and St. Lawrence County; and 
Sibyl E., the wife of Virgil G. Bognc, of Lima, Peru, S. A. 

Mrs. Russell was a member of the Presbyterian church, an»l, with 
her husband, a regular attendant on its ministrations. 

The high place Mr. Russell held in the esteem and confidence of 
his fellow-citizens is shown by their repeated elevation of him to im- 
portant trusts within their gift. The biographer might draw aside 
the veil and exhibit the domestic virtues of his subject ; but those are 
the sacred and pleasing memories, valued treasures, in the keeping 
of his own children, whose admiration and abiding love for the father 
is the best evidence of the existence of those virtues. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



219 



present Miner block, corner of Court and Main streets, a 
brick building, 58 by 80 feet, 3 stories in height. Tiie 
upper flour furnishes a hall, fitted up with a stage, and with 
a seating capacity of 500 persons. It cost $20,000. 

The Hodskin opera-house is situated on Hodskin street, 
and has a seating capacity of 300. It has a stage, and was 
opened as a pubHc hall in 187G. 

Tlie proposed town hall is to be erected on the southeast 
corner of Main and Miner streets, and is to have an area of 
about 110 by 70 feet, with a basement opening on Miner 
street, for butter cellarage and storage, and the residence of 
the janitor, and to be practically above ground. The first 
floor will be occupied by the post-office and the board of 
trade rooms. The second floor is to supply an auditorium, 
with a stage 30 by 70 feet, and a balcony across the north 
end, the seating capacity being sufficient for 2500 persons. 
The floor rises from a few feet distant from the stage to the 
rear, thus giving elevated and eligible seats. The proposed 
plans include a tower and town-clock. The material of 
which the hall is to be built has not at the present writing 
been decided upon. It will be, however, of the blue and 
white stone similar to the new clerk's office, or of brick 
with stone trimmings. The cost is to be $20,000, which 
has been provided for as detailed in the town history. 
When completed it will be not only an ornament to the 
village, and a secure place for the records of the town and 
post-office department, but it will reflect credit and honor 
on the projectors of the same, and the liberality and public 
spirit of the people. 

The new county clerk's office, and the other county 
buildings in the village, arc fully described in the general 
history of the county. 

Other prominent buildings for business purposes are the 
Mathews block, H. L. Sackrider & Sons' building. Masonic 
hall block, the Moxley and Johnson buildings, and the 
bank building. 

Simeon D. Moody erected in 1835 a brick block, to 
which Union block is adjoined. 

THE POST-OFFICE 

at Canton was established April 1, 1804, and was given the 
name of New Cairo, Daniel Sayre being appointed post- 
master. July 1, 1807, the name was changed to Canton, 
and Stillman Foote appointed. January 1, 1811, he was 
succeeded by Daniel Campbell, who held the office until 
May 25, 1821, when Silas Wright was appointed. During 
the first two years of his term the office was kept in the 
store of Barnes & Sackrider, in the building now known as 
Sherman's blacksmith-shop, opposite the Hodskin House. 
Afterwards it was removed to his private office, on the lot 
now used as a park, belonging to the Hodskin House. 

March G, 1827, Silas Baldwin received the appointment, 
keeping the office in the same place until the .spring of 
1829, when he built an office on Court street, nearly oppo- 
site the engine-house. At this time a mail was received 
throe times a week each way, between Plattsburg and Og- 
densburg. Two horses were driven, and Bangor was the 
stopping-place at night going either way. 

January 30, 1833, John L. Russell w. s appointed, who 
removed the office to Main street, about where C. D. In- 



galls' store stands. After a short time he removed it down 
Main street near D. M. Jones' store. 

June 16, 1841, Jeremiah Bailey was appointed, and 
June 7, 1843, Darius Clark received the appointment. 
During his term Amasa 0. Brown was the assistant. At 
this time a mail was received daily each way ; two- and 
four-horse stages starting from Ogdensburg and running 
through, night and day, to Plattsburg, thence to Boston, 
Mass. During his term the office was kept a short time in 
a small building on the ground occupied by the bank, when 
it was moved to the site of H. H. Judd's .store. 

Ephraim C. Goft" was next appointed. He removed the 
office to a place near Jones' store. 

Amasa 0. Brown was appointed April 9, 1853, and held 
the office two terms, the latter part of the time on the 
north corner of Hodskin and Main streets. 

The next appointment was Seth P. Remington, who was 
succeeded by the present incumbent, William R. Reming- 
ton. The office was on the corner of Main and Hodskin 
streets until the morning of the 7th of August, 1870, when 
the building was consumed in the great conflagration, in 
common with half the business houses of the village. For- 
tunately, the mails and all the government property were 
saved, but the office furniture was destroyed. Before seven 
o'clock in the forenoon the office was established in a part 
of Sackrider's hardware-store, without interrupting the 
business of the office, and the mails were sent out as usual. 
It was soon after located in a wooden building on the north 
side of Main street, where a year later it was again disturbed 
by fire, but the contents were all saved. Again Sackrider's 
store was used while repairs were being made, when tlie 
office was removed back, and kept there until the spring of 
1877, when its present location was taken. It now occu- 
pies a brick building midway the park and Miner street, on 
the south side of Main street. 

The business of the office has increased from a few bags- 
ful per week to about 1000 pounds of matter for a like 
period, forwarded and received, requiring 36 bags daily. 
It is a postal money-order office, and in 1877 orders 
amounting to $13,707.91 were paid, and about an equal 
amount drawn ; 300 registered letters have been sent and 
about 1100 received. The weekly distribution of papers is 
also very great. Henry P. Morse, the present assistant 
postmaster, has served in this capacity the greater part of 
seven years, and to him are we indebted for data pertaining 
to the office. 

The Rome, Watertuwn and Ogdensburg railroad fur- 
nishes facilities for the transportation of passengere and 
freight to and from the world outside the village. The 
station agent is A. F. Nims. 

The American express company have an office in the 
village, Messrs. Judd & Bonney being the agents. Mr. 
Judd has been so connected with the company at this place 
fur the past ten years. 

The Montreal telegraph company's lines run through 
the village, Messrs. Judd it Bonney also being its agents. 
Miss J. W. Ormiston is the operator. 

The business of the present is conducted by 12 manu- 
factories, more particularly described elsewhere. 4 dry-goods 
houses, 5 grocers, 4 boot and shoe dealer.*, 3 hardware and 



220 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



stove stores, 2 fiuiiiturc-store.s, o cldtliiiig-liouses, 3 drug- 
stores, 2 book-stores, 2 jewelers, 2 harness-makers, 1 bank, 
6 produce and butter and clieese dealers, 3 meat-markets, 4 
restaurants, 3 hotels, 1 marble-shop, 2 bakeries, 1 cigar- 
store, 4 millinery-stores, 3 dress-makers, 1 shoe-shop, 6 
blacksmiths, 1 boat-builder, 1 photograph-gallery, 14 law- 
yers, 6 physicians, G dentists, and 2 newspaper and job 
printing-oiTices. The village also contains G churches, 2 
school-houses, 1 court-house, 1 jail, 2 clerk's offices, 1 
university, and the (Jhildren's Home of the county. 

EDUCATION. 

The first school was taught in a small house situated on 
the site of the present Miner block. The school- and 
meeting-house was built opposite that site, and now stands 
on Water street, and is used for the storage of lumber. 

The St. Lawrence university, located in the village, will 
be found fully described, and its interesting history given 
in detail, in the general history of the county. 

THE CANTON ACADEMY 

originated from a subscription circulated in tlie spring of 
1831, in which twenty-five citizens of the town pledged 
themselves to pay $1250 towards erecting a suitable build- 
ing for an academic school. These subscribers met on May 
16, 1831, and adopted articles of association, in the pre- 
amble of which are set forth the advantages of education 
and the necessity of a literary institution among them. 
They provided that a building should be erected two stones 
high, with a cupola and belfry, and not less than 30 by 50 
feet. The proposed building was to be owned in shares of 
$50 each, and every share was to entitle to one vote. A 
building committee was to be appointed as soon as practi- 
cable, who were to solicit donations and collect subscrip- 
tions, and to expend them on the proposed building, being 
required to render an exact account of their receipts and 
disbursements. To become a partner to the compact, a 
person was to subscribe his name, and give his note to one 
of the building committee, in substance as follows, viz. : 
" Five dollars payable in the month of August next, and 
the remainder in two annual instalments, payable in cattle, 
on or before the first day of October ; or grain, on or befoie 
the first day of February following." These articles were 
to continue in force until the school should be incorporated, 
and for this application was immediately to be made by a 
committee of three, to be named at the next meeting of the 
subscribers. No subscription was binding until the sum of 
$1200 was signed and the site selected for the building. 

Joseph Ames (2dj, Isaac C. Paige, and Wm. Noble were 
appointed a building committee, and the present site, opposite 
the county buildings, was presented to the subscribers by 
David ('. Judson for that purj)oso. At the same meetings 
Ilirani S. Johnson, Silas Baldwin, Jr., and Minct Jcnison 
were appointed to solicit an incorporation from the board 
of regents, but the amount of proj)erty necessary for this 
was increased about this time, so as to put it beyond their 
present means to gain this object. On the Sth of May, 
1835, an act was passed by the legislature authorizing a 
tax of $500 upon the town of Canton for a classical school, 
upon condition that an equal sum should be raised by sub- 



•sorijition, which tax when collected should be paid over to 
the trustees of the gospel and school lot, to be safely in- 
vested, and the income to be paid annually for the support 
of the academy. A competent school must be maintained 
at least eight months in the year to entitle it to the avails 
of this fund. The requisite sum was accordingly raised 
and invested on bond and mortgage. On the 9th of April, 
1837, another act was passed authorizing a tax upon the 
town of $5(10 annually for three years, on similar conditions 
as the previous tax, and the re(|uisite additional sum was 
subscribed. 

An act of incorporation was passed April 24, 1837, ap- 
pointing Silas Wriglit, Jr., Minct Jcnison, Thomas N. 
Conkey, Chauncey Foote, Thomas D. Olin, Richard N. 
Harrison, Daniel JIack, Joseph Ames (2d), Simeon D. 
Moody, Darius Clark, Henry Barber, and Amos G. Smith 
trustees, with the usual powers. Although a charter was 
not obtained until 1837, a good classical school had been 
sustained since 1831, under the charge of Messrs. Lock- 
wood, Seymour, and Barrett, successively, the latter having 
charge at the date of incorporation. 

In 183!) the trustees purchased a lot of Mr. Judson, ad- 
joining the one already in their possession, and erected a 
building upon it, to be occupied a part of it by the female 
department of the academy and a part as a boarding-house. 
After its completion it was so occupied until it was burned, 
in November, 1844. During the summer of 1845 the 
building first erected was thoroughly repaired, and an ad- 
dition made to it for the accommodation of the female 
department, which is found to be a much more convenient 
arrangement than the previous one. 

The cost of the buildings, as they stood in 1852, was 
not far from three thousand dollars. 

The academy was maintained as such until Aug. 20, 
1868, when it was merged in the "' Union Free School," 
then established. The principals of the academy during its 
history were as follows: George H. Wood, 1838—41; 
David Black, 1841-42; Sanford Halbert, 1842-43; Chas. 
Williams, 1843-44; Franklin Wood, 1844-48; Edward 
W.Johnson, 1848-40; Abel Wood, 1849-50; Franklin 
Wood, Abel Wood, H. F. C. Nichols, J. W. Grush, Wm. 
F. Ball, Wm. A. Ely, D. N. Burke the latter being the 
principal when the " Union Free School" was established. 

The statistics of the academy from 1839 to 1851 are as 
follows. Those marked with an asterisk indicate the num- 
ber at tlie date of the report, the others indicate the 
number during the year : 





Number 


Received from 








Year. 


of 
Students. 


hiteraturo 
Fund. 


Debts. 


Tuition. 


Total Income. 


1839 


99* 


$92.20 


$1038 


$753 


$921.00 


1840 


94» 


142.35 


1254 


1006 


1301.00 


1841 


59» 


142.49 


1354 


820 


1193.00 


1842 


5I« 


90.85 


1091 


758 


1103.00 


1843 


30* 


108.44 


864 


610 


915.00 


1844 


98 


110.18 


866 


791 


1124.00 


1845 


120 


88.02 


600 


625 


913.00 


1840 


182 


185.74 


375 


825 


1091.00 


1847 


164 


226.51 


328 


725 


1089.00 


1848 


116 
109 
135 
123 


135.61 
133.23 
156.32 
124 80 




617 
358 
690 
590 


1021.00 


1849 




899.00 


1850 




1001.00 


1851 




924.00 









HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



221 



On the 20th day of August, 1868, a meeting was held 
on the petition of John Jliller and twenty-five other legal 
voters of school district No. 1, Canton village, and the 
question of adopting the "Union Free School" system sub- 
mitted to the legal voters of the district, which resulted in 
favor of the same, and the .system was accordingly put into 
operation and the academy adopted as the high school, or 
academical department of the school. 

Under the Union free school system the principals have 
been as follows: H. R. Burrington, W. W. Thompson, 
John S. Miller, H. P. Stowell, and Newberry W. P^vans, 
the present incumbent. Mr. Evaiis is ably assisted by the 
following corps of teachers: E. H. Bugbee, assistant prin- 
cipal; Inez Jones, preceptrass ; M. A. Sheldon, S. Harlcy, 
assistants. Primary department: C. J. Dunn, L. A. Wright, 
E. A. Lawrence. 

The first board of education of the Canton Union free 
school consisted of Wm. A. Rich, H. A. Post, L. W. Rus- 
sell, Jolin Miller, John F. Bugbee, W. Wheelock, J. 
Teance, W. H. Sawyer, and iM. W. Spaulding. The first 
president was W. H; Sawyer, who held the office continu- 
ously until the first day of January, 1877, at which time 
he took his place upon the supreme bench. John F. Bug- 
bee has been the clerk of the board from the first oi'gani- 
zation of the same to the present time. 

The present board of education is as follows: B. Hodskin, 
president ; John F. Bugbee, clerk ; Geo. E. Champlain, B. 
D. Bragdon, J. S. Conkey, H. H. Judd, A. Z. Squire, J. 
W. Hcaton, II. W. Halo, trustees; Wm. H. Kimball, 
treasurer ; Edward Haley, collector. 

The library contains six hundred and twenty-seven vol- 
umes, and the piiilosophical and other apparatus is valued 
at three hundred dollars. 

THE FIR.ST I'llKSIiYTERIAN CHURCH OF CANTON 

dates its history from the year 1821. Early in 1807, Rev. 
Amos Pettingill, of the New Hampshire missionary soci- 
ety, and Rev. Ebenezer Hibbard, of the missionary society 
of Vermont, oiganized a Congregational church, which, by 
vote, changed its ecclesiastical organization and became 
Presbyterian in the year first mentioned. The original 
church, when formed, consisted of seven members, but the 
records, having been written on detached pieces of paper, 
and pa.ssed from hand to hand, until the year 1821, were 
entirely lost. Our limits forbid details of the traditions of 
this period. 

The first preaching of the gospel in Canton was con- 
ducted by a I'resbylcrian minister, in 1804, and probably 
by the Rev. A. Proudlijot, from Washington county, who 
had a short time before organized a church in Lisbon Cen- 
tre, the oldest religious organization in the county. In 
181G the then presbytery of Oneida applied to the synod of 
Albany to be divided. The division was made, and by it 
was constituted the presbytery of St. Lawrence, comprising 
tiie counties of Lewis, Jefferson, and part of this county. 
The northern and eastern ]iart of the county was part of 
the presbytery of Champlain. In 1821 the synod of 
Albany set off Ogdensburg, De Kalb, Canton, Potsdam, 
Ilopkinton, Rossie, and Gouverneur to constitute a presby- 
tery, calling it by the name of Ogdensburg. In 1829 a 



change was made, uniting all the county in the presbytery 
of St. Lawrence. In 1830, at the division of the church 
into Old School and New School, the Old-School presbytery 
was formed, and in 1870 these two presbyteries and that of 
Watertown were formed, at the reunion of the two great 
severed bodies, into the present presbytery of St. Lawrence, 
of which this church is now an integral part. 

The first pastor of the church, on becoming Presby- 
terian, was Rev. Hiram John.son. The membership of his 
charge was only about thirty. Mr. Johnson was a man of 
power, and laid the foundations of the church deep and 
stable. Faithful, clear, and scriptural in preaching, watch- 
ful and firm, with a sustaining session in exercising over- 
sight and discipline, the church was blessed of God and 
increased in numbers and religious power. 

The church was incorporated as a religious society, in 
accordance with the laws of the State, in July, 1823, its 
first trustees being Elias C. Page, Silas Wright, Joseph 
Barnes, Henry Foote, William Richard.son, Eden Ray. 
In 1826 steps were taken to build a church edifice, and 
land for a site was deeded to them that year by Joseph 
Barnes and Silas Wright. About the same time the village 
cemetery was deeded to them by Mr. Van Rennselaer. 
Owing to the want of means, the church was not completed 
till 1831, although commenced in 1828. 

Mr. Johnson's pastorate continued till 1838. He retired 
owing to ill health, and died, from an injury received on his 
farm, in 1853. 

Rev. Roswell Pettibone, from Evans' jMills, succeeded 
him, January, 1839. His pastorate continued till 1854, 
and was blessed with much prosperity. During his minis- 
try the parsonage was erected. He died in Dannemora, 
1863. 

Rev. John Waugh succeeded to the office, and served as 
pastor from July, 1855, till July, 1869. The interior of the 
church was reconstructed at his coming, and the session- 
house built. 3Ir. Waugh at present is pastor of the church 
of Carthage, Jefferson county. 

Rev. James Gardner, the present pastor, began his min- 
istry November, 1869. In 1876 was erected the present 
beautiful church edifice. It speaks for itself The audi- 
ence-room, nearly square (about 67 feet), is in the form of 
an amphitheatre ; the ceiling is arched and made of corru- 
gated iron ; the windows are of stained glass ; the organ is 
placed in the chancel ; there are no galleries ; the chapel, on 
the west side and connected with folding-doors, is 54 b}' 22 
feet. The building is heated by three furnaces ; the house 
is of stone, a dark-blue lime with white trimmings, also 
lime, and is slated. Under the chapel is a ba.semont for two 
large rooms. The entire building is symmetrical, harmo- 
nious, and entirely satisfactory, while it is an ornament to 
the village. Its construction, done cheerfull}' and carefully, 
and as an act of devotion to Immanuel, has been a spiritual 
blessing to the people. 

The church has, it is hoped, in good degree fulfilled her 
mission. Reliable revivals have marked her history. Her 
sons and daughters have been found active and efficient in 
many points in the distant west. Additions to its numbers 
occur now almost at every communion, and the growth is 
healthy. The benevolent work of the church is not forgot- 



222 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



toil. Rcligiou.s services are conducted in the ponr-house 
and jail, and a Sabbath-school is conducted in the children's 
home. 

The succession in the eldership has been as follows : 
Moses Sanderson, Elijah Baker, Wm. Bkinchard, Asa Con- 
key, Marcus Allen, Wm. F. Cahoon, W. A. Eldredge, 
Prosper Barrows (all except the first named are dead), Or- 
son Baker, Al^'ernon S. Robin.son, Jacob Noble (deceased), 
Joseph Barnes (^deceased), Charles N. Conkey, Harry V. 
BuUis, Henry H. Judd, Henry L. Sackrider. 

The following are the names of the deacons : H. C. Kipp, 
Eben Ray, John Shepard, Clapp Bailey (all deadj, L. Law- 
rence, Hugh Miller, Hiram Sanderson. 

The trustees of the society are A. S. Robinson, D. De- 
lance, H. Bullis, M. D. l^ackanl, W. Cahoon, C. B. Man- 
ley ; Treasurer, H. H. Judd ; Clerk, S. Baldwin. 

Sabbath-school: G. B. Manley, superintendent; S. D. 
Kimball, assistant ; W. Dunn, librarian. Director of church 
music, Ed. J. Bonney ; Sexton, M. Macintosh. Building 
committee of new house, Herman P. Matthews, Wm. H. 
Kimball, Milton D. Packard, Thomas Fields, Henry 
Bullis. 

The communion roll of the church is about 200. 

C.\NTON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 

As early as the beginning of the present century the 
Methodist missionary pressed his way northward, encoun- 
tering almost incredible difficulties and opposition, but de- 
termined to plant the standard of his church wherever the 
immigrant had cast his lot. They were men of simple 
faitli, but had an unfaltering trust in the ultimate succe.ss 
of their mission. There were those, also, among the pio- 
neers who had espoused the faith in their old homes with 
so much ardor that they burned with a desire to transplant 
the spiritual vine to this new country, having a full belief 
that its branches would soon overshadow many believers. 
The way was thus prepared for the coming of the itinerant, 
under whose preaching they gladly banded together, ibrm- 
ing the nucleus of future Methodist interests. In St. 
Lawrence County this humble beginning was made, about 
1806, in the western part of the town of Potsdam, where 
Nathan and Sophia Crary, David and Sally French, Jabez 
Healy and his wife formed the first Methodist class. Dur- 
ing the next five years the membership had so much in- 
creased that, in 1811, a circuit was formed of this new ter- 
ritory, bearing the name of the county, to which the Rev. 
Isaac Puffer was appointed preacher in charge. The mem- 
bership at that time numbered 81. The work being fully 
established, there was an encouraging increase of members 
under the zealous ministrations of such pioneer preachers 
as Revs. Paddock, Hickeox, Men.shall, Chamberlain, Demp- 
ster, Prindle, Foot, Demorest, Healy, Flint, and others, so 
that, in 1819, a Methodist church and society was formed 
in the town of Canton. Among those who were thus early 
associated as members were Ezekiel Hodges, Roderick 
and Kesiah Starks, Zuriel and Martha Palmer, Harriet and 
Sophia Risley, Frederick Clark, Anna Bassett, John and 
P. Mathews, Hugh and Irene Montgomery, Jonathan Ijang- 
don, Ruel and Candace Clifton, Lydia Parker, Minerva 
Crary, Henry and Catharine Gleason, John, Polly, and 



Elijah Rose, Anna Squires, and Mary Smead, as well as 
the following, who, on the 3d of November, 1819, were in- 
corporated as the trustees of the first Jlethodist church so- 
ciety of Canton : Jesse Barnes, Hugh Montgomery, Isaac 
Buell, Jcduthun Farwell, Wm. Perry, and Wm. Richardson. 
The organization papers were acknowledged before Nathan 
Ford, the first judge of the county. Until this time, and 
for a few years later, meetings were held in school-houses 
and in a building which had been used in connection with a 
distillery by Jeduthun Farwell. 

But measures were soon taken to build a church, and in 
1823 a brick edifice was erected in South Canton, on an 
eligible lot, donated to the society for church and cemetery 
purposes by Wm. Richardson. This was known as the 
first Methodist church in Canton, and is still used fur pub- 
lic worship. Since 18-19 it has been connected with sev- 
eral other churches in Pierrepont as a separate circuit, the 
work in the village of Canton having been designated a 
•station. At the brick church there is a membership of 05, 
who are under the pastoral care of Rev. W. C. Smith. A 
Sabbath-school has been maintained many years, which, at 
present, has 08 members, and is superintended by George 
W. Andrews. 

Meanwhile the nortliern part of the town had become 
settled, and Methodism had become established in that lo- 
cality as well as in the village. To meet the demand for a 
more convenient place of worship the second Methodist 
church and society of Canton was formed, on the 28th of 
August, 1827, with Solomon Boynton, Samuel Fish, Daniel 
M. Foot, Gershom Conger, and Joseph Ames as trustees. 
A lot on Chapel and Court streets was purchased of David 
C. Jud.son, Jan. 1, 1828, upon which a frame church, 40 
by 00 feet, with gallery and class-rooms, was erected that 
year. This was the liome of the society for nearly forty 
years, the present church, a handsome two story brick struc- 
ture, having been erected in 1866. The building is relieved 
by a fine tower, in front, and is well furnished. On dedi- 
cation day, Feb. 25, 1867, the building committee — Jere- 
miah Traver, William Dodge, and 0. W. Judd — reported 
that they had expended $6054.70 in its construction. A 
parsonage was erected in 1846, and the entire value of the 
church property is estimated at $8000. 

The present number of members are: in full connection, 
178 ; probationers, 89 ; who are under the spiritual tutel- 
age of Rev. J. B. Hammond. 

The present official board is composed of J. Van Brock- 
lin, F. C. Murphy, A. C. Sawyer, 0. M. Sumner, E. Tup- 
per, J. Bailey, E. Baker, J. Kingston, R. A. Barker, J. 
Beard, L. Shumway, H. Risley, J. Randall, J. N. Bassett, 
M. Tuttle, and C. Norton. 

The following clergy have been connected with the Meth- 
odist work in Canton since 1819: Rev. Thomas Demorest, 
Josiah Keys, Wm. Rundell, G. W. Barney, T. Dickson, H. 
May, J. Smith, S. Chase, R. Parker, G. Woodruff, B. G. 
Paddock, John Townsend, Calviu Danforth, John Seys, 
John Loveys, Lyndon King, O. Squires, C. W. Leet, P. D. 
Gorrie, H. Graves, L. D. Gibbs, A. J. Phelps, J. Sawyer, D. 
Chidester, J. Erwine, Philo Bennett, J. E. Stoddard, L. 
King, Wm. D. 3Ioore, Isaac Turney, H. Corbin, W. W. 
Hawkins, E. Smith, Wm. A. Nichols, E. Wheeler, Ira H. 




TRUMAN BARNS 

was born July 12, 1814, on the farm where he at present 
resides. Hi.s father, Jesse Barns, was the son of a sea 
captain in Connecticut, where Jesse lived until his removal 
to St. Lawrence County, in 1806. His journey hither 
was made on foot, carrying on his back whatever luggage 
he needed. Having located the old homestead he returned 
to Connecticut for his family, consisting of his wife Lucy 
and one child, and returned to his new home, where he at 
once took an active and earnest part in everything that 
pertained to its welfare. He was the first to subscribe to 
the building fund of the church, contributing two hundred 
dollars for this purpose. Mr. Barns died in March, 1833, 
while away from home, and was buried at Middleville, N. 
Y. His widow survived until December 8, 1875. 

Truman is the third member of the family, and at the 
time of his father's death was only nineteen years old ; but 
the care of the farm devolved upon him, and he at once 
began to attend to its duties, arranging with the other 
heirs to purchaiie their interest in the farm. He devoted 



himself to the cattle business and dairying, with successfiil 
results. 

In 18-10, Mr. Barns joined an independent artillery 
company, was chosen captain of the organization, and sub- 
quently colonel of the regiment to which it was attached. 
He did not fill the latter position, but received the appoint- 
ment of enrolling ofiicer in the State militia, with the rank 
of captain. 

On December 1, 1841, he married Lucia L., daughter of 
Linas and Sallie Sanford, who came from Vermont in 
1821. The issue of this union was a family of four chil- 
dren, — S. L , living with his parent,s ; George E., in Can- 
ttm ; and Helen M. and Jesse T., dcceiused. 

Mr. Barns attached himself to the Republican party 
when it was first organized, and has taken a deep interest 
in the welfare of his town. He has filled various oflSces 
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his neigh- 
bors, and is at present one of the commissioners for loaning 
United Stiitcs deposit funds. Mr. and Mra. Barns are de- 
voted members of the Methodist church at Canton. 





Truman Barns. 



MRS. TRUMAN BARNS 




Res. OF TRUMAN BARNS, Canton, St. LawrenclCo.,N.Y. 



I 

I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



223 



Corbin, W. S. Titus, D. W. Roney, O. C. Cole, W. W. 
Hunt, B. S. Wii,i;ht, Wm. Jones, G. C. Crovey, S. Call, 
L. L. Palmer, and J. B. Hammond. 

A Sunday-school has been connected with the church 
since 1832. George Barber was the first superintendent. 
There are at present more than 200 members, and a small 
library is maintained. Nathan Barber is the superintendent. 

THE FIRST B.4.PTIST CHURCH OF CANTON. 

Members of this persuasion lived in the town as early as 
1814, chiefly in the northern part, but no eff'ort was made 
to form them into a church until several years later. Oc- 
casional meetings were held in the school-house in what 
was known as North Canton, and on the 22d of June, 
1817, a council was called by the Rev. Samuel Churchill, 
a missionary from the Boston society, for the purpose of 
organizing a church. Delegates were present from the 
churches at Madrid and Stockholm, and fourteen persons 
presented themselves for membership, as follows: Rupe 
Batchelor, Alanson White, Justin Olin, Benjamin Olin, 
Joseph Olin, Freelove Olin, Polly J. Olin, Harriet Bidwell, 
Polly Olin, Rebecca Day, Anna Olin, Mary Conkcy, Polly 
Ames, and Sally Olin. Justin Olin was appointed deacon, 
and Joseph Olin clerk. Rev. Rupe Batchelor was called 
to the pastoral office, and under his ministrations there 
were many accessions to the member.ship. In 1825, Elder 
Richard Palmer succeeded as pastor, and in 1831 Elder Joel 
Peck. The records of 1832 show a membership of 08, and 
attest the prosperous condition of the work. Services were 
now held at the village, and a branch of the church which 
existed in the south part of the town was here united with 
the main body. 

On the 10th of December, 1823, the First Baptist Evan- 
gelical society of Canton was incorporated, with R. Batch- 
elor, T. D. Olin, and .Jonathan Paul, trustees. This society 
represented the interests of the church, and in 1829 united 
with the Universalist society in building a brick house of 
worship, which was used by the Baptists until 1849, when 
they erected a church of their own in the same locality. 
This house was a frame, with sittings for 300 people, and 
was dedicated by Elder Joseph Sawyer, Feb. 8, 1849. A 
revival ensued, which was blessed with glorious results. The 
present church edifice is the third house of worship, and 
was erected in 1871-72, at a cost of about $5000. It is a 
handsome frame, with a seating capacity for 400 persons, 
and reflects credit upon the society, whose present trustees 
are Horace W. Hale, Harvey Barber, and Orville IMoore. 
Other official members are George S. Olin, deacon, and 
Arthur Y. Olin, clerk. 

In 1859, under the pastorate of Elder Conant Sawyer, 
the church had its maximum membership, 188, but from 
that period there was a diminution, occasioned by deaths 
and removals. At present there are 47 members, who are 
under the pastoral care of Elder C. W. Booth. Of the 
original members, Alansou White, now a resident of Madrid, 
in this county, is the only survivor. 

A Sabbath-school has been maintained by the Baptist 
church since 1820, when one was organized in the Olin 
school-hou.se with 60 scholars, and Justin Olin superin- 
tendent. The following year a library was formed, to 



which additions have from time to time been made. The 
present library numbers 197 volumes. In 1830 the school 
was removed to the village, and has since had a prosperous 
existence. It was reorganized, in the summer of 1877, 
under the superintendence of Arthur V. Olin, and has 40 
members. 

rjRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
was organized in 183G, by the Rev. Richard Bury, who 
was also the first rector of the nineteen members compos- 
ing the body. On the 22d of August of the .same year a 
society was formed in connection with the church, and 
bearing its name, of which Richard N. Harrison and Ros- 
well Green were wardens, and John D. Burns, Darius Clark , 
Elam Russ, Harry Foote, Lyman Ellsworth, Thos. Viner, 
Chauncy Foote, and Henry Van Rensselaer, vestrymen. 
An unassuming chapel was erected in 1841-42, which was 
consecrated Sept. 3, 1842, by the bi.shop, Benjamin H. 
Onderdonk, D.D. This has been thoroughly repaired, and 
enlarged by the addition of a recass chancel, containing a 
beautiful stained window, and an excellent pipe-organ. The 
architecture of the church, also, has been made to conform 
to the ecclesiastical order. The building now presents a 
handsome appearance, has sittings for 300 people, and is 
worth $5000. In 1855 a fine rectory was erected on a lot 
adjoining the church, on Main street, which, with the 
surroundings, is valued at $3000. 

The rectors of the parish since its organization have been : 
183G, Richard Bury; 1838, William Latham; 1840-41, 
Johnson A. Brayton ; 1842-43, Thomas P. Tyler; 1843- 
44, F. J. Hawley ; 1845-40, William G. French; 1848, 
Minot M. Wells ; 1851-53, Abel Ogden ; 1854-59, John 
Wells Moore; 1859-64, W. A. Rich ; 1864-65, Thomas 
H. Siel; 1866-68, William Binet; 18G8-71, John F. 
Potter; 1872-73, George T. Kaye ; 1873-74, R. B. Van 
Kleek; 1875-76, R. D. Irwin ; 1877, John T. Pearce. 

The official members of Grace church society are J. C. 
Harrison, Sr., and William H. H. Sawyer, Jr., wardens ; 
Leslie W. Russell, Richard B. Ellsworth, Samuel C. Kerr, 
William G. Woodruff, and Benjamin Lynde, vestrymen ; 
R. B. Ellsworth, clerk. 

The Sabbath-school of the parish was reorganized in 
April, 1877, with Rev. John T. Pearce superintendent. 
The school has a membership of 66 scholars and 10 
teachers. A library of 300 volumes is in charge of W. 
Simmons. 

THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETV 

of Canton was organized in November, 1829, at a meeting 
held in the school-house in the village, with the follow- 
ing officers ; Minot Jenison, Joseph Ames (2d), and 
Thomas H. Conkey, trustees ; Alvin C. Low, clerk ; Daniel 
Mack, collector. 

The first member's besides those above named were 
Lemuel Buck, Jacob Conkcy, Z. N. Ellis, Salathiel Ellis, 
Daniel Walker, Otis Sanderson, Willard Sanderson, Isaac 
Reed. Services were first held in the school-house. 

An edifice was erected in 1828-29 as a union church by 
the Universalists and Baptists, each to be entitled to its use 
in proportion to the amount owned in it. It cost, probably, 
about $3500. A few years later the Baptist interest was 
transferred to the Universalists, and the house passed into 



224 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



their full possession. The present building was remodeled 
in 18(55, and is valued at fSOOO. 

The pastors of the church have been as follows : Revs. 
Mr. Briggs, W. H. Waggoner, L. M. Hawes, J. F. Good- 
rich, 1849-54; S. W. Remington, 1854-56; Richard 
Eddy, 1S57-G2; L. C. Browne, 1864-G6; Simon Good- 
enough, 1867-69; A. G. Gaines, Joseph Crehore, 1 873 ; 
and present pastor. 

The present officers of the society are John F. Bugbee, 
Abel A. Simmons, Charles C. Caldwell, trustees. Member- 
ship, 61. A Sunday-school was organized in 1840. It 
now numbers 117 teachers and pupils, and has 500 vol- 
umes in its library. Its officers are H. D. Kipp, superin- 
tendent ; E. H. Bugbee, assistant superintendent ; E. Will- 
son, treasurer; Mertie Farmer and Ellon Paige, librarians. 

The church proper was organized in 183G, and at present 
numbers 97 members ; Deacons, Theodore Caldwell, Abel 
A. Simmons, Ezekiel Willson. Before the settlement of a 
pastor frequent preaching was had by Messrs. Parsons and 
Paine, and by Dr. Wallace, of Potsdam. 

ST. Mary's (roman catholic) church. 

St. Mary's church (Roman Catholic) was incorporated 
Aug. 17, 1874, by Rt. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, bishop of 
the diocese of Ogdensburg, Very Rev. James Mackey, 
vicar-general of said diocese; Rev. James O'Driscoll, pa.stor 
of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and laymen Dennis 
Woods and James O'Brien, as trustees. About thirty years 
ago a large number of euiignuits from Ireland settled in 
the western part of the town of Canton, on what is now 
known as the Irish settlement road. 

The pioneer priest was the Rev. James Mackey, now 
vicar-general of this diocese, who at intervals visited this 
settlement from Ogdensburg, and was the founder of the 
church. The first mass was said in the log house of one 
of these settlers, named McCormick. About twenty-five 
years ago the society was formed, and purchased their pres- 
ent lot, and erected on it a small frame church edifice, in 
size 35 by 50 feet, at a cost of $300. 

In this humble church they worshiped until 1873, when 
it was burned. Besides Father Mackey and the present 
pastor, only one priest. Rev. John Brosnan, has been in 
charge of this church. He was pastor nearly three years, 
and by his eflbrts the present parsonage was purchased in 
1869, at a cost of $3500. Father McGlynn, of Potsdam, 
occasionally officiated in this parLsh. Among the old and 
prominent members of this parish may be mentioned John 
O'Brien, Peter Mohan, Patrick Flynn, Mr. Sherlock, and 
Mr. McCormick, of the settlement. After the burning of 
the old church edifice, and during the building of the pres- 
ent one, the court-house was used a.s a place of worship. 

Through the efforts of the present efficient and popular 
pastor, the Rev. James O'Driscoll, the erection of the pres- 
ent church edifice was undertaken, and commenced in the 
spring of 1874. On the 4th day of July of that year the 
corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, by the 
Rt. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, bishop, assisted by the clergy 
of the diocese of Ogdensburg. 

The structure is built of brick, in the Gothic gtyle of 
architecture. The size, including the tower and sacristy, 



is 65 by 135 feet, and the auditorium 60 by 100 feet. The 
inside walls and ceiling are to be handsomely frescoed ; the 
wood-work is in ash and black walnut; the windows are to 
be of .stained glass, and will be principally memorial. The 
cost of the edifice when completed will be about $50,000. 

The first ma.ss was celebrated in the new church on 
Christmas-day, 1875. The membership is 1500. A 
Sunday-school is connected with the church, with a mem- 
bership of about 150 scholars, the pastor being superinten- 
dent. 

THE MASONIC FRATEllNITV. 

Among the earliest settlers were members of the mystic 
brotherhood, and about 1812 a lodge of the order was in- 
stituted under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of 
England, and signed by King George. It is believed that 
this parchment is still in existence, but further than this no 
account of the lodge can be given, all the records having 
been destroyed by fire in 1859 and in 1871. 

The present lodge, »SV. Lawrence, No. Ill, was organized i 
in December, 1845, under a charter granted in response to 
the petition of Elijah Baker, Daniel Mack, Darius Clark, 
Isaac C. Paige, Samuel Leonard, George Bridge, Ebenezer 
Miner, Joseph Ames (2d), Lemuel Buck, Paul Boynton, 
Israel Cook, Israel Tupper, R. Pettibone. Only one of 
these is at present alive, Joseph Ames, residing in Brooklyn. 

At the first meeting, held Dee. 22, a.l. 5845, the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Elijah Baker, M. ; Daniel 
Mack, S. W. ; Joseph Ames, J. W. ; Darius Clark, Sec. ; 
Lemuel Buck, Treas. ; Isaac C. Paige, S. D. ; Paul Boynton, 
J. D. ; and Samuel Leonard, Tyler. The lodge lias had 
a very flourishing existence in spite of the reverses it has 
met in the destruction of its property, and is at present in 
possession of a very fine hall, which is handsomely furnished. 
Since 1845 there have been initiated 381 candidates, and 
the lodge has at present 138 members in good standing. 
The officers are R. R. Sherman, W. M. ; D. G. Griswold, 
S. W. ; D. W. Christian, J. W. ; J. S. Conkey, Treas. ; 
E. S. Balcome, Sec. ; B. H. Bush, S. D. ; J. E. Clark, J.D. ; 
L. Griswold, Tyler. 

St. Lawrence Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was insti- 
tuted Feb. 3, 1848, the first officers being Elijah Baker, H. 
P. ; Daniel Mack, K. ; Paul Boynton, S. ; Harry Smith, 
Capt. H. ; S. E. Buttolph, R. A. C. ; Darius Clark, Sec. ; 
J. Ames, Treas. ; R. Pettibone, Chaplain. The present 
membership is 76. The Iligh-Priests since the chapter 
was formed have been E. Baker, Danial Mack, Darius 
Clark, Harry Smith, W. H. Sawyer, B. D. Bragdon. The 
present officers : B. D. Bragdon, H. P.; D. G. Griswold, 
K. ; R. R. Sherman, S. ; J. C. Ruston, Treas. ; and E. S. 
Balcome, Sec. 

St. Lawrence Commanfferi/, A'b. 28, of Knights Tem- 
plar was instituted July, 1858, the first officers being 
Darius Clark, E. C; Wm. H. Sawyer, Gen.; A. 0. Brown, 
Capt. Gen.; Richard Eddy, Prelate; Ezekiel Willson, S. 
W. ; M. J. Ferry, J. W. ; E. C. Smith, Rec. ; J. Van 
Brocklin, Treas. ; John R. Filley, Warden. The E. C.'s 
from organization to date have been Darius Clark, Harry 
Smith, Wm. H. Sawyer, B. D. Bragdon, and 0. A. Hine. 
There are at present (1877) 90 members belonging to the 
commandery, having the following officers : O. A. Hine, 





John Multekner. 



Mrs. John Malte/tnei?. 




Res. OF JOHN MMTERNER, Canton. St Law renclCo.,HY. 




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Residence or EPHRA/M Pl'^ 




Mrs. Ephraim Pigkirt. 




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f,CAmN,Sr.UwRENcc Co N Y. 



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MRS. SAMUEL W. P/TT 



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Samuil W. P/tt. 




HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



9v>r. 



E. C. ; D. H. Stanton, Gen. ; D. G. Giiswold, Capt. Gen. ; 
II. B. Wliite, Prelate; E. Will.son, Troa.s. ; Worth Cliam- 
borlain, Rec. ; G. H. Gilmorc, S. W. ; II. P. Bariihart. 
J. W. ; Harry Smith, Std. B. ; U. K. Balcome, Swd. B. ; 
L. B. Atwood, Warden; G. L. Manley, 1st G. ; J. Q. 
Flood, 2d G. ; E. Barnard, 3d G. ; and E. D. Jackson, 
Capt. Gen. 

ODD-FELLOWS. 

In 1S52 a lodge of this order was organized in Canton 
under the name of River de Grasse Lodge, No. 425. Or- 
viile Page, Ama.sa O. Brown, Martin Thatcher, and others 
were prominent in its organization. It suspended before 
18G(t. Harry Smith was a member of the first Odd-Fellows 
lodge instituted in America, the same being at Baltimore, 
in 1826. Mr. Smith joined the lodge in 1827. 

REFORMATORY. 

St. Lincrence. Division, No. 258, Sons of Temperance, 
was organized in Canton, June 20, 1847. and maintained 
its organization with varying success for several years, but 
decayed with the decline of the order in the State. 

Canton Lodje, No. 558, I. 0. G. T., was organized 
March 3, 18()5, with 50 members, and flourished for a 
time and went the way of all Good Templars, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Cunton Temperance Societi/, which, about 
the 1st of September, 1870, was merged into the Rcforni 
Club of Canton, organized through the efforts of Messrs. 
Frost and McElvey. Among the prominent workers in 
the interests of the club were the pastors of all the churches, 
E. I\I. Perry, Lewis C. Storrs, Mr. Manley of the Plaiit- 
ilealer, and Mr. Eastman. The membership of the club 
ran up to 100 and over, and has done, apparently, a per- 
manent good for the commuiiit}-. Its present officers are 
Lewis C. Storrs, President; E. M. Perry, Vice-President; 
J. 0. Wheeler, Secretary; J. H. Willson, Treasurer. 

T/ie [Vomaii's Temperance Societi/ was organized at or 
ab jut the .same time as the Reform Cluli, growing out of 
the same movement, and has been a must efficient aid to the 
club, and a powerful agent in the temperance rcforni move- 
ment, which culminated in an anti-license vote at the last 
corporation election in the village in 1877, and closed every 
bar in the place. Yet its workings are performed quietly 
in the domestic circle, where woman's power is most potent 
for good or ill. The first officeis of the society were Miss 
Stackhouse, President; Miss E. D. Heaton, Secretary. The 
organization of the society was also ably aided by Mrs. 
Wilco.x, of Potsdam. The membsrship of the society has 
increased until no.v it numbers 400. The present officers 
are Miss Augusta Wallace, President; Miss Gri.swold, Sec- 
retary; Mrs. Mcintosh, Treasurer. Both the club and 
society have regular weekly meetings, and the good work is 
still going on. 

MUSICAL. 

The first br.issband in St. Lawrence County was organized 
in Canton, in 1841, witli the following membt^rs and instru- 
ments: Lieut. Henry Young, teacher an<l leader, 10'' bugle; 
Lucien F^llsworth, E'' bugle ; Z. N. Ellis (sec'y), B'' bugle; 
H. A. Post (treas.), B" bugle ; S. D. Moody, B'' bugle ; 
Horace Moody, cornet; Darius D. Clark, trumpet; Giles 
Packard, cornet ; Silas Ford, French horn ; Wm. Young, 
29 



French horn; A. 0. Brown, tenor trombone; Ambrose 
Willson, tenor trombone; L. B. Storrs (pres't), ophicleido ; 
Erastus Hale, bass horn ; Caleb Ilickok, bass trombone ; 
Loyal Baxter, bass drum ; Delos Baxter, snare drum. This 
organization attained to something more than a local celeb- 
rity, and was in existence for several years. 

In 1859 another band was organized of nine pieces, viz.: 
Fred Boynton, E'' cornet; M. M. Follett, E'' clarionet; 
M. How, B*" cornet; Ira Barrows, B"" cornet; D. Austin, 
B"* tenor; J. Montgomery, E*" bass; H. D. Kipp, E"* tuba; 
Chas. Boynton, drum. This band was uniformed in sum- 
mer of 1800, and remained in existence about three years. 

In the year 1808 the Canton brass-baml was organized 
with twelve pieces, viz. : George L. Gay (sec'yj, E*" clario- 
net; Dr. Holme.s (treas.), E'' cornet; Dr. J. Sturdevant, B" 
cornet ; Chas. Foote, 1st tenor ; J. B Livingston, solo alto ; 
L. A. Taylor, alto; L. B. Storrs, baritone; L. H. Whiting, 
B*" bass; H. D. Kipp, basso; R. H. Havens, tenor drum; 
G. Farmer, bass drum and cymbals. 

The Firemen's bra.ss-band of Canton was organized Slay 
5, 1875, as follows: L. H. Whitney, leader, baritone; Geo. 
L. Gay, E"* clarionet; J. L. Farmer, B"* clarionet ; Fred 
Gamble, E"" cornet; G. R. Barber, E'' cornet; Otis Davis, 
E*" cornet; Wm. G. Woodruff, B** cornet; Milton A. 
Fowler, B*" cornet; L. A. Taylor (treas.), 1st alto; Levi 
M. West, 2d alto; Daniel C. Johnson, B'' tenor; Wm. E. 
Dunn, B"" tenor; Frank Thomas, B*" bass ; Wm. M. Dean, 
E^- tuba; A. M. Woodruff, E** basso; R. H. Havens, 
tenor drum ; J. Q. Flood (sec'y), bass drum ; Joseph Smith, 
cymbals. 

The original members of this organization furnished their 
own instruments, with the aid of a subscription by the 
citizens of the village of $100. Prof W. H. Easton, of 
Madrid, was engaged to instruct the band and write their 
music, and remained about one year. Prof J. B. Livingston, 
of Canton, was then engaged, and has been continued to 
the present time, and is now the leader and instructor. 

New uniforms were made by L. B. Storrs & Son, of Can- 
ton, for the band in July, 1870. But few changes have 
been made in iha personnel o? i\\^ band since its orgai)izatii.in, 
the greater portion of its members being business men of 
the village. It has met regulaily every week for rehearsal 
in Firemen's hall, on Court .street, which is furnished for 
its use free of charge. The cost of instruction and uni- 
forms has been met by compensation received for music 
furnished at the county fairs and elsewhere. It performed 
e.scort duty for St. Lawrence Commandery, No. 28, K. T., 
of Canton, at Malone, May 12, 1877. The band has at- 
tained to a marked degree of proficiency, and enjoys a good 
reputation abroad fiu- its excellent music. 

In October, 1877, an elegant stand was erected in the 
park, by the efforts of Misses Clara J. Dunn and Lottie C. 
Smith, who collected a sun) sufficient for the purpose; and 
Pliny Wright, Es(]., and others, provided the .symmetrical 
and beautiful flag-staff which stands along.side of the music- 
stand. From this stand, during the pleasant evenings of 
the autumn of 1877, the Firemen's band discoursed, much 
beautiful harmony, amply repaying the fair collectors for 
their trouble, and the citizens for their expenditures, in 
providing the means for the public concerts. 



22G 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



At the present time the band is constituted as follows : 
Prof. J. B. Livingston, leader (and treas.), solo alto; Wm. 
G. Woodruff, assistant loader, B'' cornet; Ira Barrows 
(sec'y), B'' tenor troinbdnc ; George L. Gay, E'' clarionet; 
J. L. Farmer, B'' clarionet; Fred Gamble, E'' cornet ; C. 
11. Martin, E "^ cornet; Joseph Smith, B"* cornet; Geo. E. 
Sims, solo cornet; L. A. Taylor, E'' alto; Levi M. West, 
E'' alto; Dan C. Jolin.son, B" tenor; Otis Davis, B'' bari- 
tone ; Isaac B. Smith, E'' bass ; A. M. Woodruff, E ^ tuba ; 
R. II. Havens, tenor drum ; J. Q. Flood, bass drum and 
cymbals. 

THE CI.IPl'ER DRA.M.\T1C CLUB 

was organized in tlu; year 1875 by a number of the young 
men of the village, and gave two entertainments the first 
winter, producing quite creditably the plays of " Oliver 
Twist," " Halvei," and " The Child-Stcaler." During the 
winter of 187G-77 the club re-organized, paid off an in- 
debtedness, incurred previously, of $300 from the receipts 
of their entertainments, and purchased and paid for about 
$200 worth of scenery and stage properties, which are now 
on hand. The club played with signal success the piece 
" Ten Nights in a Bar-Rooni," givinir it onee at Ilermon 
and threi! nights in Canton to large and enthusiastic audi- 
ences. The club also produced very effectively the drama 
" Streets of New York," playing the same three consecutive 
nights to overflowing houses. The plays of "The Hidden 
Hand" and " The Octoroon" have been produced with much 
success by the club. 

The present officers of the club are: President, Worth 
Chamberlain ; Directors, Levi C. Storrs, G. H. Kelly, and 
W. G. Woodruff; Secretary, G. C. Sawyer; Treasurer, J. 
W. Simmons ; Stage-Directors, A. F. Nims, C. A. Lagrange, 
D. W. Christian. 

LITERARY. 

The Canton Social Library was incorporated Ajiril 11, 
1832, Darius Clark, Moses Wliitcomb, Wm. Perry, Jr., 
Lyman Laiigdon, Wm. F. Cahoon, Elius C. Page, and 
Benjamin Walker being the first trustees. Like other 
library associations in the county, this became extinct on 
the formation of school district libraries. 

There are public libraries now attached to the university 
and the jiublic school, and Messrs. Judd and Boiniey main- 
tain a cire\datiiig library at the present time. 

MORTUARY. 

The first public burial-jilace selected for the .sepulture of 
the dead in Canton village was located on the west side of 
tlu' river, and was set apart for the purpose in 1801, when 
Daniel Foote, the father of Stillman Foote, Sr., was buried. 
In 1810 a new site for burial purposes was selected on the 
east side of the river, near the present site of the M. E. 
church, and several were buried there. 

In 1827-28 the cemetery lying near the railnind, on 
JMiner street, was conveyed to the Piesbyterian church by 
Henry Van Ren.sselaer, and remained the only place of en- 
tombment in the village until the organization of the new 
cemetery association, and the laying out of its grounds in 
1870-71. 

The grounds of the old cemetery are being cleared, the 
remains of those interred therein beim; removed to the new 



cemetery ; and it is the intention to remove all, with the 
exception, perhaps, of the remains and monument of Gov. 
Wright, which, it is proposed, are to remain in the centre 
of a park, into which the old grounds may be transformed. 

Everyreen Cemetery. — In the year 1870 the Canton 
cemetery association was incorporated, with W. H. Sawyer, 
John Miller, Henry L. Sackiider, Ebenezcr Fisher, and W. 
Whcelock trustees. Judge Sawyer was chosen president, 
and Mr. Wheelock secretary. Twenty six and a half acres 
were selected and purchased of II. J. Cook at $100 per 
acre, lying east of the village, between the roads leading to 
Potsdam and Pierrepont, on a high, sandy ridge, covered 
princii)ally with pine. A survey and plat of the grounds 
were made by Benjamin Squires, and the first sale of lots 
was held at auction. A plan of the cemetery was adojited 
in 1872, and the grounds laid out in accordance with the 
same, and the lots established at 300 square feet each. The 
cemetery was formally opened and dc(licated Sept. 24, 1872, 
and a seal was adopted for the association. The cemetery 
grounds are very eligibly located, and susceptible of com- 
plete drainage, and, for the greater portion of their area, 
covered with a forest growth of old pines, whose murmur- 
ings are a constant re((uiem for the slccjiers beneath their 
shade. Measures have been initiated looking to the as- 
sumption of the grounds by the corporation of the village, 
and their management thereby. 

Hon. W. H. Sawyer has been the president of the asso- 
ciation from the organization of the same to date. The 
present board of trustees are as follows: W. H. Sawyer, E. 
Fisher, H. H. Judd. terms expire June, 1878 ; W. H. 
Kimball, Harry Smith, John Miller, terms expire June, 
1870; Leslie W. Russell, Wm. E. Woodruff, R. B. Ells- 
worth, terms expire June, 1880; John Miller, clerk. 

The first burial in the Evergreen cemetery was that of 
E. C. Smith and his wife, both of whom were interred on 
the same day and in the same grave. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

Canton was vested with corporate privileges May 14, 
1845, its bounds at that time being equal with the jail 
limits, excepting thereout the bridge across Grasse river. 
The limits were subsequently increased to a mile each way 
from a common point at the intersection of Court and Main 
streets, with the bridge excepted as before. But the bounds 
were again reduced to their original dimensions in 1871, 
and at present remain as at first indicated. The time of 
holding elections and the number of offices have also been 
changed, but the powers of the trustees, common to well- 
ordered villages, remain es.senlially as under the original 
charter. The first board of trustees, elected in 184G, was 
composed of Nathaniel Hodskin, Prosper Barrows, Benja- 
min Squire. Nathan Pratt, and Barzillai Hodskin. The 
presidents were for a number of years elected from among 
the trustees, but are now elected by the iieojile. From 
1S4C to 1852 they were Nathaniel Hodskin. Elias C. Page, 
Prosper Barrows, Paul Boynton, A. R. Kipp, P. Boynton, 
and Luman Moody. From 1853 to 1858 no accurate list 
can be given in consequence of the destruction of the re- 
cords in 1859. From the last-named period to the present 
the presidents and clerks have been as follows : 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



227 



18.'J9.— E. Miner and S. J. Day. 

1800-Cl.— Joseph Barnes anil W. II. Sawyer. 

1862.— L. E. B. Winslow and M. B. (Jliamborlain. 

1863. — D. M. Jones and J. Barnes. 

1864.— J. Traver and J. F. Havens. 

1865. — E. Miner and Josepli Barnes. 

1866. — E. Miner and Joseph Barnes. 

1867. — E. Miner and W. J. Ferrey. 

1868.— B. Ilodsivin and W. J. Ferrey. 

18G9.— C. Bailey and J. W. Bugbee. 

1870. — Jeremiah Traver and Joseph Barnes. 

1871. — Joseph Barnes and W. J. Ferrey. 

1872.— J. S. Conkey and H. D. Ellsworth. 

1873.— B. Ilodskin and U. I). Ellsworth. 

1874.— II. H. Judd and H. D. Ellsworth. 

1875. — L. B. Storrs and 11. D. Ellsworth. 

1876. — L. B. Storrs and Courtland Ciiaiuberlain. 

1877. — L. B. Storrs and Courtland Chamberlain. 

The present officers are L. B. Storrs, president; Xury 
Lewis, J. J. Johnson, Charles C. Cadwell, and Sumner W. 
Lasell, trustees ; Courtland Chamberlain, clerk ; W. H. 
Kimball, treasurer ; H. D. Sackrider, A. M. Tulloy, Henry 
Knllis, assessors; Patrick Murray, collector; David II. 
Wells, constable ; John Jliller, police magistrate. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The first fire-company organized in the village was 
formed in or about 1840, and was supplied with a sniall 
rotary hand-engine, manufactured in Vermont. The com- 
pany maintained its organization for some twelve or fifteen 
years, when the engine becoming disabled, the village was 
without protection against fire until 1870. Harry Smith 
was foreman of the company in 1843. 

On the 2Sth of August, 1869, a meeting was held in 
the corporation to devise means to create and maintain a 
fire department. B. Hodskin, G. L. Irwin, and Jeremiah 
Traver were appointed a committee to ascertain the cost of 
an engine and apparatus. On September 4 the committee 
reported that a second-hand engine could be jiurehased at 
Ogdensburg, and that reservoirs should be constructed 
throughout the village ; $700 were appropriated for the 
execution of the recommendations of the committee. 

On Sept. 9, 1869, a meeting was held to organize the 
fire department of the village, and Geo. L. Irwin elected 
foreman, II. D. Moody first assistant foreman, W. J. Mc- 
licod second assistant foreman, H. D. Ellsworth secretary, 
B. D. Bragdon treasurer. The foreman appointed Ilebcr 
Sykes foreman of the hose. Committees on constitution 
and by-laws and on petitions for membership were ap- 
pointed. Tin; meeting recouimended to the board of trus- 
tees lor aj)poiNtinent as ciiief engineer, S. D. Bridge, and 
as as.sistant engineer, S. P. Remington. The constitution 
and by-laws reported by the committee on Sept. 11 were 
ado|)led by the department. 

Ou Sept. 21 " the machine" was taken out for practice, 
and again on the 24th. The uniform of the department 
was adopted Sept. 29, and consisted of a " blue shirt, with 
red facing, red cuffs, with number of company on same, red 
belt, with company name on black ground. Ofliccrs, white 
belts, witli name on red ground. Midshipman's cap, with 



two bands of gold lace, with number on front." The 
branchmcn were also provided with a rubber coat and 
" sou'we.ster." F. J. Perkins was elected foreman of the 
engine company in December, 1869, at the first annual 
meeting, and W. 0. Place first, and E. D. Jackson second, 
assistant, Charles A. Foote secretary, John S. Miller treas- 
urer, W. J. McLeod foreman of hose company. Jan. 6, 
1870, the name of the engine company was changed from 
the " Canton Fire-Company, No. 1,'" to the " St. Lawrence 
Company, No. 1." 

In March, 1870, a bill of incorporation was prepared 
and forwarded to the legislature, which passed the bill April 
22 following, by which the engine and hose company then 
existing, and any others that might be formed, were or- 
dained and constituted " The Fire Department of the Vil- 
lage of Canton," and the following hoard of directors named 
to hold their office till the first annual meeting of the de- 
partment under the act of incorporation : S. D. Bridge, 
chief engineer ; S. P. Remington, a.ssistant engineer; M. D. 
Packard, assistant engineer ; F. J. Perkius, John J. Stacks, 
Wm. J. McLeod, Daniel Reynolds, Christopher Reynolds, 
and Baron D. Bragdon. Under the act of incorporation 
the department elect a chief engineer, and each company a 
director of the department, for two years' terms. 

On Nov. 3, 1870, resolutions of respect on the death of 
Charles W. Cooke were adopted, and on the 18th similar 
resolutions were adopted on the death of Heber Sykes. 

Hooks and ladders were ordered in January, 1871. 

The department went to Prescott and competed for the 
prizes offered for hand-engines at a tournament, on " Do- 
minion day," in 1871, and were much rejoiced at the 
courteous reception accorded them by the Prescott firemen. 

In 1870 a frame engine-hou.se was built on Water street, 
which was occupied until 1874, when the present brick 
structure on Court street was erected, at a cost of $3325.67. 
It has a fireman's hall in the second story, and has a tower, 
in which an alarm-bell is hung. 

A hook-and-ladder company was formed Dec. 2, 1875, 
with twenty members, and a truck purchased. A new code 
of by-laws was adopted April 20, 1876. 

The annual review of Oct. 18, 1876, was a noted one, 
and passed off with much ^clat, the department and Fire- 
men's band being tendered a complimentary banquet at the 
Hodskin House. 

The department are supplied at present with a good 
hand-engine, and well equipped with hose, and hooks, lad- 
ders, and trucks. 

The chief engineers of the dei)artment have been as fol- 
lows: S. D. Bridge, 1870-71 ; John J. Stacks, 1872-73; 
M. D. Packard, 1874-76; Ezra Jackson, 1877; J. H. 
Mills, 1878. The foremen of the companies have been as 
follows: Engine company — Frank J. Perkins, 1870-74 
and 1876; T. D. Jackson, 1877-78. Hose company — 
W. J. McLeod, 1870-73; M. T. Wood, 1874-75; Thos. 
Fobare, 1876; J. Q. Flood, 1877-78. IL>ok-and-ladder 
company — Dr. J. Hitchcock, 1876 ; John Mills, 1877 ; C. 
J. Perkins, 1878. 

The board of directors of the department at the present 
time is composed as follows: One year — John H. Mills, 
chief engineer ; D. G. Griswold, first assistant engineer ; L. 



228 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



A. Williams, second assistant engineer; H. D. Sack rider, 
treasurer; D. C. Johnson, (ico. Seymour Two years — 
L. M. Farmer, Faije Tilley, John Ilitehcock, Thomas Rey- 
nolds, secretary, and John Bush, steward. 

The department nunihers about 100 men, 50 being the 
full force of llu; engine company, and 25 each in the hose 
and iiiiok-and-ladder company. 

DKSTKUCTIVK CONFLAGRATIONS. 

The first disa.strous fire which occurred in the business 
portion of the village was on July 4, 1843, and which be- 
gan on the corner of Court and Main streets, from a fire- 
cracker, and destroyed property valued at §25,000. On 
Aug. 14, 18G9, a fire broke out on the north side of Main 
street, and swept away everything between Water and Hods- 
kin streets, about half of the business of the village being 
destroyed, and a loss involved of $05,000. One year later, 
lacking a few days, another fire broke out where it was 
stopped the year before, and devastated the north side of 
Main street as far east as the Wright mansion, and in- 
volving a loss of $150,000. But, with the exception of a 
single lot, or perliaps two, the entire area thus burned over 
was rebuilt by substantial two- and three-storied brick 
structures, wliich present a solid and business-like appear- 
ance much to the advantage of the village. 

The progress of the village may be inferred from the 
fact that over fifty buildings have been erected in its limits 
during the year just past (1877), many of them of some- 
what extensive proportions. The pojnilation of the village 
is not far from 2500. 

THE FIRST CELEBRATION 

of the 4th of July held in Canton was of the anniversary 
of 1810. Stillman Foote, Sr., was president of the day, 
and a Rev. Mr. Paine the orator. Some five or sis hun- 
dred people were present in the village, and engaged in the 
ceremonies with sireat zest. The rostrum was improvised 
from an ox-cart, and as the orator ascended it to address 
the people, he commenced thus: '-Fellow-citizens, I now 
ascend the sacred desk to address you on this momentous 
occasion !" There was an audible smile heard in the audi- 
ence at the dignified title given to a vehicle of too common 
use to inspire much respect. 

TUE CENTENNIAL FOURTH 

was celebrated with gre:it enthusiasm: 10,000 people 
filled the streets of Canton, rejoicing over the birth of 
Jjiberty and Popular Sovereignty in the year of grace 1776, 
when the liberty-bcdl pealed forth its glad announcement 
to the world that a nation was then founded upon the 
equal rights of all men. Hon. Leslie W. Russell was the 
orator of the day, and Col. Henry Barber the jiresident. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

The thanks of the historians are hereby tendered for in- 
formation received and a.ssistance rendered in the compila- 
tion of the foregoing history of Canton to Dr. Hough, from 
wliose history of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties much 
of the early history of the town has been drawn, Wm. Perry, 
Sr.,Mrs. Bridges, Capt. Lucius Moody, Silas Baldwin, Esq., 



B. Ilodskin, Harry Smith, the pastors of the several churches, 
John F. Bugbee, Ks(j., L. B. Storrs, Esq., Postn)aster Rem- 
ington, the officers of societies, town officials, the manufac- 
turers generally, M. N. Ralph, county clerk, O. W. Wheeler, 
•sheriff, and many others, whose names we have not space to 
mention. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. LESLIE W. RUSSELL. 

Among the leading attorneys of northern New York, Les- 
lie W. Rus,sell, a native of Canton, St. Lawrence County, 
and still a resident of his birthplace, justly takes his place. 
Though a practitioner of little more than sixteen years, yet 
his reputation at the bar of the courts is as extensive as the 
judicial department in which he resides. His success in 
the conduct of his cases, both as a counselor and advocate, 
is marked, and he has risen to eminence in the ranks of his ] 
profession, alike honorable to himself and pleasing to his 
troops of friends. 

He was born April 15, 1840, being the only son of John 
Leslie and INIary Wead Russell, and was educated at the 
common school and Canton academy until the age of four- 
teen years. From sixteen to eighteen he taught district 
schools, and a few days after his eighteenth birthday en- 
tered the law-office of Nicholas Hill, Peter Cagger, and 
John H. Porter, of Albany, and began the study of the 
law. He remained with these celebrated attorneys until 
the death of Mr. Hill, in 1859, when he went to Milwaukee, 
Wis., and entered the office of John W. Carey and Wallace 
Pratt (the latter the husband of Mr. Russell's older sister), 
and pursued his studies for two years longer. In April, 
1861, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was offered 
a commission, and was about to leave for the field of war, 
as first lieutenant in the First Wisconsin Volunteer In- 
fantry, when he received a telegram announcing the death 
of his father, which compelled his return to Canton to set- 
tle the estate left by the deceased. On the 7th day of May 
following he was admitted to the bar, and immediately began 
the practice of his profession, which he lias steadily and 
successfully followed to the present time. He opened an 
(iffice in Canton, and conducted his practice by himself 
until January 1, 1862, at which date he formed a law con- 
nection with Wm. H. Sawyer, which continued until ter- 
minated by the appointment of Mr. Sawyer to the supreme 
bench of the State, Dec. 20, 1876, since which time Mr. 
Russell has conducted his business without a partner. In 
1867 he was elected to and served in the con.stitutional 
convention, being on the committee on suffrage, of which 
Horace Greeley was chairman, and on the committee on in- 
corporations. In 1869 he was elected district attorney of 
St Lawrence County, and declined a renomination at the 
end of his term. From 1869 to 1872 he was law profes.sor 
in St. Lawrence university, lecturing twice a week. In 
1876-77 he was nominated by both political parties, and, 
of course, elected, supervisor of Canton, and during his 
term of office was largely instrumental in effecting a final 





^o^^^^ 



I 

i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



229 



and permanent settlement of the troublesome question of 
the location of the public builflintrs by secuiini;- llic erec- 
tion by the county of an elegant fire-pioof county clerk's 
office in Canton, Mr. Russell being the active member of 
the buildinjj; committco. In 187fl he was one of the presi- 
dential electors on the Kcpulilican State ticket. In 1877 
he was nominated by the Republicans, without oppo.sition, 
f(ir the office of county judge, and was elected by a largo 
majority. His term is for six years, and commences Jan. 
1,1878. 

By a reference to the docket of the county and circuit 
courts, it will be seen that for the past few years there has 
been scarcely an important suit tried before those tribunals 
wherein Mr. Russell has not appeared either for the prose- 
cution or defense, criminal or civil. 

On the 19th of October, 18G4, Mr. Russell was united 
in marriage to Miss Harriet, daughter of Rev. R. F. Law- 
rence, a Presbyterian clergyman, then of Malone, and one 
of the collateral descendants of the Lawrence family, of 
which Amos, Abbott, and Capt. James Lawrence were dis- 
tinguished members and representatives. Mrs. Russell was 
horn in Claremont, N. H., Oct. 30, 1 84;-5 Of five children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell three are now living, viz., 
Lawrence, born July 27, 18U7 ; Jessie, born Nov. 9, 1873 ; 
and Robert, born Dec. 28, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Rus.sell 
are members of Grace (Episcopal) church of Canton, he 
being one of the vestry. 

Mr; Russell possesses a genial nature, which, added to 
his courtesy and affability, makes him a pleasant and en- 
tertaining companion, and wins him many warm friends. 



PLINY WRIGHT. 



Mr. Wright was born in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt., 
Dec. 14, 1805, and is .still on the stage of active life, and 
thougli somewhat enfeebled in bodily health, is in the full 
pos.session of vigorous mental powers, and interested in the 
scenes pa.ssing around him and events transpiring within his 
ken. His parents, Silas and Eleanor (Goodale) Wright, 
were natives of Amherst, Mass., where their family of .seven 
children were mo.stly born. A brother, Daniel L. Wright, 
now occupies the old Vermont homestead where he was 
born, seventy-nine years ago, and has had no other residence 
during the entire period. Himself and Pliny Wright are 
the only survivors of the family, which consisted of four 
sons and three daughters. 

Pliny Wright was educated at Middlebury college, Ver- 
mont, for the profession of the law, and on graduating 
therefrom, in 1827, entered the law office of his brother, 
Silas Wright, Jr., and Silas Baldwin, Jr., in Canton, 
and began the reading necessary to fit him for the practice. 
Here he remained for abouc two years, and then entered the 
office of Colonel McKown, of Albany, where he continued 
his studies for about another year, when, his health failing, 
he relin(|Mishcd his studies and returned to Canton, and 
since then has given his attention to other business, princi- 
l)ally that of fiirming. 

In politics, Mr. Wright .shared the sentiments of his dis- 
tinguished brother, (jovernor Wright, and was, and is yet. 



a great admirer of the stern integrity of General Jackson, 
— " Old Hickory." During the excitement of the political 
campaign of 1830, Mr. Wright penned a letter to his 
brother, Silas Wright, then in Washington, in which he 
alluded to the attempted a.ssassination of President Jack.son, 
which allusion, and expressions of friendship for the presi- 
dent accompanying it, were conveyed to that dignitary, and 
elicited the following reply from Mr. Wright to his brother 
Pliny, under date of April 9, 1836: ''I showed the 
president the paragraph of your letter as requested. The 
good old man read it, and his eyes literally filled with tears, 
as he replied, ' Mr. Wright, give luy best respects to your 
brother, and assure him that wishes such as he has expressed 
are the richest reward I expect or desire for the perils, 
hardships, and fatigues of my public life. No man was 
ever more anxious to return to his home than I am to .see 
the 4th of March, 1837, when I may retire to the Hermit- 
age and rest in domestic quiet ; and if the blessings your 
brother invokes so kindly, the smiles of a merciful Provi- 
dence, and the good wishes of friends can follow and abide 
with me, then I shall meet the close of my life, which must 
soon come, happy and contented. Tell your brother these 
are the feelings of my heart, and that I shall never cease to 
return his good wishes by prayer for blessings upon him and 
his friends.' " 

On the formation of the Republican party, Mr. Wright 
connected him.self with that organization, and still adheres 
to it. 

Mr. Wright, having for sixty-six years battled the storms 
of life and basked in its sunshine alone, residing among his 
relatives, concluded to take to himself a wife and get a 
home of his own ; and, though late in life to launch upon 
an untried sea, on December 13, 1871, he was united in 
marriage to an estimable lady, Mrs. Ann Bigelow. He at 
once purchased the interest of the heirs of Hon. Silas 
Wright's estate in the old homestead of the latter in Canton, 
and in the spring following his marriage mo\'ed into it, and 
still occupies the same. We present to our readers a sketch 
of this home of Mr. Wright, and portraits of him.self and 
wife, on another page of our work. 



WILLIAM H. FLNNIMORE, 

the second son of William P. and Mary (Isaac) Finnimore, 
was born in Bristol, England, June 12, 1829. When 
nearly three years old his parents, in the spring of 1832, 
left their home in England, and emigrated to America. 
After a voyage of eight weeks and two days the ship " JIary 
of London" came to anchor in the port of Quebec, Canada. 
They then immediately proceeded by boat up the St. Law- 
rence river, and landed in the town of Li.shon on June 15, 
1832. The family remained in this town three years. Mr. 
Finnimore's father being a blacksmith, worked here at his 
trade during that time. The first year he received eight 
dollars a month. In 1835 they removed to Canton, and 
settled in the village of Morlcy. Mr. Finnimore, Sr., built 
a shop and established his business. The school privileges 
of William II. were limited when he was young, and wlien 
he became older his daily toil was in assisting his father in 



230 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the shop. Ill 18.")1, when Imt twenty-two years old, he 
went to Califoiniu to hetter his condition. lie remained 
there most of the time for ei.^ht years, worlcins at bhiek- 
smithing, at which he was successful and iirosperous, and 
while there sent money home to purchase the farm on which 
he now lives. He returned home once in tiiat time, but 
went back, accumulated more money, and beiran his flirm- 
itt'j; free from debt. Durinj; his stay in California he visited 
New Caledonia and Fort Yale, on the Fraz'jr river. In 
1859 he returned, and was united in marriage, November 
3 of that year, to Mary Jane Whitney, daughter of Hiram 
Wiiitney. Two children have been born to them, Carrie 
M. and Willie H., both living. Since his marriage he has 
resided on his farm, which contains one hundred and fifty 
acres, and is well kept and finely improved. He has been 
and is a very successful farmer. In politics ho is Republican. 
A sketch of his home, atid portraits of himself and wife, 
may be seen on another page of our work. 



JOSHUA W. FINNIMORE. 

The subject of this sketch is one of tlie self-made business 
men of St. Lawrence County. He was born in Bristol, 
England, April 8, 1823. His parents, William P. and Mary 
(Isaac) Finnimore, concluding that they could better their 
condition in life, and give their children advantages not to 
be obtained in the ' Old Country," accordingly emigrated 
to America in the year 1832. They sailed from Dartmouth, 
England, in the ves.sel " Mary of London," and wore fifty- 
eight days on the voyage. They landed in Quebec, Canada, 
and came from that place up the river St. Lawrence in a 
Durham boat. Their destination was London, Upper Can- 
ada (now Ontario), where Mr. Finnimore, Sen., had relatives 
living, but owing to the prevalence of the cholera they were 
obliged to land in the town of LLsbon. The date of landing 
was June 15, 1832. Be.sides the subject of this sketch, 
three other children, a daughter and two sons, were born in 
England, and came with their parents: Jane, married Henry 
Lawrence, of Li.sbon, and resides there now; William H., 
married Mary J. Whitney; Henry married Esther Fisher, 
and reside in Morley. Of fourteen children, twelve are 
now living, seven sons and five daughters. The family 
moved from Lisbon to Morley village in 1835. Mr. Finni- 
more, Sen., being a blacksmith by trade, built a shop and 
established himself in business. As he never amassed a 
large property, his children pushed out and sought their 
own fortuues. Joshua W., among the rest, when a boy 
worked at chopping, farm work, and such other labor as 
boys can find to do, and occasionally going to school. When 
old enough ho went into his father's shop, and learned the 
blacksmith's trade, after which he wa.s in partnership with 
him six years. His first venture in real estate was in 1845, 
when he bought two acres and a half of land, to pay for 
which he went to Canada and chopped wood at forty cents 
a cord, and when he had earned forty dollars he made the 
first payment. On this land he erected his present neat and 
substantial cottage. April 20, 1848, he was united in mar- 
riage with Margaret S. Glass, of the town of Li.sbon. Of 



si.K children born to them, only four arc now living, Mar- 
garet, Daniel W., Eva, and Addie, all with their parcnt.s 
on the homestead. 

Mrs. Finnimore's parents, Daniel and Jane (Robinson) 
Glass, emigrated from Ireland in the year 1827. They 
were shi]iwreckcd on the voyage, but were rescued and 
taken to Quebec. They came from there to Ogdensburg, 
and subse(|uently moved into the town of Lisbon, settled 
on land about (mo mile from Red IMills, and began farming, 
which they always followed. Mrs. Finnimore was born 
Aug. 20, 1829. Of four children, only three are now living, 
Mary Ann, married to Ellis Newby, and living in Morley ; 
Jane, married Thomas Charters, of PoLsdam. Mrs. Finni- 
more's father died July 31, 1872. Her mother is .still 
living at the good old age of eighty-five years. Jlr. Finni- 
more's father died Sept. 17, 18U4, and his mother Sept. 
30, 1868. 

]Mr. Finnimore has been actively engaged in business as 
a real estate and produce dealer, and in mercantile business, 
but now devotes nearly all his time to farming, for which 
he has a great taste, evidences of which are shown in his 
fiirni buildings, stone walls, and the general appearance of 
his farm. His barns are models in style and completeness 
of arrangement. He now owns several farms, amounting 
to about nine hundred and fifty acres. To his original pur- 
chase of two and a half acres he has added from time to 
time other tracts, until his home farm, one of the finest in 
the town, contains one hundred and seventy-five acres. He 
has removed the stumps and stone, and used the latter 
in building fences. At this time may be seen on his home 
farm nearly four miles of stone fence or wall equal to the 
best and surpassed by none in the county. His home is 
pleasantly situated, having a fine view of the surrounding 
country, and overlooking the Grasse river. Joshua W. 
Finnimore is to-day a hale and active man, hospitable and 
sociable in disposition, universally respected by his acquaint- 
ances, and honored and loved by his friends and relatives. 
As a farmer he is a model. In politics he is Republican. 
In religious faith he and his fiimily are Episcopalian, his 
daughters being communicants of that church, and 5Iar- 
garet, the eldest daughter, is a zealous worker both in the 
church and Sunday-school. And now, after years of toil 
and hardships, 3Ir. Finnimore is rewarded by the ownership 
of a fine property, and his middle age is passing in ease and 
affluence near his humble beginning. 



RUFUS K. JACKSON. 

John 15. Jackson, the father of Rufus K., was born in 
Gilmauton, N. II., Oct. 20, 1791. In 1819 he removed 
with his wife, Sally (Shepard) Jackson, and family to Bel- 
mont, Franklin Co., N. Y., and settled near the outlet of 
Chateaugay lake, where he built the first grist- and saw-mill 
in what is now the village of Popeville, where there are now 
extensive iron-works in operation. The most of that region 
was then an unbroken forest. The few settlers were sparsely 
scattered, and knew something of the toil and privations of 
pioneer life. Himself and heroic wife, a woman of sterling 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



231 



qualities, adapted themselves to the state of things in their 
new home, and were eminently useful in establishing religion 
in the town where they settled. About 1829 he sold his 
mills and moved to what is now the town of Burke, and 
from there, in the flill of 1834, to the village of Morley, 
whore he rented the saw- and grist-mill known as the Har- 
rison mills, and continued in that business until the present 
stone mill was completed in 1840. During the building of 
the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad, he was em- 
ployed by that company as an agent for the purchase of 
wood, lumber, and ties, and continued as such fourteen years, 
making his i-esidence in Malone. Becoming enfeebled by 
age he retired from business, and with his wife found a 
home during twelve years in the family of his son-in-law, 
D. W. C. Douglass, where he died July 1, 1S7G. His wife 
died June 17, 1877, in the eighty-eighth year of her age. 

Rufus K. Jackson, the immediate subject of our sketch, 
was burn in Gilmanton, N. H., Aug. 6, 1813. At the age 
of sis years and three months he came with his parents to 
their wilderness home. He has in remembrance the day 
when tlicy left the little village of Chateaugay, and, with 
two wagons loaded with their household goods, set out on 
their journey through the forest, finding their way by maiked 
trees. That dark day in November, 1819, a day remem- 
bered by many now living, was the day of that journey. 
Tlie following winter was a cold one, with deep snow ; but 
the spring opened bright and pleasant, and then began in 
earnest the labor of the pioneer in making a new home. 
Mr. Jackson's boyhood days were spent in labor on the 
I'arm, and for recreation he had hunting and fishing. His 
school days were passed in the common school held in the 
log school-house. At eighteen years of age he entered the 
academy at Malone, and completed his education there. 
While there be studied surveying and fitted himself for 
the surveyors' profession. Having a taste for mechanical 
Work, he learned the carpenter's and millwright's trade, 
which he followed up to the year 1870. Mr. Jackson has 
been twice married; first, in the year 1835, October 8, to 
Betsey Whipple, of Malone, who died June 27, 1870. His 
second marriage was with Mrs. Sarah E. Rombough. his 
present wife, June 5, 1871. Mr. Jackson went with his 
parents to Morley in 1834, and has resided there since. 
In 1842 he purchased a lot and erected a house just below 
where he is now living, and resided there till the spring of 
1870, when he purchased bis present residence, of which a 
view is given in this work. In politics Mr. Jack.son is and 
has always been a Republican. In 1802 be was appointed 
justice (if the peace to fill v:ic;incy, and has been elected to 
that [lo.sition three times since. During the year 1876 he was 
justice of sessions; during the War of the Rebellion he was 
the enrolling officer of the town, and previous to 1870 he was 
for four years county commissioner of e.\ci.se. In 18(35 he 
took the State census in this town, and in 1870 the United 
Slates census for Canton and Li.sbon. 

In religion, Mr. Jackson is orthodox, yet lilieral in his 
views, and has never joined any religious denomination. 
His life has been an upright and honorable one. He is re- 
garded as a representative citizen, a good practical man, and 
a man of sterling integrity. In religion, Mrs. Jacksou is 
identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. 



An adopted daughter, Sarah M. Jackson, occupies a 
place in the hearts and home of her foster-parents, Mr. and 
Mrs. Jackson. 



ORVILLE NORTON. 

About 1805, Elihu Norton, a Revolutionary pen.sioner, 
settled in the town of Canton, having come from Middle- 
bury, Vt. Here he lived until his death, in 1824, having 
a family of seven children. Of theSe, Orville was the sec- 
ond son. and was born Oct. 11, 1807. He was, therefore, 
at his father's death but seventeen years old ; but he bravely 
assumed the care of the family with his mother until his 
marriage, Dec. 5, 1833, to Electa, daughter of Daniel and 
Phix^be Whitney. Her parents had come from Vermont to 
Madrid at an early day, and lived in that town until their 
death. After his marriage Orville resided with his mother 
several years, then erected a home in which his family still 
reside, — a view of it appears in this book, — and by industry 
was enabled to attain to comfortable circumstances in life. 

Mr. Norton was a man of sober, steady habits, a consist- 
ent member of the M. E. church, a Republican in politics, 
and generous and liberal in all his dealings. He was highly 
esteemed for his worth as a citizen, and his death. Dee. 3, 
1874, was mourned by many friends. Of his family of 
nine children, two only survive, Laura E., wife of Wallace 
Jones, of Madrid, and Eva L., wife of Geo. A. Newman. 
Daniel, a son, died in the war in 1864, and Jas. E., another 
son, died in 1871. 



SAMUEL W. PITT. 

William Pitt, the fiither of the above, came from Eng- 
land as a soldier of the War of 1812, and, upon the declara- 
tion of peace, settled at Alburgh, Vt. Here he married 
Jane Wright, June 24, 1819, and here Samuel W. was 
born to them April 21, 1820, the oldest of nine children 
which blest their union, sis of whom yet survive. In 1822 
they moved to Franklin Co., N. Y., and sis years later to 
St. Lawrence County, near the spot on which Samuel at 
present resides. William Pitt died Feb. 18, 1873, aged 
84 years, his widow yet surviving him at the age of 81 
years. The subject of this sketch remained with his father 
on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he 
purchased a tract of 40 acres of land, which at present con- 
stitutes a part of his homestead in the town of Canton. By 
perseverance and industry he was enabled to pay for this 
tract, and in 1850 to purchase an addition of 137 acres, 
which he has improved in an excellent manner, as will be 
seen from the illustration of his farm in another part of this 
work. Here he lives, surrtiunded by the comforts of a 
pleasant home, enjoying the fruits of his indnstrious life. 
Mr. Pitt has always affiliated with the Republican party, 
and is a mendjer of the Methodist church. 

On the 17tli of February, 1851, Mr. Pitt entered the mar- 
riage relation with Elmina F. Brown, daughter of Epliraim 
and Irene Brown, of Vermont, and where they lived until 
1833, when they also became citizens of New York. Mr. 
and Mrs. Pitt have three children, — Wihwi E., Dillon II , and 
Sherman S., — who are yet living under the parental roof. 



232 



IIISTOIIY OF «T. LAWRKNCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 





'''f^f^-:m^-w 



AARON BARROW. 



MRS. AARON BARROW. 



AARON BARROVAf, Jr. 



The life of this highly-respected gentleiuiui recalls another 
instance of the genuinely self-made man. In Aaron Barrows 
mingles the blood of a parentage of English and Dutch 
extraction. His father, Aaron BarrowS,was a native of the 
steady State of Connecticut, while his mother came from 
one of the Dutch families of Dutchess Co., N. Y. Upon 
their marriage they settled in Bennington Co., Vt., where 
the subject of this sketch was born, in 1806. When he 
was ten years old, in 181G, his parents moved to what is 
known as South Canton, and enrolled tlieniselves among 
the pioneers of that .section. The settlers were few, and 
the country was a comparative wilderness, which resounded 
with the howls of wolves and the screams of panthers. 
Here the boyhood of young Barrofl^was spent. His school 
])rivilegcs were limited, and (he means of obtaining a col- 
lege education beyond his reach. But he thirsted for 
knowledge, and drank at every source which would satisfy 
liis cravings until he had fairly educated himself, and, what 
is better, his education was practical. It .served him well, 
and enabled him to attain the success which has attended 
his undertakings. 

At the age of twenty-one he left the parental roof and 
engaged to teach scliool in winter, finding other employ- 
ment in summer. This practice he continued several 
years, yet more thoroughly educating himself for his life- 
work. About 1840 the office of postmaster of South Can- 
ton (since changed to Crary's Mills) was tendered him, and 
he held the position several years. His townsmen also 
called him to serve their interests as a justice of the peace, 



the duties of which office lie discharged creditably for ten 
years, as well as those of minor town-offices. 

In 1844 he engaged in business as a produce-dealer, in- 
creasing it from a small beginning until his purchases 
amounted to $25,000 per year. In 1848 he engaged per- 
manently in mercantile pursuits, and has been engaged in 
trade ever since, — twenty-nine years, — alone and with his 
sonin-law, Russell S. Elmer, who is at present thus associ- 
ated. 

Although thoroughly devoted to the interests of his 
avocation, Mr. Barrow'.has not allowed his zeal to overcome 
his judgment, nor has he prostituted his honor for the sake 
of gain. He has preserved his integrity unblemished and 
his honor unsullied. Neither has his attention been so 
exclusively absorbed that he could not share in the efforts 
to advance the interests of this community. He has been 
ever ready to [iromotc every good work, and lia.s tlius se- 
cured the respect and esteem of his fellows and the frieiid- 
.ship of his neighb(u-8. 

In 1835, Mr. BarrowS a.ssumed marital relations with 
Emeline Boyden, daughter of William and Martha Boyden, 
who emigrated from Conway, Ma.ss., in 1810, and also 
settled in Canton. Three children were born to bl&ss this 
union : Martha Amelia, who became the wife of 11. S. El- 
mer, in 1807, and who has since departed this life ; William 
Eugene, who died in 1SG3, aged nearly twenty-one yeare ; 
and Josephine, who died in 1856, at the age of fifteen, — 
thus leaving this worthy couple without the homage which 
dutiful children render lo devoted parents. 



HON. SILAS WRIGHT. 



BY DR. FRANKLIN B. HOUGU. 



This illustrious citizen was born in Amherst, Mass., May 
24, 1705, and in infancy removed with his parents to Wey- 
bridge, Vt., where he formed his earliest associations. After 
an academic course, ho entered Middlebury collejie, and 
graduated in 1815, and while still a student he entered 
warmly into the political discussions of the day, and became 
a Republican in politics. Having studied law with Henry C. 
Martindale, at Sandy Hill, N. Y., he was in 1819 licen.sed 
to practice as an attorney in the supreme ctiurt, and in that 
year, being led to Canton on a visit to a friend, he was in- 
duced to settle in that new and thinly-settled village. Here 
he commenced the practice of law, and soon acquired the 
esteem of his fellow-citizens, and the confidence of the 
public generally, for his sound judgment and good sense. 
He was soon appointed surrogate, justice, commissioner of 
deeds, and postmaster ; held several town offices, and passed 
through the several grades of 
military promotion to the office 
of brigadier-general. Asa magis- 
trate he discouraged litigation, 
and as a lawyer he was especially 
eminent in the happy manner in 
which he drew from witnesses 
the statements bearing upon the 
case, without ever touching the 
feelings by rudeness or satire. 
His arguments were always lucid 
and logical, and carried with 
them a conviction not only of 
their truth and justice, but also 
of the genius and talents of their 
autlior. 

In the various improvements 
of the town and county he took 
an active {)art, and especially in 
the erection of county buildings, 
after the selection of the site, 
was lie noted for his zeal and 
activity in collecting materials 
and assi.sting the work. 

The influence which the upright character and evident 
talents of Jlr. AVright had accpiired, led his friends to wish 
to try his abilities on a wider field ; and his name was pre- 
sented in the fall of 1823, without his previous knowledge, 
to the Republican convention of the fourth senate district, 
then embracing the counties of Saratoga, Montgomery, and 
Hamilton, Washington, Warren, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, 
and St. Lawrence. The opposition of De Witt Clinton and 
his friends to the convention of 1821, and other causes, had 
led to a new orgaiiiziition of parties, styled Clintoiiians and 
Buck-Tails, anti-Clintonians or Republicans. Mr. Wright 
was known to be friendly to the latter, but his known can- 
dor and liheraiity rendered him more acceptalile to the Clin- 
tonians than any other candidate that could be offered, and 
he was unanimously nominated. 

During the legislative session preceding the nomination 




of Mr. Wright to the office of senator, the Republican 
members of both houses from the 4th district met to decide 
by ballot which county in the senatorial district should be 
entitled to senator. The county designated was to be entitled 
to the privilege of selecting their candidate, thus dispensing 
with the formality of a convention of the whole district. 
After seven ballotings, and some feeling being created in 
the minds of some members, the choice fell upon St. Law- 
rence County. ]Mr. Wright was thus enabled to enter a field 
in which he was eminently qualified to excel, and his future 
career might have been quite different had the choice of a 
different county been the result of the balloting. The elec- 
tors for president and vice-president had, since 1789, been 
selected by the legislature in the same manner as senators 
of the United States are now chosen, which gave great 
additional importance to the members of the legislature, 
and from the relative prospects 
of the five prominent candi- 
dates for the presidential term to 
commence in 1825 (Crawford, 
Adams, Jackson, Clay, and 
Calhoun), the friends of Mr. 
Crawford believed that their 
interests would be promoted by 
retaining the existing law for 
the appointment of electors. 
Other parties proposed to re- 
store the right of naming the 
electors to the people, and most 
of the candidates of 1823 were 
questioned in relation to their 
views, and Mr. Wright among 
others. He freely declared him- 
self in favor of giving directly 
to the people the choice of elec- 
tors. No pledge was given or 
required beyond the faith re- 
posed in the frank and unre- 
served declarations made by him 
in conversation. His vote in 
the county was 1419, that of his opponent 20. In Canton 
it was 199 to 1. The one vote was doubtless given by Mr. 
Wright himself. 

The session of 1824 was memorable for the spirit which 
rtttended the passage of the electoral law, as the proposed 
change in the mode of electing presidential electors was 
called, and this became the engrossing subject of the session 
from the time of its opening till the final passage of the 
bill. Mr. Wright's course in this contest was such as to 
draw from his political opponents the admi.ssion that he 
was governed by upright and consistent principles, although 
at variance with their plans, and subversive of their cherished 
schemes. While in the senate, early in the -session of 1825, 
a great number of applications for bank charters were pre- 
sented in both houses, and such were the restrictions then 
in force that banks that held charters virtually possessed 



HON. SILAS WRIGHT. 



great privileges for traiiHactinf; pecuniary business, and 
hence charters were eagerly sought after. Mr. Wright 
opposed these applications to the extent of his ability, and 
was to a considerable degree successful. His influence con- 
stantly increa.'<cd in the senate, and in 182G he was elected 
to Congress. The tariff question was then a subject that 
was agitated by the parties, and Mr. Wright became a 
member of a committee which had an important bearing 
upon this subject. At the ne.xt election for Congress, Mr. 
Wright was defeated from the omission of the word junior 
in his name on some of the ballots, and from an irregularity 
in returns. lilarly in 1829 he was appointed comptniller, 
which office he tilled with distinguLshcd ability until, in 
1833, he was chosen U. S. senator, and took his seat in 
this august body at the age of 38, and at the time when 
the nullification measures of South Carolina, the removal 
of the deposits from banks, the rechartering of the national 
bank, and other exciting topics distracted the national 
councils. Mr. Wright oppo.sod the continuance of the bank 
in a speech of great ability. At the end of tlw- short term 
to which lie was chosen, he was, in 1837, re-elected, not- 
withstanding the powerful bank influences brought against 
him. At the national convention of 1844, the nomination 
of vice-president was tendered to hini, but declined. In 
1842 his friends had solicited fiom him the privilege of 
nominating him for governor, but he declined, as he had 
also done that of the office of judge in the supreme court of 
the United States. In 1844 he was nominated for governor 
and elected. During his official term the constitution of 
the State was revised, and several subjects requiring in 
especial manner the exercise of promptness and discretion 
arose. 

In 1846 he was again nominated for governor, but Mr. 
John Young, his opponent, was elected. At the close of 
his official term, Mr. Wright returned to his residence in 
Canton, and engaged in that pursuit for which during a 
long period he had evinced a decided fondness, — that of 
practical agriculture. He was apjiointed in 1847 to deliver 
the address at the State Agricultural Fair, at Saratoga 
Springs, and accepted the appointment, but was attacked by 
a severe illness of which he died in two hours. He had for 
several months devoted his days to hard labor on his farm, 
and his nights to correspondence, which were believed to 
have been the proximate causes of his death. This sudden 
bereavement cast n gloom over the community, and the 
heavy tidings were received with sadness by his numerous 
friends and the public generally. The Democratic party 
were at this time looking about for a man upon whom they 
might unite at the next presidential canvass, and from every 
quarter there came expressions that indicated the preference 
they felt for Mr. Wright, and it is highly probable that 
had he lived he would have been selected as their candi- 
date. 

During his lifetime his mercantile friends had procured 
a testimonial of their esteem, which after his death was for- 
warded to iMr.s. Wright. It consisted of 125 pieces of sil- 
ver plate, manufactured by Gerandus Boyce, of New York, 
each article bearing a suitable inscription conimemorating 
the occasion of the gift. The articles were two pitchers, 
holding four quarts and one pint each ; a silver tea-kettle, 



holding three quarts ; a coffee-pot, tea-pot, sugar-dish, cream- 
pot, sl(i])-li()wl, .soup-ladle, fish-knife, crumb-knife, ice-cream 
slicer, pair of sugar tongs, four butter knives, and nine 
dozen table and dessert spoons and forks. The total value 
was about $1!)()0. 

Soon after the death of Mr. Wright, his widow and 
family yielding to the solicitation of his iieiffhhors and 
friends, accepted the offer which they tendered, of erecting 
a plain and simple monument over his grave, as a testimo- 
nial of personal esteem and private friendship. An osten- 
tatious display of architecture was deemed inconsistent with 
the modest and unassuming character of the man whose 
name it bore, and unnecessary to perpetuate the memory of 
one who had become endeared in the hearts of the people. 
A subscription was drawn up in October, 1847, the amount 
of each contribution limited to $l,and its circulation to 
citizens of St. Lawrence County. With the avails of this 
a simple shaft of pure white marble from the Dorset quarry, 
fifteen feet in height, resting on a base of Canton granite 
one and a quarter feet high, was erected and inclosed in a 
neat iron puling. 

The shaft bears on one side his name and date of birth 
and death. On the other the inscription, " Erected by the 
Citizens of the County of St. Lawrence." 

The citizens of Wcybridge and vicinity, in Vermont 
(which town Mr. Wright always regarded with the feelings 
of a natal place), in the March following his decease, united 
in testifying their respect for his character by erecting a 
monument to his memory. A series of resolutions highly 
expressive of regard were drawn up, and a committee ap- 
pointed to procure the means for erecting it, and a steel 
plate engraving of it. Solomon W. Jewett and Samuel 0. 
Wright, of Wcybridge, and Samuel S. Phelps, of Middle- 
bury, were appointed the committee, who, at a cost of about 
$4400, erected in their village near the school-house, and 
over the same ground where the Congregational church 
stood, at which Wright and his parents had worshiped, a 
shaft of white marble about thirty-eight feet in height. 
The main shaft is twenty-eight feet high, three feet square 
at the base, and seventeen inches at the top. It stands 
upon a mound, and is supported by three bases ; the first 
8, the second (51, and the third 5 feet .square. Above this 
is a die four feet square, which is surmounted by the shaft. 
Inserted in the monument is a beautiful and accurate medal- 
lion bust, executed by E. D. Palmer, of Albany. The oidy 
inscription which it has upon it is Silas Wright. It is sur- 
rounded by a circular iron railing six rods in diameter. 

His biography has been ably written by the Hon. Jaboz 
D. Hammond, and forms the third volume of the " Political 
Histoiy of New York." The well-known character and 
abilities of this talented writer are a sufficient guaranty of 
its value. 

The reader will find in " Hammond's Life of Silas 
Wright" a very minute and correct account of the life and 
public services of this truly illustrious man. His memoirs 
have also been written by J. S. Jenkins. 

From the standpoint of the present, thirty years subse- 
quent to his decease, the impartial judgment of tlie nation at 
large is most favorable to Mr. Wright, all parties joining in 
commendation of his career as a statesman. 



J 




He whose name heads this article was one of the foremost 
business men of St. Lawrence County for nearly forty years, 
and in that time he formed an aciiuaintance and established 
a reputation second to none of his fellow-citizeus, and, dying, 
left behind him an unsullied honor and an unblemished 
character. 

Mr. Miner was born in Cornwall, Vt., Nov. 23, 1794. 
He was the son of a farmer, and one of ten children, and 
in his youth learned the trade of a joiner. Upon learning 
that money was paid for work in Canada, he and a brother 
set out to seek their fortunes there. At Ogdensburg he 
was taken ill, and on his recovery engaged as a clerk in the 
store of Bacon & Averill, with whom he remained until 
1828, when he entered into business for himself, forming 
a coiniection witli E. N. Fairchlld, of Ogdensburg, and 
opening trade at Massena Point. In 1825 he first came to 
Canton, where Bacon & Averill had a branch store. 

Tn 1829, Mr. Miner married the daughter of Dr. Daniel 
Campbell, deceased, Miss Eliza G. Campbell, and bought 
tlie interest of the heirs in the estate of the doctor, and 
built the brick house on Main street, on the same lot where 
the doctor built his first house. He built an ashery, and 
engaged extensively in the manufacture of pot and pearl 
ashes and lumber. He was active in the promotion of all 
public improvements, and erected many buildings in Can- 
toTi, notable among which is INIincr block, which has been 
twice destroyed by fire, and as frccjuontly rebuilt by him, 
each time more elegantly and expensively than before. It 
was not finished when Mr. Miner fell ill, and he did not 
live to see its completion in 1871. 

He gave liberally of his time, influence, and money to 
secure a railroad through Canton village, and was one of 



the directors'of the Watertown and Potsdam road while in 
process of construction. 

In 1851, Mr. Miner, with Colonel Orvis, of Massena, 
and David C. Judson, of Ogdensburg, conceived and inau- 
gurated the St. Lawrence County agricultural society, 
which was formed by their eiforts, and the first annual ex- 
hibition held. From that time to the day of his death, 
which occurred at seven p.m. of the last day of the 20th 
annual exhibition of the society, Mr. Miner was connected 
with it either as president or treasurer. 

He was the superintendent of the building of the acad- 
emy at Canton, and built the first sidewalk in tlie village, 
and laid the first section of a plank-road leading therefrom. 

He retired from the mercantile business in 1855, having 
given his attention thereto for thirty years. 

Mr. Miner was a life-long Democrat in polities, sincere 
and zealous for what he considered the best intei'ests of his 
party; and, although a member of the minority, wa.s often 
elected to honorable and trustworthy positions in tlie gift of 
the community. He was one of the superintendents of the 
county poor-house for seven years. 

He died Sept. 16, 1871, leaving his wife of forty-two 
years and the children which had blessed their union to 
mourn his loss, treasure his virtues, and venerate his name. 
His children are as follows: Elizabeth, now Mrs. D. D. 
Wead, residing at Sheldon. Vt. ; Charles M., of New York 
city; Catherine, wife of Frank Banksmith, of Memphis, 
Tenn. ; and Mary L., now Mrs. R. B. Ellsworth, of Canton. 

Mr. Miner w;is buried with ]NLa.sonic honors, he having 
been an eminent Mastm for many years, and a prominent 
member of the craft at a time when to be so connected wa,s 
to be in a mea.sure proscribed. 




i 



V^ ;^Pr^«^^# 



HON. SILAS BALDWIN. 



For more thau lialf a century Silas Baldwin has been a 
resident of Canton, and a prominent and highly respected 
citizen of the county of St. Lawrence. He was born in 
Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt., May 15, 1797, to which place 
his fether and mother, Silas and Priscilla (Carey) Baldwin, 
together with a number of relatives of the family name, 
liad previously removed from their native place, Mansfield, 
Conn. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1802. Silas Baldwin, Jr., 
as he was known during the earlier years of his life, was 
educated at Middlebury college, in his native State, gradu- 
ating therefrom in 1821. He chose the legal profession for 
the business of his life, and entered the office of Calvin 
Sheldon to pursue the study of the law. He subsequently, 
and for the principal portion of the time, continued his 
reading with Leonard Sargent, afterwards lieutenant-gover- 
nor of Vermont. Emigrating to Canton in 1824, he entered 
the office of Hon. Siks Wright, to fill the years of study 
in a lawyer's office required by the supreme court of New 
York before admission to the bar to practice the profession, 
and was admitted to the courts of the State as an attorney 
and counselor-at-law and solicitor in chancery in 1828. 
He had, however, in the mean time, been a partner of Mr. 
Wright, and shared the business of the office. 

He pursued the practice of the profe.ssiun until about 
1860, when he relinquished it, his duties as magistrate re- 
quiring his attention, a position he had held for twenty-five 
years then, and which term has been continued to the pres- 
ent time, a period of forty-four years. Though now past 
eighty years of age, his office is frequently thronged by liti- 
gants and their attorneys and witnesses, scarcely a day pa.ss- 
ing that his attention is not required in the di.scharge of his 
magisterial duties. His liealth, though somewhat enfeebled, 
does not seemingly becloud the powers and vigor of his 
mind, and his decisions rendered from tlie bench are clear 
and explicit, and as satisfactory as can be where adverse 
interests are adjudicated. 

Mr., or, as he is familiarly designated, Squire Baldwin's 



political life reaches backward through the history of all 
the great political parties of the Union. He was first a 
Jeffi3rsonian Democrat, in opposition to the Federalists, his 
father and himself being opposed to all the rest of the family. 
He joined the Whig party on its ri.se, and when that old 
organization gave way to the Republican party the S((uire 
cast in his political fortunes and faith with that organiza- 
tion, and still remains an active and zealous member of the 
same. His political preferment has been varied and con- 
tinuous, with the exception of the years between 1842 and 
1850. As before stated, he had been a justice of the peace 
from 1825 to 1842, and from 1850 to the present. He 
was supervisor of Canton in the years 1831, '32, and '33 ; 
assemblyman in 1854 and 1855 ; a justice of the sessions 
for twenty years altogether; and postmaster from 1 820 to 
1833, under John Quincy Adams, and General Jackson. 
He has been a member of the Presbyterian church of 
Canton since 1841, and clerk of the society for .several 
years, and was elected town clerk in 1857, which office, by 
successive elections, he still holds. 

In February, 1826, he was united in marriage to Harriet, 
daughter of Jeduthun Farweil, of Canton, who died in 
April, 1828, leaving no issue. 

In October, 182;). Mr. Baldwin was again married, tak- 
ing for his wife, Elizabeth Strong, daughter of John Strong, 
from Addison county, Vt. By her two children were born to 
him, Harriet F., now Mrs. Lucius V. Sherman, who resides 
with her father, and Jane McCure, now Mrs. Edward W. 
Perry. Mrs. Baldwin died March 1, 1864, in the commu- 
nion of the same church of which her husband is a member. 

And now as the life of this pioneer, already lengthened 
more than a decade beyond the allotted threescore years 
and ten, is drawing towards its close of activity, he can 
look back over its varied .shadows and sunshine, its strug- 
gles and its triumphs, and, with a serenity born of an un- 
faltering trust in One who doeth all things well, await with 
composure the inevitable hour that conies to all the living. 




'^^^^^^^^^^Jc^ 




As a record of success consequent upon constant and en- 
ergetic endeavor, we present to our readers a brief outline of 
the life of Jlurray N. Ralph, the youngest county clerk St. 
Lawrence county has had during her history of more than 
three-quarters of a century. Living all of his days to the 
present in his native town, Mr. Ralph can justly look with 
pride on his career thus far, and feel measurably satisfied 
with the degree of success that has resulted from his efibrts 
to build up a reputation and win a competency of this world's 
goods. Scarcely yet in the prime of life, the future is still 
opening before him with brightening pro.spects of a still 
more honorable and useful career, with promise of good yet 
to come to crown his meridian with happiness, comfort, and 
honor. 

Murray N. Ralph was born in the town of Canton, 
Nov. 7, 1842. His father, Stephen W. Kaliih, was born in 
Delhi, Delaware county. New York, and has been for many 
years a manufacturer of woolens in the village of Canton. 
His mother was Ursula E. Ralph, a native of Jefferson Co., 
N. Y. His brother, L. D. Ral]ih, is a prominent clothing 
merchant in Ogden.sburg, and another brother, Stephen W., 
now deceased, was formerly a druggist in the same city. 

Mr. Ralph was educated at the Canton academy, but left 
that institution when but thirteen years of age, and for a 
short time was engaged with his brother at Ogdensburg, in 
the drug-store of the latter. For a short time succeeding 
this clerkship he was engaged with his father in the factory 



at Canton, and went into the Flaindealer [printing office, 
where he remained until some time in the year 1860, when 
he again entered his brother's service in the drug-store, 
where he remained some two or three years, and returned 
to Canton and engaged again with his father in the factory. 
In 1867 he entered the county clerk's office as recorder 
under Moses Rich, then serving the last year of his term. 
He continued in this position during John Miller's incum- 
bency of three years, and upon Tiras H. Ferris' accession 
to the office was appointed by that gentleman deputy county 
clerk, and served as such during both terms of Mr. Ferris' 
occupancy of the office. In 1876, Mr. Ralph was elected 
successor to Mr. Ferris, his term of three years beginning 
Jan. 1, 1877. He is still discharging the important duties 
of his trust to the satisfaction of his large constituency, and 
especially of those whose immediate interests he has in 
charge as clerk of the courts of the county. In politics 
Mr. Ralph is a Republican. 

In October, 18G8, Mr. Ralph was united in marriage to 
Miss Imogene S. Perkins, daughter of F. J. Perkins, of 
Canton, of which town she also is a native. One child, 
a bright, active little girl of six years, Ella U., was born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph, whose dancing feet and merry laugh 
bring joy and sunshine around the hearthstone as only inno- 
cent, rippling, joyous childhood can. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph are regular attendants on the min- 
istrations of the Universalist church of Canton. 





WILLIAM PERRY, SR. 



MRS. WILLIAM PERRV. 



WILLIAiM PEKRY, SK, 



This old and well-known citizen was born March 20, 1796, in Clar- 
endon, Rutland Co., Vt. His father was of French origin, and a 
carpenter and joiner by trade. Jn 1790 he married Marj Felton, in 
■\Vorccstcr, Mass., and lived there, working at his trade until 1795, 
when he moved to Rutland county. Here he opened a tavern on the 
old Boston road, conducting it until the business became unprofitable. 
He then concluded to go to New York with the view of seeking a new 
home. After looking at various localities, in 1804, decided that St. 
Lawrence County combined the most advantages, and selected a farm 
on which the subject of our sketch now resides. Its present appear- 
ance is indicated by a cut which appears in this book, but at that 
time it was a body of heavy timber, abounding with game and beasts 
of prey. The first purchase consisted of 220 acres. In 1S05 he 
brought on his family, reaching his new home about the first of 
March. There were at that time but few settlers, and probably not 
more than a hundred acres of cleared land in town. Necessarily, 
there were many hardships to be endured and privations to be over- 
come which required a hardy, vigorous people. Mr. Perry at once 
applied himself with great zeal to this great work and was a moving 
spirit in his neighborhood, being active in every good work; and 
himself and wife were members of the First Methodist Ejdcopal 
church, of Canton. 

In the daj'S when the militia was considered an indispensable ad- 
junct of the country, Mr. Perry was chosen captain of a company 
and was known by this title until his death, Aug. 31, 1840. lie was 
highly esteemed by his townsmen for his sterling worth as a citizen^ 
and no man was more universally esteemed as a neighbor than plain 
William Perry. His wife had departed this life several years pre- 
vious, Oct. 23, 1830, and was also highly respected for her many 
amiable and Christian qualities, which had endeared her to a large 
circle of friends. 

The immediate subject of this sketch, known as Wm.. senior, after 
his father's death, is the first of eight chililreu, and all but one of 
whom lived to rear families of their own. He was married to Betsey 
Heaton, Jan. 20. 1820. She was a daughter of James and Susannah 
Beaton, who came from New Hampshire among the first settlers. 



The fruits of this happy union were r^even children: Betsey L., the 
wife of Alonzo Buttcrfield ; Herman Felton, a graduate of Union Col- 
lege, and a banker at Clear Springs, Md.; Hiram U., also a graduate 
of the above college, died Oct. 31. 1872; William, residing on the 
farm, is one of the leading citizens of the town : Mary S., the wife of 
A. W. Alexander, a prominent lawyer in St. Louis; Emily A., and 
Saphrouia, residing with their father, and ministering to his comfort 
in his old age. 

After walking life's path together for nearly half a century, in the 
latter years of which Mrs. Perry was iu ])Oor health, Mr. Perry was 
deprived of his devoted consort, Aug. 24, 1809, and has since waited 
patiently to join her on the other side. They began their married 
life with no other capital than that afforded by ready hands and a 
strong will to succeed iu their ]>urposes. These traits enabled them 
to possess the old homestead, after years ot toil, to satisfy the demands 
of the other heirs. Notwithstanding they had this object in view, it 
never occurred to them to deprive their children of an education 
that they might the more quickly accomplish it. They have given 
their children a liberal education, and lived to receive their blessing 
for this rich legacy. 

Mr. Perry has ever taken a deep interest in educational matters, 
and has been ready to contribute of his means for the erection of 
institutions of learning. Although not an active politician, Mr. Perry 
has not neglected his duties as a citizen.' Since he has attained his 
majority he has not missed a single election, except the fall election 
in 1877. His first vote for presiilent was cast for Gen. Jackson, and 
his last for Gen. Hayes. He remained a Democrat until the troubles 
in Kansas revealed to him the danger to the country which attended 
slavery, when he became an active, earnest adherent of the Republican 
cause. As a member of that party he has often been consulted about 
its interests by the leaders, and his counsels were always attended 
with success. 

Mr. Perry is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Can- 
ton, to which he has contributed liberally and ungrudgingly. Thus 
he lives in his 82d year, having survived his early associates, and 
residing longer in the town of Canton than any other man. 



Va-?j- 




HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



23:i 




The lives of public men belong to tlie public, hence an 
outline of the same is properly within the province of our 
Work, which essays to be the reflection of the settlement 
and progress of St. Lawrence County. And peculiarly 
appropriate is the sketch of the life of the present subject, 
George Robinson, who stands at the head of the grandest 
charity of St. Lawrence — the county poor-hou.sc — and its 
offshoot, the Children's Home, the latter of which is the 
creation of Mr. Robinson's humanity. Both of these in- 
stitutions being fully described in our general history of the 
county, it seemed most fitting that he under whose man- 
agement they are both successfully conducted should be 
also placed upon our pages in a becoming manner. 

George Robinson was born in Massena, St. Lawrence 
Co., Jan. 27, 1819. His parents, Daniel and Ksthcr (Kil- 
bourne) Robinson, were natives of New England, the father 
coming to St. Lawrence County in 1800, and his wife and 
family two years later. At the age of nine years, Mr. 
Ge<prge Robinson lost his mother by death ; too young to 
realize a bereavement that in later years brings with it the 
keenest anguish a child's heart can feel. Mr. Robin.s<in's. 
educational advantages were limited to a term of three 
months per year at the district schools of the town until he 
was sixteen years old, when he was called to take a vacant 
clerkship in the store of Ebenezer Miner, at Ma.ssena I'uint, 
temporarily, but which proved to be the beginning of a 
long and successful career as a merchant. After serving 
Mr. Miner a short time, he engaged similarly in Canada, 
opposite to the Point, from whence, after a few months, he 
was transferred to Ogdcnsburg, where the firm with whom 
he was employed had a branch establishment. Here he 
remained twelve years as clerk and partner in the hardware 
trade. At the close of this period he was ajipointed jiost- 
30 



master at Ogdensburg by President Zaehary Taylor, and 
held the position four years, till June, 1853. He then 
removed to the village of Morley, in the town of Canton, 
where he engaged in milling and the manufacture of lumber 
until 1870, when, being elected superintendent of the poor 
of St. Lawrence, be rexnoved his residence to Canton, and 
has since given his entire attention to the discharge of the 
delicate duties of his important trust to the present time 
He was re-elected in 1873, and again in 1876, which re- 
peated elections by the people of the county is the best 
proof of their estimate of his worth for the position, the 
proper discharge of the duties of which re(|uires sound 
judgment, nice discrimination, courteous, but firm, bearing, 
added to a keen and appreciative sense of the real distresses 
of the unfortunate poor, who are with us always. During 
Mr. Robinson's second and present term, the Children's 
Home was established mainly through his efforts, and has 
been succes.sfully managed by him thus far, as will more 
fully appear by a reference to the history of that charity 
elsewhere in our work. His record, of which he may be 
proud, in connection with that otiier important charity 
maintained by his fellow-citizens of the country, the poor- 
hou.se and farm, will also be found in connection with the 
history of the same, he being the active member of the 
board of superintendents having that charity in charge, and 
the house and the farm being conducted under his especia' 
direction and management. The di-sbursemcnts of the 
superintendents for the poor-liouse, home, and temporary 
relief for the past year, as will be seen by such reference, 
amount to more than §40,0(10, and the heaviest burden of 
this extensive business falls to the lot of Mr. Robinson. It 
is impo.ssible in the discharge of such a trust that complaints 
I'rom some quarters should not arise against those distrib- 



234 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



uting the alms of the people, but the mass of the intelli- 
gence of the county arc in sympathy with tlieir officials, 
and give only coninicndation of their course. 

In politics Mr. Robinson is a Republican, and was for- 
merly a member of the AVhig party. He served as super- 
visor of Canton in 1857 and 1858. 

In September, 185t), ho was united iti maniage to Miss 
Cordelia V. Buck, a native of Madrid, St. Lawrence County, 
but whose residence has been in Canton since her infancy. 
Her father, Lemuel Buck, was a native of Vermont. Two 
children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, 
one of whom only is now living, viz., Nelson Lemuel. 
Mrs. Robinson is a membor of the Universalist church of 
Canton. 



JOHN MALTERNER. 

About 1810, Albert Malterner, a native of Herkimer 
county, came as a pioneer to Somerville, St. Lawrence 
County, where he lived an exemplary life until 1863, when 
death removed him from the midst of his friends at the 
ripe old age of ninety-four years. This was the father of 
John Malterner, the oldest of eight children, and who was 
born at his parents' new home September 12, 1810. Until 
his nineteenth year his boyhood was passed on his father's 
farm. He then engaged as a clerk in the store of Solomon 
Pratt, at Somerville, remaining until his failing health 
warned him to seek a more active employment. Having 
recovered his health, he entered into partnership with Mr. 
Pratt, but was again forced to give up his mercantile life 
on account of poor health. In 1852 he settled permanently 
on the farm on which he at present resides, and enjoys the 
reputation of being one of the representative self-made men 
and solid farmers of the county. Although not an active 
politician, and never an office-seeker, Mr. Malterner takes a 
deep interest in political matters, and belongs to the Repub- 
lican party. He was united in marriage with Maritte K. 
Comins, by whom he has three children, — Perley C, living 
at home ; Albert J., a stock-breeder in Kansas; and Silas 
N., a citizen of Colorado. 



EPHRAIM PICKERT 

is a son of Frederick and Catharine (^Windecker) Pickert. 
He was born August 13, 1815. His youth was passed on 
his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, when he 
began life for himself by working by the mouth until he 
was twenty-one. At this age he married Catharine, daughter 
of John and Margaret Davis, of the same county (Herkimer j. 
Of the family of eight children which blessed this union, 
four are now living: Hiram, in the town of Potsdam ; Alex- 
ander, on the homestead ; Ucorge, in Canton ; Melvina is 
the wife of D. D. Delanee, also of St. Lawrence County. 
The oldest son, Alonzo, was in the army of the Potomac, 
was wounded, and died in J^ouisiana with the consumption. 
In 1839, Mr. Pickert settled in Lewis county, and nine 
years later on the farm which he now occupies, a view of 
which appears in this work, and which indicates him to be 



a successful man. The improvements are among the best 
in the county, and have been designed, to a large extent, 
by Alexander, who served in the Federal army nearly three 
years. He subsequently married Miss Emma Delanee. 
Father and son are earnest Republicans, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Pickert are members of the Universalist church at Canton. 



NELSON SANDERSON. 

The parents of this gentleman, Ebenezer Sanderson, born 
Feb. 4, 1793, and Lucy Priest, born April 29, 1*95, were 
united in marriage in Shrewsbury, Vt., Feb. 12, 1814, and 
soon after moved to the town of Canton, about three miles 
from the village. Here Nelson Sanderson was born, Jan. 
2, 1817, and his boyhood days were passed on this farm, 
rendering his father such assistance as he was able. He 
early evinced a strong desire to educate himself, and being 
granted the privilege to attend the academy at Canton, he 
did so, going and coming daily on foot. He succeeded in 
obtaining the elements of an education which luis served 
him well in the business of life, and which has distinguished 
him as one of the leading men of his neighborhood. Mr. 
Sanderson has always lived on the old homestead, a view of 
which a])pears in this book, where his father died and where 
his mother still lives, having passed the allotted fourscore 
years, receiving the care of dutiful children. 

On Dec. 25, 1839, Mr. Sanderson was united in marriage 
with Zaida Langdon, daughter of Peter Langdon, a pioneer 
in South Canton. Mrs. Sanderson was born Sept. 5, 1818.- 
The union of this worthy couple has been blest with three' 
children, Ebenezer, Carrie, and Emma, all of whom re- 
main in the neighborhood of their youth. 



WILLIAM ORRIN SQUIRES. 

Salmon Ward Squir es, father of the subject of this sketch, 
with his wife, Anna (Wells) Squires, emigrated from Dorset, 
Vt., in the year 1806, and settled iu the neighborhood now 
known as South Canton. He was here in 1799, and as- 
sisted in the survey of the town, and at that time made 
choice of the land on which he afterwards located, the same 
being lot 1, range 9. He built a log house on the bank of 
a .small stream that was on his firm, and in 1814 erected 
a large frame house, which is still standing, and moved out 
of the old and humble home into the new and more pre- 
. tent ions one. 

William Orrin Squires w'as born in the town of Canton, 
on the homestead which now forms a portion of his farm, 
Feb. 10, 1823. He attended the common schools of that 
day, and worked on the farm. When far enough advanced 
in his studies he entered the Canton academy, where he 
completed his education, which he early made practical as 
a teacher. While in the State of Vermont he became ac- 
quainted with Mi.^s Susan French, daughter of Nathaniel 
and Polly French, with whom he was united in marriage 
Jan. 13, 1850. Mrs. Squires was born in the town of 
(Glover, Orleans Co., Vt., Jan. 29, 1826. They have had 
two children born to them and now living, Abby, now in 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



235 



Massachusetts, and Eugenia May, living at home. Mr. 
Squires, except when teaching, has all his life pursued the 
occupation of a farmer, and has in his farm two hundred 
and fifteen acres. In his religious views he inclines to the 
TJniversalist faith. Through life he has never been an as- 
pirant to public place or office, but has lived honestly and 
industriously, giving to every man his due, and attending 
strictly and constantly to the business of his farm, and 
has won the esteem and respect of all who know him. A 
sketch of his home, and portraits of himself and worthy 
helpmeet, adorn another page of our work. 





The reputation of John Miller, of Canton, is co-extensive 
with the limits of the county wherein ho has been an hon- 
orable resident fur half a century, and he is as favorably as 
he is widely known. " John," as he is familiarly called by 
all who are acquainted with him, has been before the vision 
of the people of the county, either in business callings or 
official, for nearly forty years, and though his head is now 
whitened with the frosts of threescore winters yet his pop- 
ularity does not seem to diminish, but rather increases, as 
his years roll on. 

His father was Levi Miller, who was born in Worcester, 
Mass., in 1780, and soon after removed with his p'arent,s to 
Chester, in the western part of Massachusetts. In 1802 
he left the paternal roof and located in Turin, Lewis Co., 
N. Y., where he worked successfully at the trade of a car- 
penter. He wiis married at the age of twenty-four years, 
and settled on a farm near Constablcville, in the town of 
Turin. In 1808, or shortly afterward, he and his wife 
connected themselves with the Methodist Episcopal church, 



and Mr. Miller became a leading member, being successively 
class-leader, local preacher, deacon, and elder, the latter office 
being conferred on him at the age of forty years. In 1823 
he removed with his family to Louisville, St. Lawrence Co., 
and for fourteen years was land agent for James McVickar. 
As a farmer and mechanic Mr. Miller was active and suc- 
cessful ; as a leader and preacher he was ardent, zealous, 
and faithful to his vows. He died at tne age of seventy- 
three years, leaving behind him a character untainted by 
wrong or deceit, and is remembered for his good deeds by 
a large acquaintance. 

He was blest with a family of eight childi-en, five sons 
and three daughters. The sons were active representative 
men of the community, three of them serving several terms 
as supervisor of their town, and one, Levi, was twice 
elected to the a.ssembly of the State. John Miller, the 
more immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Turin, 
Lewis Co., January 23, 1816, and removed with his parents 
to Louisville in 1823. He received such advantages a.s 
were accorded by the district schools of his boyhood days 
in the way of an education, and at the age of seventeen 
engaged as a clerk with Benjamin Phillips, at Mas-sena, in 
a country store. In the fall of 1837 he engaged in the 
mercantile line with his brother Levi, and continued so 
connected until 1840, and then gave his attention to farm- 
ing until 1844. From that date to 1847 he was engaged 
in Canada as foreman on the Long Saut canal, and in lum- 
bering. In the latter year he turned his attention again to 
forming, and remained so engaged until 1850. From 1850 
to 1855 he was superintending a lumber manufactory, and 
at the latter date engaged in the mercantile business at 
Morley with McAllister & Finnimore. He removed to 
Canton in 1862, at which time his more public life began. 

He entered the county clerk's office as deputy county 
clerk, which position he filled for six years ; and so accept- 
ably that the position was terminated simply by his election 
to the principalship of the office, which latter position he 
filled for one term of three years. For the years inter- 
vening between December 31, 1870, and January 1, 1877, 
Mr. Bliller's time and attention were occupied with his pro- 
fessional i)ractice as a lawyer, having been admitted to the 
bar in 1870, and his magisterial duties as police justice of 
Canton, to which office he was elected in 1871, and which 
position he still retains. On January 1, 1877, he re-entered 
the clerk's office as deputy clerk, and is thus engaged at the 
present writing. 

Mr. Miller was fir.st elected to the office of justice of the 
peace in 1862. He was also school commissioner of Louis- 
ville for six years. He was an ardent Whig while that old 
party was in existence, and naturally fell into the ranks of 
the Republican organization at its inception, and is a zealous 
partisan and has? ever been. 

On the 4th day of March, 1844, Mr. Miller was united 
ill marriage to Jane Eliza, daughter of Allan McLeod, Esq., 
of Scottish birth. She was born in Williamsburg, Canada, 
December 30, 1814, and at the age of two years came with 
her parents to Louisville, in which town she was married. 
Three children blest this union, a daughter and two sons: 
Mary E., born Jlay 4, 1845, died in August, 1867 ; John 
S., born May 4, 1847 ; and George A., born September 21, 



236 



iiiSTonr OF ST. lawiip:nce county, new york. 



1849. The sons are now lawyers in Cliicago, John having 
been ndniitted to the bar at the same time with his father, 
and (jcori^e receiving tlie diploma of the law dejiartmont of 
the St. Lawrence university in 1873. John graduated 
from the same university in 1 8G9, and was professor of 
mathematics and German therein during the years 1871 to 
1873, and professor of liatin and Greek in 1873-74. lie 
is a member of the j)rominent law firm of Herbert, Quick 
& Miller, of Chicago, and George is in the same office. 



IMrs. Miller was a communicant of the Episcopal church, 
and died November 21, 1877. She was a Christian lady 
from her youth, and zealous in all good works ; she left 
behind her a name more precious I ban rubies, and memo- 
ries that linger with her companion and children that shall 
brighten and grow more precious as the time passes, till the 
reunion in that land where the broken bands of love and 
affection .shall be ry-united, and partings aud sorrow shall 
be no more. 



POTSDAM. 



In the month of June, 1803, a company of six or eight 
men might have been seen making their way in a south- 
ea.sterly direction, over ridges covered with maple and 
beech, and through glades dark with hendock, pine, and 
cedar, in the western part of what is now the town of Pots- 
dam. The leader was a tall, slender, though well-built 
young man of twenty-eight, with light hair and complexion, 
and already wearing that air of command which is the 
birthright of the natural leaders of men. This was Benja- 
min Raymond, agent of the proprietors of Potsdam, and 
then on the point of opening that town for settlement. 

As stated at large in the general liLstory of the county, 
the survey-township of Potsdam, named afler the ancient 
capital of Prussia, had been laid out aud sold at auction by 
the State, with the rest of the " ten towns," in 1787, had 
been patented to Alexander Slacondj tiic same year, and 
transferred from him through William Constable and others, 
so that in 1803, when .settlement began, it was owned in 
three tracts : one tract, two miles by five, in the northwest 
corner, by David A. and Thomas S. Ogden ; another, also 
two miles by five, in the northeast corner, by Charles Le 
Roux ; while the title of the main tract, eight miles by 
ten, was vested in Garret Van Home and David M. Clark- 
son. The.se, however, held it in trust for a company con- 
sisting of themselves, Nicholas Fish (father of Hon. Ham- 
ilton Fishj, Hermon Le Roy, William Bayard, and James 
McEvers. 

It was these six gentlemen who had appointed Mr. Ray- 
mond their agent, and had sent him forth to manage and 
sell their land. He had previously been engaged as a sur- 
veyor in this section, both in I'unning out the townships 
and in laying them off in mile-si|uare lots, and was conse- 
quently well acquainted with the country in which he was 
to operate. Having embarked at Rome, Oneida Co., in 
May, 1803, with a bateau, or large boat, laden with mill- 
irons, provisions, and other necessaries for his purpose, Mr. 
Raymond and his half-dozen employees had made their toil- 
some way through Oneida lake, Oswego river, Lake Onta- 
rio, and the St. Lawrence river to i'oint Iroquois, above 
Waddington. There they had left a j)art of their little 
cargo, and with the remainder piled on two or three ox- 



sleds, they made a kind of jiath through the forest to their 
point of destination. 

Thus we find them at the time we have deemed most 
meet to begin a detailed history of the town, leaving prior 
matters, in which large tracts of country were involved, to 
the general history of the county. Before proceeding with 
the adventures of the pioneers, however, we may mention 
that the survey-township of Potsdam was then a part of the 
civil town of Madrid, which had been" formed, with the 
county of St. Lawrence, the year before. 

Still pressing on, and clearing their own way through 
the forest, Raymond and his companions at length reached 
the west bank of the Raquette river, about half a mile 
below the falls, where Potsdam village now stands. The 
river-bank being difficult to travel on, Mr. Raymond directed 
the building of a raft of cedar logs, and with this the ad- 
venturers made their way up to the foot of the falls. They 
landed on the west .side, built a log hut on the rocks, and 
began the erection of a sawmill. This was got in opera- 
tion the same year, and was the first frame building erected 
in town. 

Mr. Raymond also opened a land-office in the log house 
before mentioned, and offered lots for sale at S2.50 per 
acre. In the course of the summer came Ebenezcr Patter- 
son with his family, who occupied the " land-office," and 
boarded Mr. R.'s workmen. This was the first white fam- 
ily, and Mrs. Patterson was the first white woman in town, 
and, as no other women or children came that year, Mrs. 
Patterson enjoyed for several months the unquestioned dis- 
tinction among the pioneers of being " the handsomest 
woman in Potsdam." 

The names of those who came from Rome with Mr. Ray- 
mond cannot now be ascertained, but perhaps some of them 
were numbered among those who took contracts for land 
that year. The following is a list of those who took con- 
tracts, or deeds, in the order of time, the first being dated 
June 9, 1803, and the next two on the following day: 
Christopher Wilson, Jabez Healey, John Fobes, Moses Pat- 
terson, Elihu Knights, Asa Knapp, Elias Champion, Gur- 
don Smith, Joshua Conkey, Francis Whitney, John De- 
lance, Benjamin Stewart, Giles Parmcle, Sylvanus Eatun, 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



237 



Archibald Royce, William Smith, Chester Dewey, Nathaniel 
Bailey, David French, Esau Rich, Reuben Ames, Barnabas 
Ames, Benjamin Bailey, Howard J. Pierce, Newell B. 
Smith, Ansel Bailey, Ebenezer Hubbard, and Ebcnezer 
Patterson. 

Only two of these took deeds that year, — Benjamin Stew- 
art and William Smith. Mr. Stewart's was the first deed 
given to a settler in the town, being dated July 9, 1803, 
and covering the northwest part of lot 42. Jlr. Smith's 
deed is still in the possession of his son, W. A. Smith, 
who has permitted us to examine it. It is dated Sept. 
19, 1803, is signed by Garret Van Home and David M. 
ClarksoUjliy Benjamin Raymond, their attorney, and grants 
to William Smith, of Shoreham, Vt., 320 acres of land, 
being the north half of lot 26, in the town of Potsdam, 
for the sum of $800. It was witnessed by Ebenezer Park- 
hurst, Jr., and Nathan S. Douglass. 

We cannot learn that any of those before named, except 
Patterson, remained through the winter, though probably 
some did. Most of them came on and examined the land 
before purchasing, and many of them made preparations for 
occupation. Mr. Versal Healey, a son of Jabez Healey, who 
took the second contract, says that the last-named person 
and his brother-in-law, John Fobes, came from Vermont 
together to look for land. They rode through from Lake 
Champlain on horseback, following the township lines 
marked by the surveyors. Arriving at the falls of Ra- 
quette river, on the east side, they saw no one, but discov- 
ered a raft of cedar logs moored to the bank. They em- 
barked on this ; Mr. Healey poling the raft across the stream, 
while Mr. Fobes held the bridles of the horses, which 
swam behind the rude craft. Arriving on the other side, they 
found Land-agent Raymond standing in the door of his 
log office, with a bottle of rum ready to welcome the new- 
comers, — this being the universal method of giving welcome 
in those days. Mr. R. was the only man in the immediate 
vicinity, the Jiired men being at work in the woods. 

The two adventurers spent two or three weeks in exam- 
ining the country, and finally both took contracts for land, 
about five miles from the falls, near the road to Canton. 
This road and several others were surveyed by Raymond 
that summer ; all running in almost exactly straight lines, 
and all centering at the falls, where he intended there 
should be a village. The road from Stockholm to Can- 
ton was cleared of underbrush during the summer so 
that teams could pass. After Healey and Fobes had 
selected their land they returned to Vermont, and then 
Healey and his eldest son, Amasa, a youth of eighteen, 
came back to Potsdam the same fall, with packs on their 
backs, to prepare a place for the family. 

They built a log house on the laud before selected, and 
cut down two or three acres of timber around it. The near- 
est house in which a family lived was four miles west, in the 
present town of Canton, and there for a while Mr. Healey and 
his son boarded. The youngster, however, gave up, and de- 
clared that he couldn't go four miles night and morning and 
live entirely on venison and corn bread and chop all day 
besides. Mr. H. then went to Ogdensburg and bought 
some groceries, and they put up a hut, in which they kept 
" bachelor's hall' during; the rest of their labors. When 



these were finished, they again returned to Vermont with 
their packs on their backs. 

Early the next spring (1804) Mr. Healey came through, 
with his wife, eight or ten children, three horses, and a lot 
of cattle. They went to St. Regis ; thence up Grasse river 
on the ice to Canton, and thence across to their new home, 
that being the only available road. V'ess.al, the seventh son, 
was then a year old. 

Mr. Smith and Mr. Fobes also brought their family in 
the spring of 1804, and in the course of the season numer- 
ous others came, including a large proportion of those who 
took land the previous year. Among those who are known 
to have come in 1804 were Christopher Wilson, Benj. 
Bailey, Howard J. Pierce, Benjamin Stewart, John De- 
lance, Joseph Bailey, and his sons Nathaniel and Ansel ; 
the latter afterwards known as Judge Bailey. Mr. Ray- 
mond also brought his famil}' from Rome that spring. 

One of the prominent settlers of that year was Gurdon 
Smith, who located at the point now called West Potsdam, 
but which long bore the name of " Smith's Corners."' Mr. 
S. had been the chief one of the corps of surveyors who, 
under the general management of Benjamin Wright, had 
surveyed a large part of Macomb's purchase. It is said 
that when he first arrived at the falls of Raquette river, 
while .surveying, before the settlement, the only indication 
of civilization that he found was a solitary tuft of timothy 
grass. This might well be considered emblematical of the 
future of Potsdam ; for grass has been and is likely to be 
the chief reliance of that locality. 

This year (1804) there was a new crowd of land-buyers ; 
the list including the names of Ebenezer Parkhurst, Jr., 
William Ames, Barnabas Hogle, Thomas Bowker, David 
Covey, Jehiel Slafter, Joseph Wright, LebljejiS Jahnson, 
Bester Pierce, Rosweil Parkhurst, Alvin Jlills, Reuben 
Field, John Bowker, Spalding Waterman, Ezra Crarey, 
and William Bullard, and his associates. Many of these, 
besides examining their tracts, began improvements. Axes 
rang merrily in numerous Ideations, and the deer, then com- 
mon in every glade, found unwonted intruders encroaching 
on their ancient retreats. The price of land this year was 
from two dollars and three-fourths to three dollars and a 
half 

Meanwhile, Mr. Raymond was pushing forward a grist- 
mill at the falls, the property of the land proprietors, which 
was raised and partly finished that summer, but not got in 
operation till the next year. Ebenezer Wright, a brother- 
in-law of Raymond, was the millwright. When the mill 
was ready to raise, all the population of Canton, Potsdam, 
and Stockholm was called together, and two days were oc- 
cupied in the task. The first day the sills were fastened 
in their places and the bents made ready for raising. When 
this was done some one ofi"ered to bet two gallons of rum 
that there were no four men in the crowd who. with 
two handspikes, could raise one of the corners ofi" from 
the underpinning. Christopher Wilson, Jabez Healey, 
Benjamin Stewart, and John Delance took the bet, raised 
the corner, and won the rum. The next day the ponderous 
bents were lifted to their places, and then the " ardent'' was 
still more copiously dispensed. Rum and whisky came 
very near being legal tender in those days. 



238 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



The same summer Mr. Raymond built the first frame 
dwelliii!^ iti town. It was on the west side of the river, 
where he evidently expected the village to be. Being in- 
tended to be used as a dwcllinti;-liouse, store, and land-office 
all in one, it was built with two wings, the whole forming 
a cross. Its shape caused it to be dubbed " The Fox and 
Geese House" by the pioneers, and as such it was known 
as long as it stood. 

The first child born in Potsdam was Orplia Maria Smith, 
daughter of William Smith, born on the 20th day of April, 
1804. The next two were Lovina Hcaley, daughter of 
Jabez Healey, and a daughter of Benjamin Raymond, both 
born on the 14th day of October, in the same year. It is 
a matter of dispute whether the first boy was a Covey or 
a Knights. The marriage of John Delance and Nancy 
Healey took place in the summer of 1804, and was, in all 
probability, the first in town. 

We have mentioned that a tract of land was contracted 
for by " William Bullard and his associates" in 1804. This 
took place on the 2Sth day of November, in that year, when 
a contract was given for 2427 acres to William Bullard, 
who acted on behalf of himself and of William, Thomas H., 
and Annie Currier, J. Buttolph, John Burroughs, J. and 
R. Field, Nathan Howe, John McAllaster, E. and S. Shaw, 
M. Smith, D. and L. Wyman, and B. Wells. The tract 
was situated from one to three miles north of the present 
village of Potsdam, and contained parts of mile square lots 
and 27, 28, 2!>, 37, 38, and 39, the whole, however, being 
on the east side of Raquette river. The total price was 
$8300, or about $3.42 per acre. Mr. Bullard had projected 
an organization somewhat on the Fourierite plan, in which 
all the property was to be held and all the work to be done 
in common. 

The next year some of the associates came on and beg^in 
improvements, but no formal unicm was then con.sum- 
mated. 

Mr. Raymond having gone with his family to stay during 
the winter of 1804-5 in a more civilized conimunitv, was 
returning in the spring of the latter year, accompanied by 
his family, by his brother-in-law, Wright, and his family,. 
and by his cousin, Sewall Raymond, all in sleighs, when 
they were completely deserted by the snow at Ox Bow, on 
the Oswegatchie river, in the edge of Jefferson county. 
The energetic agent immediately directed the building of 
a raft out of about thirty pine logs, on which the sleighs, 
goods, and families were placed, and on which they pro- 
ceeded down the swollen stream to Cooper's Falls, in Be 
Kalb. The horses were sent overland, in charge of Sewall 
Raymond, and from Cooper's Falls there was enough snow 
to serve the party to Potsdam. 

In 1805 the list of land-buyers included Ezekiel Wilson, 
Paul Raymond, Horace Garfield, Ebenezer Jackson, Dyer 
Bottuni, Elijah Stevens, Azariah Orton, David Hendee, 
Levi Wyman, Josiah Fuller, William Pike, Charles Cox, 
Benjamin Pratt, Levi West, Jeremiah Gilmorc, Abraham 
Collins, Samuel Harris, Levi Swift, Frederick Currier, 
Josiah Fuller, A. Powers, Asa Goodnow, Abner Royce, 
Jr., Andrew Patterson, Timothy Parker, Luther Savin, Wil- 
liam Isham, Timothy Shcpard, and Larned Rich. Besides 
these, several of those who had purchased in previous years 



renewed their contracts, or took others, so that their names 
appear more than once on the books of the land-office. 

David French moved into town in the beginning of 
March, 1805. He was obliged to leave part of his effects 
on the way, like many others, on account of the badness of 
the roads. He managed to find transportation for two 
.shotcs, however, but soon after bis arrival the bears relieved 
him of the care of one of them. The only clearing be- 
tween his place (where his son, Ira T., now lives) and the 
falls was that of Chester Dewey, on the fiirm now owned 
by Stewart Sayles. That farm had a large amount of inter- 
vale on it, which the industrious beavers had covered with 
water by means of a dam. Nathan Crarey, with his son, 
Orrin, and eleven other children, also moved into town in 
1805. 

As near as can be ascertained, it was in 1805 that the 
first settlement was made on the " Ogden Tract," in the 
northwest corner of the town, by Isaac Buck, who then 
built a house and began a clearing in the locality, since 
known as Buck's Bridge, about half a mile from the Madrid 
line. 

It was in 1805 also, in the month of July, that the first 
death occurred in Potsdam. It was that of James Chad- 
wick, a young man from Massachusetts, who was at work 
with Horace Garfield, near where the old Clarkson mansion 
stood, and was killed by the falling of a limb of a tree. 
This leads us to remark in passing, how many times in our 
investigations we have discovered that the first death in a 
town has been cau.sed by the falling of a tree. Such an 
accident seems to have been one of the most serious dangers 
that the pioneers had to encounter. 

Among the earliest settlers of the town was John Smith, 
an uncle of Joseph Smith, the celebrated Mormon leader. 
He was f )r many years quite a respectable resident of Pots- 
dam, but when his nephew turned up as a prophet, John 
Smith joined him, went to Utah, and became high-priest of 
the Mormon church. After his death, his .son, George A. 
Smith, a native of Potsdam, attained the same position, and 
still holds it. Samuel Smith, another uncle of Joseph, 
was also a resident of Potsdam. 

It is almostiieedless to say that the early pioneers found 
still earlier inhabitants of the lands they were appropriating 
to themselves. Notwithstanding the loss of an occasional 
shote, it does not appear that the bears were extremely 
troublesome, and the old settlers of St. Lawrence County 
have much less to say about the depredations of wolves on 
their sheep than those of some other localities. Deer, how- 
ever, were remarkably abundant, and no one who could live 
on veni.son need lack for food. They seemed to be attracted 
to the clearings both by curiosity and love of grain, and 
were sometimes so common that it was not thought worth 
while to spend powder and ball upon them. Benjamin 
Smith, son of Gurdon Smith, told Hon. AV. A. Dart that, 
when a boy, he was frequently sent to drive the deer out of 
the wheat. 

Indians, too, were quite common, though none had a 
permanent residence in this vicinity. They used to come 
up from St. Regis in the fall with their squaws and papooses, 
build bark cabins in the woods, hunt and trap all winter, 
and return in bark canoes on the floods of early spring. It 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



239 



would appear tliat they had formeily been in the habit of 
drajrging their canoes up-stream, where it was too rapid to 
row up, if it is true, as tradition asserts, that the Itidian 
name of Potsdam was Teivutenetarenies, meaning a place 
where the ground settles under feet in dragging up a canoe. 
At one time they had five cabins on the land of Jabez 
Healey. They were generally peaceable towards the whites, 
but made very free with their houses, walking in without 
rapping, and occasionally indulging in a dance on the 
puncheon floors if the spirit so moved them. 

One day in 1S05 or lSU(i, Mr. Healey and John Uelance, 
while ut work togetiier in the woods, heard the screaming 
of a woman at Mr. Healey's house. The thought of Indian.s 
at once occurred to both of them, and they sprang towards 
home at their best speed. Arriving there tliey found a 
number of Indians dancing in the house, but the screams 
came from a squaw whom her drunken husband was beating 
in the road. She had got his knife, and he was pounding 
her to make her give it up. 

The two men went up and endeavored to persuade him 
to stop. He made a menacing movement toward Delance, 
when the latter at once knocked him down. The proverbial 
danger of interfering between man and wife was cjuickly 
illustrated, for the squaw at once assailed her rescuer, knife 
in hand. Healey however, swung his axe aloft, and she 
slunk back. IMeauwhiie, the Indian arose, ran to the house, 
and got his gun. Some of the others, however, divining 
his intent, knocked the priming out of the pan, thus ren- 
dering it for the time harmless. jMr. Healey also suspected 
his object and followed close upon his steps. The savage 
reached the house first, and snapped the weapon full at the 
breast of the white man. Tiie latter seized his antagonist 
by the shoulders and thrust him down upon a bench with a 
force that nearly jarred the breath out of him. 

The knock-down, the set-down, and the whisky, alto- 
gether, were too much for the red man ; he gave up, and 
began to cry. After a plentiful lachrymal indulgence, he 
wanted to " make up" with Healey and Delance, and to 
express the reconciliation in Indian form by each antago- 
nist kissing the back of his opponent's hand. Mr. Healey, 
knowing the importance of keeping on good terms with the 
savages, readily assented, and gravely went through with 
the ceremony, but Delance declared that he wouldn't " kiss 
hands with any damned Indian," and a reconciliation, so 
far as he was concerned, was left unaccomplished. 

For several of the first years the Indians furnished almost 
the only market the whites had. The former had money 
which they obtained for furs, and they would frequently 
buy corn, " pooter" (as they called butter), and other prod- 
ucts of the farm. Rum, and whisky, too, they would buy 
whenever they could, and the settler who could procure a 
barrel of either article thought himself on the high road to 
fortune. For wheat they did not care, as they had no 
means of grin<ling it, while corn could easily be parched 
and then pounded in a mortar. Consequently, wheat could 
hardly be sold at any price. 

By the beginning of 180G the people of the survey-town- 
ship of Potsdam felt strong enough to support a town or- 
ganization of their own. A petition was accordingly sent 
to the legislature, and on the 21st day of February, in that 



j'car, an act was passed creating the town of Potsdam, which 
corresponded in size to the survey-townships of the same 
name, covering an area of ten miles square, or one hundred 
square miles. A town-meeting day was appointed, but the 
inhabitants neglected to assemble. Consequently, as the 
law then stood, three justices of the peace, residing "in or 
near" the town, were authorized to appoint the necessary 
oflncers. Accordingly, on the 4th day of April, 180G, 
three justices, whose names do not appear on the record, 
assembled and appointed the following officers, — the first 
in the town of Potsdam : 

Supervisor, Benjamin Raymond ; Town Clerk, Gurdon 
Smith; Commissioners of Highways, Bester Pierce, David 
French, and Gurdon Smith ; Assessors, Giles Paruiele, 
Horace Garfield, and Benjamin Bailey ; Overseers of the 
Poor, Jabez Healey and David French ; Pound-masteis, 
William Smith and Oliver Boyden ; Overseers of High- 
ways (path-masters), Benjamin Raymond, Benjamin Stewart, 
Levi Swift, Abncr Royce, Jr., Archibald Royce, and Isaac 
Buck ; Fence-viewers, Levi West, Bester Pierce, and Ben- 
jamin Stewart. It will be understood that justices of the 
peace were then appointed by the governor, and are conse- 
quently not to be found in the list of ordinary town offi- 
cers. Benjamin Raymond and Gurdon Smith were two of 
the first justices appointed in this town, and both held the 
office for many years. 

Emigration went on apace. Among the improvements 
which were made in 1806, Isaac Buck built a saw-mill at 
" Buck's Bridge," — though there was no bridge there then, 
nor, in fact, any of any consequence in town. Some of the 
small creeks were crossed with rude pole-bridges, but the 
larger ones were ferried, usually with rafts. Asahel ^y right 
also located at Buck's Bridge that year; his son, Warren H. 
Wright, then two years old, being now the oldest resident 
there. The same year Moses Patterson made the firet set- 
tlement at the point now called Yaleville. The price of land 
in 1800 was four dollars per acre. It was in 1800 or 1807 
that we first hear of any religious services in Potsdam. 
Some Methodist missionaries held a very warm revival in 
the western part of the town. Women fell in trances, and 
all those strong manifestations were observed which are cer- 
tainly more common in the back settlements than elsewhere. 
David French and wife, Jabez Healey and wife, and Ezra 
Crarey and wife were the first to join the church. No con- 
tinuous church was kept up in Potsdam, though there may 
have been in Canton. 

The earliest .school-teacher in Potsdam, so far as known, 
was Howard J. Pierce. IMr. Versal Healey remembers of 
going to school to him in a log shop near the North Canton 
road when a very small boy, and as Mr. Pierce was one of 
the first to purchase land, it is probable he followed the occu- 
pation of school-teaching in the winter as soon as there were 
any scholars to be taught. 

The first physician who practiced in town was Dr. Baker, 
of Canton ; but the first who resided in town was Dr. 
Pierce Shepard. The exact year of his arrival is not 
known, but it was as early as 1808, in which year he joined 
the newly-established St. Lawrence medical society, being 
apparently already on the ground, and having probably been 
here for two or three years. We say " probably" so, 



:40 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



boeause as .soon as there were tliirty or forty .settler.s in any 
locality a doctor made his home there. There was plenty 
of sickness, due both to the hardships undergone by the pio- 
neers and to the malaria let loo.se by the disturbance of the 
virgin soil. 

In the forepart of 1S()7 the iegi.slalnrc aiuu^xcd the ssur- 
vey-township of Dowitt to Potsdam. Tiiis iiichided nearly 
all the settled part of the present town of I'ierrepont. It 
remained a part of Potsdam for eleven years ; but as it was 
then sot off, and as the events occurring there are duly 
described in the histor}' of Pierrej>ont, no further notice 
of them will be taken here. 

Potsdam post-office, the first in town, was established on 
the 21st day of April, 1807. Dr. Pierce Shepard was the 
first postmaster. 

In April or May, 1807, the long-contemplated union was 
formally organized. Several of the original parties had 
withdrawn, and some others had joined, so that at the date 
just mentioned the members were William iJuUard, John 
Burroughs, Manas.seh Smith, Nathan Howe, Animi Cur- 
rier, Thomas Currier, Isaac Ellis, William Currier, Alba 
Durkee, and John McAllaster. They appear to have waited 
until all had got settled and made clearings on the common 
land before trying to carry out the scheme to the full 
extent. 

A constitution was then formed, by which all matters 
relative to the union were to be decided by a majority of 
votes. The fauiiles were to live separate, but all the prop- 
erty was to be held in common. The members were to 
share in the proceeds according to the labor invested, — that 
is, as we understand it, they were to share thus in the 
grain, wool, fruit, and other net proceeds, while the land, 
teams, stock, and tools were to be held in common. An 
account was to be kept with each member, showing the 
amount of stock invested and days' work performed, and a 
settlement was to be made with each .stockholder at an 
annual meeting in January. All control over the political 
or religious views of the members was entirely di.selaimed. 

Mr. Bullard was chosen general agent and manager, and 
John Burroughs clerk ; and then the new constitution was 
put in operation. Whatever may have been the jarring of 
its parts it did not break down at once. Mr. Bullard, being 
the projector and chief man of the organization, was popu- 
larly known as the " King of the Union." His majesty 
was a shoemaker by trade, and worked a large part of the 
time at that plebeian occupation. His residence was a log 
cabin, a short distance south of the present residence of 
Salmon Currier, and served not only as palace and shoe-shop, 
but also as school-house. The gentleman just named says 
that Mr. Bullard was his fir.st teacher, and that the latter 
lived, taught school, and made shoes all in the little cabin. 
On the whole he was quite a useful kind of king. 

Leaving our friends of the Union to struggle as best they 
may with the many difliculties of their undertaking, we 
will spare a few lines for a much older chiss of communists. 
The Indians continued to spend their winters in the vicinity, 
and to enter at will the houses of the white people. On 
ChrLstmaseve, 1807, there was to be a dance at a log tavern 
in Canton, said to have been the first entertainment of its 
kind in this part of the country. In the morning eight<3en 



warriors came stalking into Mr. llealey's house, gun in 
hand, attired in their gaudiest blankets, their brightest paint, 
and their tallest feathers, on their way to .see the great 
dance of the white people. Accustomed as the children 
were to Indians, this was rather too much, and the younger 
ones beat a hasty retreat under the bed. After a due dis- 
play of their finc^ry they all set forth for the scene of the 
promised entertainment. 

The only Indian who u.sed to raji at a white man's door 
was a prominent chief named Captain Peter. lie was a 
man of considerable intelligence and unquestioned integrity, 
and was much respected by the whites. But even Captain 
Peter would get drunk. Shortly after ihe Christmas dance 
just referred to, the captain got into a fracas with the .same 
vicious savage that had the difficulty before described, who 
gave him an ugly stab in the abdomen with his knife, which 
at fir.st was thought to be fatal. The wound was sewed up, 
however, and the captain recovered. The affair took place 
in one of the shanties before mentioned, on Mr. Healey's 
farm. The assassin fled for his life from his enraged coun- 
trymen, and was never heard of more in this vicinity. 

Meanwhile the scope of the Indian hunting-grounds was 
being constantly reduced by the advance of the whites. 
David Barnum came in 1807, and Simeon Dart in 1808 ; 
the latter settling at Smith's Corners, now West Potsdam. 
Timothy Shepard, a brother of Dr. Shepard, came about 
the same time and located at the falls, but on the east side. 
Josiah Fuller also built on that side the first tavern in town 
(on the west side of Market street, near the bridge), and it 
began to be apparent that the main part of the village was 
to be east of the river. The tavern was soon sold to Samuel 
Pear, who kept it till his death, in 1817. Harmony Lodge 
of Masons was established at Potsdam in 1808, when there 
were not over half a dozen houses in the village. It flour- 
ished about twenty years, and then passed away in the great 
disaster which then for a time overwhelmed the institution. 

In 1808, Benjamin Raymond was appointed one of the 
judges of the common pleas, a position which he held for 
seven years. This, however, was not a very onerous office, 
and did not interfere with his close attention to the land- 
office, mills, etc., of the proprietors. The mills were re- 
sorted to from a long distance. Benjamin Raymond, Jr., 
now of Chicago, has related to his friends how he used to 
ferry men across the river and back who came from Hop- 
kinton to mill. 

This labor was dispensed with after 1809, for in that 
year a bridge was built on the present site, which lasted 
until 1830. In that year, 1809, Liberty Knowlcs located 
in the village. He was admitted to the bar the next year, 
being the first lawyer in town, and from that time till his 
death was one of the leading citizens. By this time (1809) 
the price of land had been raised to from five to six dollars 
an cere. 

In 1810 the '• Union" dissolved ; fir at that date we find 
in the land-office books several transfers of land from Wil- 
liam Bullard, iu whoso name it had all previously stood, to 
various members of the society. Although a strict account 
was kept of the days' work performed, and the products 
divided accordingly, it was found that there was a great 
difference in days' work, and the more industrious members 




Rlsidencc or L. A .HOLT , West Fotsdam, Ncv^ YoffK . 




THE OLD DA»?T FARM, Vitw or L.A.HOLT'S Farm. West Potsdam, N V. 




Luther S.Owen. 




Rzs.of LuTHEP S.OwiN.WesJ Fotsdau.N.Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



241 



were always the losers by the arrangement. It is said to 
have been more objectionable to the most energetic women 
than to the men ; for they saw the cloth wliich they had 
made, taken for the benefit of tlieir more indolent sisters, 
while their own children suffered from the cold. Yet the 
dissolution was accomplished without much bitterness, and 
the Unionists continued friendly afterwards. 

According to the census of 1810, Potsdam had a popu- 
lation of nine hundred and twenty-eight; making it the 
third town in that respect in the county. This included 
a dozen or so of settlers who were located in what is now 
--Pierrepont. Up to this period there had been few public 
religious services of any kind in town, and there were then 
none in the village. Deacon Azel Lyman, who came in 
1810, stated, in his lifetime, that when he arrived there were 
but seven dwellings in the village. The.so were small 
frames ; all outside of these were of logs. The people were 
industrious and enterprising, but somewhat reckless, and 
it was a common thing to spend Sunday in hunting, fishing, 
and similar amusements. Judge Raymond, however, was 
in the habit of holding religious services in his family every 
Sabbath, including the reading of a prayer and sermon, 
singing, etc. ]\Ir. L. asked the privilege of attending these 
meetings with his family. It was cheerfully granted, and 
he then persuaded others to ask the same favor. In a short 
time the judge's room was crowded every Sunday, and guns 
were no longer heard on that day in the purlieus of the 
village. 

Judge Raymond was desirous that there should be a 
general and regular attendance on religious services, and 
something done for the advancement of education. Accord- 
ingly, during that summer he erected a frame building, 
twenty-four feet by thirty-six, situated between what is now 
Main and Elm streets, a little east of 3Iarket street, intended 
to be used for both a church and school. It was fitted up 
with a porch and a small bell, and the cost has been vari- 
ously estimated at from five hundred to seven hundred dol- 
lars. The leading men were even tjien revolving the idea 
of having an academy here, and the building was fre- 
quently called by that name. There was not as yet even a 
common-school organization in town ; the schools thus far 
having been private ones, supported by voluntary sub- 
scriptions. The new building was occupied for such 
schools and for district schools until the organization of 
the academy. 

The first religious service held in it was the funeral of 
Deacon' Lyman's infijut daughter. After that services were 
held there every Sabbath ; Judge Raymond reading a ser- 
mon until a minister was employed. 

It was about this time (1810 or 1811) that the first frame 
houses began to appear outside of the village ; small, one- 
story cottages, and only a few of them, but marking the 
beginning of the change from the pioneer stage to a more 
advanced era. Captain Benjamin Stewarts, in 1811, was 
one of the very first. Mr. Lorenzo D. Eaton came to 
Potsdam village, and is .still a resident there. 

Another early resident of the (own is the venerable Ansel 

Paine, who resides two miles north of West Potsdam, and 

who came into the town in 1811, at the age of twenty-one. 

He recollects the number of houses as five on the east 

31 



side, besides that of Judge Raymond, who thi-u lived on the 
ground wliere General IMerritt now does. Tiiis does not 
differ materially from Jlr. Lyman's estimate (seven), as the 
latter perhaps included Raymond's new house and one or 
two west of the river. The residences mentioned by Mr. 
Paine were those of Dr. Shepard, Timothy Shepard, Azel 
Lyman, Lemuel Pinney, and Samuel Pease (the tavern- 
keeper). Judge Raymond then had a small store on the 
corner of Market and JIain streets. 

Liberty Knowles built a house that summer, the same 
now occupied by his .son, W. L. Knowles. It was then, 
unquestionably, the most palatial mansion in town. 

Mr. Paine first located on lot eight, a mile north of 
Hewittsville. At that time, as he says, nearly every resi- 
dence outside the village was a log house, on a hill, with a 
little clearing around it. Nearly all the pioneers .sought 
the hills, where a crop of grain could most quickly be ob- 
tained, while the damp, rich, heavily-timbered valleys were 
left to those who could wait for slower returns. 

In June, 1811, the First Pre.sbyterian church was organ- 
ized, of which a detailed account will be given farther on. 

In June, 1811 or 1812, a fulling-mill was erected on the 
island at the vill.ige. 

In June, 1812, the war with England startled the whole 
frontier with visions of invasion and massacre. Great fear 
of the Indians was felt, and many settlers left the county. 
Even the St. Regis Indians were looked on with suspicion, 
but we have been told that in not a single instance did they 
manifest an unfriendly disposition. The most trouble the 
inhabitants had was on account of the frequent calls for 
the militia to serve along the St. Lawrence. 

Mr. Ansel Paine served thus for eight months in 1812 
and 1813, and,jAfar as we have been able to learn, is the 
only surviving soldier of that war who was then and still is 
a resident of Potsdam. The company was made up from 
Potsdam, Madrid, and Massena. The first captain was 
Bester Pierce, of Potsdam ; after him it was commanded 
by George R. Wells, of Madrid. It was at Waddington, 
Ogdensburg, and finally at Sacket's Harbor. Bodies of 
regular troops were also frequently moved through the 
town, and after the battle of Chrysler's Field, in 1813, a 
large portion of the American army retreated to Potsdam 
village. They made things pretty lively there while they 
stayed, and the inhabitants did not much relish the manner 
in which they took possession of the place. 

It was during the martial period now under consideration 
that the legislature provided for the organization of the 
common schools. Acting under a law passed in 1812, the 
electors of Potsdam assembled in special town-meeting at 
the academy on the first day of September, 1813, and chose 
Benjamin Raymond, Gurdon Smith, and Howard J. Pierce 
as commissioners of common schools. At the same time they 
elected four inspectors of common schools, viz., .Jaijaes 
Johnson, Liberty Knowles, Thomas Swill, and Sylvester 
Bacon. 

Even amid the clang of arms the zealous citizens under- 
took to found an academy. A subscription was circulated 
for that purpose in Deeembor, 1812. Benj. Raymond sub- 
scribed a hundred shares of ten dollars each, including the 
building he had already erected, with the lot on which it 



i 



242 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. '^LAWllENCE COUiNTY, NEW YOEK. 



stood. Liberty Knowles, Azel Lyman, Samuel Pease, 
l lubert^ ^IaUhcsiicy , IJciijamiii IJuiton, Anthony Y. Elder- 
kin, Joseph P. Reynolds, William Smith, James Johnson, 
Kenel Taylor, Pierce Shcpard, Lemuel Pinncy, John Bur- 
rouj;l)s, Sewall Raymond, David Parish, and Jacob Red- 
ington each took ten shares. Eighteen others took le.ss 
amounts, making three hundred and twelve shares, or 
thirty-one hundred and twenty dollars in all, — no small sum 
for that period. The next month a petition for incorpora- 
tion was presented to the legislature, but no action was 
taken on it, and the scheme for the present fell through. 

As a whole, the effect of the war was decidedly to stim- 
ulate the business of Potsdam village. There was, of 
course, no traffic by way of the St. Lawrence. People 
did not like to go to ])oints like Ogdensburg and Wadding- 
ton on the immediate frontier, and the consequcnec wa.s to 
increase the ti-ade at places which were considered at a safe 
distance in the interior. A largo business was al.so done 
by the government along the lino through Canton, Potsdam, 
etc., in moving all kinds of supplies necessary for the array. 

Several enterprises were carried out during the progress 
of the war. The American hotel was raised in 1813, our 
venerable but then youthful friend, Mr. Paine, taking part 
in the raising. A large portion, if not all, of the turnpike 
through Potsdam to Hopkinton was built at this time, at 
an average cost of two dollars per rod, though some of it 
had been chopped out as early as 1811. Much of the 
Parishville turnpike was also made during the war, the 
cost of some of it being about three dollars and a half per 
rod, as we learn from the old account books kept by Judge 
Raymond for his principals. A distillery was also built in 
1813, by the proprietors of the land. A sad event of that 
period was the burning of the carding-niachine on the 
island, when a son of Dudley Beckwith, the person in charge, 
perished in the flames. It was rebuilt before the close of 
the war. 

The principal change was in the mercantile business. 
Before the war there had been but one small s;ore, kept 
by Judge Raymond, on the west side of the river. His 
cousin, Sewall Raymond, began one on the east side in 1813, 
and when the brother of the latter, John Raymond (a still 
surviving citizen of Norwood), came at the clo.se of the war, 
arriving on the very same day that the news of peace 
reached the village, he found no less than six stores in op- 
eration on the east side. Instead of the half-dozen houses 
to be seen in 1811, there were twenty-five or thirty. But 
with the close of the war trade reverted to its former chan- 
nel along the St. Lawrence, and all the east-side merchants 
failed except Sewall Raymond, who continued to transact 
business there for over forty years. 

By this time there were twenty or thirty small frame 
houses scattered through the town, outside of the village, 
and in 1815 David French made another advance, and put 
up a two-story residence, — the first at lea.st in all that part 
of Potsdam. There was, however, neither a hotel nor a 
store, nor hardly a shop of any description outside of the 
village, and not even a saw-mill, except at Buck's Bridge. 
The village was not only the centre of all business, but the 
place where the youths and men of the surrounding country 
as.sembled to join with the villagers in the rough recreations 



of the day, and some very lively times they had, too, ac- 
cording to the testimony of an occasional survivor. 

It was not far into the country then. The forest came 
down from the east to the site of the town-hall, and although 
there were many clearings, yet one could probably have 
kept in the woods all the way from that point to the heart 
of the Ailirondacks. Young John Raymond, the eastern 
clerk (he was then nineteen), thought he had got into a 
pretty wild country when, in the summer of 1815, he 
nearly ran over a panther in the middle of Elm street, only 
a short distance from JIarket. 

As he was going after his brother's cow in the dusk of a 
Sunday evening, he saw an animal sitting on its haunches, 
some distance in front of him, which he supposed to be a 
large dog. When lie arrived within a few rods the animal 
gave a "cat leap " over the ditch to the side of the road, 
and then the youth saw that it was a panther, one of those 
animals having been killed and brought into the village 
only a few days before. The next moment he leaped back 
into the road, and stood watching the young man, who 
was in a serious dilemma. If he stood his ground the 
beast might slay him for his impudence, and if he ran away 
he might pounce on him for his cowardice. While he was 
considering the matter the panther again leaped over the 
ditch, and crept behind a stump, where Raymond could see 
his fierce eyes peering out in the gathering dusk on one 
side, and his tail swinging angrily to and fro on the other. 
Seeing that his panthership did not intend an immediate 
advance, the youngster quickly withdrew, and was not mo- 
lested. Going to the nearest house, which was only a 
short distance away, he informed the owner what he had 
seen. The latter took his rifle, and the two returned, but 
the panther had retired to the forest. 

The fellow had already killed several sheep, and it was 
determined to make a grand effort to destroy him. Notice 
was sent far and near, and on an appointed day the farmers 
and villagers of Potsdam, Parishville, and part of Stock- 
holm all turned out en masse to hunt the panther. They 
inclosed a circuit nearly twenty miles in circumference, em- 
bracing portions of those three towns, and at a given signal 
advanced from all sides towards the centre. 

On through forest and clearing, over hill and through 
dale, dashing through streams and clambering over preci- 
pices, pressed the hunters, gradually contracting their skirm- 
ish-line (or rather ring), and being animated continually 
by the sharp report of rifles, as deer and other game 
attempted, with nmre or less success, to break through the 
fiery circuit. As they closed up, the shots rang forth more 
frequently, becoming a regular fusillade, until at length the 
marksmen were obliged to moderate their zeal for fear of 
hitting each other. When all the ground had been swept 
over, and the exhausted hunters stood together in the 
centre, they found they had .slain plenty of deer, a bear or 
two, and uncounted quantities of smaller game, but the 
chief object of their search — the panther — was not among 
their trophies. Perhaps, however, he had been pretty well 
frightened ; for never again did he or any of his brethren 
venture quite so close to the academic purlieus of Potsdam. 

For " academic" Potsdam was bound to be. The scheme, 
which had fallen through in 1813, was revived as soon as 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



243 



practicable after the war; and in April, 1816, the desired 
institution was incorporated by the name of " St. Lawrence 
Acadeni}'." It will form the subject of a separate sketch. 

Even before the academy, another instrument of intel- 
lectual enlii^htenment made its appiiarance, — the first num- 
ber of the Piitsdam Gar.cdc having been issued by Frederick 
C. Powell on January 13, ISUJ. This and subsequent 
newspaper ventures are mentioned in the chapter devoted 
to the press in the general history of tlie county. 

But these academic and journalistic exponents uf civili- 
zation were liable to be crowded by the original denizens of 
the wilderness. The panthers had been driven away, but 
the deer still came sniffing curiously around, as if an.xious 
to learn the mysteries of type-setting or the profounder lore 
of Latin and of Greek. Mr. Raymond relates that the only 
deer he ever shot at he killed in July, 1810, a few rods 
cast of the site of the iMethodist church. The animal had 
wandered into the edge of the village, and was gazing with 
motionless surprise at the unwonted scene when young 
Raymond discovered him. Obtaining a rifle, the latter 
crept up behind a row of currant-bushes, within easy range, 
fired, and brought down his game. 

Shortly after the war, Jlr. John C. Clarkson, one of the 
heirs of David M. Clarkson, came to Potsdam to live as 
manager of the lands, a handsome mansion having been 
erected as a residence. Mr. Raymond gave up the agency, 
and in 1818 removed to Norfolk. 

There was a large emigration throughout the town in the 
next two or three years after the war ; a good many people 
having been waiting for peace before venturing so near the 
frontier. The celebrated "cold summer" of 181G, when 
there was a frost every month in the year, together with the 
increase of population, conspired to raise the prices of all 
kinds of food to an exorbitant amount. This evil, however, 
was soon overcome by the large crops of the next year, and 
as a rule the main trouble was that prices were so low that 
grain would not pay the cost of transpurtaticin to market. 
The chief resource for obtaining money was the making of 
potash and sending it to Jlontrcal. 

Several men, long prominent in the history of the town, 
came about this period. Among them were Horace Allen, 
who was admitted to the bar in 181G, and Samuel Partridge, 
one of the most thorough-going of business men. Dr. 
Robert McChesney, who located at Potsdam at the begin- 
ing of the War of 1812, was a prominent physician up to 
the time of his death, in 182-4. 

As before stated, the Potsdam people, in both village and 
county, were apt to have some pretty loud times, and prac- 
tical jokes were the order of the day. Perhaps the most 
exciting one was in 1817 or '18. A man named Speers 
strolled into the shop of a watchmaker named (Jrilhn, when 
the latter bantered him to swallow a dish uf acid which he 
was using about bis work, offering him a watch as a reward. 
Speers thought he could stand it, took down the acid, or 
pretended to do so, and carried off the watch. Some of 
tiie village wags learning of the affair, and knowing that 
Griffin was easily imposed on, went to see him, with solemn 
faces. They told him that Speers had suffered terribly 
from the acid, and was sure to die ; " and you, " they 
added, " will be hung for giving him poison." 



"Good heavens! sol shall!" exclaimed the frightened 
watchmaker. " What shall I do?" 

"Well," replied his advisers, "Speers is able to he up 
yet, though the doctoi's say he is sure to die. You had 
better challenge him to fight a duel. That is a fashionable 
thing among gentlemen, and if you kill him you will never 
be punished. But if he dies of the poison you have given 
him, you will surely go to the gallows." 

This logic appeared sound ; the challenge was duly sent, 
and the duel was promptly arranged, Speers being posted 
as to the joke. It took place on the ground now occupied 
by the Episcopal church. The aff'air seems almost too 
ludicrous for belief, but there are living witne.sses of the 
fact, and others who heard of it at the time. 

The parties appeared, each provided with a second and 
a big horse-pistol, while a crowd of the villagers collected 
to see the fun. The seconds loaded the pistols with powder 
only, placed their principals in position, and then one of 
them gave the word : 

" One — two — three — fire !" 

Fire they did ; but, of course, without inflicting any in- 
jury. Again the pistols were loaded with powder, again 
the word was given, again the fruitless shots rang out for 
the amusement of the chuckling spectators. At the third 
fire Griffin's own second, who had stepped up behind him 
unseen, struck him a tremendous blow with his fist and 
felled him to the ground. The unfortunate duelist thought 
he was shot, and the sympathizing bystanders assured him 
that he was not long for this world. He bade them a tear- 
ful flu-ewell, and proceeded to give some hasty directions 
regarding the disposal of his property. After the farce had 
proceeded as long as it was thought amusing, the dying man 
was informed that the whole was a huge jest. He was so 
pleased to get back to life that he ordered a gallon of rum 
for the crowd ; and the scene closed with a grand jollifica- 
tion, of a kind too common to need any description. 

Long after the "Union" was dissolved its membei-s con- 
tinued to form to some extent a class by themselves. They 
generally belonged to the " Christian" denomination, with a 
strong inclination towards Unitarianism. Some, however, 
did not adopt the Unitarian views, and there were many 
hot theological discussions among the supporters of the 
opposing creeds. 

One day, in Jlarch, 1818, a niece of Mrs. John Bur- 
roughs, residing in Mr. Burroughs' family, undertook to 
show one of the smart tricks performed in her native State 
of Connecticut. Taking a hen's egg and a pen, she wrote 
upon the former with melted tallow the words, " Woe, woe, 
to those who deny the Trinity!" Then she placed the egg 
in a oip of vinegar, which ate away the outside of the shell 
except where it was protected by the tallow, leaving the 
warning words before quoted standing in raised letters, and 
as plain as could be desired. In the evening Mr. Bur- 
roughs took the egg to the barn of Thomas Currier and 
deposited it on the middle of the floor, whore it could not 
but meet the eye of the first who entered. 

The next morning Mr. Currier's oldest son, David, a boy 
of fifteen, went to the barn, and the first thing he saw was 
an egg in the middle of the floor, and, as he declared, a 
hen standing cackling beside it. (This is not improbable, 



214 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



as a hen that finds an egp; is very apt to think she is en- 
titled to cackle ovei' it.) Picking it up, David saw tlie 
ominous words, and hurried off to tlie house with tlie won- 
derful article. 

The news of the ^rcat discovery .spread from house to 
house with almost telegraphic rapidity, ami from far ami 
near men, women, and children came to beliold the marvel. 
People were readier to believe in supernatural events than 
they are now, and they hail no time to study chemical ex- 
periments in the backwoods. At first few seem to have 
su.spected a trick ; the Unitarians were seriously depressed 
and the Trinitarians correspondingly elated. One of the 
latter obtained possession of the egg, laid it carefully in a 
basket of wool, and expo.sed it to the view of hushed spec- 
tators, but without allowing them to touch the precious 
article. For several days the excitement continued ; people 
coming on foot, on horseback, and in sleighs, — some of 
them from as far as Masscna and Lisbon. One skeptical old 
fellow came with the rest, took a long look at the egg, and 
then exclaimed, " Well, for my part, I don't believe that 
God Almighty ever used an old hen for a printing-office." 

Before long other eggs began to appear, also adorned 
with wonderful inscriptions. Some of the more supersti- 
tious began to think that the world was coming to an end 
surely, but it was soon learned that these later marvels were 
produced with vinegar and tallow, and it seemed a reason- 
able inference that the first one owed its existence to tlie 
same operations. The excitement died away almost as 
quickly as it had arisen, though for a long time a few 
wonder-loving men and women shook their heads with mys- 
terious awe when they spoke of the " Trinity egg." Many 
years afterwards it was learned who played this dubious 
joke on a credulous people. 

In 1818 Pierrepont was set off in a separate town, and 
from that time to the present the size of Potsdam lias re- 
mained the same, — ten miles square. 

About 1818, or a little earlier, Horatio S. Jlunison 
started a. nail-factory on the island at the village. He cut 
the nails out of plates and then headed them by hand. In 
1819 the first hotel that we can learn of in Potsdam, out 
of the village, was opened by David French at his resi- 
dence on the Canton road. It was kept open by himself 
and son over thirty years, and became quite a celebrated 
hostelry. The stage business had by this time become im- 
portant, and in dry weather the four-horse coaches rolled 
merrily over the great road running through Canton, Pots- 
dam, Stockholm, etc., and over some of the other highways, 
while the drivers cracked their whips to their gallant steeds 
and blew their horns vigorou.sly as they approached each 
modest hamlet. But the scene was less enlivening in 
spring and fall, when for half the distance the mud came 
up to the hub of the vehicles, and the pa.ssengers walked in 
melancholy procession with rails on their shoulders, to aid 
the exhausted horses. 

The Indians had ceased to make their annual visits for 
the purpose of hunting and trapping, and only an occa- 
sional red man was seen (usually a drunken one) wander- 
ing over the field of his ibrmer exploits. One, who bore 
the brief if not elegant appellation of " Jim," accidentally 
met his death near enough, so that the Potsdam doctors got 



hold of his body. They dissected poor " Jim," and wiied 
his bones together into a skeleton. His brethren found it 
out, and for a time they were disposed to dig up their long- 
buried tomahawks and march cii masse to execute their 
vengeance on the sons of ^Eseulapius. They were at lentrth 
placated, but they avoided Potsdam for a long time after 
that. The fear of having their bones strung on a doetur's 
wires was more terrible to them than that of scalping-knile 
or fagot. 

Nineteen hundred and eleven was the population of 
Potsdam by the census of 1820, it having more than 
doubled in ten years; a pretty rapid increase considering 
that nearly three years of the interval had been war-time, 
and that the population of Pierrepont was reckoned in the 
former census, but not in the latter. Potsdam wa.s, in 1820, 
the second town in the county in population, and came 
very near being the first, having about two hundred and 
fifty more inhabitants than Oswegatchie, and only nineteen 
less than Madrid. 

In April, 1821, Mr. Garret Van Home, the surviving 
trustee of the land comprising four-fifths of Potsdam, con- 
veyed the portions yet unsold to Mr. Matthew Clarkson, 
who re-conveyed it in separate parcels to Van Home and 
the other owners, including Lovinus and John C. Clarkson, 
Nicholas Fish, Hermon Le Roy, William Bayard, and the 
executors of James McEvers. Titles were subsequeutly 
derived from these individual owners. 

Shortly after this there were several important buildings 
erected in the village out of a new material, the now cele- 
brated Potsdam sandstone. The regular masses of this 
rock which cropped out in many places, but especially on 
the river-bank, above the village, had early attracted the 
notice of travelers and settlers, but it was not until this 
time that it was put to any practical use. There is naturally 
some confusion about dates, but, as near as we can ascertain, 
after comparing several statements, it was in 1821 that the 
first building of any consequence was constructed of that 
material, being the store still standing on the southeast 
corner of Market and Elm streets. It was built by Liberty 
Knowles, Sewall Raymond, and Charles Partridge, partly 
as an experiment, to see if the stone was really fit for 
building purposes. 

It is needless to say that the experiment succeeded. 
Shortly after, about 1822 or '23, Mr. Knowles built a 
tannery (to be used by Azel Lyman), and Mr. Partridge a 
distillery, of the same material. In 1823 or '24 the latter 
gentleman erected a three-story stone structure, commonly 
called the a(|ueduct building, in which water was raised to 
supply the tannery and distillery. Pump-logs were also 
laid from it to various parts of the village, and water was 
supplied to the citizens at five dollars per house. No one 
at that time questioned the legitimacy of the distillery busi- 
ness, but when the temperance di.scussion a few years later 
awakened people's minds to its nature, Mr. Partridge clo.sed 
his distillery, never to be re-opened. 

When the corner-stone of St. Lawrence academy (the 
north building) was laid, on the 1st day of June, 1825, of 
which mention is made elsewhere, the population of the 
village was estimated in the documents placed under the 
Stonj al four hundred, and that of the whole town at 






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Rts t.; W;i_L/AM J. Sarnum, Potsdam, N.Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



245 



two thousand seven hundred. Yet, by the census taken in 
th.it same month of June, the pci]iulation of the town was 
found to be three thousand one hundred and twelve. Tliis 
is, perliaps, the only case on record where the people of a 
town estimated its population at four hundred less than it 
actually was. 

The Fourth of July, 1825, was celebrated in a very 
peculiar manner, of which we have observed no parallel 
elsewhere. A preliminary meeting was held, at which reso- 
lutions were passed recommending the people of the town 
to assemble at an early hour on Independence Day, with 
teams and suitable implements, to embank the meeting-houses 
and gun-house, and improve the public square, as a principal 
part of the exercises. Jabez Miles, John C. Smith, John 
Goulding, and Anthony Y. Elderkin were appointed a com- 
mittee of arrangements, while forty-nine others were named 
as assistants to notify the people of their respective neigh- 
borhoods, and take charge of various parts of the work. 
As the list comprises many of the principal citizens of all 
parts of the town at that time, we give it entire: 

Warren Clark, Moses Cheeny, Ebenezer Brush, Solomon 
M. Crary, Seth Benson, A. Powers, David French, Ansel 
Bailey, Louis Plymptun, William Smith, Sylvester Bacon, 
Giles Parmele, Archibald Royce, James Murphy, Gurdon 
Smith, Stephen Bu.ss, David Barnum, Thomas S. Hemenway, 
Perez Fobes, Joel Buckman, Ezra Lyman, Samuel Parker 
(2d), Samuel Stickney, Jacob Redington, Jonathan Hoit, 
Ammi Currier, Frederick Currier, Daniel Pride, James 
Porter, John Chandler, Charles Edgerton, Thoma.s W. 
Durkee, Lsaac Ellis, Jr., Isaac Austin, Stephen Maynard, 
John Smith, Almond Howard, Parley Perrin, Ira Perrin, 
Amos W. Brown, Aikins Foster, Bester Pierce, Horace 
Garfield, John Olnistead, John M. Call, Alanson Fisher, 
Azol Lyman, John B. Judd, I^leiizeJ^-Jukuspn. 

The day was " celebrated" as arranged. Daylight was 
welcomed by the discharge of camion. At half-past seven 
prayers were attended on the common. At eight o'clock 
a single gun was fired, and labor began. Plows, scrapers, 
pickaxes, shovels, spades, and hoes were all put in requisi- 
tion, and the work of leveling the square, and more partic- 
ularly of banking up the two meeting-houses, so as to ex- 
clude the blasts of winter, was carried merrily forward until 
half-past twelve. Then, at the firing of a gun and .sound 
of a bugle, a procession was formed, headed by the Potsdam 
band, and marched to a table on the common, which was 
furnished with the eatables brought by the laborers. The 
villagers added a de.ssert, and the indispensable liquor was 
furnished by the committee. At half-past one labor recom- 
menced at the sound of the bugle. At five p.m. the same 
martial music was followed by a cessation from labor and an 
oration by the Rev. Jonathan Wallace. We trust it was a 
brief one. The day closed with musicand the firing of cannon. 

This was doubtless a very useful way of celebrating the 
glorious Fourth, but we do not hear of its being repeated 
or imitated ; and probably the people thought that to use 
one of our few holidays fur shoveling dirt was a little too 
much of that good quality called industry. 

The " gun-bouse," above mentioned, was the structure in 
which was kept the cannon belonging to the Potsdam artil- 
lery company, a famous institution of that day. 



The advantages of the village of Potsdam were such that 
the people were slow in trying to make other villages. 
As late as 1828, Hon. W. A. Dart states that there was 
nothing but the buildings of Gurdon Smith immediately 
at " Smith's Corners," or Potsdam. Immediately after that, 
however, a few more people began to centre there. There 
was always a peculiarly intelligent class in that vicinity. At 
an early period. Rev. Ira Allen, a minister of the " Chris- 
tian" sect, persuaded the farmers to get up a library of 
standard books. These were circulated through the com- 
munity, read and re-read, especially by the young men, and 
it is quite probable that that had a good deal to do with 
the further fact that, for a rural neighborhood, many young 
men of subsequent prominence hailed from the vicinity of 
" Smith's Corners." 

The " Union Library Association" was also incorporated 
at the village, Jan. 8, 1828, with Jabez Miles, Zenas Clark, 
Amos W. Brown, Myron G. Munson, Horace Allen, Solo- 
mon M. Crary, and Solomon Parmeter as trustees. It 
having been found impracticable to lease the gospel and 
school lot on reasonable terms, the trustees of public lands 
were authorized to sell it on such terms as they might deem 
best, except that the credit granted should be less than ten 
years. This was done, and the money finally invested for 
the benefit of the common schools. 

Meanwhile, the flirmers all through the town kept steadily 
at work improving their farms, and by 1830 a large majority 
of the old log hou.ses of pioneer times had been abandoned. 
The owners moved into their new frame dwellings, and either 
tore down their log cabins or employed them for corn-cribs 
or sheep-folds. In that year the population of the town 
was three thousand six hundred and fifty. 

The village of Potsdam was incorporated on the 3d day 
of March, 1831. Its affairs were placed under the control 
of five trustees, to be elected annually, who were to choose 
one of their members president, and to appoint a clerk, 
treasurer, collector, constable, and pound-master. The next 
year a seal was adopted, its device being a tree with the 
word Potsdam above it. 

The year 1832 was the dismal one in which the deadly 
cholera first visited this country. The village trustees ap- 
pointed Zenas Clark, George Wilkinson, and Justice Smith 
a board of health, and John Parmele health ofiicer, for the 
purpose of guarding the place against disease. The board 
passed resolutions restraining persons from Canada from 
entering the village without a bill of health, and requiring 
the removal of all nuisances which might generate disease. 

The increase of population in the town between 1830 
and 1835 was only a hundred and sixty, the number in the 
latter year being three thousand eight hundred and ten. By 
this time a few beginnings had been made towards hamlets 
outside of Potsdam village. Amos Blood, Esq., who moved 
to West Potsdam in 1835, says there were then several 
houses and a blacksmith-shop within a few rods of the 
Corners. 

About the .same time Barnabas \"ale, and his sons Lloyd 
C. and John Y'ale, settled a mile west of West Potsdam, 
where there was already a saw-mill, to which a single run 
of stone for grinding corn was added by Alexander Bailey. 
This hitching of a run of stone on to a saw-mill was a com- 



246 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



mon device in the early days, and is occasionally observed 
at the present time. Other settlers concentrated at the 
point just mentioned, and, as the Yales were prominent, 
stirring men, people j:row into the habit of calling the little- 
settlement by the name of Y^alevillu, which it has ever since 
retained. 

About the same time Edward ("rary built a grist-mill at 
the point which has since been known as Crary's Mills, 
situated on a branch of Grasse river, in the extreme south- 
west corner of the tnwn. Not long afterwards a small tan- 
nery was erected at the same point. 

" Buck's Bridge," too, had grown into a hamlet of some 
consequence, and on tlie 30lh day of March, 1836, a post- 
office was established there, with Owen Buck as the first 
postmaster. 

The log houses were now thing.s of the past almost 
everywhere in Potsdam. The use of I'otsdam sandstone 
had been steadily growing into favor, and many dwelling- 
houses had been built of that material, besides nearly all 
the large important buildingie requiring great solidity. 

The great financial panic of 1837 put a sharp check on 
traders and speculators throughout the country, and Potsdam 
village of course felt its depressing efl"ects. The town, bow- 
ever, was so largely agricultural — being especially given to 
dairying, the products of which would always bring money 
at some price — that it escaped with less injury than the 
greater part of the country. Notwithstanding the " hard 
times" first prior to 1840, the census of that year showed 
that the town of Pot.sdam had a population of four thou- 
sand four hundred and seventy-three, — an increase of nearly 
five hundred in five years. 

By this time, as might be inferred, the town was pretty 
well settled up, and when any locality is once fairly settled 
there are fewer events which are worth noticing than during 
the hard struggle to subdue the wilderness and transform it 
into the abode of civilization. The course of history, like 
that of love, must not run too smooth. 

As the land was cleared up, and the time passed when 
large crops of grain could be I'aised on the now soil, merely 
because it was new, it was more and more plainly discov- 
ered that recourse must principally be had to grazing and 
dairying, and the people devoted themselves more and more 
to that field of industry. 

In 18-15 the town voted, by a very small majority, to 
build a town-house in the village. The necessary law was 
passed by the legislature, and a tax of twelve hundred dollars 
was levied on the town, in two annual instalments. The 
money was anticipated by loans, and a frame structure, sixty- 
four feet by forty, was built the same year on the west side 
of the public square, by William J. Sweet, under the di- 
rection of Henry L. Knowles, Samuel Partridge, Flavel 
Smith, and William W. Goulding. 

The post-office at West Potsdam was established Jan. 
15, 1847, with William T. Galloway as the first postmaster. 
That at Crary's Mills was established ' Dec. 10, 1849, Tru- 
man Hunt being the first postmaster. 

Just before the middle of the century a large addition 
was made to the means of transporting the products of soil 
and forest to di.stant markets. In 1847, '48, and '49 the 
Northern railroad (now Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain) 



was built through the northern part of the town, being 
completed its whole length in 1850. The distance in this 
town was almost exactly six miles. At one point very im- 
portant results were immediately realized from the building 
of this road. It crossed the Raquette river on a farm of 
four hundred acres, owned by Benjamin G. Baldwin, Esq. 
That gentleman conveyed fifteen acres to the company for 
a depot, besides the right of way through his farm. In 
1850 he erected a tavern, which burned down the next 
March. Two others were, however, erected that .spring in 
its place. In 1851, when Norman Ashley went into busi- 
ness there, he states that there were a store kept by B. G. 
Baldwin & Co., three hotels, and eight or ten houses. 

In 1852 a dam, with eight feet fail, was erected on 
Raquette river, a highway bridge was constructed a little 
below it, and Mr. Baldwin laid out a village, to which he 
gave the name of RaquetteviUe, derived from that of the 
river, and using the orthography which was then deemed 
correct, but which has since been generally discarded. A 
post-office was established there on the 30th day of De- 
cember, 1850, with Rollin Ashley as the first postmaster. 

About the same time that RaquetteviUe was starting into 
life in the north, a great impetus was given to business 
at other points on Raquette river. In 1849, Dr. Henry 
Hewitt, of Potsdam, conceived the idea that by improving 
the channel of that stream large quantities of logs might 
be floated down it from the great wilderness through which 
it runs, manufactured into lumber at or near Pot.sdam, and 
•shipped over the new railroad to all parts of the country. 
He infused the same belief into others, circulated petitions 
to the legislature, and the next winter went to Albany to 
push his scheme. Hon. William A. Dart, of Potsdam, 
was then a member of the State senate, and Hon. Noble 
S. Elderkin, of the same place, was a member of the as- 
sembly. They sustained the proposed measure with great 
zeal and ability, and in April, 1 850, a law was passed de- 
claring the Raquette a highway from its mouth to the foot 
of Raquette lake, in Hamilton county, thereby preventing 
land-holders along its banks from interfering with the pro- 
posed woik, and another law appropriating ten thous;ind 
dollars to removing obstructions and improving the channel. 

A very great increase of the lumber business took place 
immediately afterwards. Within three years several large 
gang saw-mills were built along Raquette river, of which 
mention will be made in the list of manufactures. One of 
these, erected by Dr. Hewitt, about two and a half miles 
below the village, became the nucleus of a small hamlet 
called Hewittville. A strong impetus, too, was given to 
the manufacture of wooden fabrics of all kinds, sash, blinds, 
doors, fanning-mills, etc. 

This was a period of such general activity that in 1851 
West Potsdam suddenly bloomed out with an insurance 
company, — " The United Stiites Mutual Insurance Com- 
pany." The following were the first directors: Amos 
Blood, Martin Lester, Albert M. Skeels, William J. Bar- 
nuni, Charles Dart, Orsemus L. Foote, Royal Barnum, 
Dennison (i. Wilniarth, William A. Dart, Horace Allen, 
Truman Lillie, Jonah Sanford, Joseph Barnes, Martin 
Thatcher, Henry Barber, Amaziah B. James, Benjamin 
Lane, William E. Ellis, Alfred Goss, Lloyd C. Y'ale, C. B. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



247 



Hawes, A. S. Lockwood, and James Lane. The company 
stood for several years, but West Pot.sdam was hardly large 
enough for such an institution, and ere long it suspended 
operations. 

To go back a little, we may mention that the Potsdam 
plank-road company was formed Oct. 17, 18.50, and on Oct. 
8, 1851, it had completed a plank-road from Potsdam vil- 
lage to Rafiuetteville, at a cost of $6439. 

This, however, did not satisfy the needs of the town, and 
early in 1851 a company was organized to build a road 
from Potsdam village to Raquetteville. Then the Canton 
people proposed to extend it to their village. Other towns 
to the southwest became interested, a convention was held 
at Watortown, and finally a large meeting was held at Gou- 
verneur, in January, 1852, when the Potsdam and Water- 
town railroad company was organized. In the course of 
the next four years the company built a railroad from 
Watertown to Raquetteville, or " Potsdam Junction," as it 
was called by the railroad people. A full description of 
this road is given in the general history of the county, but 
we desired to mention here the fact that it originated in 
Potsdam. Of course the location of the junction of the 
two roads at Raquetteville largely increased the business of 
that place, and for several years it grew with great rapidity. 

The only murder for which any one was ever convicted 
in Potsdam occurred at the village on Jan. 23, 1852. Two 
Irishmen, named John Donnovan and James Rowley, had 
quarreled over their beer, and exchanged blows, but had 
apparently become reconciled and parted friends. Donno- 
van, however, followed Rowley and inflicted .several wounds 
with a jack-knife, which proved fatal. The murderer at- 
tempted to resist arrest, but was .soon overcome, and the 
next month was tried at Canton and convicted. He was 
executed on the 16th of April following, this being the 
second legal execution in St. Lawrence County. 

In 1857 the town-house was destroyed by fire. The 
next winter there was another contest over the question of 
building a new one, the afiirmative again carrying the day 
by a very small majority. The new house was built in 
1858, at a cost of 85000. 

The opening of the channel of Raquette river, the conse- 
quent building of immense saw-mills on its banks, the con- 
struction of the two railroads before mentioned, the rapid 
development of business, the birth and growth of Raquette- 
ville, all together made the decade from 1850 to 1860 a 
very busy one for Potsdam. The first half of the next 
decade was still more exciting, but the part taken by the 
soldiers of St. Lawrence County in the great conflict for free- 
dom and union is narrated in connected form, regiment by 
regiment, in another portion of this work. It can truly be 
said that the town of Potsdam did its full share — nay, more 
than its share — in that mighty struggle, for at its close that 
town had sent to the field one hundred and twenty-four men 
more than were necessary to till all calls and drafts upon it. 

With the return of peace men plunged with renewed 
ardcu- into the pursuits of business. The most important 
public act of that period was the locating and building of 
the normal school, of which a full account is given in the 
chapter devoted to that important subject in the general 
history of the county. 



In spite of the check to population caused by the war, 
the number of inhabitants in the town rose from 6737, in 
1800, to 7774, in 1870. 

The manufacturing establishments along the Raquette 
river were all working at the extent of their capacity, when 
they were seriously disturbed by the great flood in INIay, 
1871. There had been very heavy rains, and the river 
was steadily rising, but it was supposed the booms and 
piers were sufficient to withstand all the pressure of the 
water. Suddenly one Friday came the report from the 
south, " The reservoir dam has given way." At once 
there was a great commotion all along the river, but espe- 
cially at the village, because there the most people were 
congregated. Men, teams, boats, and materials were mus- 
tered in hot haste, and every effort made to strengthen the 
defenses against the flood. Owing to the long, winding 
course of the river below the reservoir, it was not till Sat- 
urday noon that it began to ri.se more rapidly. Saturday 
afternoon the wreck of the Ellsworth saw-mill came floating 
down the stream, being caught by the booms at the village, 
and adding greatly to the excitement. The dwellings on 
Fall island were all vacated, and much of the machinery 
was moved. 

All Saturday night were heard the rattling of wagons, 
the shouts of men, the cries of children, the squealing of 
pigs, and similar sounds, and a thousand wild conjectures 
were ventured as to how far the water would rise, and how 
far it would be necessary to move. At daylight on Sunday 
the bridges and other points of observation were crowded 
with people, all asking, " flow much has the water risen?" 
The trains were not allowed to cross the railroad bridge, the 
passengers being transferred. 

At noon a bulkhead in the water-wall above Fall island 
was crushed, and the water rushed through. The wings of 
Batchelder's furniture-factory were torn away, and the main 
building carried down and lodged against Watkins & Leete's 
plow-shop. The floor of Sparrow & Swan's machine-shop 
was left, with the heavy machinery standing on it, while 
the upper part was torn off and thrown down. An immense 
mass of lumber, logs, tools, etc., lodged against the railroad 
bridge, which seemed likely to be carried off, but which 
finally held its place. 

The booms above Sissonville went off with all their logs. 
At Hewittville two spans of the bridge, the middle por- 
tion of the dam, and the booms crowded with logs were 
carried away by the flood. The river was covered with 
logs, lumber, wrecks of buildings, etc., but everything was 
held by the booms of Loveless &, Fonda, at Norwood, and 
most of the matter was recovered by the owners. The 
water gradually subsided after Sunday afternoon, but it was 
many months ere all the damage done by the great flood 
was fully repaired. 

In 1872 the village of Potsdam Junction was incorpo- 
rated ; the name of Raquetteville had become unsatisfactory 
to the people, and had been abandoned. " Potsdam Junc- 
tion," too, sounded very much as if that thriving village 
was a mere adjunct of Potsdam, and in 1875 this name 
too was changed by legislative enactment, at the request of 
the people, for that ol' Norwooil. It is to be hoped that 
this brief, convenient, and euphonious designation will not 



248 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



also go out of favor. The railroad station is still called 
Potsdam Junction. 

By the beginning of 1875, many of the people of Pots- 
dam had formed a strong opinion that the town-house, 
erected in 1858, was too old, leaky, and small for such a 
largo and thriving town. A resolution providing for a new 
one, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, was introduced at 
the annual town-meeting in February, 1875. It was hotly 
opposed by almost half of the people as a needless extrava- 
gance, but, after a very sharp debate, a resort to the ballot 
was had, and the question was decided in the affirmative by 
ten majority. The passage of the requisite act by the legis- 
lature was still ardently opposed, but was carried in April 
of that year, and duly signed by Governor Tilden. Win. 
J. Barnum, William Mathews, and Norman Swift were 
appointed a committee to build the new structure, and 
were authorized to anticipate by loan a tax of twenty thou- 
sand dollars which the supervisors were directed to levy on 
the town, such tax to be in five equal annual instalments, 
with annual interest. 

The committee demolished the old house the same spring, 
purchased more land adjoining the old site, and, during the 
summer of 1875, built the structure authorized by law, at 
the cost before designated. The building in question is of 
Potsdam sandstone, the wall being of the kind known as 
" broken ashlar." It is ninety by sixty-eight feet in size, 
with a Mansard roof, slated on the sides, and covered with 
tin on the top. The basement is twelve feet high. Above 
it is a large hall with balcony and stage, the whole capable 
of seating fifteen hundred persons. It is certainly a very 
substantial and commodious edifice, whatever may be 
thought by a large portion of the people as to the justice 
or economy of building it. The population of the town, by 
the census of 1875, was seven thousand four hundred and 
seventeen. 

Having thus given a brief outline of the general course 
of events in the town of Potsdam from its first settlement 
in 1803 to the present time, we will now furnish our readers 
with some details regarding separate interests, localities, and 
organizations which could not well be incorporated in the 
main part of the town history. In regard to business in- 
terests, we give especial prominence to manufactures, be- 
cause these usually employ many laborers, and involve the 
welfare of large numbers of persons besides their owners. 
As we are obliged to draw the line somewhere, however, 
we confine our special notices to those operated by steam or 
water-power. 

POTSDAM VILLAGE. 

Population two thousand nine hundred. Potsdam was 
incorporated, March 3, 1831, with the following officers: 

Trustees, JabezWilles, Horatio G. Munson, Sewall Ray- 
mond, Samuel Partridge, and Frederick C. Powell. Presi- 
dent (elected by the board), H. G. Munsou; Treasurer, 
Jessse Davison ; Clerk, Justus Smith. 

List of Presidents: H. G. Munson, 1831; Jabcz 
Willcs, 1832; Ju.stus Smith, 18.33; Samuel Partridge, 1834 
and 1835 ; Theodore Clark, 1830 ; Sewall Raymond, 1837 ; 
H. G. Munson, 1838; Jabez Willes, 1831); Samuel Part- 
ridge, 1840 ; Benj. G. Baldwin, 1841 ; George Wilkins, 



1842; Sewall Raymond, 1843, '44, and '45; Theodore 
Clark, 184G and '47; Noah Perrine, 1848, '49, and '50; 
Charles T. Bcswell, 1851 ; Joshua Blaisdcll, 1852 ; H. H. 
Peck, 1853; Theodore Clark, 1854 ; J. H. Sanford, 1855; 
Noble S. Eldcrkin, 1856; Amos Brown, 1857 ; Seth Ben- 
son, 1858 and '59; William H. Wallace, 1860, 'Gl, and 
'62; A. X. Parker, 1863 and '64; Hiram H. Peck, 1805, 
'66; A. X. Parker, 1867, '68, and 69; Milton Heath, 
1870; Bloomfield Usher, 1871, '72, and '73; Milton 
Heath, 1874 and '75; Henry L. Knowles, 1876; Milton 
Heath, 1877. 

Present Officers (December, 1877) : President, Mil- 
ton Heath ; Trustees, Milton Heath, Geo. Z. Erwin, Geo. 
B. Swan, J. G. Mclntyre (W. H. Wallace died during 
term) ; Assessors, Joseph F. Blood, J. H. Seeley, and Ed- 
ward Crary; Treasurer, W. Y. Henry; Clerk, Samuel C. 
Crane. 

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

Four large dry-goods stores, 6 groceries, 4 hardware- 
stores, 3 drug-stores, 3 millinery-stores, 2 book-stores, 1 
variety-store, 2 jewelry-stores, 1 music-store, 3 hotels, 5 
saloons, 3 furniture-stores and cabinet-shops, 3 wagon-shops, 
2 harness-shops, 2 marble-shops, 5 blacksmith-shops, 4 
shoe-stores and shops combined, 2 smaller shoe-shops, 2 
clothing-stores, 1 laundry, 5 meat-markets, and 3 barber- 
shops. There are also 12 lawyers, 5 physicians, 3 dentists, 
6 clergymen, and 1 newspaper, described in the chapter on 
the press in the general history. 

Maiivfactures. — The foundry was erected previous to 
1830, by Judge Jabez Willes. It is now owned by ('. W. 
Leete. The material used in it is remelted iron. It is 
employed principally in making mill-irons and other ma- 
chinery, as required by customers ; also plows, stoves, pota.sh 
kettles, and similar articles. It usually employs six to eight 
hands. 

Watkins, Lester & Co.'s saw-mill was built in 1852 or 
'53, .«oon after the opening of the channels of Ra((uettc 
river, by Elderkin, Clark & Co. After several changes of 
ownership the firm became Burnham & AVatkins in 1863, 
and remained so nine years. Since then it has been Watkins, 
Lester & Co. The mill stands where the old one did, built 
there in 1803. It has fifty-seven upright saws, a circular 
saw for cutting lumber, and others for working up waste 
matter; also a lath-mill, planing, etc. It will cut about 
four million feet j'early. 

Plunimer k, A'ickery also built a saw-mill on the east 
side of the river at about the same period as Elderkin & 
Co., which is still standing, owned by Colonel Gray, a non- 
resident, but is not in use. 

Wood's flouring- and grist-mill is a three-story stone 
structure, built for the proprietors of the land in 1830, on 
the site of the old grist-mill of 1804. In all sales of land 
along the river the right of grinding grain was reserved. 
About twenty-five years ago the proprietors sold the mill, 
and with it the monopoly of gi'inding grain on Raquette 
river. This moncipoly is still attached to the mill, except 
that some of the later owners have parted with it in the 
case of a grist-mill at Norwood. The Potsdam mill has 
been owned by Watkins, Rodee & Co., and by Colnon & 
Hitchins, its present proprietor being Robert Wood. It 





Mrs.M.L.Wa\t. 



M. L W/iiT, 



Photos Br N.L.SroNE, ForsoAM K.Y 



Si,.-: 



1 s. 








-^2^i*V^'^S**«■''ii^V"*^*•5^'■*'<'^^,v.'l.i-■^r^^ 




ff£.S. T 




Has. Of J. F.GOGGIN, Totsoam, Niw Yokk. 



N. L. STONE'S 

Photo, and Copying House, 



After a previous experience of 15 years 
at Ogdensburg, Antwerp, Canton, and 
Potsdam, Mr. Stone established the pre- 
sent house in 1875. 

The building was erected especially for 
the Photo, and Copying Business, with 

SUPER/OR ADVANTAGES 

of light, convenience, and adaptation. 
On the first tloor are the office and sales- 
room, parlor, artists' studio, skylight, 
toilette, c'jpylng, and chemical rooms. 

The various rooms on the second floor 
are occupied with copying, printing, 
mounting, retouching, burnishing, etc., 
and on the rouf, in a cupola, is the mam- 
moth apparatus for printing 

LIFE-SIZE PORTEAITS. 

There are fourteen persons (January 1, 
1878) employed at the different branches. 

In addition to an extensive local trade, 
a large wholesale business is done for 
other photographers and agents. 

Fine German Photographs 

AND 

India-Ink Portraits 

TRB SPECIALTY. 




Stone's photo. & copr*wi HotiscporsDAM, 
Finely lquippeo. a large corps or skilled artists. headouarters or mTuwANT photography, 
India Ink portraits . copyino and cnlarginq. both at setail and for other Photographers , 

and aofnts at wholesale. 





/WffS.PHILENfl M.ASHLIY. 



LOREH Ashley. 

( Deceased j 





Norman Ashley. 



f/lHSfiORMAN ASHUY. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



249 



docs a large amount of both custom-gi-inding and flouring 
for sale. 

Swan's sash-, blind-, and door-factory wa.s begun in 1853, 
by Seth C. Ellis & Co. In 1855, Mr. George B. Swan 
bought out some of the owners and soon became sole pro- 
prietor, and has so remained ever since. Mr. Swan turns 
out from sixty to a hundred thousand dollars' worth yearly 
of sash, doors, blinds, and other building materials, and 
employs from fifty to a hundred hands, according to the 
times. His work has a wide celebrity, much of it going 
into the Australian trade and to other distant localities. 

Sparrow's sash-, blind-, and door factory was established 
about 1851 by Perro and Hand. After several changes it 
became the property of Mr. A. J. Sparrow, by whom it is 
now owned. Mr. S. makes a specialty of finishing and 
glazing blinds, sash, etc. The factory emiiloys from twenty 
to forty men, and its annual product runs from forty to 
seventy thousand dollars. 

Cutting & MoCormick's wagon-factory was begun in 
1868 by Mr. Cutting. It employs seven or eight hands, 
and the amount of work done, including repairs, is valued 
at from ten to twelve thousand dollars. 

Batchelder & Son's furniture-factory was begun by B. 
F. Batchelder in 1841. In 1869 the firm-name became 
Batchelder & Son, and in 1874 Batchelder & Sons. The 
factory has been twice burned and once swept away by 
the flood. It employs from six to twelve men, and turns 
out from ten to twelve thousand dollars' worth of work per 
year. 

Putnam's cutlery-works was originated by Charles D. 
Putnam in 1863, and is still owned by him. It makes 
cutlery, mechanics' tools, and garden tools, and is run by 
steam-power. 

The cabinet-sliop of E. A. Hamlin, built about eighteen 
years ago, and the moulding-works of Mr. Parkhurst are 
provided with water-power, but are now doing but a small 
business. 

THE NATIONAL BANK OF POTSDAM. 

This institution is particularly distinguished as being 
the only national bank in St. Lawrence County. Its origin 
is to be found in the Frontier bank of Potsdam, which 
began business on the 1st day of May, 1851, as a private 
institution, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, the 
stockholders being H. P. Alexander, then president of the 
Herkimer County bank, J. C. Dann, cashier of the Sacket's 
Harbor bank, and Bloomfield Usher, formerly of Her- 
kimer, now of Potsdam. 

On the 1st of May, 1854, it was reorganized as a Slate 
bank and its capital increased to a hundred thousand dol- 
lars. That corporation continued in business until Oct. 22, 
1866. It then ceased to exist, but the National bank of 
Potsdam took its place, and the capital of the former insti- 
tution was not only transferred to the latter but was increased 
to a hundred and sixty-two thousand dollars. 

For five years thereafter the bank was a depository for 
government funds ; at the end of which time it voluntarily 
repaid them, and received back its securities. On the 1st 
day of March, 1871, the capital was increa.sed to two hun- 
dred thousand dollars. The capital stock of the bank is 
chiefly owned by the original proprietors of the Frontier 
32 



bank, though the number has gradually increased from 
three to sixteen. 

The total amount of the resources of the company at 
the present time is six hundred and seventy thousand one 
hundred and eight dollars. The sums deposited with it 
amount to two hundred and seven thousand five hundred 
and fifty-one dollars, and its circulation is a hundred and 
eighty thousand dollars. 

The stability of the institution is .shown by its unwaver- 
ing position through all its existence, by its gradual increase 
of capital and business, and to some extent by the long 
career of its officials. Bloomfield Usher and Luke Usher 
have been respectively the president and cashier from the 
first organization in 1851. William Usher, Jr., has been 
teller for sixteen years, and William Y. Henry has been 
book-keeper for twelve years. 

RAILROAD INTERESTS. 

To the energy and enterprise of the citizens of Potsdam 
belongs the credit of originating the railroad now known as 
the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroad. In 1850, 
fifty-eight of the public-spirited citizens of the village orga- 
nized themselves into the Potsdam Railroad Company, and 
proceeded to elect the following-named gentlemen directors 
of the corporation : Joseph H. Sanford, Wm. W. Goulding, 
Samuel Partridge, Henry L. Knowles, Augustus Fling, 
Theodore Clark, Charles T. Boswcll, Willard M. Hitch- 
cock, William A. Dart, Hiram H. Peck, Aaron T. Hop- 
kins, Charles Cox, and Nathan Parmeter. Among the 
stockholders were such men as Hon. Horace Allen, and 
Liberty Knowles and others, whose advanced age debarred 
them from active participation in the work of the company, 
but who liberally responded to the call for aid in the construc- 
tion of the road. The company immediately after incorpo- 
ration commenced work, and built the road from Potsdam 
to Potsdam Junction (now Norwood), there intersecting the 
Northern railroad, now tlie Ogdensburg and Lake Cham- 
plain railroad, a distance of 54 miles. Before the road was 
entirely completed the people of Canton began to .see the 
benefits to be derived by extending the road to their village, 
as also did the citizens of Gouverneur. The result was a 
general meeting was held at Canton, which resulted in the 
organization of the Potsdam and Watertown Railroad Co. 
This transpired in 1852, and a short time afterwards a 
branch was extended to Ogdensburg, which was finally con- 
solidated with the Rome and Watertown railroad, under 
the present title of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg 
railroad. 

ST. L.VWRENCE ACADE.MV. 
Though dead it still lives in tlie hearts of the thousands 
who have been trained by it to lives of usefulness, ami we 
have therefore deemed it proper to give a separate sketch 
of this renowned institution. We have already mentioned in 
the general history of the town how Judge Raymond erected 
a building to be used for school and church in 1810, how he 
employed a gentleman to act as teacher and preacher in 
1812, how a large subscription was raised for an institution 
of learning in the midst of the war, and how St. Lawrence 
academy was incorporated in April, 1816. We now proceed 
to delineate its independent career. 



250 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



TIio first trustees were Benjamin Raymond, Liberty 
Knowlcs, Pierce Sliepard, Azel Lyman, Joseph P. Rey- 
nolds, Scwall Raymond, RcjbfTt McChesney, David Parisli, 
Nathan Ford, Louis Hasbrouck, Roswell Hopkins, Russell 
Atwater, and Ebenczor Hulburd. These whose names in 
this list come after that of Robert McChesney were resi- 
dents of other parts of the county. Benjamin Raymond 
was the first president of the board, holding until 1819. 
He was succeeded by Liberty Knnwles, who was president 
until his death in 1839. Long terms appear to have been 
the rule, for Sewall Raymond was appointed clerk of the 
board at its first meeting in 1816, and held the position by 
successive re-elections till his death forty years later. 

By the act of incorporation the lands in Potsdam re- 
served for literary purposes (lot 56) were transferred to 
the trustees, with power to lease, not sell it. At the first 
meeting of the trustees in September, 1816, they directed 
the senior trustee and the clerk to lease the land in lots of 
sixty acres or less, for fourteen years, for a peck of wheat an 
acre after the first two years. But even at this rental, 
which seems so low, responsible men could not be found to 
clear land and then pay rent on it, when they could buy 
land on reasonable terms all around. 

At the same meeting a preceptor was employed for a year, 
at four hundred and twenty-eight dolkrs. The price of 
tuition in reading and writing was fixed at two dollars and 
a half per term ; " cyphering," mathematics, and book- 
keeping, three dollars ; dead languages, three dollars and a 
half; higher Engli.sh branches and French, four dollars. 
The same month a code of by-laws was adopted, providing, 
among other things, that no students should be admitted 
who could not " stand in a class and read in plain English 
readings ;" that all students should attend the church where 
the preceptor worshiped, unless their parents or guardians 
for themselves if twenty-one years old) should ask the privi- 
lege of attending elsewhere ; and that all should strictly ob- 
serve the Sabbath day and evening, and Saturday evening. 

Nathan Dixon, a graduate of Middlebury college, Ver- 
mont, was the first preceptor, beginning his labors in the 
autumn of 1816, and remaining only one year. He and his 
successors for nine years taught in the building erected by 
Raymond. Mr. Dixon had forty-two students, of whom, 
according to the record, seventeen studied "cyphering," 
ten " mathematics," three " the dead languages," and 
twelve " reading and writing." What kind of " cypher- 
ing" that wa.s which did not come under the head of mathe- 
matics we are not informed. After Mr. Dixon the school 
was closed two j'ears, when Levi S. Ives (afterwards the 
Episcopal bishop of North Carolina) was employed, re- 
maining two years. He was succeeded in 1821 by Charles 
Orvis, who stayed but one year, and who was followed by 
Rev. Daniel Banks. 

This gentleman was a successful teacher, and under his 
administration St. Lawrence academy acquired a high repu- 
tation throughout the northern part of the State. His 
salary was from five hundred and fifty to seven hundred 
dollars per annum. In April, 1825, the legislature appro- 
priated two thousand five hundred dollars to the academy, 
on condition that a brick or stone edifice, worth at least 
three thousand dollars, should be erected on ground owned 



by the trustees. The same month the commissioners of 
highways were authorized to convey, and shortly after did 
convoy, a suitable lot to the trustees out of land granted by 
the original proprietors to the town for public purposes. 

The trustees proceeded forthwith to erect a stone building 
on the lot just mentioned, facing the public Sfjuare of Pots- 
dam village from the east, and occupying the site of the 
north wing of the normal school building. The corner- 
stone was laid by Harmony Lodge of Masons, on the 1st 
day of June, 1825. The structure was of Potsdam sand- 
stone, sixty-eight by thirty-six feet, and having three stories 
besides the basement, the whole surmounted by a cupola 
and belfry. The cost was four thousand dollars, the surplus 
over the twenty-five hundred dollars granted by the State 
being raised by the citizens. The building was erected by 
Samuel Partridge, under the direction, and subject to the 
acceptance of, Liberty Knowles, John C. Smith, and Jo.seph 
P. Reynolds. It was completed the same year. Soon after- 
wards the old academy was sold to the Presbyterian church. 

Rev. Mr. Banks died in 1827, his school year being com- 
pleted by his assistant, Joseph Hopkins. In 1828 the leg; 
islature authorized the sale of the " literature lot," the pro- 
ceeds to be invested in a fund of which the interest should 
be applied only to the payment of teachers, and this was 
accordingly done. In the beginning of the same year, 
Mr. Asa Brainerd, a graduate of the University of Ver- 
mont, was employed as principal, and occupied that 
responsible position till the summer of 1847, — nearly 
twenty years. As may be supposed from this long 
period of service, Mr. Brainard was an excellent teacher, 
and the school was exceedingly prosperous. In 1835 
it was selected by the regents of the State university 
as one of the institutions to which State aid should bo 
given for the instruction of classes of common-school 
teachers. 

In consequence of this action, the town petitioned for, 
and the legislature passed, an act the same year, imposing 
on the town a tax of five hundred dollars in 1836, and the 
same amount in 1837, to help construct an additional build- 
ing. Such a building was erected in 1836, on ground south 
of the Presbyterian church of that day, and facing the 
southeast corner of the public square from the east. The 
church thus stood between the two academic buildings. 
The " south academy," as it was commonly called, like the 
north one, was four stories high, including the basement, 
and, like it, was built of Potsdam sandstone. It was -seventy- 
six by thirty-six feet, and contained a lecture-room, appa- 
ratus-room, laboratory, and numerous other rooms necessary 
for its purposes. The cost was five thousand two hundred 
dollars, and after applying the thousand dollars given by the 
town, and sixteen hundred dollars raised by subscription, 
there was .still a heavy debt, which long burdened the insti- 
tution. The State loaned the academy two thousand dollars 
in 1841, but it did not even pay the interest. 

Nevertheless, as a school, it was highly successful. A 
professorship of mathematics and another of languages were 
instituted in 1835, and thenceforward a hundred teachers 
on an average were fitted annually to teach in the common 
schools. In 1847, Jlr. Brainard resigned, and was suc- 
ceeded by William H. Parker, previou.sly professor of Ian- 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



251 



guages, who remained two years, and was followed by 
William F. Bascom. In 1849 the State gave the academy 
the two thousand dollars before mentioned, and subse- 
quently surrendered its claim to the unpaid interest. This 
nearly relieved the institution from debt. Mr. Bascom was 
also a succes.sful teacher, and remained as principal until 
the fall of 1852. Rev. E. W. Plumb, D.D., served as acting 
principal during the remainder of the school year, and in 
the summer of 1853 became actual principal. The next 
year H. B. Bueknam was the principal, but in 1855 Mr. 
Plumb resumed control, and remained until 1864. He 
usually had three assistants besides the teacher of music. 
George H. Sweet served as principal from 1805 to the 
closing of the academy. 

In 1867 the trustees conveyed all the academy property, 
real and personal, to the State of New York, in trust for 
the "State Normal and Training-school," to be located at 
Potsdam. In the spring of 1868, the two stone structures 
before described were removed to give place to the build- 
ings of the normal school. The academy, still under charge 
of Mr. Sweet, was removed across the square to the old 
Methodist church. In April, 1869, the academic depart- 
ment of the normal school was established, and the St. 
Lawrence academy then ceased to exist as a school. It 
practically ceased, also, as a corporation, though there has 
been no formal dissolution of the board of trustees. 

Probably no educational institution in the State, below 
the rank of a college, ever exercised a greater influence for 
good than did the one under consideration, and many col- 
leges have accomplished far less. Thousands of well-edu- 
cated teachers, business men, and professional men went 
forth from its walls, and those who are still living usually 
speak with pride and affection of " old St. Lawrence 
academy." 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On the 9th day of June, 1811, Daniel Ballard, Ezra 
Barnum, Joseph P. Reynolds, Benjamin Burton, Reuben 
Field, Judith Burroughs, Rebecca Hough, Asenath Field, 
Polly Garfield, Sally Reynolds, and Nancy Shepherd were 
invited by Rev. William Wright and Rev. James Johnson 
to form the First Presbyterian church of Potsdam. The 
number was increased to twenty during the first year by 
the admission of Phebe Dart, Martha Burroughs, Susannah 
Shepherd, Anna Haswell, John Burroughs, Lucina Carpen- 
ter, Benjamin Raymond, Stephen Blanchard, and Polly 
Blanchard. 

" St. Paul's church society" was formed in connection 
with the church just named on the 14th day of August, 
1811 ; Liberty Knowles, Azel Lyman, and Joseph P. Rey- 
nolds being the first trustees. 

Until March, 1812, there was no minister, but services 
were held every Sabbath in tiie old academy building, 
Judge Raymond usually reading a sermon. On the 10th 
of that month Rev. James Johnson was installed as the 
first pastor. He was also the teacher of the academy, and 
it seems to have been the design of Judge Raymond (who 
contributed largely to the support of both sciiool and 
church) that the school should be taught by the minister, 
and should be, to a large extent, under the direction of the 
church. 



On the 14th day of December, 1818, St. Paul's church 
society having become disorganized, the " Trinity church 
society" was formed, with John C. Clarkson, Horace Allen, 
Forrest Morgan, F]zra Barnum, Samuel Partridge, and 
Daniel Shaw as trustees. It is supposed that this name 
(Trinity) was assumed as a mark of orthodox distinction 
from the Unitarians, who were quite common in the neigh- 
borhood of the old " Union." Nevertheless, it was thought 
too stylish a name by the old-fashioned Puritans who ruled 
the church, and on the 16th day of December, 1820, it 
was changed to the "First Presbyterian society of Potsdam;" 
Azel Lyman, Sewall Raymond, and Forrest Morgan being 
the first trustees under this last name. 

Meanwhile there had boon a great revival in the fore- 
part of 1820, at which 80 members had joined, and in 
1821 it was determined to build a house of worship. The 
frame was raised about the first of July. It was on ground 
now occupied by the normal school building, and was long 
known as the " white church." It was dedicated on the 9th 
day of February, 1822, and was the first finished church 
dedicated in town, for though the Methodists dedicated 
theirs about three weeks earlier, it was not entirely com- 
pleted. The building cost about $4500. It was then con- 
sidered a wonderful edifice, and the raising was a great 
event. An ample lunch was provided by the people of the 
church, with plenty of good liquor to wash it down. Total 
abstinence was not yet considered a religious virtue. 

Rev. George H. Sawyer related to William H. AVallace, 
Esq., that, after the erection of the single tall timber which 
was to support the spire, Ansel Paine mounted to the top, 
more than a hundred feet high, stood erect on the end of 
the timber, swung a bottle of whisky around his head, and 
then flung it to the ground, where it landed unbroken in 
the mud. He then, for a moment, reversed his position, 
standing on his head on the end of the single timber, and 
finally descended to the earth. 

The " white church" was used until 1853, when it was 
taken down, and a biick structure erected on the same site, 
at a cost of about $10,000. In 1867 the Presbyterian 
society sold this last edifice with the site, for $10,000, to 
the normal school commission, by whom it was made a part 
of the normal building. In 1868 the society began the 
present church edifice at the intersection of Lawrence ave- 
nue and Elm .street. It is of Potsdam sandstone, the main 
building being 90 by 54 feet, with a wing fur a session- 
room 44 by 33 feet, an addition in the rear 26 by 20 
feet, and a tower 17 feet square, surmounted by a spire 
150 feet high. The inside finish is of ash. The main 
room seats 600 persons, and the cost of the entire edifice 
was about $37,000. It was finished in March, 1872, and 
dedicated on the 5tli day of June, in that year. 

The church now contains two hundred and fifty members, 
and the Sabbath-school about two hundred scholars. The 
present deacons are Frank Fay, Henry L. Knowles, and 
Henry K. Necdhaui. The trustees are William J. Bar- 
num, Henry Watkins, and F. II. Wilcox. F. II. Wilcox 
is treasurer and clerk. 

The following is a list of the pastors, with their periods 
of service : James J. Mason, 1812 to 1817. There was no 
ordained minister for nine years, when Rev. Daniel Banks, 



/^ 



252 



HlSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



principal of the academy, and Rev. Moses Ayrcs usually 
supplied the pulpit; Ora P. Iloyt, 1826 to 1831; Fred- 
erick C. Cannon, 1831 to 1835 ; Beriali B. Ilotchkin, 183G 
to 1845 ; Elijali W. Plumb, 1846 to 1853 ; J. E. Rankin, 
1855 to 1857; Richard B. Kirk, 1857 to 1860; Israel 
Levings (not installed), 1860 to 1863; Herman C. Riggs, 
1863 to 1867 ; Horace P. V. Bogue, 1867 to 1869 ; Ed- 
ward B. Furbish, 1872 to the present time. 

THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. 

This was organized as a station of St. Lawrence circuit 
on the 12th day of November, 1820. A time-worn record 
pasted into one of tlie church-book.? states that " Brotliers 
Powell, Miles, Denning, and Clark" joined un trial on the 
day of the organization, being received in full communion 
the next spring. There is no record of any members prior 
to those, though there had been Methodist preaching in 
town more than ten years before. 

Brother Gary, Sister Gary, and Brother Easton joined on 
probation, December 24, 1820. Josiah Keyes and William 
W. Rundell were the preachers on St. Lawrence circuit at 
this time. 

The next year a small frame hou.se of worship, now known 
as Firemen's hall, was erected by this church, the frame 
being raised on the 21st day of June, 1821, and being the 
fir.st one raised in town. This house was also the first 
one dedicated, though in an unfinished state, on the 22d 
day of January, 1822. Ezra Healey and Orin Foot were 
the preachers on St. Lawrence circuit from July, 1821, to 
July, 1822 ; and Truman Dixon, Roswell Paiker, and 
Squire Clare during the next year. Potsdam circuit was 
formed in 1823, there being one class at the village, and 
others at points now unknown. 

A society for secular purposes was organized on the 4th 
day of February, 1833, with Jolin Lockwood, Gersham 
Conger, Jonathan Paul, George Wright, and John Bying- 
ton as trustees. Meanwhile the church had ceased to be a 
part of a circuit, and had become an independent station. 
Li 1835 it had 130 members, in eleven classes, extending 
over a wide tract, some being in Parishville, and some on 
the edge of Norfolk. The church edifice was repaired in 
1844, and the parsonage partly rebuilt in 1848. In 1860 
a large new biick church was built on Main street, at a cost 
of about $10,000. 

The present number of members, including probationers, 
is 329. The Sabbath-school has 22 officers and teachers, 
and 197 scholars; also a library of 358 volumes. The 
trustees are M. G. Munson, J. W. Dayton, Martin Strait, 
John May, William Roberts, J. B. Austin, B. S. Manlcy, 
Smith Dains, Nelson Belding. The stewards are C. W. 
Leete, C. M. Dunbar, T. W. Gleason, C. F. Adams, N. L. 
Stone, E. A. Hamlin, A. L. Crane, William May. The 
Sunday-school superintendents are II. L. Ilarter and N. L. 
Stone; the clerk is M. G. Munson. 

The following is a li.st of the pastors fmm the formation 
of Potsdam circuit, procured by Rev. Mr. Bramley from 
the records of the conference of northern New York : War- 
ren Banister, 1823 ; J. M. Brooks and Isaac Smith, 1824 ; 
W. W. Rundell and Hiram May, 1825; Benj. E. Paddock 
and Hiram May, 1826 ; B. Dighton and G. Barney, 1827 ; 



Josiah Keyes, 1828 and 1829 ; Benj. B. Shipman, 1830 ; 
Azariah Hall, 1831 and 1832; B. Phillips, 1833; Robert 
Everdale, 1834 ; J. T. Peck, 1835 and 1836; C. W. Leete, 
1837; I. L. Hunt, 1838; J. K Downing, 1839; Harvey 
E. Chapin, 1840 and 1841; Joseph Kilpatrick, 1842; 
Isaac Stone, 1843 and 1844; E. Arnold, 1845 and 1846; 
J. H. Lamb, 1847 and 1848; P. D. Gorrie, 1849 and 
1850; 0. M. Legate, 1851 ; E. W. Jones. 1852; W. A. 
Nichols, 1853 and 1854; Wm. H. Hawkins, 1855; Sam- 
uel Marsh, 1856 ; L. D. White, 1S57 ; P. D. Gorrie, 1858 
and 1859 ; J. B. Foote, 1860 ; Orlando C. Cole, 1861 and 
1862 ; S. Call, 1863, 1864, and 1865 ; J. T. Clymer, 1866 
and 1867; S. O. Barnes, 1868, 1869, and 1870; James 
C. Stewart, 1871 ; L. D. White, 1872, 1873, and 1874; 
Alexander Bramley, 1875, 1876, and 1877. 

THE riRST L'NIVERSALIST CHURCH. 

The first organization of a Universalist society at Pots- 
dam of which there is any record took place on the 3d day 
of January, 1824, though there had previously been preach- 
ing there by ministers of that denomination. On the above- 
named day, Gurdon Smith, James Whitcomb, and William 
Perkins were chosen trustees; Joseph Parkhurst, clerk; 
Nathaniel Parmeter, colleetor ; Eliphalet Holbrook, monitor. 

A constitution was duly adopted, and Rev. Jonathan 
Wallace was employed as preacher. He served the society 
many years, — sometimes preaching in Potsdam half the 
time, .sometimes three-fourths, and sometimes all the tijpc. 
In 1827 he was hired by the society to preach three-fourths 
of the time. — two-fourths in Potsdam village and one-fourth 
in the west part of the town. Mr. Wallace was a man of 
marked ability, whose permanent residence was in Potsdam 
up to the time of his recent death in an honored old age. 

The early meetings in the village, according to the rec- 
ords, were in the "yellow school-house" up to 1836, when 
a frame house of worship was erected on Elm street, at the 
corner of the public park. Up to 1852 there was only a 
secular organization, — not a complete church. On the 17th 
and ISth of January of that year a church of twenty-five 
members was organized ; the hand of fellowship was given 
them, and Joseph Miles, Timothy Bacon, Solomon Par- 
meter, and John Lucas were chosen deacons. There were 
several reorganizations between that time and 1859, and sev- 
eral constitutions adopted, which, however, did not seriously 
differ from each other. In 1858 the number of trustees 
was changed from three to five. In 1874, under the pas- 
torate of Rev. A. U. Hutchins, there was a marked revival 
of interest, and twenty-three new members were admitted 
to the church. 

In 1876 and 1877 an elegant and substantial church edi- 
fice was erected on the site of the old one. It is built of 
Potsdam sandstone, is forty-six by sixty-five feet in size, and 
cost about thirteen thousand dollars aside from the ground. 

The following ministers have served the church, either as 
settled pastors or temporary supplies, since its organization 
in 1824 : Jonathan Wallace, W. II. Waggoner, Jonathan 
Douglass, U. M. Fisk, E. Fisher, M. Goodrich, Frank M. 
Hicks, Moses Marston, E. Hathaway, and A. U. Hutchins. 
There has been no pastor since the close of Mr. Hutchins' 
labors in February, 1876. 














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ly I 



\f\K T. FffENCH 



/W/^S. /.If/fENCH 



(" N.L.Stonz. Photo. Potsdam. ] 





> 










HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



253 



The following are the present officers of the society : 
Trustees, E. A. Jlerritt, George W. Waldo, Jiuiios Lenion, 
Isaac Jlathews, and Myrou H . Wait ; Secretary and Treas- 
urer, J. II. Baum. 

FIRST BAPTIST CIIDRCU. 

This church was organized on the 9th day of June, 1824, 
with thirteen members, viz. : John Tichenor and wife, Nor- 
man Clinton and wife, Henry Myers and wife, Charles 
Grundy and wife, Silas Taft and wife, Josiah Doolittle, 
Phoebe Collins, and Rowcna Fobes. The first deacons were 
Norman Clinton and Josiah Doolittle, and the first pastor 
was R. Batchelor. 

Tiie, congregation was feeble for many years, and had 
no house of worship until 1S58. In that year a frame 
structure for that purpose was erected on Elm street, in 
Potsdam village, at a cost of five thousand one hundred 
dollars. It was improved in 1875 at an expense of two 
thousand five hundred dollars. The audience-room will 
seat about three hundred and fifty persons. The present 
value of the church property, including the parsonage lately 
erected, is about twelve thousand dollars. 

The following is a list of the pastors since Mr. Batchelor : 
Hiram Saffbrd, R. D. Palmer, Silas Pratt, Henry Green, 
John Ide, John Wilder, John C. Ward, I. N. Hobart, H. 
S. Day, Isaac Sawyer, G. W. Baptist, J. W. Daniels, and 
C. E. Bascom, the present incumbent. 

The present number of members is one hundred and thirty- 
five ; the number of teachers and scholars in the Sunday- 
school is one hundred and forty ; the number of volumes in 
the library is about three hundred. The deacons are Wil- 
liam L. Hitchcock and L. Hemenway, Sr. ; the clerk, P. 
S. Westcott. The names of the trustees are Malcolm 
McVicar, Lewis Partridge, C. B. Par(ridge, William L. 
Hitchcock, Carter Smith, H. K. Baldwin, and W. H. 
Walling. 

TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL). 

The first Episcopal services in Potsdam were held in 
1818 by Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, who officiated alternately 
at Ogdensburg and Waddington on Sundays, and on Wed- 
nesdays held service at Russell, Canton, Potsdam, Parish- 
ville, and other points in the county. Similar occasional 
services were continued by missionaries from Ogdensburg 
and Waddington until Nov. 11, 1834, when the Rev. Rich- 
ard Bury became the first resident priest at Potsdam. 

The parish was incorporated on the 23d day of March, 
1835, when Messrs. John C. Clarkson and Augu.stus L. 
Clarkson were elected wardens, and Messrs. David L. Clark- 
son, Zenas Clark, Theodore Clark, Myron G. Munson, 
Noble S. Elderkin, Samuel Partridge, Frederick Miller, Jr., 
and Aaron T. Hopkins were chosen vestrymen. 

In 1835 and 183G a church was built after the design 
of Trinity church. New York ; the material being sand- 
stone, and the size G4 by 44 feet, with a tower 13} feet 
square and 57 feet high, and a vestry-room Hi by 15i 
feet. The entire cost was $5880, $1500 of which were 
contributed by Trinity church. New York. The location 
chosen was a peculiar but most beautiful one, being on the 
south part of Fall island, in the village of Potsdam, the 
llaquettc river sweeping by on each side of it only a few 



rods distant, and a score of smaller islands lying still far- 
ther to the southward giving a charming diversity to the 
scenery. The corner-stone was laid on the 3d day of June, 
1835, and the church was consecrated by the Right Rev. 
Benjamin T. Onderdonk on the 7th day of August, 1836, 
there being then 1 7 communicants. 

In 1856 a legacy of S3000 was left to the church. Two 
years later this sum and $2000 more was expended in im- 
provements, including a recessed chancel with an internal 
area of 24 by 19 feet, and open seats with paneled stand- 
ards in place of the old pews. The windows were filled 
with enameled glass, surrounded by figured borders, — a 
gift of the ladies' sewing-society. Other improvements 
have since been made. 

There are now 253 communicants and 190 Sunday-school 
scholars. The yearly offerings are about $3500. The pres- 
ent rector is the Rev. H. R. Howard; the wardens, E. W. 
Foster and T. S. Clarkson ; the vestrymen, Benjamin 
Usher, Charles 0. Tappan, M. Heath, T. S. Clarkson, Jr., 
L. Usher, C. Cos, 0. G. Howe, G. L. Erwin. 

The following is a list of the reverend gentlemen who 
have acted as rectors, with their terms of service : Richard 
Bury, from November, 1834, to 1837 ; Albin K. Putnam, 
January, 1839, to February, 1844; N. W. Monroe, April, 

1844, to October, 1840; J. G. Hubbard, D.D., April, 
1847, to January, 1851 ; Kcndrick Metcalf, D.D., Sep- 
tember, 1851, to April, 1852; William Staunton, D.D., 
April, 1852, to November, 1859; J. A. M. La Fourette, 
May, 1860, to March, 1865; J. S. Kidney, February, 
1866, to April, 1871 ; H. R. Howard, 1871 to the present 
time. 

ST. Mary's chdrcii (catholic). 

There was a Catholic church at Potsdam as early as 

1845. It was supplied by priests from other churches, — 
principally from Waddington. Rev. James Keeveny, the 
first resident priest, came about 1856. Services were held 
in a building which had formerly been a dwelling-house. 
Father Keeveny was succeeded by Rev. P. J. McGlynn. 
During his ministration, in 1859, the present commodious 
edifice was erected, being consecrated in August of that 
year by Bishop (now Cardinal) McCloskey. It is now esti- 
mated to be worth about $8000. A substantial brick par- 
sonage was built in 1866. 

Father McGlynn died in December, 1867, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Joseph Taney. The latter was followed, 
in 1874, by Rev. Joseph J. McDonald, the present incum- 
bent. The church now embraces about 60 families, with a 
total meraberehip of near 350. The present trustees are 
the bishop, the vicar-general, and the priest, together with 
Mr. James Hayes and Mr. John Casey. 

THE CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH. 

There are many churches of this denomination in Europe 
and Canada, but only three or four in the United States 
besides the congregation at Potsdam. It originated in Scot- 
land about 1830, beginning under the form of prophesyings, 
healings, etc. It spread rapidly to England and other coun- 
tries, and in the course of a year or so men were named to 
the office of apostle by the Holy Ghost, speaking, as was 



254 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



believed, through prophets. In time twelve apostles, the 
original number, were thus appointed. 

Under their rule, guided, as is ekinicd, by prophecy, the 
Apostolic church has gradually increased, thougli it is still 
comparatively small. There is a fourfold ministry of 
apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor ; the twelve apos- 
tles being the directors of the whole body, and the functions 
of the other leaders being sufficiently shown by their titles. 
Each fully organized church is under an " angel' (chief 
pastor or bishop), assisted by elders and deacons, and, if 
necessary, by sub-deacons and deaconesses. 

Their faith is the same as that of the main body of the 
Christian church, with the addition that they believe also 
that prophetic truth and special inspiration are now vouch- 
safed to man. Tlieir liturgy and the vestments of their 
officials resemble those of the Episcopal church. They 
look on all the baptized as members of the Church of 
Christ, considering themselves as only favored by being the 
first to be gathered in modern times under the rule of the 
apostles. They also expect the speedy coming of the Lord 
on earth. 

The beginning of this church in Potsdam was in 1837, 
when two evangelists, named Card and Cuthbert, came 
hither at the invitation of Mr. David Lewis and began 
preaching. In the course of six months about twenty were 
organized into a church, and remained for a year under the 
supervision of Mr. Cuthbert. Mr. Easton was their pastor 
for a year and a half, and was followed by Norman Holmes, 
who remained about ten years. A small frame house of 
worship was erected at Potsdam in 1846. In 1848 and 
'49 the church was more fully organized, but it was still 
too small to possess all the orders of the ministry. It was 
sometimes considered a branch of a church in New Y^ork 
city, and at other times as under the jurisdiction of the 
one in Ottawa, Canada. 

Mr. Holmes was succeeded as pastor by W. W. Andrews, 
who remained about eight years. After his departure Mr. 
Noah Perrin, of Potsdam, was made chief elder, and acted 
as pastor most of the time till his death, in 1876, though 
during that period Mr. Britton was stationed here as pastor 
two years and a half, and Mr. Dunlap a year and a half. 

There are now about 40 communicants. Mr. George 
Lewis is the chief elder and acting pastor ; the deacons 
being David Lewis, W. J. Seeley, and W. F. G. Seeley. 
The eucharist is administered every Sabbath at ten o'clock 
A.M., and vesper services are held at five P.M. 

IIAQUETTE RIVER LODGE, NO. 213, F. AND A. M. 

The charter of this lodge was granted on the fourth day 
of March, 1851 ; the charter members being Joshua Biais- 
dell, M. ; Aaron T. Hopkins, S. W. ; Jehiel H. Hyde, J. 
W. The following is a list of the Masters from that time 
to the present: Joshua BlaisdcU, Jehiel H. Hyde, Joseph 
H. Sanford, Henry 11. Ames, Noble S. Eiderkin, Daniel 
Lewis, Justin H. Blaisdell, H. M. Phelps, Robert Pierce, 
William H. Wallace, Samuel C. Crane, Sylvester B. Bur- 
ton, Julius S. Lord, Martin V. B. Ives. 

The present number of members is 105. The stated 
communications are held at Potsdam village on the first 
and third Thursdays of each month. The following are the 



present officers : M. V. B. Ives, W. M. ; A. B. Country- 
man, S. W. ; W. F. Leete, J. W. ; A. T. Hopkins, Treas. ; 
Geo. Erwin, Sec. ; Geo. W. Parkhurst, S. D. ; Wm. Lee, 
J. D. ; Chas. E. Jewett, S. M. C; S. 0. Loucks, J. M. 
C. ; Rev. H. R. Howard, Chap. ; H. R. Leete, Tyler. 

SAINT LAWRENCE CHAPTER, NO. 24, R. A. M., 

organized at Massena under charter dated Feb. 9, 1809, 
and removed to Potsdam about February, 1821. The first 
officers were Elisha Deuison, H. P. ; Daniel Robinson, K. ; 
John Polly, S. ; John Wilson, C. H. ; Ira Kellogg, P. S. ; 
Thomas C. Colburn, R. A. C. ; Ezekiel Colburn, M. of 1st 
v.; Willard Scaton, M. of 2d V.; J. Polly, M. of 3d V. ; 
John Wilson, Trcas. ; Wm. Goss, Sec. 

The chapter suspended work from 1829 to 1851, owing 
to the high state of excitement which prevailed, and the 
prejudice which assailed the craft about the former date, 
and for years after. The succession '■ in the east" has been 
as follows; 

Elisha Denison, 1809; Thomas Steadman, 1810-11, 
1814-16, and 1819; Ezekiel Colburn, 1812; Willard 
Scaton, 1813; Daniel Robinson, 1817; John Stone, Jr., 
1818 and 1820; Robert McChesney, 1821-22 ; William 
Stowell, 1823 ; Samuel Bigelow, 1824 ; Zenas Clark, 1825 ; 
Jonathan Wallace, 1826; Jabez Willes, 1827; A. Y. Ei- 
derkin, 1828; D. B. Stevens, 1829; Zenas Clark, 1851- 
53 ; Joshua Blaisdell, 1854-55, 1862, 1864-65 ; Joseph 
H. Sanford, 1856, 1859-60; Harvey N. Redway, 1857- 
58; Wm. H. Wallace, 1861; Gideon F. Cole, 1863; 
Henry R. Ames, 1866-68 ; Noble S. Eiderkin, 1869 ; Don 
Carlos Brookins, 1870; Samuel C. Crane, 1871-74; Wil- 
liam W. Bert, 1875-78. 

The present officers are : W. W. Bert, H. P. ; M. V. B. 
Ives, K.; S. C. Crane, S. ; J. H. Baum, C. H. ; J. S. 
Dord, P. S. ; S. A. Redway, R. A. C. ; J. D. Hand, S. 0. 
Loucks, C. E. Jewett, M. of Y. ; C. E. Batchelder, Treas. ; 
W. F. Leete, Sec. ; Rev. H. R. Howard, Chaplain ; F. M. 
Brush, Organist ; H. R. Leete, Tyler. 

The chapter meets in Masonic hall in Potsdam on the 
second and fourth Thursdays in each month, at seven p.m. 
Membership at present about 50. 

POTSDAM GRANGE, NO. 39, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 

This is a flourishing young organization, which, although 
it meets in the village, is devoted to the interests of the 
farming community. The " Grangers" have been the ob- 
jects of considerable ridicule, but their central idea of im- 
proving the social life of the farming population is certainly 
a most valuable one. Potsdam grange contains forty-one 
members. 

POTSDAM FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

There was a fire-company in Potsdam as early as 1823, 
but it became disorganized ; and, though there were two 
engines in possession of the village in 1S53, there were no 
systematic means of working them provided. The present 
fire department was organized in 1857, with a chief en- 
gineer, assistant engineer, secretary, assistant secretary, 
treasurer, steward, and two companies, — Frontier Hose, 
No. 1, and Potsdam Engine, No. 1. 

J. R. Jackson was the first chief engineer. He was 





MRS. Owen J. Sartwell. Owen J. Sartwell 

( PMoro5 Bv H L Stone. Potsohj H y ) 






JORAM TlMEF?MAN 



MffS. JORAM TiMERMAN. 



Photos, ey L.N.Sione., PofSOAM 




Res. OF JORAM T\MLRMAN .^4 miles sw or fotsdam villaoe ,Potsoam,N.Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



255 



I 



succeeded by J. B. Lombard ; he by A. X. Parker ; and 
the latter in 18G7 by J. L. Brown, the present incumbent. 
In 187-i, Raquette Hose, No. 2, was organized, and in 
1875 Relief Hose, No. 3. Each hose company contains 
two officers and ten men, while the engine company has 
forty names on its roll. The present officera of the depart- 
ment are J. L. Brown, chief engineer ; J. L. Hand, assist- 
ant engineer; S. A. Redway, secretary ; D. Charters, assistant 
secretary ; James Lemon, treasurer ; Ira Eansom, steward. 

POTSDAM WATER-WORKS. 

These are on the " Holly" plan, forcing the water through 
pipes by power, which, in this instance, is derived from 
Raquette river. The cost was $50,000. There are 4 J miles 
of mains, and 186 purchasers of the water. The annual 
receipts are now $1300, and the amount is increasing. 

The main object of their erection, however, was to guard 
against fire, and for this purpose they have shown them- 
selves to be admii-ably calculated. The works are managed 
by a board of water commissioners, of which Bloomfield 
Usher is the president, and Geo. B. Swan and Samuel C. 
Crane are the other members. William H. Wallace was 
the president of the commission until his death, during the 
past summer. 

NORWOOD. 

This village has a population of 1200. It was incor- 
porated as Potsdam Junction in 1872, but its name was 
changed to Norwood in 1875. Benjamin G. Baldwin was 
its first president, and was such at the time of his death. 
He was succeeded by Norman Ashley ; he by A. jM. H. 
Pearson ; and he by Moses F. Collins. The present trustees 
are Elisha Reynolds, William E. Hale, and Luther Bartlett ; 
the clerk is Thaddeus Thayer. 

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

Norwood contains 1 general store, 4 dry-goods stores, 2 
large groceries, and 5 smaller ones, 3 hardware and tin- 
stores, 2 drug-stores, 1 jewelry-store, 1 flour- and feed- 
store, 1 furniture-store, 3 millinery-stores, 1 job printing- 
office, 2 hotels, with liveries attached, 3 wagon-shops, 2 
harness-shops, 3 blacksmith-shops, 2 shoe-shops, 1 paint- 
shop, 2 meat-markets, 1 bakery, and 1 barber-shop. There 
are also 2 lawyers, 2 doctors, 1 dentist, and 2 clergymen. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The custom grist-mill of H. S. Martin & Son was started 
in 1874. In the same building, which is 80 by 56 feet, 
and 3 stories high, is the hub-factory of the same owners, 
which employs several men, and turns out about 5000 sets 
of hubs per annum. They also make some 300,000 sh.ngles 
each winter. A portion of the building is rented to Leonard 
& Martin, and used as a butter-tub factory. They employ 
11 men in the building, and as many more outside. The 
power for the whole is furnished by a 25-horse power 
steam-engine. 

The Flouring-Mill of Hika.m Rodee is a four-story 
stone structure, which cost about $35,000. It has five run 
of stone, and makes about two hundred barrels of flour in 
twenty-four hours. There is a large frame store-house ad- 
joining it. 



Reynolds' Saw-Mill was built by Amos Bicknell, 
about twenty years ago. Another structure was built near 
the same time for a starch-factory. Mr. Wait Reynolds 
bought the saw-mill in 1863. In 1867 he purchased the 
starch-factory and changed it into a shingle-mili, and also 
built the sash- and door-factory. The saw-mill cuts 500,000 
feet per year. The whole employs near thirty men. 

Davis' Thrashing-machine Factory was built by 
Wait Reynolds three years since, and transferred to Mr. S. 
N. Davis. It turns out from fifteen to twenty machines 
per year. 

Pearson's Broom-Handle and Hoop-Factory was 
built by Enos & Macomber, in 1865. In 1869 it came into 
the possession of Mr. A. M. H. Pearson, who now owns it. 
It employs eight men, who manufacture from forty to fifty 
thousand toy-hoops yearly, and from six to seven hundred 
thousand broom-handles. 

Beam & Waldron's Tannery was built in 1877. 
It has twenty-five vats and a ten-horse power steam-engine. 

The establishment of the Norwood Lumber Company 
is the largest in the village, but we have been unable to 
obtain exact statistics. The mill was built by James Mor- 
gan & Co., and was subsequently owned by Morgan, Adsit 
& Co., and Lovelace & Fonda. The latter built a steam 
Saw-mill in 1865. After various changes the mills passed 
into the hands of the Norwood Lumber Company, which 
was organized in 1875. A large space on the east side of 
Raquette river is occupied by its buildings and lumber-yards, 
and many millions of feet are sent away every year. 

UNION school no. 1. 
A small part of this district is in the town of Norfolk. 
It was organized as a graded school district, with a board of 
education, in the spring of 1870. There are four grades: 
academic, senior, junior, and primary. Flach of the three 
higher grades has one teacher, and the primary has two. The 
school-house was built eight years before the organization 
of the board, but additions have since been made to it. It 
is considered worth $2500. The present principal is Fred- 
erick W. Woodworth. There are about two hundred and 
fifty scholars in the district. The board of education con- 
sists of Luther Bartlett, president; Loren R. Ashley, Wil- 
liam T. Leonard, William E. Hale, Omer A. Hine, Edgar 
T. Phelps, Giles J. Hall, Charles N. Bixby, and Hiram 
Rodee. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OP NORWOOD. 

Occasional Methodist services were held in Norwood, then 
called Raqucttoville, previous to 1855. In that year the 
church was organized under the ministration of Rev. T. 
Richie. He was succeeded by Rev. T. Smedley, in 1858. 
The records are incomplete, and there were occasional va- 
cancies in the pastorate, but the church steadily increased 
in size, and in 1861 it aided the Congregational society to 
build the house of woi-ship now used by the latter body. 
It was agreed that the two churches should use the house 
jointly, and that in case the Methodists should at any time 
desire to withdraw and build a separate edifice, they should 
be refunded the amount paid by them. 

This arrangement was carried out, and the Methodists 
worshiped at the house in question for six years; Rev. G. 



25G 



mSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



P. Kenney assuming the pastorate in 1863, Rev. R. E. 
King in 1864, Rev. T. C. Millington in 1866, and Rev. 
W. G. Ball in 1868. During the ministry of the last- 
named gentleman the church found itself strong enough to 
erect a separate house of worship. They accordingly re- 
ceived the moneys previously paid, raised a large subscrip- 
tion in addition, and built a very elegant and commodious 
brick structure, with a stone basement, suitable for the large 
congregation whiph has since assembled there. Rev. C. W. 
Brooks became the pastor in 1871 ; Rev. W. D. Chase, in 
1874; and Rev. I. D. Feaslee, in the spring of 1877. A 
fine brick parsonage has lately been built beside the church 
edifice. 

The church is in a very flourishing condition, having 
two hundred and ten communicants, two hundred and 
ninety-four Sabbath-school teachers and scholars, and four 
hundred volumes in the Sabbath-school library. The pres- 
ent stewards are Edward Leonard, M. F. Collins, Ashley 
Collins, Stephen Ducolin, J. G. McCloud, and Thomas 
Leonard. 

THE IIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NORWOOD. 

The first Congregational society of Raquetteville (now 
Norwood) was organized March 4, 1858, with Norman 
Ashley, -Robert McGill, and A. T. Holbrook as trustees, 
and J. S. Morgan as clerk. The first Congregational church 
was formed July 15, in the same year, with nineteen mem- 
bers. The first ofiicers were H. E. Holbrook and J. H. 
Edgerton, deacons, and Paul P. Dowd, church clerk. 

Rev. Dr. E. W. Plumb, principal of St. Lawrence 
academy, preached for the young church about three j'ears. 
He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Barton, and he for a 
short time by the Rev. Mr. Sheldon. A frame house of 
worship was built under the management of the Congrega- 
tional society in 1861, and dedicated February 13, 1862; 
the cost for land and building being four thousand dollars. 
The Methodists assisted in its erection, and occupied it 
pointly with the Congregationalists until the former built a 
church edifice in 1868, when the money they had contrib- 
uted was refunded to them. Rev. James W. Grush as- 
sumed the pastorate in 1864, Rev. George Hardy in 1867, 
Rev. Thomas H. Griffith in 1873, and Rev. C. H. Rowley 
in 1877. 

There are now ninety-three members of the church, and 
a hundred and seventy-two teachers and scholars in the 
Sabbath-school. The latter has a new library of about two 
hundred volumes. The following are the present officers : 
Deacons, Norman Ashley and John M. Kinsman ; Trustees, 
Gershom Waldo, Thomas Austin, and Franklin Th.iyer ; 
Clerk of church and society, L. C. Yale ; Treasurer of 
society, IL B. Hall. 

ST. Andrew's mission (episcopal). 

This mission was formed at Norwood, February 7, 1874. 
It now numbers eighteen members. Services are held in 
the Congregational church on the first and third Sundays 
of each month by the Rev. J. R. L. Niblett, of Trinity 
church, Potsdam. The warden is John Raymond ; the 
treasurer, M. Valley ; the clerk, Edwin Pearson. 



THE SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
Thirty-two persons residing in the north part of Potsdam, 
and prcviou.sly connected with the Scotch church of Madrid, 
formed a separate organization in 1852, and in 1853 they 
erected a house of worship in the former town, about two 
miles north of west from Raquetteville (now Norwood). 
A thriving church has ever since been maintained there. 
It is now under the charge of Rev. Dr. Thompson, one of 
the faculty of a medical college in Philadelphia, but a resi- 
dent of the village of Madrid. He devotes his time largely 
to the care of his church, though some of it is occupied in 
delivering lectures in Philadelphia. 

HEWITTVILLE. 

This little hamlet has grown up around the great saw- 
mill built by Dr. Henry Hewitt immediately after he had 
procured the opening of the channel of Raquette river, as 
mentioned in the general sketch of the town. It is now 
owned by the Potsdam lumber company. It has a hundred 
upright saws, besides a circular, and cuts some six million 
feet per year. The mill and a few houses situated near it, 
and mostly occupied by workmen in it, constitute the village 
of Hewittville. 

SISSONVILLE. 

The Sissonville mill is the largest on the river. A mill 
was first built at that point by Pomeroy, Pearson & Co. in 
the great mill-building period so often referred to, between 
1850 and 1854, but it was neglected, and went down before 
and during the war. The present mill was put up after the 
war by Griswold & Sisson. It will cut from ten to twelve 
million feet of lumber in a year. The mill is substantially 
Sissonville. 

CRARY'S MILLS. 

This village, the beginning of which was noticed in the 
general history of the town, in the southwest corner of 
which it is situated, contains two stores, one h.irne.ss-shop, 
one wagon-shop, one blacksmith-shop, one tannery, one lime- 
kiln, one grist-mill, and about twenty houses. There is a 
church near by but not in this town. The lime-kiln owned 
by A. Church, but known as the Harvey kiln, produces 
especially good lime, of which a large amount is sold. 

Crary's Mills Lodge, No. 665, I. 0. of G. T., was or- 
ganized Jan. 29, 1871. The principal officers then were 
Martin G. FoUet, W. G. T. ; Clara Langdon, W. V. T. ; 
S. S. Harvey, W. Sec. The principal ones now (December, 
1877) are H. A. Loomis, W. C. T. ; Ella Wood, W. V. 
T. ; M. P. Giffin, W. Sec. 

Crary's INIills Grange, No. 54, Patrons of Hu.sbandry, 
was formed Jan. 20, 1874. The present officers are N. 0. 
Freeman, Master; W. A. Sherman, Overseer; H. A.Mor- 
rison, Lecturer; E. H. Langdon, Steward; Z. D. Brown, 
As.st. Steward ; W. Spalding, Chap. ; H. D. Leonard, 
Treas. ; A. P. Harvey, Sec. ; C. B. Church, Gatekeeper ; 
Mrs. W. D. Boyden, Ceres; Mrs. H. A. Church, Pomona ; 
Mrs. Nelsoti Beldan, Flora ; Mrs. Z. D. Brown, Lady Asst. 
Steward. The grange has 44 members. 

BUCK'S BRIDGE. 

This place, which has boon mentioned before, now con- 
tains one store, one blacksmith-shop, one wagon-shop, one 





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A E. LOUCKS. 



Mrs A.E Loucks 




"partridge: rAffM."ffcs/0£NCE or A.E. LOUCKS, FoTSD/^M.N. Y. 




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Ellis Benson. 



Mrs. Ellis Benson . 










RtSIDENCE OF ELLIS Bt 





IV, L. Benson 



Mrs. n, l Benson 



Fhotos by W l 5roNE, Potsdam, H. Y 




RES. or N.L. BENSON, Potsoam.Nlw 




ffEMOENHc or MILTON HEATH, Puksahi St.. FutsoamN Y 



il ^i > 




Residence or GEO. W. BONNEY . £lm St.. Potsdam. N. /. 



I 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



257 



cooper-shop, and about twenty houses, besides the churches 
and mills, to be specifically mentioned. Wright & Post 
have a saw-mill, two shingle-mills, and a provender-mill. 
Wright & Corbin have a saw-uiill, lath-mill, and planing- 
mill. The power for all the mills is I'urnished by Grassc 
river. Both firms do an extensive business, and a large 
space is covered with their products. These are mostly 
sent to market from 3Iadrid station, on the Ogdensburg 
and Lake Champlain railroad. 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENT CHURCH. 

A house of worship for the use of this denomination was 
erected at Buck's Bridge, on the north side of Grasse river, 
about 1853. There was regular preaching by Rev. Messrs. 
John Byington, Harry Buck, and S. B. Whitney, but no 
church was organized until 1861. Rev. Me.ssrs. S. B. 
Whitney, Henry Hilliard, and A. H. Hull have officiated 
since that time. The present number of members is about 
twenty-six. 

buck's bridge and west POTSDAM CIRCUIT (METHO- 
DIST episcopal). 

Previous to 1837 there had been occasional preaching 
by Methodist ministers at Buck's Bridge, but there are no 
records of any regular organization prior to that time. In 
that year a separate charge was formed from Canton cir- 
cuit, embracing classes at Buck's Bridge, South Canton, 
Morley, and South Lisbon. Since then South Canton and 
Morley have been separated from this circuit, and the class 
in Lisbon has been consolidated with that at Buck's 
Bridge. A class was formed at West Potsdam about 
1841 in connection with this circuit, which in that year 
received the name of Buck's Bridge circuit. 

A frame church edifice was built at Buck's Bridge about 
the time of the organization of the circuit (1837). It has 
been thoroughly repaired of late, and is now a very neat 
and pleasant structure, situated on the north side of Grasse 
river. 

A small church edifice was built at West Potsdam, in 
1842, by the Methodists and Free-Wiil Baptists combined. 
About 1857 the Congregational church at that place was 
transferred to the Methodists, whereupon the structure pre- 
viously used by them was abandoned. 

There are now seventy members in the class at Buck's 
Bridge, and fifty-three in that at West Potsdam. The 
stewards are A. G. Buck, Williams G. Wright, Artemas 
Hearns, and S. Ketcham. The cla.ss-leaders are Warren 
H. Wright and Melzar Corbin at Buck's Bridge, and 
Frederick Howe at West Potsdam. 

The following is a list of the pastors, with their respective 
years of service. Previous to 1841 they preached at Buck's 
Bridge and the other places named; since then they have 
officiated at both Buck's Bridge and West Potsdam : Lind- 
ley D. Gibbs, 1837; D. Chichester, 1838; J. Stoddard, 
183S) ; Lynd(jn King, 1840-41 ; Rufus C. King, 1842-43 ; 
Franklin Hawkins, 1844— 15 ; Alam;aizo IJIackman, 184G- 
47; Justin Alden, 1848-49; A. F. Bigelow, 1850-51; 
Ira H. Corbin, 1852-53; C. C. Simons and B. E. Whip- 
ple, 1854; J. T. Alden, 1855-50; S. F. Kenyon, 1857; 
A. E. Corse, 1858-59; S. C. Corbin, ISGO-Gl ; C. E. 
33 



Beebe, 1862-G3 ; Othnicl Holmes, 18G4; D. D. Parker, 
1865-GG ; J. Dolph, 18G7 ; W. F. Bull (supply), 18G8 ; 
George Hasting.s, 1869-70; S. Boyd, 1871-72; S. C. 
Goodell, 1873-74; H. C. Abbott, 1875-77. 

WEST POTSDAM. 

This place whicli, under the name of Smith's Corners, 
has been previously mentioned as a point of considerable 
note, if not of much size, is now a bright-looking, well- 
built little village, containing a store, black.smith-shop, 
shoe-shop, and about twenty houses, besides a cheese- 
factory in course of construction and a church edifice pre- 
viously mentioned. 

YALEVILLE, 
another hamlet a mile west of West Potsdam, consists of a 
store, shoe-shop, wagon-shop, blacksmith-shop, and about a 
dozen houses. The mill, which was here thirty j'ears ago 
and which has been mentioned previously, has many years 
since ceased to exist. 

There is also another place called Yaleville (the name 
being derived from the same family as the foregoing), situ- 
ated on Raquette river, partly in Norfolk, but having 
several houses in Potsdam. 

FORMER CHURCHES. 

A united religious society was formed on the IGth day 
of September, ISOG, with Wm. Bullard, Jonathan Adams, 
Annie Currier, Reuben Field, Manasseh Smith, and Alba 
Durgee as trustees. These gentlemen, and the other mem- 
bers of the society, were the same who had taken land in 
common, and who formed themselves into the "Union" the 
next year. As near as can now be ascertained the society 
first named did not adopt any particular creed, but was 
formed to aid the religious advancement of the community 
in co-operation with whatever sects might desire to occupy 
the field. It does not appear to have survived the indus- 
trial " Union," with which it was more or less connected. 

The " Christian" sect, through the labors of Bela Palmer, 
organized a church in the autumn in the neighborhood of 
the old " Union." It then numbered from thirty to forty 
members, most of whom had belonged to that community. 
Rev. Ira Allen began preaching for this church in 1819, 
and with a very brief interval retained pastoral charge of it 
until his death, about 18G0. It was then feeble, and soon 
ceased to exist. 

A Free-Will Baptist church, with thirty members, was 
formed at West Pot.sdam, by the Rev. Otis F. Willis, ou 
the 4th of July, 1841. This church erected a house of 
worship in connection with the Methodist Episcopal so- 
ciety in 1842. The society connected with the church was 
incorporated on the 29th of June, 1843, with G. S. Hath- 
away and B. Lane as trustees. Rev. William Whitfield 
preached there from 1843 to about 1854. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Mr. Deering, who rcmaiucd but a short 
time. After that there was only occasional preaching, and 
finally the church became extinct. 

A Congregational church was also organized at West 
Potsdam in 1841 or 1842. A substantial frame church 
edifice w;is erected there in the latter year. Rev. Charles 
Bowles, a colored man, Was the first settled pastor. He 



258 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Rowley. Regular services 
were maintained fur eight or ten years. After that there 
were occasional meetings, but the church gradually became 
more feeble, and about 1857 they transferred their house of 
worship to the Melhodists (the only donoininatidn who 
kept up regular services at West Potsdam) by a deed of 
gift, the only eondition being that the recipients should pay 
about thirty dollars of debt which was standing against the 
Congregational .society. The latter then dissolved. 

OTIIKR INTERESTS. 

There is a steam saw-mill about five miles west of the 
village, built by a company in 1854, now in the hands of 
Chester C. Simons It is worked from two to six months 
per year, cutting about seventy-five thousand feet of lumber 
per month. Near by is a cheese-factory, built by a stock 
company of farmers in 1867, and still owned by them. It 
now receives the milk of about two hundred and fifty cows. 
There is also another chee.se-factory three or four miles 
from the village, on the Canton road. It uses the milk of 
from three hundred to four hundred cows. 

THE RAQUETTE VALLEY AND ST. REGIS VALLEY AGRI- 
CULTURAL SOCIETY. 

Tins association was organized in 1870. Its operations 
arc not restricted to any particular towns, but it receives its 
principal supjiort from Potsdam and the towns adjoining on 
the east and south. Its grounds at Potsdam village com- 
prise about twenty acres of land, which, with the buildings 
and other improvoraents upon it, have co.st about $22,000, 
$19,000 of which has been paid since the organization of 
the society out of the net earnings. The association pays 
annually, in purses and premiums, about $4500. 

For the first three years the i)rincipal officers were Chas. 
O. Tapi)an, president; Luke Usher, treasurer; and II. 
M. Story, secretary. Since then the presidents have been 
E. W. Foster, in 1873; A. X. Parker, in 1874-75; E. 
W. Foster, in 1876 ; and William J. Barnum, in 1877-78. 
C. W. Leete and J. G. Mclntyre are the present treasurer 
and secretary. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The following persons have served as supervisors of Pots- 
dam : Benj. Raymond, 1807; Charles Cox, 1808; Benj. 
Raymond, ISO!); Charles Cox, 1810-11 ; Benj. Raymond, 
1812 to 1817, inclusive; Gurdon Smith, 1818 to 1821, in- 
clusive; Samuel Partridge, 1822; Gurdon Smith, 1823- 
24; Samuel Partridge, 1825; Horace Allen, 1826-27; 
Samuel Partridge, 1828-29; Zenus Clark, 1830 to 1834, 
inclusive; Ansel Bailey, 1835 to 1837, inclusive; Amos 
W. Brown, 1838; Ansel Bailey, 1839; Aaron T. Hop- 
kins, 1840 to 1843, inclusive; Thomas Swift, 1844-45; 
Isaac Parker, 1846-47; Charles Dart, 1848-49; Amos 
Blood, 1850-51 ; Isaac Parker, 1852 to 1854, inclusive; 
Benj. G. Baldwin, 1855; Aaron T. Hopkins, 1856 to 
1860, inclusive; Edward W. Foster, 1861 to 1870, inclu- 
sive; Erasmus D. Brooks, 1877. 

The present town officers are : Supervisor, Erasmus D. 
Brooks ; Town Clerk, Josiah L. Brown ; Justices of the 
Peace, Samuel C. Crane, S. S. Harvey, Abel A. Hall, Mar- 
tin Welch, and Philander Simmons ; Assessors, William J. 



Barnum, Sylvanus Ellis, and Stillman Howard ; Highway 
Commissioner, Norman Swift; Town Auditors, George L. 
Eastman, Leander A. Holt, and Merritt Wheeler ; Over- 
seers of the Poor, James Ijenion and Edwin Leonard ; Col- 
lector, David K. Brown ; Constables, David K. Brown, 
William Pratt, Douglas P. Loomis, Charles J. Waldron, 
and Stephen >I. Ketchani ; Inspectors of Election, Amos 
B. Countryman, John B. Nichols, Charles Lane, Judson 
Wright. Noel 0. Freeman, Chas. Olmstead, George Erwin, 
Spencer D. Ray, Loren R. Ashley, Wait Reynolds, John 
P. Goggin, Frank l\I. Hawley, Robert Pierce, Joel Olm- 
stead, and C. C. Nightingale ; Excise Commissioners, Wm. 
J. Barnum, 0. A. Hine, and Isaac 3Iatthews; Pound- 
Master, Francis H. Wilcox. 

In closing this connected sketch, we desire to express 
our thanks for information aflTorded us to Messrs. W. A. 
Dart, H. L. Knowles, E. W. Foster, C. 0. Tappan, J. G. 
Mclntyre, W. L. Knowles, W. F. Leete, William Mathews, 
George Erwin, Jonah L. Brown, T. S. Clarkson, E. W. 
Furbish, Alex. Bramley, C. C. Bascom, David Lewis, Ver- 
sa! Healey, Ira T. French, L. S. Owen, Amos Blood, Mr. 
and Mrs. W. A. Smith, Ansel Paine, Warren H. Wright, 
John Raymond, Norman Ashley, Lloyd C. Yale, C. N. 
Bixby, I. N. Peaslee, and Salmon Currier ; and to any 
others who may have given us information, and whose 
names we may have omitted to record. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL PARTRIDGE 

was born in Franklin, Ma.ss., Dec. 19, 1792. His ancestry 
was, on both sides, of the best of that practical and rugged 
New England stock which has almost achieved miracles in 
overcoming obstacles of every description, his tamilj' being 
directly connected with the patriot blood of Roger Sher- 
man. In his childhood his parents removed to Alstoad, 
N. H., and there, when ho had reached manhood, in Miss 
Abigail Ladd he found his wife. 

The spirit of emigration to '' the west" was strongly 
stirring the spirits of New England's sons; and in 1817, 
when twenty-five years of age, Mr. Partridge came, with 
his young wife, to Potsdam, then a lately-opened township 
in the wilderness of northern New York. He established 
himself here in mercantile business, in which he continued 
lor thirty years with varying fortunes, but, on the whole, 
with decided success. His business success, however, did 
not change his native kindness of heart, and in him his 
employees and tenants always found a friend. In 1847 he 
retired from the active pursuit of business, content to 
spend the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of the 
ample means which his industr}- and enterpri.se had accu- 
mulated, in the quiet and society of bis children and grand- 
children. 

The unobtrusive pleasures of domestic life were his 
peculiar enjoyment, and he was the kind father of a large 
and loving family, consisting of one son and nine daugh- 
ters, two daughters having died in infancy. 




t^/^^<^^ (7zH^fu.^^6^ 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



259 



In 1858, on the lltli of October, Mr. Partridge died, 
aged sixty-six years, having retained ahiiost all his early 
vigor up to a short period before his death. 

While justly attentive to his own peculiar interests, and 
careful in the proper husbandry of his resources, Mr. Par- 
tridge possessed a broad spirit of charity and benevolence. 
He was emphatically a "public-spirited man." From an 
early day one of the trustees of St. Lawrence academy, 
he was devoted to its interests and labored for its prosperity. 
His time and means were lavishly employed in its behalf, 
and to him and a few others of like noble spirit the public 
are indebted not only for the very existence of that institu- 
tion, but fur that of the stately normal school which has 
succeeded it. 

In all plans for the material advantage of his town and 
community he was a .sound counselor and a liberal helper. 
His public spirit and business capacity were duly appre- 
ciated by his townsmen, and though he was never an 
office-seeker, he was several times selected by them to 
represent them on the board of supervisors. 

He was one of the first to appreciate the good policy of 
building our present railroads, and aided to the utmost of 
his ability in providing necessary funds for their con.struc- 
tion, to his own serious embarrassment and immediate 
pecuniary loss. He was one of the first board of directors 
of the Potsdam and Watertown railroad, and always, in 
regard to that and other measures of public improvement, 
was ready to sacrifice his own means for ultimate good of 
the whole community. 

From his first arrival in Potsdam, Jlr. Partridge was 
a steadfiist friend and supporter of Christian worship. He 
took a very active part in founding Trinity church, and 
was one of its most efiicient and munificent officers and 
parishioners. In all the relations of life he was true and 
just ; a man of few words, but " what he said he meant." 
He lived discreetly, and walked uprightly. At his death 
he left to his town.smen the memory of a pure and honest 
man ; to his family, the fragrant treasure of a good name. 



AARON TOWNSEND HOPKINS. 

Born a few weeks before the opening of the present cen- 
tury, Mr. Hopkins has passed through a long life of varied 
experience and marked success. His father was Robert 
Iloiikins, of Williamstown, Vt., and his birth took place in 
that town on the nineteenth day of November, 1800. In 
1802 his fiither removed with his family to Crown Point, 
in this State, and thence, in 1806, to the " Holland pur- 
chase," in what is now the county of Wyoming. 

Robert Hopkins was called to the front as a captain of 
militia in the war of 1812, and took part in the celebrated 
battle of Queenstown Heights. Sunn after he was taken 
sick, and died at Black Rock, while still in service. 

The next year (1813) his widow returned to Vermont, 
where Aaron T. resided for twelve years. He acquired a 
good education, and during the last of his residence there 
was principal of Newton academy, at Shorohain, in that 
State. He came to Potsdam in 1825, taught stenography 
and other branches there for a short time, and then 



taught three years in Ogdensburg. During this period 
(in the spring of 1827) he w;is married to Miss Betsey 
Eastman, daughter of Samuel Eastman, one of the earliest 
pioneers of Ilopkinton. In 1828 the young couple removed 
to Potsdam, where they have ever since resided. 

There Mr. Hopkins engaged in the leather business, 
which he carried on very extensively. For many years he 
employed about thirty hands in making boots and shoes, 
tanning hides, etc. He was a very successful bu.siness man, 
being one of the few who went safely through the great 
financial crisis of 1837. About 18-40 he built the large 
stone tannery at Potsdam, which long ranked as one of the 
important institutions of the village. Between 1852 and 
1854 he closed out his extensive business, and since then he 
has lived at ease upon the competence previously obtained. 

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, 
of whom the only son died in 1852, and one of the daugh- 
ters during the past summer. Mr. Hopkins is a con.stant 
attendant and liberal supporter of the Episcopal church, to 
which his family belong, and of which he has been many 
years a vestryman. Having joined the Masons at the 
age of twenty-one, he is one of the oldest, if not the very 
oldest, members of that fraternity in the town. 

Mr. Hopkins has frequently been elected by his fellow- 
citizens to various town offices, and has been supervisor for 
nine terms — from 1840 to 1843 inclusive, and again from 
1856 to and including 1860. With a single exception, 
this is longer than any other citizen of Potsdam has been 
honored with that important position. 



IRA T. FRENCH. 



Samuel French, the grandfather of our subject, a resident 
of Fairfield Co., Conn., served for seven years in the Revolu- 
tionary War. His son David (the father of Ira T.) inheriting 
the boldness of his sire, though exercising it in another 
sphere, dauntlessly faced the perils of the wilderness, pur- 
chasing a hundred acres of land in Potsdam in 1803, the 
first year that township was oiferod for sale, and removing 
thither from Vergcnnes, Vt., with his newly-wedded bride 
a year or two later. Slowly but surely the giants of the 
forest went down before his industry, and in 1819, having 
a fine house for those times, he opened a hotel on his farm, 
midway between Potsdam and Canton, which was kept 
open for thirty-five years. Mr. David French died on No- 
vember 15, 1854. 

Ira T. French, the only son of the pioneer just named, 
was born on December 21, 1807, on the farm where he now 
resides. From an early period he assisted his fiither in his 
farm labors, and continued to do so during the life of the 
latter, except when attending or teaching school, which lat- 
ter occupation he followed for four winters. On August 14, 
1832, he was married to Laura Jane, daughter of William 
Perry, the latter being a native of Massachusetts, and one 
of the earliest settlers of Canton. Mr. and Mrs. French 
have had .six children, all living except one .son, George 
W., who enlisted in the Eleventh New York Cavalry, and 
died at New Orleans, Sept. 10, 1SG4. 

Through the labors and business capacity of David and 



260 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tia T. Fiencli, the original hundred aore farm was gradually 
iiicroasinl to one of eight hiuiilnid acres. Desirous botli of 
forwarding the welfare and eiijoying the company of his 
children, the subject of our skctcli has divided the most of 
this great tract among them, and he and his estimable wife 
are now enjoying an honored old age, surrounded by many of 
their numerous descendants. 



HON. HORACK ALLEN. 

The subject of this biography, whose portrait is here 
published, was born at \ViUiston, Vt., on the 24th day of 
April, 178!). His father, Nathan Allen, a farmer of mod- 
erate means, was a descendant of Ira Allen (brother of the 
celebrated Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary memory), and his 
mother, whose maiden name was Lovina Winslow, was a 
descendant of Gov. Winslow, one of the emigrants by the 
Mayflower. His early life, like that of most of the earlier 
settlers of Vermont and New York, was an example of 
industry and frugality. 

Mainly by his own exertions he fitted himself for college, 
and entered the Univer.sity of Vermont, at Burlington, from 
which institution he graduated in 1812. He studied law in 
the office of Judge Ross, in Es.sex, N. Y., and established 
himself in his profes,sion at Potsdam in the spring of 1816. 
In January following he married Semantha Hamilton, of 
Champlain, N. Y. The village of Potsdam then consisted 
of but a few buildings, the town was sparsely inhabited, 
and the whole county was comparatively new. 

From the day of his settlement in Potsdam to that of his 
death he was identified with the interests and prosperity of 
his town and county. He early took and long maintained 
a first rank as a lawyer, and the demands of his profession 
were most conscientiously and laboriously fulfilled. While 
in active practice he was retained in nearly every important 
suit in the county, and his strong, clear, and logical mind, 
stored with classical and legal knowledge, rendered him a 
dangerous adversary. 

In the year 1824 he was appointed surrogate of the 
county, which office he held until 1840. In the spring of 
1838 he was appointed first or presiding judge of the court 
of common pleas, which office he held until the .spring of 
1842. For a long number of years he was master and ex- 
aminer in chancery, and postmaster of his village. From 
almost the begiiiningof the history of that institution he was 
a member of the board of trustees of St. Lawrence academy, 
and waniily devoted to the interests of public education. 

As a husband, father, and friend, in the quiet labors of 
his profession, and in the public relations of his official posi- 
tions, in every place, in every hour, his was an earnest, de- 
voted, and faithful life. Gifted with talents of a high 
order, and with a perseverance in their use which was 
truly remarkable, yet for family, kindred, friends, and hu- 
manity he had a mind and a heart as simple and unaffi;cted 
as that of a child. 

From 1824 to the day of his death Judge Allen was a 
leading member of the Presbyterian church of Potsdam, 
and (me of its most prompt and liberal su]i])orters. Amid 
all the various relations and duties of his busy and laborious 



life no Christian duty was ever deferred or left undi.seharged. 
His was a bright example of indu.stry, integrity, and fidel- 
ity. Few men were more widely known and respected, and 
none more generously trusted. He departed this life at 
Potsdam, Jlay 24, 186G, leaving his widow, who died July 
.'$, 1871, a son, Gen. Lucius Hamilton Allen, of San Fran- 
cisco, and a daughter, Harriet S., wife of William A. Dart, 
of Potsdam. 



HON. WILLIAM A. DART. 

The above-named gentleman was born at "Smith's Cor- 
ners," now called West Potsdam, on Oct. 2.5, 1814. His 
father, Simeon Dart, was a plain farmer and mechanic, but 
came of old and sturdy New England stock, one of his an- 
cestors having emigrated from England about 1652, bring- 
ing with him for himself and others the original patent 
from the crown fur the township of New London, Conn. 
Simeon Dart was one of the earliest pioneers of Potsdam, 
having located at Smith's Corners in 1808, and the country 
around still consisted of a dense forest, broken by occasional 
clearings, when the subject of this sketch was born. 

Much of the youth of the latter was spent in Potsdam 
village, and as he approached manhood he felt that strong 
desire for an advanced education and an active career which 
has impelled so many American youth to the most strenu- 
ous exertions. His father could affijrd him little assistance, 
but by teaching school in winter the youth procured the 
means to obtain a good education at the old St. Lawrence 
academy, and also to prosecute the study of law, which 
was done in the office of Hon. Horace Allen. In 1840, 
after an extremely rigorous examination, which resulted in 
the rejection of several applicants, he was admitted to the 
bar as an attorney, and opened an office at Potsdam. 

On Sept. 1, 1841, Mr. Dart was married to Miss Harriet 
S. Allen, only daughter of his former preceptor. Judge 
Allen. Two daughters have been the fruit of this union. 

In 1845, Mr. Dart was appointed postmaster at Potsdam, 
and the same year he was appointed district attorney of 
St. Lawrence County by the judges of the court, who then 
had the appointment of that office. As Mr. Dart had only 
just become eligible to the office by being admitted as a 
counselor, the appointment furnished very decided evidence 
of the ability of the recipient. The constitution of 1846 
put an end to his tenure of the office, and he declined to 
be a candidate for election. 

In 1849, at the age of thirty-five, only nine years after 
he was admitted as an attorney, Jlr. Dart was elected to 
the State senate. He took an active part in the proceed- 
ings of that body, and was one of the celebrated twelve 
Democratic .senators who resigned in order to prevent the 
assemblage of a quorum, thus for the time defeating a bill 
to enlarge the Erie canal on credit, which they deemed un- 
constitutional, and which was afterwards decided to be so 
by the court of appeals. He was re-elected by more than 
double his former majority. At the end of 1851 he re- 
tired from the senate, devoted himself exclusively to his 
profc.s.sion, and acquired an extensive practice. In 1854 he 
entered into partnership with Mr. (now Judge) Charles O. 
Tappan, and the firm continued until 1809. 



I 




'Cttc^^.,^ c/^ 2)CL-. 



■i^ 



I 



» 



4 




.1 uilEMo 



HISTORY OP ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



261 



A Democrat up to 1854, ho separated from tliat party 
when it annulled the Jlissouri compromise, aided to organ- 
ize the Republican party, and has ever since been one of its 
strongest advocates. His professional and political distinc- 
tion was such, that on tlie accession of President Lincoln 
he was appointed United States district attorney for the 
northern district of New York, and his nomination was 
unanimously confirmed by the senate without reference to 
a committee. His duties through the war were extremely 
delicate, important, and laborious, but were so discharged 
that, on the expiration of his term in 18G5, he was again 
reappointed by President Lincoln, and confirmed by the 
senate without a competitor for the position. 

In 186G the entire charge of suppressing a Fenian in- 
vasion of Canada was committed to him by the govern- 
ment ; military officers, commanders of revenue cutters, and 
collectors of customs being placed under the general direc- 
tion of the energetic district attorney. His faithful, fear- 
less, and impartial action received the warm thanks of the 
government. He was, however, removed from office by 
President Johnson because he refused to follow the example 
of that official in abandoning the Republican party. 

In April, 18G9, Mr. Dart was appointed by President 
Grant consul-general for British North America, his official 
residence being at Montreal. There are over one hundred 
consuls, vice-consuls, and consular agents under the juris- 
diction of the consul-general, and his position is more im- 
portant than that of many foreign ministers. Mr. Dart has 
retained this responsible office to the present time (December, 
1877), and we believe it is not questioned but that its 
delicate duties have been discharged with entire satisfac- 
tion to both the American government and the people of 
Canada. 



DAVID MATHEWS, 

son of Joseph and Polly Mathews, was born at New Haven, 
Addison Co., Vt., on May 22, 1798. In his youth he 
learned the trade of a ma.son. He was married Jan. 14, 
1821, to Lory, daughter of Joshua and Mercy Perry, also 
a native of New Haven, having been born there on Nov. 
13, 1798. 

In March, 1823, the young couple removed to Potsdam 
village, Mrs. Mathews bearing her second child, an infant 
six weeks old, in her arms. Mr. Mathews at once began 
work at his trade, and his industry', skill, and integrity soon 
made him one of the leading builders of the erowiasr 
village. The celebrated Potsdam sandstone was just coming 
into use, and young Mathews built, or helped to build, nearly 
all the early structures of that materi;il, including the old 
stone flouring-mill. Judge Allen's house, the South academy, 
and many others. He was also a contributor to the funds 
of the last-named institution. 

After having taken an active part for ten or twelve 
years in building up the village, Mr. Mathews sought room 
for his large and growing family on a farm. For about 
four years he resided on one lying half-way between Pots- 
dam and Norwood, — though that was long before Norwood 
was thought of While living there he made a public pro- 
fession of religion, and was baptized in .'^ign of his faith. 



He and his wife have ever since been liberal supporters of 
the Baptist church. About IS.'tG he became the owner of, 
and removed to, a farm of a hundred and thirty acres, 
situated just soutli of Potsdam village, and within the 
present limits of the corporation. There Mr. and Jlrs. 
Mathews lived, toiled, and reared their numerous family for 
twenty-five years. Having then acquired an ample com- 
petence, Mr. Mathews purchased a house and lot near the 
centre of the village, where he resided until his death, 
which occurred on January 28, 1876. Throughout his 
life he enjoyed the reputation of a plain, unassuming, 
induistrious, ni)right citizen, and he sought no other station. 

His wife, who had so long shared the toils of life in a 
new country, still survives him, in an honored old age, and 
in remarkable vigor for one on whose head have fallen the 
snows of .seventy-nine winters. 

This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children : 
Mary Ann, wife of Alf\i Eldridge, of Colton ; Isaac, who 
now resides on the old homestead ; William, a prominent 
builder in Potsdam village ; Lucina, wife of George Pert, 
of the same place ; Amos, a lieutenant in the Union army, 
and now a resident of Iowa ; Emily, wife of George 
Plympton, of Lockport, N. Y. ; David P., now deceased ; 
Charles, who died in infancy ; Edward, a Union soldier, 
and a citizen of Iowa ; Ransom, another soldier, and also a 
resident of Iowa; and Martha M., wife of Loyal S. Jack- 
son, of Canton. 

The descendants of David and Lory Mathews are numer- 
ous and widely scattered, but to the latest generation, and 
whatever the station to which they may attain, they may 
ever look back with pride to the twain who, for fifty-five 
years, confronted and conquered together the difficulties of 
life. 



OWEN J. SARTWELL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Glover, Vt., on 
Feb. 27, 1829, his father being John Sartwell, of that 
town, who died when Owen was nineteen years old. After 
many years of desultory labor in various parts of the 
country, Mr. Sartwell came to St. Lawrence County in 
1863. In January, 18G5, he was married to Miss Mary 
Angelia Somes, daughter of Samuel Somes, one of the 
early settlers of De Kalb. 

Being now the head of a family, Mr. Sartwell thought 
it was time to go to work in earnest, — and he did. He 
leased a farm, and in two years he and his young wife had 
accumulated a cajiital of two thousand dollars. He then 
purchased a farm of a hundred and sixty acres in the town 
of Potsdam, near the Canton line, for eight thousand dol- 
lars. At the present time this is all paid up, the farm is 
well stocked, and the farm and buildings have been greatly 
improved. Comment is unnecessary. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sartwell arc the parents of one daughter 
and three sons, — Olive Persis, John Samuel, Daniel Ward, 
and Frank Owen. 

Hard are the farmer's labors, but brief his story ; yet, 
with him. as with the soldier, it is often true that "fortune 
favors the brave." Certainly such has been the case in 
this instance. 



262 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



HENRY HEWITT, M.D. 

Fearless, cnorgotic, and si'lf-reliant fiiiiH youth to old 
age, the subjoft of this notice was well qualified to win suc- 
cess in the conflict of life among our strenuous American 
people. 

Born in New London, Connecticut, on the Sth day of 
Octoher, 1797, he spent his youth in that locality, studied 
medicine in the medical dci)artnient of Yale college, and 
on receiving his diploma began j)ractice at Vergennes, Ver- 
mont. After several years' successful practice there, he 
removed to Coventry, in the same State, where he resided 
until 1840. 

In that year, Dr. Hewitt removed to the village of Pots- 
dam, which remained his home from that time till his 
death. At first he engaged in the hardware business, but 
on the breaking out of a dangerous epidemic in 1842, he 
resumed his former profession. Always self-reliant, he 
treated the disease according to a theory of his own, and 
with marked success. The ordinary practice of medicine 
seems to have appeared somewhat tame to his restless mind, 
and he soon drifted into other pursuits. 

About 1 849, Dr. Hewitt took up the enterprise of making 
Raquett* river the highway on which the vast amount of 
timber growing near its banks could be profitably carried 
to whore it might be manufactured and marketed. Such 
an experiment had once failed, but Dr. Hewitt was satis- 
fied that it ought to succeed, and was determined that it 
should succeed. He circulated petitions asking State aid 
to improve the rafting capacity of the river, urged the 
measure vigorously before the legislature, and finally ob- 
tained from that body a grant of ten thousand dollars for 
the purpose. 

He was equally assiduous and skillful in carrying the 
scheme into practical operation, by which he not only 
benefited himself, but conferred lasting advantages on the 
community. The long and winding Raquette, heading in 
Essex and Hamilton counties, was soon alive with logs cut 
from its shores, and the village of Potsdam thus became 
the seat of an important manufacturing interest. He 
invested his means largely in building an exten.sive gang 
saw-mill on Raquette river, two or three miles below 
Potsdam, around which grew up the little village of Hewitt- 
ville. 

When the war for the Union began, Dr. Hewitt supported 
his country's cause with all the zeal of his nature, and on 
the formation of the Ninety -second New York 'S'olunteers, 
although then sixty-four years old, he accepted the post of 
surgeon. 

Accompanying his regiment to the swamps of the Chicka- 
hominy, he there contracted the disease which finally 
ended his life, and was compelled to resign his commission. 
He was able, however, to discharge the less arduous duties of 
surgeon of the sixteenth enlistment district of this State, and 
did so with his usual zeal and faithfulness for two years ; 
yet the exertions of his active life, and especially the hard- 
ships of his Virginia campaign, gradually undermined his 
strong constitution, and he died on the 'I'ld day of July, 
1869, after a career of nearly seventy-two years, distin- 
guished for untiring energy and straightforward, honorable 
conduct. 



HON. CHARLES 0. TAPPAN. 

Like many other eminent citizens of St. Lawrence County, 
Judge Tappan is a native of the Green Mountain State. 
He was born in Addison, Vt., April 17, 1831. The same 
year his parents removed to Es.sex county, in this State, 
where the future judge's youth and earl}' manhood were 
passed. 

His father was an industrious farmer, and being desirous 
that his son should have the benefit of a thorough Engli.sh 
education, he sent him (after he had acquired what the 
common schools could give) for .several successive terms to 
Moriah academy, in that county. After leaving that insti- 
tution, young Tappan studied law, at Moriah, with John 
F. Havens, Esq., sustaining himself meanwhile by teaching 
school, — that universal resource of struggling American 
ambition. Not .satisfied with scholastic attainments which 
any one at all disposed to self-.sufficieney would have thought 
more than ample, young Tappan, at the same time, received 
private instruction in Latin and the sciences from his friend 
and fellow-student, Edward N. Dewey. 

After three years of teaching in winter and studying 
the rest of the year, Mr. Tapjian was admitted to the bar 
on July 4, 1853. In the following month he and Mr. 
Dewey began practice in Potsdam, under the firm-name of 
Dewey & Tappan. The next year, Hon. William A. Dart, 
already a prominent lawyer, seeing the material of which 
the young men were made, joined the firm, which then be- 
came Dart, Dewey & Tappan. In 1856, Mr. Dewey with- 
drew to try the wider field of Chicago practice ; the firm 
of Dart & Tappan remaining at Potsdam. 

Being thus well established in business, the young law- 
yer sought a partner for life, and on February 24, 1857, 
was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Hewitt, daughter 
of Dr. Henry Hewitt, likewise of Potsdam. Three children 
have been the fruit of this union. 

Mr. Tappan was an early and zealous Republican, and, 
when Mr. Dart was appointed United States district attor- 
ney for the northern district of New York, in the spring of 
1861, he made his partner assistant district attorney, which 
position was held by the latter until the retirement of Mr. 
Dart, in the autumn of 1866. The firm of Dart & Tappan 
continued in active practice until 1869, when the senior 
partner was appointed United States consul-general in 
Canada. Mr. Tappan and Geo. Z. Erwin, Esq., then 
formed the firm of Tappan A: P]rwin, which has continued 
till the present time (November, 1877). 

Meanwhile, Mr. Tappan has been active in whatever 
concerned the welfare of his adopted town and county. In 
1868, being then one of the trustees of St. Lawrence acad- 
emy, he was zealous in securing the location of a State nor- 
mal .school at Potsdam, and was one of the committee which 
superintended the construction of the building. He was 
subsequently appointed one of the first members of the 
" local board," was elected its first secretary, and has ever 
since retained that position. He was also very zealous in 
organizing the Raquette Valley and St. Regis Valley agricul- 
tural society in 1870, and was elected and re-elected presi- 
dent during the first three years of its existence. He has 
also been elected, during the present year, the first president 
of the St. Lawrence County bar association. 



I 




B.G-. Baldwin. 




Residence of MRS.EMELJNE BiLOWlN.lmmwor BLHJ. d.BALDV^IN.i^m H/^RRIU LANFHILR.mksistep) 

Noi^wooo, l<[w York 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



263 



In the autumn of 1871, Mr. Tappan was elected county 
judge for the term of six years. As his term approached 
its close, he was nominated by the Republicans for justice 
of the supremo court, and to this position, too, he has just 
been elected, taking his seat on the first day of January, 
1878, to hold for fourteen years. 

At the bar, Mr. Tappan was characterized by industry 
and carefulness in preparing his cases, and by a logical and 
candid presentation of them, rather than by any of the 
sharp man(euvres in which some counselors delight. The 
same attributes of candor, industry, and sound judgment 
have distinguished him on the bench of the county court, 
and they will doubtless confer honor on his office as well as 
himself in the lofty position to which he has now been 
called. 



BENJAMIN GORDON BALDWIN, 

son of Captain Benjamin Peter and Mehitable (Gordon) 
Baldwin, was born in Bradford, Yt., May 13, 180G, and 
died in the village of Potsdam Junction, N. Y., Jan. 21, 
1873. He was prepared for college at the academies in 
Bradford and Hartford, Vt., and was a graduate of Dart- 
mouth college in the class of 1827. After graduating he 
taught at the academy in Francestown, N. H., a few months, 
and then removed to White Creek, N. Y., and there com- 
menced the study of law in the office of Judge Jormain. 
In March, 1828, he removed to Potsdam village, N. Y., 
and there completed his legal studies with Horace Allen, 
E.sq., and in 1832 he was admitted to the bar. 

Aug. 2, 1833, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Lan- 
phier, of Alstead, N. H. She died Oct. 2, 1835, and 
Oct. 23, 1837, he was again married to Miss Emeline 
Lanphier, a sister of the above. 

After his admission to the bar he practiced his profession 
in Potsdam, cither as a partner with Mr. Allen, William A. 
Dart, or on his own account, until the fall of 1850. He 
then took charge for a year of the railroad station of the 
Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad (then Northern 
railroad), and engaged in various efi"orts and enterprises to 
promote the growth of a new village in the vicinity of the 
station, located upon a fiu-ni of 400 acres belonging to him. 

In June, 1847, he was elected surrogate of St. Law- 
rence County for a term of four and one-half years, and in 
the autumn of 1851 was re-elected to the same oflSce for 
the further term of four years. On Jan. 1, 1856, he en- 
tered upon a three years' term as county clerk of St. Law- 
rence County. This office, combining those of register of 
deeds and clerk of all the courts of record in the county, 
required his removal to Canton, the county-seat. On the 
expiration of his term of office he returned to Potsdam and 
erected the dwelling-house* in the new village, first called 
lla<(Uetteville,next North Potsdam, then Potsdam Junction, 
now Norwood, where he resided the remainder of his life. 
He was fourteen years justice of the peace of the town of 
Potsdam, having been five times elected by the people. 

In the spring of 18G7, on the recommendation of Chief- 
Justice Chase, of tlie United States supreme court, he was 
appointed register in liankruptcy of the congressional dis- 

* See lithograph plate in this connection. 



trict of New York composed of the counties of St. Law- 
rence and Franklin, which office he held till he resigned it, 
in the summer of 1872. 

At the time of his death he was president of the new 
village, then called " Potsdam Junction," which, in the latter 
part of the year 1871, had been incorporated as a village 
under that name, and he being the first president of said 
village. In the month of March next after the village was 
incorporated, " in consideration of their good will and the 
sum of one dollar," he conveyed to the village of Potsdam 
Junction the public park in its centre, since named " Bald- 
win park," providing " that no part of said grounds shall 
ever be sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of for any private 
use, it being intended by this conveyance that the premises 
thus conveyed shall always be kept and used for the com- 
mon benefit, profit, and pleasure of the whole village. The 
erection of a building or buildings upon the same for the 
purposes of public education, or other general uses, for the 
public at large, shall not be deemed a violation of the above 
condition." A few days prior to his death he directed 
(dictating to his attorney in writing) that the Riverside 
cemetery, of Potsdam Junction, then held under contract, 
be paid for out of his estate and conveyed to the cemetery 
association of the village. 

The following remarks of the Rev. E. B. Furbish, pastor 
of the First Presbyterian church of Potsdam, who preaclied 
his funeral sermon, will illustrate the character of Mr. 
Baldwin ; 

" Benjamin G. Biiljwin united with the Congregational church in 
Potsdam July 5, 18.35, but a little while after passing his thirty-ninth 
birthday. Then, and for some time before, he began to know God ; 
to understand his sinfulness, God's holiness and infinite loving kind- 
ness through Christ Jesus. Just as he had entered upon his active 
life, with that life stretching out before him, he realized that he was 
not his own but had been bought with a price, and under the guid- 
ance of his Great High Priest held intercourse with Jehov.vh. From 
the shelter of divine love he looked forth upon the world into which 
he was to go forth with no selfish ambition to gratify, but with the 
consecration of his unusual powers of mind, heart, and will to his 
Redeemer's service. From this early consecration resulted the char- 
acter we Iionor. From this consecrati(»u resulted his rare example of 
Christian benevolence. lie did not save his wealth for the purpose 
of giving it away in the hour of death. But extraordinary benevo- 
lence marked his entire life, and was constantly proclaiming that he 
belonged not unto himself, llis benevolence was not merely the im- 
pulse of a very generous nature, but was directed by great wisdom. 
His desire to give wisely did not prevent giving often and liberally, 
but only multiplied opportunities. And it was marked by true affec- 
tion for those he assisted. The same characteristics marked his pub- 
lic benefactions as all that he has done for this village, for the cause 
of Christ here, the spread of the gospel through the world, do so 
plainly declare. 

"Another fruit of his Christian life was his conscientiousness. He 
seemed to walk beneath the gaze of One to whom he was willingly 
accountable. In whatever position of life he moved he impressed all 
with the belief that he was determined, at all events, to do right. 
This stern, unflinching rectitude ho exhibited to a marked degree 
while practicing law and while he held offices of trust from his fellow- 
citizens. He was retiring in liis ilisposition. disliked the coiltests of 
his legal profession, though the study of law was congenial to his 
tastes, and throughout his life his advice was constantly sought, 
wisely given, and many eases were referred to his judgment. 

" His Christian life was remarkably even, not subject to ecstacics 
and <lepression, though not without a glow and warmth. Every day 
it could be said of him that he ran well. He was a constant attend- 
ant upon the means of grace. He loved the house of (lod and all its 
ordinances, and hero renewed his strength. To the regret of the 
church he loved so well, he would not tilt any of its offices, though 



264 



ITISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



his advice was sought, given, leaned upon, and he was a pillar of the 
church. His place was regularly filled in the Bible-class,- his in- 
structions wore gratefully received, though he shrank from taking 
the teacher's office. His example conimendod to old and young the 
study of Clod's holy word. How beneficent is such an example can- 
not be estimated. It has done much to produce such characters as 
was his we mourn. Ho was a man of broad and liberal views, as his 
benevolence and deprecation of the unwarrantable divisions among 
Christians of ditl'erent denoEuinations ilo testify. 

*' He was a diligent man, and foil that he had work to perform 
while God continued him here, — work not for himself, but for others, 
— and up to the hour of his last sickness he willingly spent and 
8i)ared not himself. In referring to his death, he said that he was 
very willing to go, but that there were some things he would like to 
attend to before his departure, and these things were plans for tho 
welfare of this community purely benevolent. 

'* It is easy for some men to be forgotten, but it will be impossible 
for you to forget your departed fellow-citizen. As you walk your 
streets you must think of him for what he has done in your village; 
your very homesteads arc associated with his name and kind consid- 
eration ; as you welcome to their home your future pastors you will 
think of him, and in this sanctuary you will not eeasc to praise God 
for the friend he raised up for you. And as you follow your dead to 
their last resting-places, and shall be in a measure comforted when 
they are buried in a beautiful and wcll-cared- for cemetery, his benevo- 
lence will minister to your consolation, and as you think in your last 
hours of resting by their side you must remember him. 

" The country, State, and county have lost an honored and worthy 
citizen; but the loss to your village will be felt very keenly. Your 
fellow-citizens from the other portions of our town do most sincerely 
sympathize with you. May his piety, his rectitude, his patience, 
and well-doing be emulated by us all, and our town shall not cease 
to be blessed by him. May New England send many such men to 
the Empire and sister States till the goodly leaven shall leaven the 
entire republic. Aside from his family, he will be missed most of all 
by this church. May God, in some way his infinite wisdom can 
easily devise, make good to you, dear brethren, your great loss. 

" IJut what seems to his fellow-citizens and to this church a great 
affliction falls with the heaviest force upon the inmates of his home. 
For your consolation you can rejoice that he knew, through Christ 
Jesus, his Heavenly Father, and that he has been exalted as a Chris- 
tian citizen and in the home influence he exerted, whose worth and 
atfeciion you only know, but especially in the hope he has left you 
that now Go<l hath highly exalted him, far above the affection and 
commendation of earth, unto the love and ministrations of his Re- 
deemer." 



WILLIAM J. BARNUM. 

This gentleman's paternal grandfather, Stephen Barnuni, 
then a citizen of Ma.ssacliusetts, was one of that gallant 
band who, amid the throes of revolution, achieved the 
independence of America. He served through the winter 
of 1776-77 at Ticonderoga, and in the summer of 1777 
took part in the bloody battle of Beuuiugton, where he was 
wounded by a Hessian bullet, and his powder-horn was 
shot from his person. After the Revolution he removed to 
Shoreham, Vt., where his son, David Barnum, was reared 
to manhood. In 1807 the latter moved to Potsdam, beinrr 
one of the earliest settlers of that town, and located on 
what is now a portion of the farm of his son AVilliam. He 
resided there until 1850, when he died, leaving four chil- 
dren, — William J. and Lucy P., who are still living, and 
Royal and Louisa M., deceased. 

William J. Barnum was born in Potsdam on the 10th of 
December, 1808, and from his youth to the present time 
lias diligently and successfully followed the occupation of 
a farmer. On the 2d of March, 1837, he was married to 
Miss Louisa A. Fobes, daughter of Peris Fobes, whose 
father, John Fobes, was one of the very earliest settlers in 



the township of Potsdam. This union has been blessed with 
two sons, Jasper E. and Seward, both of whom reside at home. 

Mr. Barnum '.s agricultural success has been such that he 
now owns a farm of over eight hundred acres (one of the 
best in the town), which is managed by himself and his two 
sons. Dairying has been his princijial specialty, and for the 
last twenty years he ha-s milked on an average about a hun- 
dred cows, besides raising considerable stock. He has also 
been an intelligent advocate of all pulilic measures ti^nding 
to advance his chosen pursuit. He was one of the delegates 
who helped to organize the St. Lawrence County agricul- 
tural society, and for twenty year.s has been one of its vice- 
presidents. When the Raquette Valley and St. Regis 
Valley agricultural society was organized, Mr. Barnum be- 
came one of its most active members, and is now its president. 

In politics, Mr. Barnum was originally a Whig, but since 
the organization of the Republican party he has been one 
of its firmest supporters. For over twenty years he has 
annually been chosen one of the assessors of Pot.sdam, — a 
position of no slight responsibility and importance in a town 
of near eight thousand inhabitants. During the winter of 
18G1-G2, Mr. B., in conjunction with Mr. Luther Priest, 
furnished cooked rations for the 92d New York Volunteers, 
which was then being organized, and succeeded in discharg- 
ing this heavy task in a very satisfactory manner. 

In .short, the subject of our sketch has been a thoroughly 
successful man in whatever he has undertaken, and few per- 
sons more fully deserve the appellation of a representative 
American farmer than William J. Barnum. 



WARREN H. WRIGHT. 

This veteran citizen of Potsdam was born on the 18th 
of April, 1804. His fiither, Asahel Wright, settled in the 
" Buck's Bridge" neighborhood in 180G. There Warren 
H. grew to manhood, receiving the education afforded by 
district schools, and learning the business of farming, with 
some knowledge of his father's trade of a carpenter. 

Mr. Wright was married on the 8th day of February, 
1832, to Caroline, daughter of Timothy Goodale, one of 
the early settlers of this town. Soon after, the enterpris- 
ing young man built the bridges at jMadrid and at Buck's 
Bridge, and in 1835 he bought the farm on which he now 
resides. Having purchased the adjacent water-power, on 
Grasse river, he built several mills, — saw-mills, shingle- 
mills, etc., — which he carried on, together with his farm, 
up to 1870. He then disposed of the mills to his sons 
and son-in-law, still retaining a large, well-improved, and 
well-stocked farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wright have been the parents of eight 
children, — Williams G., Martha II., wife of Henry Bil- 
lings; Mary A., wife of James Blackman ; Harriet H., 
wife of Melzar Corbin ; Lydia R., wife of Dr. Rolfe ; Jud- 
son W. ; Delia C, who died in childhood ; and Winona D. 

After a long and industrious life, which spans the whole 
period between the primeval forest and the civilized com- 
munity, the aged pioneer and his wife now find ihem.selves 
iu the enjoyment of an ample competence, and surrounded 
by descendants in equally prosperous circumstances. 



i 




^: *^-- 



>/^ 





w.H Wright . 




( Photos BY H L Stone. Pots daw Ji-T ) 



MRS.WH.WmsHT. 



i 







ffiSlDZNCi or W. H.WfVIGh 





I 



Lyman H. Davt-on. 



Mrs. Lyman M.Dayton. 



Photos or N,l Stobe.Potsimm, ivr 




REStDENCi Of LYMAN H.DAyTON, Potsdam, W£w York. 




LIBERTY KNOWLES. 



About the year 1G40 two liiotliers, Kiiowles, left Eng- 
land for the capes of Virginia. One of them, among its 
early settlers, landed at New Haven, in the colony of C!on- 
necticut. In January, 1646, leaving a wife and two sons, 
he, with others, sailed for the old, upon errands for the new 
home, and all were lost at sea. His grandson, Eleazer 
Knowles, with sixteen others, organized " for erecting a 
plantation at Poniperague," and, after obtaining the Indian 
consent, in February, 1672, adopted a brief, model code 
of laws for its government, and early in 1673 entered 
upon their tract, since known as ancient Woodbury, of 
wiiose history, iis well as that of the colony of Connecticut, 
those seventeen men and their descendants made an im- 
portant part. Their first coming to the State of New York 
was in 1756, when, in response to a call for help, one hun- 
dred and seventy-six men of Woodbury, among them Thomas 
Knowles, grandson of Eleazar, marched to Fort William 
Henry, at the head of Lake George. 

Eleazer, younger brother of Thomas, entered the army of 
the Revolution, was a commissary officer during the war, 
and in March, 1786, removed his family to Freehold, now 
Greeneville, in Greene Co., N. Y. His son. Liberty Knowles, 
was born in that part of old Woodbury now Southbury, 
Nov. 5, 1784 ; lived his boyhood in Greeneville ; was grad- 
uated at Williams college; served his law clork.ship with 
Dorance Kirtland, at Coxsackic ; was admitted to practice 
in the supreme court in 1809, and in the same year became 
a resident of Potsdam. In 1811 he erected the dwelling 



on the east side of Market, now at the head of Depot street, 
in which he resided until his death, on Jan. 7, 1859. 

In 1812, at Richmond, Mass., he married Melinda, 
daughter of Paul Raymond, of whom it is not too much to 
say, " she opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her 
tongue was the law of kindness." She was a helping friend 
to all in need. 

Before middle life, impaired health compelled Mr. Knowles 
to relinquish a successful law practice. He turned to agri- 
culture, took part in the early experimental building with 
Potsdam sandstone, engaged in manufacture in the village 
and upon Gras.se river, and was ever ready to lead or follow 
in whatever would promote the prosperity of the village or 
ccmnty. The very large elms of Market and Elm streets 
were his planting, reluctantly permitted in streets then 
newly cleared of forest. 

The town history will place Mr. Knowles among the 
earliest to organize and maintain religious and educational 
institutions. Among denominations he was Presbyterian ; 
politically, a Federalist, a Whig, and anti-slavery when the 
name subjected one to insult. Thirty years or more he was 
the presiding officer of the board of trustees of St. Law- 
rence academy ; was among the most muniticent donors in 
establishing that institution ; and, whenever additional funds 
were re(|uirud, was among the ready and generous to re- 
spond. Its inslructors ever found him a kind friend and 
wise adviser, and many of its pupils were by him aided in 
an education which otherwise they could not have attained. 





EBER WHEELER. 



Plioto. Iry N. L. Stone, PotsJani 



MILS. EBER WHEELER. 



EBEE WHEELER. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Worcester Co., 
Mass., on the 11th of June, 1796. In 1S02 he removed 
with his father to Bridport, Vermont, where he remained 
until 1823. In that year young Wheeler determined to seek 
another home, and he found it in what was then the new 
country of St. Lawrence County. He selected the town 
of Potsdam as his residence, and there he has ever since 
lived. 

In 1825, Mr. Wheeler married Lucy Fobes, daughter 
of John Fobes, one of the very earliest of the hardy settlers 
who subdued the wilderness in thi.s region, having taken, in 
fact, the third contract for land in the town of Potsdam. 



Mr. W. purchased and located on the farm where he now 
lives in 1837, and there he and his chosen spouse met to- 
gether the ills and joys of life for almost forty years. 

Mrs. Wheeler passed away from earth on the 24th of 
November, 1876. Their union had never been blessed 
with children, but a daughter was adopted by them who 
has cheered their declining years, and who is now in charge 
of Mr. Wheeler's household. 

Mr. Wheeler has been a thorough-going farmer all his 
life, and in his old age enjoys a competence which is but 
the just reward of his industry, judgment, and attention to 
business. 



i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



265 




y js r- -, 



Photo, by N. L, Stone, Potsdam. 



LUTHER E. WADLEIGH. 

This gentleman is descended from good old New England 
stock ; the first Wadleighs in the county being three 
brothers, who emigrated from an English hamlet of the 
same name about 1C25. United States Senator Wadleigh, 
of New Hampshire, is one of their descendants and a rela- 
tive of the subject of this sketch. The grandfather of the 
latter, Aaron Wadleigh, was a captain in the Revolutionary 
army. His paternal grandmother, too, was a Simmons, 
descended from a pilgrim father of that name, who, in 
1G20, landed from the Mayflower on the " stern and rock- 
bound coast" of Plymouth. 

Luther E. Wadleigh, sou of Aaron and Betsey Wad- 
leigh, was born at Starksboro', Vt., on the 22d day of Feb- 
ruary, 1837. During his infancy his parents removed to 
Vergennes, in the same State, where they remained until he 
was five years old, when they again removed to Stockholm, 
in this county. Scarcely had they located in their new 
home when the head of the family died. Young Luther 
remained in Stockholm fourteen years, principally taking 
care of himself after the age of twelve. When nineteen 
years old, having earned a little money, he determined to 
obtain a better education than he had been able to acquire 
in the common schools, and accordingly came to Potsdam 
and attended the old St. Lawrence academy during several 
terms. 

On the 1st day of March, 185!), Mr. Wadleigh was united 
in wedlock to Miss Hannah M., daughter of Capt. R. W; 
Seeley, of Madrid, one of the early settlers of that town. 
Mr. and Mrs. W. are now the parents of two children, — a 
son and a daughter. Soon after liis marriage, Mr. Wad- 
leigh began the study of law with the firm of Dart & 
Tappan, of Potsdam, and in 1865 was admitted to the bar. 
After three years speut in other pursuits he opened an 
office in Potsdam, where he has ever since been a successful 
practitioner. 

In 1869, Mr. Wadleigh was appointed a justice of the 
34 



peace, and held the office till the close of 1876. In a vil- 
lage of the size of Potsdam some cases of considerable im- 
portance, and many of manifold perplexities, are tried in a 
justice's court, and the successive re-elections are pretty 
good evidence of the skill and impartiality of the magistrate. 
In 1876, Mr. Wadleigh declined a third re-election, finding 
himself unable to spare the necessary time from his increas- 
ing law practice, to which his whole attention is now 
devoted. 



HON. A. X. PARKER. 

This gentleman is a son of Isaac Parker, who died at 
Potsdam in 1856, and was well and honorably known 
throughout the county. 

A. X. Parker was born in 1831, in Addison Co., Vt., 
and has been a resident of St. Lawrence County about 
forty years. He worked on a farm until eighteen years 
old, attending the common schools, and receiving a fair 
Eiiglicsh education at St. Lawrence academy. He studied 
law with Hon. H. L. Knowles, of Potsdam, at the Albany 
law school, with Cook & Fithian at Buffalo, and with 
Judge Noxon at Syracuse. He commenced practice at 
Potsdam in 1856, and in 1857 was married to Miss Mary 
J. Wright, of that village. 

Mr. Parker was elected to the assembly for the years 
1863 and 1864, and was unanimously renominated for the 
succeeding term, but declined. He was appointed post- 
master of Potsdam by President Lincoln in the spring of 
1865, but was removed in the fall of 1866 by President 
Johnson. In 1867 he was elected State senator, and was 
re-elected in 1869, holding the position four years. He 
was also first " elector at large' upon the Republican presi- 
dential ticket for this State in 1876. 

Mr. Parker has been a member of the Repviblican party 
ever since its formation, has been upon the "stump" in nearly 
every important campaign from 1856 to the present time, 
and has made occasional addresses on non-political sub- 
jects. He has occupied from time to time several minor 
positions of responsibility, such as school-teacher, justice 
of the peace, chief of the fire department, president of the 
village, president of the local agricultural association, etc. 
He was a trustee of St. Lawrence academy, and is now a 
member of the local board of the State normal school. 
He is also a working member of the county and State bar 
associations, and is actively and successfully engaged in the 
practice of his profession. 



SETH BENSON 

was born in Benson, Vt., May 7, 1798; married Sally 
King, daughter of Eli King, of Benson, March 31, 1819 ; 
came to Potsdam in 1820, and located on what is now a 
portion of the farm of his son Ellis. There have been born 
to Mr. Benson ten children, seven of whom are now living, 
— four sons and three daughters. In 1857, Mr. Benson 
sold his farm to his son Ellis, and moved to the village of 
Potsdam, where he has since resided. He has a very 
pleasant residence, a view of which may be seen in this 
work. 



266 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ELLIS BENSON. 

This frcntloinau is a son of tiio well-known citizen of Pots- 
dam, Setii Benson, and was born on the farm where he now 
resides on the 22d day of August, 1821. lie lived with 
his father until lie was twenty-one years old, when he 
struck out boldly for himself into the wilds of the west. 
He worked as a milhvri<^ht some twelve years, erecting nu- 
merous mills in the forests of the northwestern States. In 
1851 lie returned, and purchased the homestead of his 
father, where he has ever since resided. In 1S54 he was 
married to Harriet P., daugiiter of Harvey Knox, now a 
resident of Canton, and their union has been blessed by four 
children, one son and three daughters. 

Tiiough for many years he followed a diflercnt oceujia- 
tion, Mr. Benson is pdv excdli-nce a farmer. During his 
owner.sliip of his ]ilace; valuable additions liave been made 
to the buildings, cultivation lias been carried on to the 
highest point, and the utmost neatness prevails everywhere. 
" Comparisons are odorous," says one of the most celebrated 
characters of Shakspeare, so we will not a.ssert that Jlr. 
Benson is the best farmer in Potsdam, but we will only re- 
peat the voice of all his acquaintances in declaring that he 
is one of the very best, not only in Pot.sdam but in St. 
Lawrence County. 

LUTHER S. OWEN. 

Mr. Owen was born at Burlington, Vt., Aug. 5, 1809, and 
remained a resident of that place until 1835. On the 6th 
of December, 1832, he was married to Clarissa, daughter of 
Elisha Allen. In February, 1835, he removed to Potsdam, 
driving an ox-team the whole distance, with the principal 
part of his effects, but hiring the transportation of his wife 
and infant daughter in a more comfortable conveyance. 
After a few months' residence at West Potsdam, Mr. 
Owen settled a little west of Yaleville, on the jilace where 
he has ever since resided. He worked as a mason a portion 
of his lime, but attended to his land with sufficient assiduity 
to make a fine farm, and is now the owner of a hundred 
and fifty-six acres. There Mr. and Mrs. Owen brought up 
their six children, — Mary M., now wife of Martial L. Wait; 
Miranda M., wife of John M. Buller ; Lovisa, wife of Mul- 
ford Sweet ; Sarah Jane (now decea.sed j, wife of Irvin Olin ; 
Cordelia, wife of Freeman Blood; and Luther W., who 
married Miss Ettie Rood. Mrs. Claris.sa Owen died on the 
3d of October, 1872, at the age of fifty-eight. Mr. Owen was 
again married on the 9th of December, 1873, to Catharine 
E., daughter of Mr. A. Grant. He still resides upon the 
old farm, but his son, Luther W., is now carrying it on. 



MARTIAL L. WAIT. 

John H. Wait, the father of ^lartial L., removed from 
Shorehani, Vt., to Potsdam, about 1819, and made the 
first improvements on the densely tinilicred land which now 
constitutes the farm of his son. He survived the toils and 
hardships of pioneer life to the age of seventy-seven, dying 
in March, 187G, and leaving five sons and one daughter. 

Martial L. Wait, the fourth son of John II. and Mary 
M. Wait, was born on the .sixteenth day of July, 1833, on 



the farm where he now resides. His youth was spent in 
attending school and aiding his father on the farm. In 1854 
ho was married to Miss Mary M. Owen, a daughter of 
Luther S. Owen, and then nineteen years of ago. The 
young couple took up their residence with the elder Mr. 
Wait, and there has ever since been their home. Four 
children have been the fruit of their union, — Luna J., 
Leo M., Mary M., and Alvin W. 

The land, which sixty years ago was a forest, has been 
transformed into one of the jileasantest farms in town. 
Dairying has long been a specialty, and, as in most cases, 
when properly carried on, it has .surmundi'd with abund- 
ance those who have given it their principal attention. 



I 



ANDREW E. LOUCKS. 

The parents of this enterprising young fanner were 
George H. and Lucctta M. Loucks, the latter of whom 
died Oct. 1(5. 1871.* The couple first named came to this 
town in 1840, and settled on what was then called the Bald- 
win farm, but is now a part of the village of Norwood, 
where they remained two years. They then removed to 
what was commonly known as the Partridge farm, two 
miles from Potsdam village, on the Stockholm road, where 
Andrew E. Loucks was born on the 7th day of January, 
1849. His father having purchased the farm just men- 
tioned, the subject of this sketch grow up there, securing a 
fiir English education and being inured to all the labors of 
a farmer's life. September 14, 1870, he was married to 
Miss Hattie L. Traver (born Sept. 12, 1849), a daughter of 
Perry and Harriet E. Traver, of Potsdam. In the year 
1873 he bought the farm above alluded to, which contains 
two hundred acres, from his father, and set him.self dili- 
gently to manage, cultivate, and improve it, in which he is 
meeting with marked success. 31 r. and Mrs. Loucks are 
the parents of two boys : Floyd T. Loucks, born Sept. 28, 
1872, and Andrew E. Loucks, Jr., born July 24, 1874. 



TILNESS HAWLEY. 

Thom.-is Hawley, the father of Tilness, was a citizen of 
Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt., in 1790, and there the 
subject of this .sketch was born on the 17th day of July, in 
that year. When he was about a year old his parents re- 
moved to Franklin Co., in the same State, and when he was 
ten they made their home in Rome, New York. In 1820 
he was married to Miss Mary White, of Rome, and in 
1822 the young couple removed to Martinsburg, Lewis Co., 
where they began their life in the forest, and where Mr. 
Hawley made a good farm. 

Mr.s. Mary Hawley died in 1834, and in 1835 Mr. Haw- 
ley moved to Potsdam, purchasing a farm near the centre 
of the town. In 1836 he married Miss Olive Parmele, 
daughter of Giles and Hannah Parmele, who were among 
the very earliest pioneers of Potsdam, the name of Mr. Par- 
mele (a soldier of the Revolution) appearing frecpiently on 
the early records as one of the leading citizens of the town. 

• G. H. Loucks was the son of George G. Loucks, who resided in 

Potsdam from 1S44 to 1849, ami died in Orleans, Jefferson county, in 
186a. 





TiLNESS HAWLZY. 



( Photos. byN.LStohe, Potsoam.h.y ) 



MRS.TH.NE5S UAWLE.Y. 




Hcs.or IlLNiSS HAWLE.Y, Canton Road. rorsDAM. Niw York. 



X. 





Oavid Matthews. 



Mrs. David Matthews. 



' PHOfos BY H L SroNE, Potsdam, 





Mrs. A,T, Hopkins. 




" .'- StO"^ PmotOGP fOTSDAMJ 




,^. 




r 



V^^^'^^-tle^ 




RES. of A. T. HOPKINS, a.^,. 5T/?£fr , POTSDAM, ;V \ 




John ^ay 




fSf*- 



i' 




f ftjOTOS BY N.L StONT .P0TS»M ) 



I^RS.JOHN JAaY . 




„.i,uc„o. Of JOHN MAY, Pot J LA,'.. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



267 



Mr. Hawloy has been a very active and successful farmer 
throughout liis life, and has owned several farms at the 
same time in the town of Potsdam. About eight years ago 
he removed to liis present residence in the western edge of 
Potsdam village, where he has since lived. 

By his first wife Mr. Hawlcy had two children ; by his 
present wife he has had nine, of whom eight are living. 
The names of the ten now living are as follows: Jay K. 
Hawley, Giles P. Hawley, Jerome P. Hawley, Lucius E. 
Hawley, JIary Perry, Frances Ilucsted, Loui.sa Stanton, 
Ellen Adams, Hannah Wallace, and Lucia E. Darling. 

The life of a farmer usually embraces few startling inci- 
dents, but Mr. Hawley has performed its duties with such 
industry and judgment as to secure the resi)ect of those who 
knew him, and to obtain a handsome competence for the 
support of his old age. 

JORAM TIMERMAN. 

This gentleman was a son of Frederick and Mary Timer- 
man, his father being one of the original settlers of Man- 
heim, Herkimer county, where the subject of this sketch 
was born on the 28th day of January, 1829. In February, 
1834, his parents removed to JefiFerson county, taking him 
with them. There he grew to manhood, receiving his edu- 
cation at the district schools, and being bred to the occuj)a- 
tion of a farmer, — an occupation which he has followed 
throughout his life. October 2, 1851, Mr. Timcrman was 
married to Miss Harriet Luucks, daughter of George and 
Mary Loucks, of Orleans, Jciferson county, and in 1853 
the young couple removed to Potsdam. For ten years 
thereafter Mr. Timcrman, like many other young farmers 
making their way up in the world, occupied various farms on 
shares. Accumulating in this way a small capital, he pur- 
chased in 18G3 the farm of about two hundred and eiglity 
acres, situated four miles southwest from Potsdam village, on 
which he has since resided. At first it was burdened with a 
heavy debt, but by industry, enterprise, and good judgment 
this has been entirely removed. 

Mrs. Harriet Timcrman died Nov. 12, 1867, leaving two 
children, Herman De Witt Timcrman and Frank Elmer 
Timcrman. On the 18th day of February, ISti'J, Mr. 
Timcrman was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia McCrea, 
daughter of Samuel and Olive McCrea, of Lisbon. 

Mr. Tinu'rmau's place, under his management, has been 
a most productive and valuable one; and he himself has 
attained to one of the most creditable positions which an 
American can desire, — that of an energetic, prudent, and 
successful farmer. 



LYMAN H. DAYTON. 

Isaac Dayton, the father of the above-named gentleman, 
was one of the most laborious of the pioneers of Potsdam. 
Ho came to that town from Panton, Vt., in 1812, and for 
a time was engaged in clearing land for still earlier settlers. 
Having purchased a small piece of land, which is now a 
part of the farm of his son Lyman, he returned to Panton 
and married, and there the subject of this sketch was born, 
Septendier 17, 1S14. Mr. Isaac Dayton brought his family 
to Potsdam in 1S17, having spent some of the intervening 
time there preparing a home for their reception. 



Young Lyman remained with his father and shared his 
labors until he was twenty-one, when he went to Canada. 
On the outbreak of the " Patriot War," in 1837, the young 
Yankee thouirht it advisable to return to this side, makin<r 
his home in Clayton, Jeffer.son county. While residing 
there, on the 10th of February, 1841, he married Miss 
Martha B. Barnum, of Pot.sdam. He continued to reside 
in Clayton until 1841), when Mrs. Dayton died, leaving two 
children, Sylvester V. and 3Iarion, now Mrs. A. E. Sales 
of Norfolk! 

The same year JJr. Dayton returned to Potsdam and 
purchased the old homestead — already much increa.sed in 
size — from his father. On the 1st of February, 1852, he 
was again married to Miss Cynthia Champney. They have 
lived and labored together till the present time, having had 
five children : Carlton C. ; Isaac W. ; Alba 0., who died 
in 1875 ; William L. and Charles N., who died in childhood. 

Mr. Dayton's eldest son, Sylvester, enlisted as a Union 
soldier, and died at New Orleans, Sept. 20, 18G4. 

The original tract of twenty-five acres has grown to be 
an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres, amply 
provided with stock and implements; and Mr. and Mrs. 
Dayton are entering on the decline of life, surrounded by a 
competence which is the well-earned reward of industry 
and perseverance. 



JOHN MAY. 



Another .son of Vermont ! We begin to doubt whether 
a man can be a lawful voter in Potsdam unless he or his 
parents came from the Green Mountain State. John May 
was born in Richmond, in that State, on the 10th day of 
October, 1816. His father, Samuel G. May, soon removed to 
Morley in this county, but .luhn was left in charge of his 
uncle, Giles F. Place, with whom he remained until he was 
twenty-one. When he began life for himself his only 
capital was a pair of strong arms and a hundred dollais 
in money. Three years later he came to Potsdam. 

On the 31st of December, 1840, Mr. May was married to 
Mary C. Dustiu, then eighteen years of age, a native of 
Tunbridge, Vermont, and a lineal descendant of the cele- 
brated woman whose heroic achievement in slaying her 
Indian captors, and thus gaining her freedom, is a well- 
known episode in New England history. Mr. and Mrs. 
May have been the parents of two sons and four daughters. 

During the next six years after his marriage, Mr. May 
was in charge of the farm of David L. Clarkson, and in 
1847 removed to his present location. There he has ever 
since diligently pursued the vocation of a farmer. The 
hundred dollar capital of forty years ago has now expanded 
to a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of prime land 
(a hundred of which are within the corporate limits of 
Potsdam village and the remainder immediately adjacent) 
with all the usual accessories ; and it may be truly said that 
if fortune has somewhat favored him, a strong will and 
untiring industry have favored him .stdl more. 

About twelve years ago both Mr. an<l Mi-s. May joined 
the JMethodist church of Potsdam, of which they have ever 
since been faiihfiil and zealous members. 



LISBON. 



Tins town embraces the territory included in number 
five of tlie ten towns, and on March 6, 1801, was erected 
into a town, includin<; the entire ten towns, and retaining 
the original name of Lisbon, which was annexed to Clinton 
county. This result was brought about by the following 
petition, drawn up by residents of the town, and said to 
have been intended as a preliminary to the location of the 
county-seat within ils limits: 

" To the Honorable the LegUInture of the State of Kew Yorkj in Senate 
and Ansemh/tf convened .• 

"The memorial of the subscribers, for themselves, and in behalf 
of the Ten Townships of land, situate on the River St. Lawrence, 
heretofore sold by the people of the State, respectfully shnweth : 

** That many settlers are now established on the said townships, 
and have already made valuable improvements thereon ; that great 
inconvenience ensues by reason of their remoteness from settled parts 
of the Stale, and they are daily e.\posed to loss and injury in Iheir 
property by the waste and spoil committed by persons from the op- 
posite side of the River St. Lawrence, and having no magistrates or 
constables among themselves, such injuries cannot be redressed ; that 
the saiil Ten Towns are situated in the counties of Montgomery, 
Oneida, and Herkimer; that it has become highly necessary tor the 
encouragement and ])rosperity of the settlers on the said townships 
that they should be incorporated into one town. They, therefore, 
humbly pray that the said townships, as described iu the map tiled 
in the secretary's oflice, and known by the names of Louisville, Stock- 
holm, Madrid, Potsdam, Lisbon, Canton, Oswegatchie, De Kalb, 
Hague, and Cambray, may be enacted into one town, and to bo known 
as the town of Lisbon: an<l that the same may be annexed to the 
county of Clinton ; and that the town-meetings of the said town may 
bo held in the township of Lisbon, being the centre township, at the 
house of Alexander J. Turner: and, as in duty bound, they will ever 
pray." 

The petition was signed by Uri Barber, Calvin Hubbard, James 
Turner, Benjamin Bartlctt, Samuel Allen, Ahab Herington, Daniel 
Heringlon, Jacob Hoar, Alexander Turner, Jr., John De Lance, 
David Zoyten ( ? ), Festus Tracy, Jacob Pohlman, John Tibhils, 
Alexander J. Turner, Stillman Foote, George Foote, Peter Sharp, 
R. F. Randolph, John Tibbits, Jr., Wesson Briggs, Benjamin Pierce, 
Andrew O'Neill, Benjamin Stewart. 

This petition was received in assembly Feb. 9, 1801, 
read, and referred to Messrs. ShurtlifF, Norton, and Danforth, 
and the town of Lisbon was, on the Gth of March, 1801, 
erected as mentioned. 

The town of Lisbon lies on the St. Lawrence river, north- 
west of the centre of the county. Its soil is fertile and 
well adapted to the growth of the various grains raised in 
this latitude. It is underlaid by calciferous sandstone. The 
surface is usually level, being slightly undulating in phtces. 
The town is watered by Great and Little Sucker brooks, 
Brandy, Line, Indian, and other creeks, most of which 
reach the St. Lawrence in other towns. The Grxs.se river 
crosses the southeast corner, and has numerous tributaries 
rising in the town. The islands in the St. Lawrence oppo- 
site the town and within the boundary of the United Sttites 
were annexed to it after the final settlement of the boun- 
268 



dary between the United States and the British pos.sessions, 
and include the Great Isle au Galloup and others in the 
group, and the historic Oraconenfon, or Chimney island, 
which lies in the river opposite Indian point. The Galloup 
islands are named from the rapids which begin immediately 
above the location of the old " Red mills." The principal 
rapid is on the Canadian side, and a canal hits been con- 
structed around it for navigation purposes. At this point 
on the Canadian shore is located the flourishing village of 
Port Elgin, or, as it is frequently called, Edwardsburg, 
from the township in which it is situated. Considerable 
amounts of merchandise are brought across the river here, 
and in August, 1871, a port of entry was established at 
Li.sbon P.O. Andrew O'Neill was appointed deputy col- 
lector, and continued to serve until Dec. 15, 1877. when 
the port was discontinued at the solicitation of officers .sent 
on a tour of investigation by President Hayes. This was 
done on the supposition that a port at this point was unne- 
cessary, but events have since shown that much trouble was 
saved importers and others while it was in existence. At 
present it is necessary to send for deputy officers from Og- 
densburg when needed, and smuggling has been carried on 
to a considerable extent here and at points below, some well- 
known parties being implicated. It is probable that the 
port will be re-established. 

The Ogdensburg and Lake Charaplain railway crosses 
the town diagonally nearly through the centre, passing 
through the village of Lisbon Centre, and the Rome, 
Watertown and Ogdensburg railway cuts off a small corner 
on the southwest. 

On Indian point are still shown the remains of a work 
constructed by the British General Amherst's army in 1760, 
during the siege of Chimney island. Traces of other 
works appear on Drummond and Prisoners' islands, and it 
is said that a strong block-house formerly stood on the main- 
land near the mouth of Indian creek, which was built at 
the same time or soon after. This statement is not authen- 
ticated by any record either of the French or English his- 
torians, and if its existence was a fact it has been overlooked 
by all previous writers. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Andrew O'Neill, the first settler in the town of Lisbon, 
was born at Shanes' castle, near the city of Belfast, Ireland, 
in 1766. This castle was owned by Lord Shanes (John) 
O'Neill, who employed the young man — Andrew O'Neill — 
as his clerk. The latter received a liberal education, and 
was more fitted to the use of the pen and books of the 
accountant and scholar than the rougher implements of 
farming and the hardships of the life of a pioneer. How- 
ever, he left behind all his pleasant associations and emi- 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



2G9 



grated to the United States while George Washington was 
in the executive chair. lie mentioned having often seen 
the president. For .some time Mr. O'Neill resided in 
Canada, but in the month of October, 1799, crossed into 
Lisbon, — while the town was being surveyed for the pro- 
prietors by Reuben Sherwood, a Canadian, — and settled on 
the farm now owned by his son, Andrew O'Neill, about two 
miles below the present Lisbon post-office, and immediately 
opposite the Canadian village of Port Elgin. He employed 
men from Canada to build him a log house near the river 
side, in which he lived for a time. He afterwards erected 
the large frame dwelling now standing on the north side of 
the road nearly opposite the residence of his son. The 
house is not now occupied except as a granary, and Mr. 
O'Neill intends to preserve it for the associations of the 
pa.st, " whose memory haunts it still." On one occasion, 
late in the year, Mr. O'Neill crossed into Canada for a 
supply of provisions, etc., for the family, and while he was 
gone one of the terrible winter storms peculiar to the region 
came up and prevented his return for a week, it being im- 
possible to cross the river. Mrs. O'Neill, a strong, hardy 
woman, and an energetic worker, went into the forest and 
cut down a large maple-tree, which she chopped into fire- 
wood, and thereby kept the family from freezing. 

At another time Mrs. O'Neill was out one evening after 
the cows, and darkness came on before she found them. 
She finally lost her way, and, after wandering for some time, 
came to the edge of a marsh a mile and a half down the 
river and some distance back. Here she knew where she 
was, but did not dare attempt to pick her way through it 
in the dark. But a .short time previously she had assisted 
in stacking the marsh grass which had been cut, and, 
reaching the stack, she climbed to its tup and dug a place 
in which to rest for the night. Ere long the foxes began 
to bark all around her, and she, not being acquainted with 
the noise, was much alarmed. At last numbers of them 
were seen around the spot, and, without further fears, .she 
fell asleep, awaking at dawn and returning home in safety, 
none the worse for her somewhat exciting adventure. 

Mrs. O'Neill often assisted her husband in '-logging," and 
while helping roll the logs into heaps, ready to burn, would 
place her infant son Thomas on a blanket brought along 
for the purpose, and laid upon the ground. This son was 
the first white child born belonging to the new settlement, 
but owing to the absence of necessary help at the lime of 
his birth, his mother was obliged to cross the river, and 
the son first saw the light on Canadian soil. 

The first birth in I;isbon was that of a daughter in the 
family of John Tibbits, Sept. 14, 1800. She was named 
Dorcas, and was afterwards long a resident of the city of 
Ogdensburg. She was married to Amos Bacon, and died 
in the seventy-seventh year of her age. 

Mrs. O'Neill was descended, on her mother's side, from a 
Virginia family, some of whose members were engaged in 
the War of Lidependence. Her fiitlier, a man named .\rm- 
strong, was an Irishman by birth, and settled, previous to 
the Revolution, near Saratoga Springs, N. Y. Andrew 
O'Neill died in 1840, aged seventy-four, and his wife in 
1846, at the age of sixty-five. 

A tract of 9600 acres, lying on the river St. Lawrence, 



and in the northwestern part of town, was purchased from 
Alexander Macomb, by John Tibbits, of Duanesburg, 
Schenectady Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1789, for the sum of 
£860, New York currency. In a mortgage bearing the 
same date as the deed it is stipulated, concerning the in- 
terest, " that should it so happen that the said John 
Tibbits, his heirs or assigns, should not have the peaceable 
possession or enjoyment of the said premises, or should be 
disturbed or kept out of the possession thereof by any In- 
dians, or by reason of any claim which the Indians may 
have thereto, theti in such case the interest on the above- 
mentioned sums to cease during such time as the said John 
Tibbits shall be kept out of the peaceable possession of the 
said premises according to the true intent and meaning of 
this instrument." For this reason it is shown by the in- 
dorsements that no interest was demanded from 1791 to 
1796, inclusive. " Tibbits' tract," as it is called, was prin- 
cipally surveyed by Daniel W. Church, while the balance 
of the town was surveyed into farms by Amos L:iy, Isaac 
Beach, and William Preston. 

Mr. Tibbits was a descendant of the old Puritan stock, 
his ancestry having emigrated from England at a very early 
period. The Tibbits and Briggs families were closely re- 
lated, and from data furnished by Deacon William Briggs, 
of Lisbon, the following account of their .settlement is 
given : 

Trto brothers, named Briggs, came from England some- 
where from 1635 to 1640, and landed near the famous 
Plymouth rock, where the persecuted " Pilgrims" first set 
their feet on American soil, in December, 1 620. After several 
years spent in prospecting for a suitable location, during 
which time they suffered many hardships, they finally made 
a settlement in the then colony of Rhode Island. Here were 
born many of the Briggs and Tibbits families, among them 
John Tibbits and Job Briggs, — grandfathers on each side of 
the present Deacon William Briggs, — whose births both 
occurred in the year 1737. A cemetery in the old neigh- 
borhood contains the earthly remains of numbers of each 
family. 

About 1765-70, Job Briggs removed to Dutchess Co., 
N. Y., remaining there until 1780, when he again removed 
to Schenectady county, and settled in the town of Duanes- 
burg, in a locality known as " Quaker street." Here he 
purchased a large tract of land, and settled upon it a family 
of twelve children, — eight sons and four daughters. These 
remained here near together for some years, but the spirit 
of emigration soon caused them to separate, and some of 
them sought homes elsewhere. Job Briggs died in 1798, 
and his wife, Mercy (E.stes) Briggs, in 1815. Wesson 
Briggs, the fourth son of Job Briggs, was married Jan. 20, 
1800, to Mary Tibbits, daughter of John Tibbits; and early 
in May of the same year, a party consisting of John Tibbits 
and wife, John Tibbits, Jr., and wife, and Wesson Bri>rgs 
and wife, started from Schenectady up the Mohawk in an 
open boat, with what effects they could carry, for Tibbits' 
tract in Lisbon. After a voyage of about thirty-five days, 
by way of the Mohawk river, Indian creek, the Oswego 
river. Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence, they arrived 
safely at their destination, about five miles below the loca- 
tion of Ogdensburg, then an unimportant place, on the flirm 



270 



IIISTOIIY OF .ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



now occupioJ by Mr. Biiggs' youngest son, Deacon William 
Brijrjrs. Tin: entire journey was made t]irou<;h an almost 
unbroken wilderness. A rude log cabin was at once erected, 
in which the three families lived until better accommoda- 
tions could be provided. In the following Sejitcmbcr was 
bditi Mr. Briggs' daughter, Dorcas, previously mentioned, 
and on the (Jtli of June, 1801, after they had resided here 
about one year, a second child was born in the .siine family, 
this time a son, who was called Waller, and who was the 
second white child born in town. On thr ojiiML-^ilc shore of 
the noble river were numerous settlers who had fled from 
the colonies during the long struggle for independence, being 
sujiporters of the king, and they proved kind neighbors to 
the new-comers, and aided them in every way they could. 

Elizabeth, the wife of John Tibbits, Jr.,* became the 
mcither of fifteen children ; and Mary, the wife of Wesson 
Briggs, gave birth to five. Of the latter all are dead ex- 
cept the youngest son, William, who is the only surviving 
member of the family. Mrs. Tibbits died March 28, 1809, 
and Mr. Briggs, iMareh 20, 1810, when her youngest child 
was but little more than a year old. Walter, Benjamin, 
and William, .sons of Wesson Briggs, became the parents 
of sixteen children, of whom twelve are yet living, while 
the other two sons died without i.s,sue. 

When the War of 1812, between the mother country and 
tiic- young republic, broke out, the situation of the settlers 
along the border was rendered extremely unpleasant, yet 
almost to a man they stood iip in defense of their coninion 
country. Wesson Briggs joined the army, and, as his wife 
was dead, and he had no one to attend to his children, he 
decided upon sending them in the care of trusty men to his 
old home in Duancsburg, where his mother, brothers, and 
sisters were still living. Securing the services of a trusty 
French-Canadian named Samuel Lawray, and a Canailiau- 
Dutch girl named Nancy Wagner, he placed hi.s children 
in an ox-cart, under their care, and they started, the cart 
being drawn by a strong pair of oxen. The journey of two 
hundred miles through the forest was safely accomplished, 
occupying about twenty-five days, and the children were 
safely cared for, — the youngest by his grandmother, IMercy 
Briggs. In the winter of 1814 Mr. Briggs visited his old 
home in Duancsburg, making the trip in a sleigh drawn by 
a team of horses, and on his return to Lisbon tocjk his 
children with him, having a second time entered the mar- 
riage state. Not long after the close of the war, Mr. 
Briggs raised a company of cavalry, under the militia law 
of the State, and was its captain for several years, lie was 
afterwards promoted colonel of the regiment to which the 
company belonged. He died Feb. 22, 1831, and his second 
wife, Mrs. Lydia Briggs, followed him to the '• land of the 
hereafter" in 18GG. 

William Briggs, youngest son of Wesson Briggs, has 
held numerous town offices, — among them town superin- 
tendent of schools for five years, and supervisor for eight 
years. Was elected to the assembly, from the second as- ! 
sembly di.strict of St. Lawrence County, in 1S5S, and 
again in 1851), serving two terms. During the late War of 



« John Til.bits, Jr., dioJ in Dclroil, Sept. 2.'!, lS2li. aged nfty-thicc. 
Ilia Tatbcr died iu Lisbun, Jan. 20, IS] 7, ngcd eighty. ' 



the Rebellion he was, with many others in the town of Lis- 
bon, active in rendering a.ssistance to the volunteer cause. 
Out of his own family he sent four boys, — Alvah W. and 
Baron W. Briggs, and Henry H. and John C. Bosworth, — 
the latter sons of his second wife. Three of them were with 
the eastern army, and were present at the surrender of 
Lee. and the other was with the victorious western army 
which fought its way down to the sea, and thence marched 
northward over the storied ground of the Revolution, con- 
quering the army of Johnston, and arriving at last at the 
national capital after the greatest march of modern times. 
The four sons enlisted in the 39th, lUCth, and 142d Regi- 
ments N. Y. State volunteers, and on their return home 
brought with them ten commissions which they had won in 
the service of their country. Alvah W. Briggs became the 
colonel of his regiment, — the lOtith, — and was with General 
Sheridan when he so completely defeated the rebel Gen- 
eral Early in the Shenandoah valley in V^irginia. He was 
wounded during that movement, and his brother Henry 
received a wound at Fort Fisher. 

Early in February, 1800,f Alexander J. Turner, of 
Salem, Washington Co., came into town by way of Lake 
Champlairi, as agent for the proprietors, and located on an 
eminence half a mile west of the old mills, having taken up 
the first three river lots adjoining Tibbits' tract. He con- 
tinued as agent until 1805, and was succeeded by Louis 
Hasbrouck, of Ogdensburg. He died in Jiareh, 1806. 
At his death ho was a judge of the court of common jdeas, 
and formed one of the bench at its first organization. Reu- 
ben Turner, who settled in 1801, was a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, and died in July, 1833, at the age of ninety-two. 
Peter Sharp and Peter Henion, Germans, from Schoharie, 
located in 1800 on farms near Lisbon P. 0., and erected 
houses thereon. In 1801, William Shaw, Lemuel Hos-kins, 
William Lyitle, James Aikens, and Benjamin Steward 
moved into town. These men were nearly all from ^'er- 
mont. Matthew Perkins, from Bocket, Mass., and Hezeki:ih 
Pierce, also settled. These two were connected by marriage 
with the family of John Tibbits. 

Many of the earlier settlers emigrated from Washington 
Co. In 1802, John, Samuel, William, and James, sons of 

William Lyttle ; Richard and John Flack, j; Crosset, 

Isaac and Eiihu Gray, John McCrea and .sons, — John, Jr., 
Samuel, and Alexander, — and others, arrived and located. 
During the years 1803-(), a large increase was made to the 
number of settlere. In 1802, Robert Livingston came to 
town and made a small clearing, and in 1803 moved his 
family in from Wa.shington Co. He was born in Saratoga 
Co., August 17, 1769. In 1810, while a resident of Lis- 
bon, he w;is appointed one of the judges of the court of 
common pleas of St. Lawrence County, which office beheld 
until 1826. For twenty yeare he was a justice of the peace, 
and was .several times elected supervisor of the town. He 
was one of the principal .supporters of the Presbyterian 
church in Ijisbon. His death occurred November 23, 1858, 
when he had reached the ninetieth year of his age. The 
old place is now occupied by his grandson, William Bruce 



t Hough's History. 

J /but. — 1806, on authority of Isosic G. Flauk. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



271 



Living.ston, whose house stands on the spot where stood the 
orifiinul nuiiision of his grandfather. Judge Liviiig.ston 
was the grandfather of the man who lias in hiter years made 
himself famous as " America's greatest orator, " and a subtle 
wielder of both tongue and pen against the doctrines and 
customs of Christianity. His boyhood was spent on the 
banks of the grand river St. Lawrence, and perliaps much 
of his eloquence was derived from the musical language 
of its sparkling waters, speaking intelligibly to him in a 
momentary pause on their swift way to the sea. /,' 

Although the course pursued by Colonel Robert L.^Tnger- 
soll since his removal to the " Prairie State" may have won 
him many enemies in certain circles, it has made many 
friends in others, and his memory is yet dear to those who 
knew him as a young man on the border of tiic '• Empire 
State." The writer heard him frequently mentioned, and 
a wish expressed by many to welcome him in a visit to the 
"scenes of other days " 

The following return of electors was made in ISOl, when 
this town embraced the present limits of the ten towns. 
The occurrence of the name of a Jinn on a poll list is novel. 
Except the first two, who were reported worth a freehold of 
the value of £100 or upwards, the remainder were returned 
as renting real estate worth at least forty .shillings per an- 
num : " Ogden & Ford, Elijah Carley, Stephen Foot, David 
Race, Thomas Lee, Benjamin Wilson, Kelsoy Thurber, 
Jonathan Comstock, Wm. G. Peck, John Lyon, Jacob 
Pohlman, Benjamin Nickler, Major Watson, Seth Rainey, 
Joseph Thurber, Jcduthun Barker, Adam Milyer, Thomas J. 
Davies, Jonathan Ingraham, Daniel McXeal, John Smith." 

Among the early comers to the town may also be men- 
tioned the following: John A Armstrong, Joseph Martin, 
Sharp IMcFadden, Abel Madill, Neheniiah Sheldon, Samuel 
McFadden, Truman Reynolds (a soldier of 1812;, John 
Hanna, and many others. 

It is related of Mr. and Mrs. James Flack that when 
they were married he was under twenty-one and she under 
seventeen years of age. During tlie war of 1812, Mrs. 
Flack, feeling unsafe so near the scene of active hostilities, 
mounted a horse, took her child, four months old, in her 
arms, and rode to Plattsburg, and thence to Hebron, AVasli- 
ingtoii Co. James Flack became an extensive lumberman 
in St. Lawrence County. 

A daughter of Samuel McFadden was in after-j'ears 
married to John L. Martin, and wen? with him to California, 
where, less than a year later, she died, leaving an infant son. 
On the receipt of the news " at home," her sister. Miss 
Elizabeth McFadden, started unattended to the place of her 
death, and obtaining the con.sont of her brother-in-law, 
brought his ini'ant child back with her to the home of its 
grandparents, where it could receive proper care. The son 
is now living. 

Mrs. Sarah Sheldon, wife of Nehemiah Sheldon, per- 
formed a journey at an early day on horseback from Lisbon 
to Tompkins county, and Mrs. Truman Reynolds rode to 
Sacket's Harbor during the War of 1812 to visit her hus- 
band, who was stationed there. When Ogdensburg was 
captured by the British in February, 1813, Mrs. Reynolds, 
with her two children, was in the barracks. She was al- 
lowed, with others, to hastily pass out ujion the ice, from 



whence she witnessed the burning of the shelter she had 
but a few moments before left. Her two children, a son 
and a daughter, are both residents of Lisbon, the son, Wm. 
H. Reynolds, being a man of influence among the citizens, 
and a deacon in the First Congregational church. The 
daughter became the wife of James North, long a resident 
of the town. 

After the defeat of the French in America, and the oc- 
cupation of Ogdensburg and other posts by the English, 
the Oswcgatcliie Indians removed from the post, and locateil 
their village on what is yet known as Indian point, near the 
mouth of Indian creek, in the northwest corner of town. 
Tliey continued to reside here until 1806-7, when they 
were removed by the government on complaint of the in- 
habitants. In 17t)3 these Indians numbered but 80, and 
in 1813 they had 23 houses on the point. While here 
they were under the direction of a Frenchman named 
Joseph Reoam, who spoke their dialect, and is said to have 
married one of their women. Dr. Hough's " History of 
St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties" says, "Their village 
is described by one who saw it in 1802 as consisting of a 
street running parallel with the river, with the houses 
ranged in regular manner on each side of it, all uniformly 
built, with their ends to the street, sharp-roofed, shingled 
with pointed shingles, and with glass windows. Every 
house was built for two families, had two doors in front, 
and a double fire-place and single chimney in the centre, 
with a partition equally dividing the interior. In 1802 
there were about 24 families. These Indians were accus- 
tomed to spend most of their summers on Black lake in 
hunting and fishing, returning to their cabins for the winter. 
They used bark canoes, which they carried round rapids 
and across portages with perfect ease." 

After their removal from Lisbon they had no tribal hab- 
itation, and became scattered among the surrounding tribes, 
some going to Onondaga and some to St. Regis, and soon 
lost all tribal distinction. 

"Still from the hurrying train of life fly backward far and fast 
The milestones of the fathers, the landmarks of the past." 

FIRST AND PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS PROCEEDINGS 

RELATIVE TO BOUNTIES DURING THE WAR OF THE 
REBELLION, ETC. 

The first officers for the town of Lisbon, elected in 1801, 
were as follows, viz. : Supervisor, Alexander J. Turner ; 
Town Clerk. John Tibbits; A-sses-sors, John Tibbits. Jr., 
Benjamin Stewart, Joseph Edsall, Seth Raney, William 
Sbaw ; Connuissioners of Highways, Calvin Hubbard, Jacob 
Redington, Benjamin Stewart, Wes.son Briggs, Jacob Pohl- 
man ; Constables, Peter Sharp, Joseph Furman, John Thur- 
ber; Collector, Peter Sharp ; Postmasters, Uri Barber, Ben- 
jamin Bartlett, John Lvon ; Path-ma.sters, Samuel Allen, 
Benjamin Galloway, William Shaw, Benjamin A. Stewart, 
Jo.seph Edsall, Reuben Fields, Adam Milyer, Joseph Thur- 
ber; Fence-viewers, Uri Barber, George Hilman, John Tib- 
bits, Jr., Asa Furman, John Sharp; Pound-keepers, Ben- 
jamin Stewart, Reuben Fields; Trustees for the Glebe, 
Alexander J. Turner, John Tibbits, Jr., Benjamin A. 
Stewart. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Succession of Siipo-oisors, — Most of the election records 
of this town previous to 1831 have been lost or destroyed, 
and up to that date tlic list is probably iuipcrfect : 1801, 
and for several years after, Alexander J. Turner; 1814-15, 
George C. Conant; 1816-17, James Thompson; 1818, 
Bishop IVrkins; 1810-20, R,,l,. it Livingston; 1821-28, 
Wesson Briggs ; 1829, John Thimipson ; 1830-155, (ieorge 
C. Conant; 1836, Joseph Chambers ; 1837, G. C. Conant ; 
1838-39, David C.Gray; 1840-41, Charles Norway ; 1842, 
William IL Reynolds; 1843, D. C. Gray; 1844, G. C. 
Conant; 1845-49, William Briggs ; 1850-51, Aaron Rolf; 
1852-53, David G. Lytle ; 1854-56, Wm. Briggs; 1857- 
01, La Wallace; 1SG2-09, Alexander A. Martin; 1870, 
ijamuel Wells ; 1871, Alex. A. IMartin ; 1872-76, Andrew 
Tuck ; 1877, Samuel Wells. 

The balance of the officers for 1877 are as follows: 
Town Clerk, Robert Scott, who has held this office contin- 
uously since 1854 ; Justices of the Peace, Augustus Mou- 
crief, Robert Taylor, M. T. Slocking (latter two holding 
over from previous elections); Collector, William Dezell ; 
Assessor, John S. MeFadden ; Commissioner of Highways, 
John C. Gray; Overseers of the Poor, James Martin (2d), 
David Wallace ; Commissioner of Excise, William Dawley ; 
Town Auditors, Robert Akiiis, John N. Madill, G. P. Flack ; 
Constables, Richard D. Gray, James Murdie, Robert Nelson ; 
Town Sealer, Charles H. Herrington ; Inspectors of Elec- 
tion, District No. 1, Isaac Newton, A. C. Gloss, Robert 
Seott ; District No. 2, William Dings, M. S. Chambers, W. 
C. Flack ; District No. 3, A. Jones, A. O'Neill, S. Dilling- 
ham ; District No. 4, R. S. Tait, John Newby, James 
Monerief 

At a special town-meeting, held August 30, 1862, a 
bounty of fifty dollars was voted to each volunteer who 
should enlist from the town of Lisbon on or after the 22d 
of the same month. 

A special town-meeting was held December 24, 1863, at 
which a bounty of four hundred dollars was voted to each 
volunteer from the town, and certificates of indebtedness 
were issued to those who enlisted on or after the date of 
the meeting, to fill the ((uota of the town on the call of 
the president, dated October 17, 1863. 

At a special meeting, August 13, 1864, subsequent to 
the president's call of July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men, 
bounties of three hundred dollars each were voted to volun- 
teers from Lisbon who had enlisted or re-enlisted between 
July 13, 1863, and January 1, 1864. 

At a special meeting, held February 28, 1865, a bounty 
of one hundred dollars each was voted to " volunteers, 
recruits, and substitutes," to fill the ijunta of the town of 
Li.sbon on the call of December 19, 1864. 

Several other meetings were held for similar purposes, 
but their proceedings were rendered null and void by those 
of the meetings above mentioned. Lisbon furnished a 
large number of men for the army, and many of them 
returned maimed and cripjiled for life, while others "sleep 
their last sleep" on the bloody fields of the south. Their 
motto — "Dulce et decorum est pro palria mori" — is a con- 
solation for the mourning ones, on whose tablets of memory 
their heroic deeds and noble sacrifices are indelibly graven. 

In 1856 a substantial and commodious stone building 



was erected at Lisbon Centre for use as a town-hall. It 
stands on the hill in the upper part of the village. 

Captain John Lyttle, mentioned in the list of early set- 
tlers, was a citizen of the town of Lisbon nearly forty years, 
and died June 28, 1843, aged sixty-four years. During 
the war of 1812-15 he held the office of captain of a rifle 
corps, and was in several of the battles on the western fron- 
tier. For more than twenty years he was a justice of the 
peace in Lislnin, and is remembered as an ujiright, honest 
man, and during his life an honor to the locality in which 
he had chosen his home. 

It is related of a Mrs. Barton, who lived with her hus- 
band on Sucker brook, that she at one time shouldered a 
bag containing a bushel of wheat, carried it to Waddington, 
about fourteen miles away, had it ground, and carried the 
grist back in the same way. This is but one of many 
anecdotes of a like nature which might be related in the 
history of the early settlements, and shows to what straits 
people were sometimes reduced. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the town of Lisbon was taught in the 
northwestern part, in what is yet known as district No. 1, 
in 1808. The name of the first teacher is forgotten, but 
among the early ones was Robert Thompson. The town 
contained in December, 1877, thirty-two whole and ten 
joint school districts, and a population of about five thou- 
sand. 

Among the manufactures of Lisbon brick-making enters 
to some extent. The largest yard in town is probably 
owned by Joseph Rutherford, and is located about three 
and a half miles below Lisbon P. 0., near the river. The 
brick made are of a fine quality. 

Within a few years the dairying interest has increased 
largely, until at present the town ranks among the best in 
the county in this respect. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Joseph W. Smith, the first regular physician who 
located in St. Lawrence County, settled in Lisbon in 1803, 
and practiced here and in adjoining towns until 1807, when 
he removed to Ogdensburg. He was a man of much talent, 
and an untiring laborer in the field of his protession, often 
making journeys into Canton, Oswegatchie, Waddington, 
and other towns, sometimes a distance of twenty miles, and 
many of the early inhabitants had cause to remember him 
gratefully. 

Dr. W. Carpenter also settled early, and had for a time 
considerable practice, but was almost entirely superseded 
by Dr. William A. Campfield, who settled quite early, and 
had a long and successful practice. He was a practitioner 
of the old allopathic school, and is remembered as a cour- 
teous and afi'able gentleman. 

During the epidemic which pervaded the country in 
1813 great numbers died, and Lisbon is said to have suffered 
more .severely than any other town in the county. During 
the well-remembered cold seasons — 1816-17 — there was 
great suffi;riug for want of provisions, in consequence of 
short crops. It is said that more corn was raised on the 
Galloup island, and in a field of eleven acres on Livingston's 



I 






Adam ScoTr. Jeanette 5cott- 

/ Photographs BY Dow, ooDEwssuffG-, ) 




Thc A'Jms ir Scoir.OuKL or BuccUugh 



Rls. Tr ADAM SCOTT, Lisbon. St. Lawrence CouNrr.N.Y 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



273 



point, in 181G, tliaii in all the rest of St. L'lwience County. 
However that may be, tliese were the only localities which 
produced to any extent in town, and the yield here w;us 
abundant, owing to some local cause, — the influence of the 
water in warding oft' frost, or other reasons. Ordinary corn 
sold fur two dollars and a half per bushel, and seed-corn as 
high as five. Potatoe-s were worth one dollar a bushel, 
which has been the case at numerous times since, though 
not because of an entire failure in the crop. 

During the War of 1812-15 an incident happened which 
caused great excitement. '• A company of some sixty 
dragoons had been stationed for some time in the fall of 
1813 at the house of Peter Wells, four or five miles back 
from the river, on the road to Canton. About thirteen of 
these had come to the mills, and were stiij)ping at an inn 
kept by one Scott. A sufiBcient guard of sentries was 
stationed around the house, but during the night a party of 
two hundred men from Canada, having landed on Tibbits' 
point about midnight, surprised the sentinels, and sur- 
rounded the house where the dragoons were supposed to be, 
but not until .several of them had escaped. One, named 
Smith, vins shot, and another one, Mercer, was wounded. 
The latter was brutally stabbed several times after resist- 
ance ceased, and he was left for dead, but subsequently re- 
covered. Two dragoons, — Scott and his son, — and all of 
the horses that could be found, were taken to Canada. It 
is said that these dragoons made a very gallant resistance, 
and that it was impossible to take Smith and Mercer 
alive."* 

On the breaking out of the cholera-panic in 1832, a 
board of health was formed and Dr. Wooster Carpenter 
was appointed health officer. The St. Lawrence, opposite 
the house of Obadiah Piatt, and not less than three hun- 
dred yards from the shore, was assigned as a quarantine 
ground for craft from Canada ; but it is believed the regu- 
lations were never enforced. 

On the 11th of March, 1828, a circulating library was 
incorporated in this town, with William Marshall, Andrew 
O'Neill, Albert Tyler, John Glass, Joshua G. Pike, James 
Douglass, and James Monorief, trustees. 

LISBON POST-OFFICE. 

At this point Wiis built, in 1804, by D. W. Church, a mill- 
wright, for the proprietors of the town, the first mill within its 
limits. It was painted red, and long bore the name of the 
" Red Mills," as did the settlement around it. It was finally 
abandoned and removed, and a large stone mill built in its 
place, at the beginning of the Galloup I'apid. The latter was 
in after-years burned, and its ruined walls .still stand, a grim 
monument of the industry of other days. The present mills, 
located a mile and a half down the river, on Livingston's 
point, were built within a more recent period by Joseph 
and Samuel Smithers, and include a grist-mill, a saw-mill, 
and a shingle-mill (the latter two built by Hugh Lalone and 
George Sparrowhawk, and now the property of Lalone). 
The parties who erected a gristmill had previously built a 
dam about half-way across to Lalone island, intending at 

♦Hough's History of St. Lawrence unil Franklin C'oun'its. 

35 



first to build it entirely across, but owing to a lack of moans 
it was turned up stream at some distance from shore, to avoid 
its being carried away by the ice. 

Until the old " Red mill" was built, in 1804, it was 
necessary for the settlers to cro.ss into Canada to get grinding 
done. 

" An act was passed April G, 1850, authorizing Henry 
Van Rensselaer, Esq., of Ogdcnsburg, his heirs and as- 
signs, to erect, for hydraulic purposes, a dam from the south 
shore to Galloup island, a distance of about 1200 feet. A 
fall of from six to eight feet would thus be obtained, and 
an amount of power almost incalculable affiirded. The 
bottom of the river is rocky, and capable engineers have 
estimated the work practicable at a cost of §50,000. This 
being the foot of navigation for sail-ve.ssals on the lakes 
would doubtless, were a dam built and a branch to the rail- 
road laid, give an importance to this point as a manufac- 
turing place which has scarcely a parallel in the country. 
This channel is used but little, if any, by boats; and the 
navigation north of the island would be improved by divert- 
ing more water into that channel, as would necessarily 
result in the erection of a dam." "f" 

From the islands and the rapids here the place is famil- 
iarly known as " the Galloups." The post-office was estab- 
lished in the neighborhood of 1830, receiving the name 
of Lisbon. The first postmaster was George C. Conant, 
who located here and .studied law for some time with Matthew 
Perkins, and on the death of the latter marrie<l his widow. 
He (Conant) became a lawyer of considerable note, and 
held numerous offices of trust in the gift of the people of 
the town. Both he and Perkins were from Massachusetts. 
The second postmaster was John Thompson, and among 
those who have held the office since arc Dr. W. Carpenter, 
Simeon Dillingham (who was postmaster about eight years 
altogether), and his brother, Charles W. Dillingham, who 
came here from Alban\'. The present iucumbent is Mrs. 
Nettie D. Turner. 

Previous to 1833, Simeon Dillingham worked at his 
trade — that of a carpenter and joiner — in the employ of 
the Van Rensselaer family, at Albany, and at that date re- 
moved to Ogdensburg, where he remained until 1835, and 
came during that year to Lisbon. It was in this year that 
the stone grist-mill was built, also a wing-dam five hundred 
feet in length. 

At an early day John O'Neill, son of Andrew O'Neill, 
(the first settler of Lisbon), manufactured pota.sh, and kept 
a small store on land now owned by Andrew O'Neill, Jr. 
He also owned a store at Sucker Brook settlement, and his 
were probably the first mercantile establishments in town. 
James Thompson quite early established a store at Gal- 
loupville (Li.sbon P. 0.) in the building now occupied by 
the post-office and grocery. 

The place contained in December, 1877, a post-office, an 
Episcopal church, a small grocery, a butter-fiictoiy (estab- 
lished in the spring of 1S7G by T. S. Atkins), a black- 
smith-shop, and. a few dwellings. At one time quite a 
number of village lots were owned here and a considerable 
amount of business was done. Titc village lots arc now 



f Hough. 



274 



HISTORY OF ST. LAAVEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



niostl)' the property of Henry E. Axtell, as well as a large 
share of the property in the neighborhood. 

LISBON CENTRE P. O. 

TliiH villa<^e lias principally sprung into existence since 
the completion of the Northern railway (now the Ogdcns- 
bur' and Lake Chaniplain railway), or since about 1851, in 
the spring of which year the post-oflBce was establi-shed, 
with John McBride as postmaster. He was succeeded in 
the office by John Bell, and he in turn by Jaiues Brown. 
The present incumbent is Robert Akins. 

About 1855-56 the present brick hotel— the " Fulton 
House'' — was built by Samuel Wells, who had previously 
kept a hotel in an old frame building. The " Fulton" is 
not licensed nor regularly kept as a hotel, owing to lack of 
cu.stom ill a small place, so near Ogden.sburg. 

A small stock of goods was opened here during or pre- 
vious to 1850 by John Bell ; but the first store of any con- 
sequence was opened in the fall of that year by Dix and 
McBride. 

A steam saw-, shingle-, and grist-mill was built by John 
Kent in 1873, and in the winter of 1877-78 was doing a 
large custom business. The building is of brick, boarded 
over, and contains four run of stone. The machinery is 
driven by a thirty-five horse-power steam-engine. 

At the time these items were gathered (Dec. 7, 1877), a 
cheese-factory of considerable size was being erected by 
Andrew Grahams, and, at the time, the village contained 
three stores, one harness-shop, two churches, a school-house, 
a post-office, a steam grist-, saw-, and shingle-mill, two 
blacksmith-shops, one carriage-shop, one milliner-shop, 
one tailor-shop, two physicians (W. H. Cruikshank and 
A. L. Morgan), and about two hundred inhabitants. At 
the station the railroad company has a depot building, fifty 
by one hundred feet, and a long siding. 

Produce is extensively handled at this station, several 
dealers shipping large amounts, the principal firm being 
Messrs. Flack & Son. Samuel Rogers, John McBride, 
Beutly & Middleton, and several others, are engaged in 
this business, the produce being shipped to Boston and 
other eastern points. The business of one of the heaviest 
dealers at the village is said to have required the handling 
of $100,000 during the past year. 

FLACKVILLE P. 0. 

The Flacks settled near the site of the present village of 
Flackville, in company with Daniel, Isaac, and Elihu Gray. 
The place was started by John P. Flack as early, probably, 
as 1830. He erected several buildings, among them one 
in which a man named Hartwcll placed a large general 
stock of goods, and established the first store in the village. 
There were also a blacksmith-shop, a wagon-shop, an ashery, 
etc., and quite a business sprung up, it being before the 
days of railroads, and the goods were all hauled by team 
from Ogdensburg and other points. 

Thomas Craig erected a hotel about 1835, and it was 
owned and operated afterwards by John P. Flack. It was 
finally destroyed by fire, and was at the time the property 
of a man named Guest. 

A post-office was established here about 184-1, and named 



Flackville, from John P. Flack, who was the first post- 
master. Those who have since held the office are Isaac G. 
Stocking, Stephen B. Ain.sworth, J. C. McCuUough, and 
the present ineumVjent, J. Gibbons. 

Flackville contained in December, 1877, two stores, two 
churches, one blacksmith-shop, one iragon-shop, a shoe-shop, 
a post-office, and from twelve to fifteen families. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The first permanent religious organization in the county 
was formed iu Lisbon, by Rev. Alexander Proudfit, of 
Salem (Washington county ?), who visited his old neigh- 
bors for that purpose. Rev. Mr. SherrifT, a Scotchman, 
become their first pastor, in 1804. The First Associate 
Reformed congregation in Lisbon was incorporated Nov. 
15, 1802, with A. J. Turner, John Tibbits, Jr., John 
Farewell, William Shaw, Benjamin Stewart, and Reuben 
Turner, trustees. This was reorganized Feb. 28, 1827, 
with George C. Conaut, John Thompson, and Joseph 
Martin, trustees. A church was built half a mile north 
of Lisbon Centre, at a place then quite a point for business. 
The first church building owned by the old society stood 
on the same gi'ound on which St. Luke's Episcopal church 
at Galloupville now stands. Its construction, including all 
the work of raising funds and the labor of building, is said 
to have cost a barrel of whiski/, and the admission that it 
might have done so was made by one of its members to 
Dr. F. B. Hough when the latter was gathering aotes for 
his "History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties." 
At any rate, considerable of the " extract" was undoubtedly 
used. This society is now United Presbyterian in denomi- 
nation, and has a membership of about 140. Its pastor is 
Rev. John Service. A Sabbath-school is in connection, 
having a good membership. The present frame church at 
Lisbon Centre was built in 1856, and will seat about 250 
persons. 

The first society of the Methodist Episcopal church in 
Lisbon was incorporated April 25, 1822, with Daniel 
Aiken, Asa Baldwin, David Wells, Robert Briggs, and 
Luke McCracken, trustees. It was reorganized April 3, 
1847, with George Fulton, Joseph Langtree, David Aiken, 
Stephen Mackley, and Isaac Stocking, trustees. Meetings 
were held on a small scale as early as 1805. A church 
was built at Galloupville (Lisbon P. 0.) in 1802. It is a 
frame structure, capable of seating 200 persons, and cost 
about $650. It was built on land deeded to the society by 
Hugh Lalonc, the pastor in charge at the time being Rev. 
R. Ballou. The membership in December, 1877, was 40. 
Pastor in charge, Rev. W. C. Lent. 

An organization was eflTected January 9, 1850, and a 
church built at Flackville, which was finished in 1851. 
The trustees were Dwight Spencer, Joseph H. Langtree, 
Isaac G. Stocking, Lyman N. Sacket, and Henry Soper, with 
E. Pease as pastor. The membership iu December, 1877, 
was 65, and the appointment is under the same charge as 
the one at Galloupville, Rev. W. C. Lent being pastor. 

.ST. hike's church (episcopal), 

iu the town of Lisbon, was formed October 12, 1837, with 
Obadiah Piatt and Samuel Patterson, wardens ; Jesse Piatt, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



275 



Hugh Leach, Robert Leach, Henry Hunt, Simeon Dillinp;- 
hain, John Clarke, William Spears, and Dr. Wooster Car- 
penter, vestrymen. The first rector was probably Rev. Mr. 
Bray ton. The present very neat stone cliurch, located at 
Galloupville, was built in 1856, at a cost of about $3000. 
It is the most costly church in town, and occupies a beauti- 
ful location on the river-road, commandinp; a fine view both 
up and down the broad and rapid St. Lawrence. The tower 
at one time gave way and it became necessary to rebuild it. 
The society was unable to pay for the work, and the money 
was raised in New York city by ]\Irs. General Thomas 
Davies* and forwarded to the society. Andrew O'Neill, of 
Li.sbon, has been a member of this church longer than any 
person now living, except William Spears, one of its first 
vestrymen, and has always taken an active interest in its 
welfare. The present membership of the society is about 
20. Rev. James D. Morrison, of Ogdensburg, ofiiciates 
here every Sabbath afternoon. 

A society of Covenanters was formed as early as 1840, 
and incorporated June 28, 1842, with John Middleton, 
William Glass, John Smith, John Cole, John Campbell, 
and James Valentine, trustees. The original society num- 
bered 40 persons, under the charge of Rev. J. Fisher. A 
church was built near Flackville soon after the organiza- 
tion was completed, costing $t)00, and containing seats for 
168 persons. Its first regular pastor was Rev. John Mid- 
dleton. Its present membership is something less than 
100, and it is under the pastoral care of Rev. William 
McFarland, who has ministered here a number of years. 

FIRST REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LISBON.f 

This church was first started by a few people who met 
in private houses for prayer, about the year 1825. Like 
their predecessors, the Covenanters of Scotland, they al- 
ways held their meetings on Thursday evening, assembling 
in what is known as the Craig neighborhood. William 
Craig, who might be called the founder of the church, was 
originally a member of the Associate church of Li.sbon, but 
afterward united with this church. He wrote, about 1828, 
to Rev. James W. Stewart, of Argyle, Washington county. 
New York, making inquiry about a preacher for the II. P. 
church of Lisbon. Stewart could not visit this county, and 
it was not until 1830 that Mr. Craig's desires in this direc- 
tion were gratified. During that year two preachers of this 
denomination — Revs. S. Milligan and John II. Simm.s — 
visited this locality. In 1831, Rev. J. W. Stewart, the 
same to whom Mr. Craigs letter had been addressed, visited 
Lisbon and remained si.K months. During his stay the 
congregation was organized with a membership of 50. 
William Glass and John Smith were chosen ruling elders, 
and ordained by Mr. Stewart. In 1831, William Craig 
and Robert Gray were added to the session, and in the 
mean time a new house of worship was erected. 

The young congregation pro.spered finely until the year 
1833, when a division occurred in the general synod to 
which they belonged over the right of franchise, a part of 



* General Pavics was a brother of Cliarles Davies, the eminent 
m.athematician, and both are natives of the town of Oswcgatebie. 
f By John Mayne. 



the members contending that it was wrong to vote, and the 
rest that it was right, and on this question the congrega- 
tion in Lisbon also divided. William Craig and Robert 
Gray — one-half the session — remained with the congrega- 
tion, and the balance left and were organized into a separate 
congregation, under the pro re mita synod. The old or- 
ganization, weakened but not di.scouraged, applied to the 
presbytery for some one to administer the communion 
of the Lord's Supper to them, and Rev. A. G. Wiley, of 
Duanesburg, was appointed. But twelve members received 
the communion, and of the number but three are now alive, 
viz., Thomas Cleland, James Craig, and a sister of the latter, 
Mary Ellen Craig. About 1841 their house of worship 
was burned, and after this blow the society became nearly 
disbanded. In 1850, Rev. Henry Gordon visited what re- 
mained of the congregation, and revived them to such a 
degree that in the spring of 1851 they extended a call to 
him, which he accepted, his salary being fixed at 8350 per 
annum. He was installed as their first pastor, and during 
a communion which followed thirty new names were added 
to the communion roll. James Baxter and John Mayne 
were added to the .session. The next year (1852) their 
present frame church was built at a cost of about S2500, and 
Anthony Paul, Andrew M. Gray, and Robert MacDowell 
were added to the .session. During the year 1857, when 
the number of members had increased to 125, Mr. Gordon 
left them and joined the United Presbyterian church, and 
is now settled in Washington county. New York. In 1858, 
Rev. J. W. MacDowell accepted a call from the church at 
Flackville, and labored with the congregation for five years, at 
the expiration of which time he removed to South Ryegate, 
Vermont. While he was in charge here John Chambers 
and William Brown were added to the session. Rev. W. 
P. Shaw received and accepted a call from this church in 
1864. He stayed three years, during which time the mem- 
bership was increased to 166. Rev. S. D. Yates became 
their pastor in 1872, and stayed one year. He is now a mis- 
sionary in Nova Scotia. Rev. W. J. Clarke became pastor 
in the spring of 1876, and still holds the position. The 
other ofBcers of the church for 1877 are: Ruling Elders, 
Anthony Paul, John Chambers, John Mayne; Trustees, 
Thomas Barrows, Hugh Mayne, John C. Gray, George 
Kelly, George Chambers. Membership, 150. Thomas Cle- 
land is the only survivor of the original society. 

The church was repaired and newly seated in 1875, at an 
expense of ^1000. A Sabbath-.sehool was organized in 
June, 1877, with James Craig superintendent. It num- 
bers 75. including a Bible-class, and h:vs six teachers. 

THE FIR.ST WESLEVAN METHODIST SOCIETY 

in the town of Lisbon was formed Feb. 14, 1843, with Jo- 
seph Piatt, David Aiken, Isaac Storms, Thomas Martin and 
John Martin, trustees, and a membership of 100. Its first 
pastor was Rev. Lyndon King. During the same year (1843) 
its present frame house of worship was erected, at a cost of 
$800 ; it is located on lot 3, range 2 of mile square lots. 
The church property at pre.seut is valued at §3000 or more. 
The membership has varied greatly since the organization, 
and is at present in the neighborhood of 100. The pastor 
is Rev. Mr. Wightman. 



276 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



THE FIRST C0NGREG.4TI0NAL CHURCH 

was formed Nov. 25, 1842, with 52 membois, and was the 
re.sult of ii revival conducted by IJcv. Lewis A. Weeks (or 
Wickes), of Lewis county. The society was incorporated 
March 3, 1843, with William Brijigs, John Dinsjs, James 
•Martin, Thomas McCartcr, James Norway, and William IL 
Reynolds, trustees. The church, which is located on lot 5, 
ran-e 1, was built in 1844-45, at a co.st of $1000 or $1200. 
The fir.st pastor was Rev. William T. Buffctt (or Wm. F. 
Buffitt), and anions others have been Revs. Stephen Wil- 
liams and Morgan L. Eastman, the latter installed Feb. 8, 
1 84!). The present pastor, who has presided since February, 
187 1 , is Rev. R. C. Day. The church has been considerably 
repaired, and, in 1870, a parsonage, including a good house, 
barns, and eleven acres of land, was purchased by the trustees. 
Mr. Day was the first to occupy the parsonage. The member- 
ship of this church in December, 1S77, was about 130. A 
Sabbath-school is maintained, with a membership of about 
80. Its superintendent is the pastor of the church. Rev. 
R. C. Day. 

S.\INTS PHILIP .WD J.\MES' UO.MAN C.-VTUOI.IC CHURCH, 

at Lisbon Centre, is a tasty brick structure, built in 1874, 
at a co.'>t, including the lot, of about $3500. The first 
trustees were Bishop Wadhams, of Ogdensburg, Rev. 
Father James Mackay, V. G., of Ogden.sburg, Rev. John 
E. O'Hare, pastor at the time, John McCarrier, and Owen 
Meehan. Its membership at this writing (December, 1877) 
is about 150. It is attended from the cathedral at Ogdens- 
burg, and is under the care of that institution. Its pastor 
at present is Rev. Father Founier (?). 

We are under obligations to the following-named persons 
in this town for items furnished, and herewith tender our 
thanks to them for their valuable assistance : Lisbon P. 0. 
and vicinity, Andrew O'Neill, Simeon Dillingham, Deacon 
William Briggs, Mrs. Livingston, Rev. W. C. Lent, Rev. 
R. C. Da}', and others. Lisbon Centre and vicinity : 
Robert Akins, Mrs. David Scott (for use of town records, 
in the ab.sence of Mr. Scott), the proprietors of the hotel, 
harness-shop, steam-mill, and others. Flackville and vi- 
cinity : B. W. Flack, E<r(., Isaac G. Flack, Anthony Paul, 
J. Gibbons (P. M.), and others ; besides numerous others 
aside from these whose names are not now recalled. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

ADAM SCOTT. 

It is not often that an American citizen can trace his 
genealogy backward, legitimately, to the titled families of 
Europe, but he of whose life the present sketch includes a 
brief outline does so, Adam Scott being a lineal descendant 
of Scott, Earl of Buccleuch, an old and honorable family of 
Scotland. The genealogy of the Scott family since 1G22 is 
as follows ; 

John Scott was born in the last-named year, near Grecn- 
och, Scotland, and emigrated to Ireland in 1G43, settling in 



the town of Scelganaban, parish of Ballymorc, county 
Antrim ; but, on the breaking out of Tyron's rebellion in 
1645, he was compelled to return to Scotland, where he 
remained twenty-three years, at which date he came again 
to Ireland, and took pos.session of his old location, which 
had remained undisturbed during the whole period. So 
perfectly desolate had it remained, Mr. Scott found his pot 
and tongs standing beside his firejilace as he had left it. 
Mr. Scott married Janet Kirk, by whom he had four sons: 
Thomas. Hugh, John, and William ; and three daughters : 
Janet, Jane, and Mary. Mr. Scott died in 17 lit, aged 
ninety-seven years. 

Thomas, the eldest son of John Scott, married Jane 
Scott, who resided near Templepatrick, in 1709, by whom 
were born to him four sons and twodaughters : John, Hugh, 
William, Benjamin, Jane, and FAhw. He died in 1742, 
aged seventy-two years. 

Hugh, the second son of Thomas Scott, was born in 
1713, and married Catharine Curley, who bore him five 
children, viz. : Cletuents, Francis, Harcilass, Walter, and 
Polly. His wife, Catharine, dying, he married a second, 
Mary Scott, by whom four children were born to hiui : 
Adam, Arthur, Jane, and Catharine. He died in 1802, 
aged eighty-nine years. 

Adam Scott, son of Hugh, was born in 1763, and mar- 
ried Ann McAllister in 1799, eight children being the 
fruits of this union, viz. : Ann, Mary, Hugh, Sarah, Eliza, 
Jane, Adam, and William. He died in 1848, aged eighty- 
five years. Of these children of Adam Scott, Ann died 
in ISGl, unmarried, at sixty years of age. Mary married 
Robert Cameron, and was the mother of seven children, and 
came with her family to New Y^ovk in 1852. Hugh was 
drowned, April 22, 1834, aged twenty-nine years. Sarah 
married Robert For.sythe, and bore three children. Jane 
died at the age of eighteen years, Nov. 1, 1828. Elizabeth 
married David JIcAdoo, in 1843, and bore him five chil- 
dren. They came to America in 184S, and settled in the 
town of Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. William married 
Ann McNair, in 1857, who bore him seven children. 

Adam Scott, the immediate subject of our sketch, was 
born in the town of Bryantang, parish of Ballymore, county 
Antrim, Ireland, Sept. 21, 1817, and began to work at a 
very tender age, assisting his father and brother Hugh, who 
were weavers, and began to weave himself before he was 
eleven years of age. He continued to work at weaving, 
and occasionally at farming, until he was twenty years of 
age, at which time, owing to the death of Hugh, the entire 
care of the farm devolved on him, his father's health being 
delicate. This work continued until the failure of the 
potato crop in 1845—46 rendered farming no longer avail- 
able for even a subsistence, and upon going to Belfast, and 
seeing the wharves crowded with Irish farmers bringing off 
corn raised in America to supply their own necessities, he 
concluded he would go where he could rai.se instead of 
buying food. More than one hundred and fifty of his 
neighbors had reached the same conclusion, and, therefore, 
one hundred and more passages to Quebec on the ship Anna, 
of BelAist, were secured, and the emigrants bade farewell 
to their native country, the Emerald Isle, April 28, 1847, 
and landed at Quebec May 26 following. Mr. Scott came 





Photo, by Dow. Ogdensburg. 



BENJAMIN D. WilEATER. 



MRS. BENJAMIN V. WHEATEU. 



BENJAMIN D. WHEATER 



was born in tlie village of Ililliani, Yuikshirc, England, 
Nov. 19, 1822, and was the third child in a family of nine. 
He reneived a good common school education in his native 
place, emigrated to this country in 1S43, and settled in 
the town of Oswegatchie, on the farm now owned by 
Joseph Wheater. Benjamin lived with his father until 
1847, when he commenced life on his own account, pur- 
chasing a farm in the town of Canton. 

In 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
Smithers, who was born in the village of Braton, Yorkshire, 
England, July 30, 1831. She was the fifth child, in a 
family of ten, of William and Sarah (Brown) Smithers. 
Her father was a shoemidvcr by trade, and came to America 
in the year 1837, settling in Oswegatchie, where he subse- 
quently purchased a farm, upon which he resided until his 
death, which occurred in 1SIJ4. His worthy wife survived 
him until May, 1877, when she, too, passed to her eternal 
rest. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wheater have hail an interesting family, 
the names and dates of birth of which are as follows: 
Frank, born May 18, 1855; Sarah Esther, born Aug. 7, 
1857; Mary Jane, born Marcli 11,18G0; Daniel W., born 



March 24, 18G2; Carlotta A., born Jan. 24, 1870. Two 
died in infancy. 

Mr. W. remained on his farm in Canton for almost seven 
years, when ho sold out and purchased the farm upon which 
he now resides, in the town of Li.sbon, which then con- 
tained one hundred and thirty-two acres, and to which, by 
well-directed imlustry and economy, he has since added 
until he now owns two hundred and ten acres of well-culti- 
vated land. In addition to his agricultural operations, he 
takes a great and commendable interest in the betterment 
of stock, and his horses, sheep, and cattle are among the 
best improved and highest bred in his town. In politics he 
is a stanch llepiiblican, believing that the perpetuity of 
American institutions is best a.ssured by the principles ad- 
vocated by that party. In religion he supports the Metho- 
dist Episcopal church, and aided materially in the erection 
of the edifice at Ren.ssclaer Falls, and has done much 
towards its subsequent maintenance. In character he is 
upright and honest ; in disposition, genial and courteous, 
hospitable and benevolent; and, by actual worth, enjoys the 
confidence and respect of the community in which he re- 
sides. 



k 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



277 



to Oixdensburg in search of relatives, antl from thence to 
llcuvehon, where he engaged work on a farm with James 
Bailentyne, with whom he remained three years, at nine 
dollars per month, including board and washing. He in 
the mean time bought and paid for a tract of land and cleared 
up ten acres, and put it. into grass, and in 1850 married a 
wife, and added fifty-two acres to his farm, slightly im- 
proved, but hardly so much as made it a habitable dwelling- 
place. However, by his industry and economy, he has 



brought it forward into the first rank of good farms of St. 
Lawrence County, as will be seen by referring to a view of 
his homestead elsewhere in this work, and contrasting it 
with the sketch of the pioneer home of the first winter. 
Portraits of Jlr. Scott and his worthy helpmeet also adorn 
another page of our work. Mr. Scott has taken for his 
guidance the sentiment contained in the old couplet, — • 

*' Honor aud fame from no condition rise ; 
Act well your part, 'tis there the honor lies." 



MADRID. 



The first immigration into the present Madrid took place 
in 1801, when Cyrus Abernethy with his family located 
on the west side of Grasse river, about two miles below the 
site of Madrid village. His unmarried brother, Ezekiel, 
came with him, and then, or soon after, made his residence 
at what is now the village. Calvin Abernethy, a son of 
Cyrus, then a boy of four, now a resident of Waddington, 
is the oldest survivor of the first settlers of Madrid. His 
brother, Luther Abernethy, of Jladrid, is also one of the 
earliest residents. 

Solomon Lindsley also located on the site of the village 
in ISOl, and Ephraiiu S.Raymond began a clearing in the 
Abernethy neighborhood. Jesse Goss is also said to have 
settled at the village in 1801, but perhaps was a little 
later. 

By " Madrid" we mean the territory of the present town, 
as that part of old Madrid now forming Waddington is 
treated of in a separate chapter. 

In 1801 Madiid was not in existence as a civil town. 
The old survey-township of that name, however, had been 
laid out ten miles square many years before, along with the 
rest of the " ten townships," as shown in the general history 
of the county, and in March, 1801, it had boon organized 
with them into the town of Lisbon, and annexed to the 
county of Clinton. 

On the 3d day of March, 1802, however, the county of 
St. Lawrence was formed. The act creating it provided 
for four towns, one of them being Madrid, which com- 
prised the survey-townships of Madrid and Potsdam. There 
were then no residents in the latter township, and almost 
all the population of Madrid township was in what is now 
Waddington. The first town-meeting in Madrid was held 
April 1, 1802, when the following officers were elected: 

Supervisor, Joseph Edsall ; Clerk, Jacob Redington ; As- 
sessors, Cyrus Abernethy, Reuben Field, and Alexander 
Brush ; Constable and Collector, Henry Erwin ; Overseers 
of the Poor, Jonathan Tuttle and Solomon Lindsley ; Com- 
missioners of Highways, John Sharp, Isaac Bartholomew, 
and Ephraim S. Raymond ; Fence-viewers, Asa Freeman, 
Jonathan Allen, and Cyrus Abernethy ; Pound-keeper, Ed- 
ward Lawrence; Overseers of Highways (Path-masters), 
Jonathan Allen, Alexander Brush, Thomas Rutherford, 



Oliver Lindsley, and Solomon Lindsley. Of the forego- 
ing, only Cyrus Abernethy, Ephraim S. Raymond, and 
Solomon Lindsley, and possibly Henry Erwin, lived in the 
present JIadrid. 

The territory which forms the subject of this chapter 
became during the first summer of settlement (1801) the 
property of David A. and Thomas L. Ogden, whose chain 
of title back to the State has been traced in the general 
history. In 180l> they deeded an undivided third of the land 
to Joshua Waddington. Joseph Edsall (better known as 
Judge Edsall) was the agent, and land was sold at froin two 
to three dollars per acre, one-fourth being agreed to be paid 
down, and the rest in three equal annual instalments. The 
surface of the ground was slightly undulating, rising gradu- 
ally each way from the banks of Grasse river. The name 
of this stream is written in the old road records of 1803 and 
1804 " La Grasse," showing clearly that it is of French 
origin. It may mean " Greasy river," or it may be a cor- 
ruption of the name " Riviere a la Grace," River of Grace. 
It certainly docs not mean "grass," the French word for 
which is " herbe." Nevertheless, custom has made the 
name " Grasse river," which we shall use in this sketch.* 

It enters the territory of the present town of Madrid 
near the southwest corner, and runs with rapid current di- 
agonally through it, emerging at the northeast corner. 

The soil is luostly composed of dark loam in the lowlands, 
changing to gravel as we climb the hills. The early settlers 
found all the land covered with a heavy growth of maple, 
beech, birch, bass-wood, hemlock, etc., with small quantities 
of pine in some localities. 

A few more settlers came in 1S02, among whom were 
probably Samuel Chipman and Joseph Freeman, the latter 
being afterwards one of the prominent citizens of the 
county. In 1803, Selh Robert.s and a Mr. Clark began a 
saw-mill on Grasse river, at the point now known as Madrid 
village. Clark is not remembered by the earliest settlers, 
but a record of December 3, 1803, mentions the laying out 
of a road, beginning in the highway northerly of " La 
Grasse" river, about 15 chains from "Roberts & Clark's" 



* Its Indian name was Nikeutsiakc, " full of large fishes," a name 
which w.Ts peculiarly applicable before the days of mill-dams. 



278 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



mill, running thence sotith 00° E., 148 chains to the Pots- 
dam lino. The only other roads then in the territory of the 
present Madrid were two, which had both been laid out that 
same year. One ran " up and down the La Grasse river," 
beginning in the southeast line of lot 87, adjoining Pots- 
dam ; running thence north 25 chains ; thence north 30° 
east 773 chains (nearly ten miles in a straight lineV, thence 
north 25° ea.st, 120 chains, to the Loui.svillo line. The 
other began at E. S. Raymond's, at the corner of lots 70, 
71, 80, and 81 ; ran thence north 28° west, on the line 
between lots 60 and 01 and 50 and 51, '• which is gospel 
and school lots," and thence on the line of lots 40 and 41 
"to the centre of the big road." It will be understocd 
that these roads were then probably designated only by 
marked trees. If there was a track from which the sap- 
lings and logs had been cut so that a yoke of cattle and 
sled could possibly get along, it was considered a highway 
as important as a railroad at the present time. 

In this year (1803) also, the first wedding enlivened the 
wilderness. Ezekiel Abernethy and Wealthy, daughter of 
Solomon Lindsley, both residing at what is now Madrid 
village, were engaged in marriage. Ere they were quite 
ready for the nuptials the lady was taken sick with the 
measles, but finally became convalescent. While she was 
still feeble. Judge Edsall, the only magistrate within a long 
distance, came over to visit the lands under his charge on 
Grasse river. Knowing that the settlers there were not 
yet provided with the more delicate luxuries of life, he 
took along a pot of pork and beans for the delectation of 
his particular friends. Stopping at Solomon Lindsley 's, he 
found their daughter in the condition first mentioned, and 
young Abernethy cheering her as best he might. 

" Now, Wealthy," said Edsall, " you and Ezekiel have 
been engaged a good while, and there is no use of waiting 
any longer. You know there isn't a minister here once a 
year, and it isn't often that even a justice of the peace makes 
his appearance, especially one who brings a wedding-dinner 
along with him. So, if you can get out of bed and stand up 
long enough to be married, I will perform the ceremony, and 
then we will all have a feast of pork and beans." 

Wealthy and Ezekiel a.ssented to the proposal. The 
damsel arose, donned the blue petticoat and yellow short 
gown which constituted her holiday attire, and the magis- 
trate pronounced the words which constituted them man 
and wife. The new-made bride immediately lay down again, 
but sat up in bed long enough to appropriate her share of 
the pork and beans which constituted the wedding banquet. 
Such is the story of the first nuptials in Madrid, as told by 
the bride herself to Mrs. Lydia Averill, and repeated by 
that lady to the writer. Jared Abernethy, the oldest son 
of this couple, born in 1804, was the first child born in 
town 80 far as we have been able to learn. 

Among the earliest settlers was Dan. Simonds (grand- 
father of George G. Simonds, Esq.). In company with 
his son. Pan. Simonds, Jr., he made his way on horseback, 
in the fall of 1803, from New England to St. Regis, crossed 
the St. Lawrence, rode up on the Canada side, re-crosi5cd 
to Waddington (as now called), and then lined his own 
track through the woods till he found land that suited him, 
two miles northwest of Madrid vilhige. It was fortunate 



that they immediately put up a bark hut, for the next 
morning young Dan was broken out with the measles. lie 
conquered the disease without medical aid, and during a 
four weeks" stay the two slashed down a couple of acres of 
timber, and built a rude log house. The next March they 
returned with the remainder of the family. Nearly all 
moving was done in the winter or early spring, for an ox- 
.slcd could follow a track impassable for a wagon. 

The records of Madrid from its foundation are still pre- 
served in the town clerk's oflBce. From them we learn that 
in 1803 the people voted to " pay five dollars per head for 
each volf killed in the town of Madrid, not including 
Potsdam," meaning the survey-township of Potsdam, 
then a part of the civil town of Madrid. In 1804, fifty 
dollars was raised for the support of the poor, none of 
which seems to have been required, for the nest year it 
was all used for general expenses. 

From the first the clerk kept a separate book devoted to 
" sheep-marks." In those days, when sheep ranged through 
the fenceless woods, and flocks were frequently intermingled, 
the marking of their ears was an important science. He 
who first recorded a certain combination of slits and crops 
obtained a copyright on its use while he lived in the town ; 
after his death or removal another might take it. 

All the old town books contain numerous sheep-marks; 
but Madrid is the only town we have noticed which had a 
ledger especially devoted to that purpose. It was highly 
illustrated, too, each description being accompanied by a 
portrait showing the exact location of the crops or holes on 
which a patent was claimed. Thus, under date of " Madrid, 
Feb. 20, 1804," we find the following description, with an 
illustration : 

" Joseph Edsall's ' sheep-mark,' — The left ear cropped 
oflT about half way." 

Another device was thus described : " Cyrus Abernethy's 
mark, — A sloping crop off the upper side of the left ear, 
and a halfpenny under the same." 

But the finest display of ingenuity in this old-time signal- 
service was the following : 

" Daniel Franklin's mark, — A full crop off" the right ear, 
a slit in the same ; a half-penny off" the upper side of the 
left." 

Being desirous to be prepared for all emergencies, one of 
the town-clerks filled the whole blank book of twenty-five 
pages with these beautiful works of art, four on a page; so 
when a farmer brought in a description, it was written down 
beside one of the photographs, the requisite cuts and slashes 
were made at the ears of the picture, and the work was 
done. But recording marks went out of fashion before the 
pages were all filled, and thus two or three dozen portraits, 
with unmutilated ears and unaccompanied by records, stare 
grimly at the curious investigator into ancient customs. 

A good illustration of the nerve not only of the men, 
but of the women and children of that period is related 
by Mr. Enos L. Cogswell, from whom we have received 
much information regarding early times in Madrid. His 
father, Seth Cogswell, came into the woods in 1805, built 
a house near where his son now resides, and then returned 
to Vermont. In March, 1806, he came ;igain with his 
hired man. Not being prepared to bring his whole family. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENX'E COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



279 



k 



he put hi.s daughter Laura, only twelve years old, on horse- 
hack, and while the two men went on foot, the brave girl 
rode through, crossing the rivers on the ice, and kept house 
for her father through the summer. In the fall they 
returned the same way, fording the rivers, and it was not 
till the spring of 1807 that the whole family was brought 
through, young Euos being then nearly three years old. 

The survey-township of Potsdam was formed into the 
town of the same name on the 21st day of February, 1806, 
making the town of Madrid identical with the survey-town- 
ship, which size it retained till the formation of Waddington 
in 181!). 

As early as ISOG, Mr. Roberts erected a grist-mill, and 
the settlement was culled Roberts' Mills. It was some- 
times called Grass River Falls, but at an early period, 
certainly before the war of 1812, it had received the name 
of Columbia village. It seems never to have been desig- 
nated as Columbia alone, but always as Columbia village. 
Mr. Cogswell thinks that the first tavern there (which was 
also the first in the present town of Madrid) was built and 
kept by Gould Fancher. Nathan Smith afterwards kept in 
the same building before the war of 1812. It was a frame 
structure, standing where the Columbia House now does. 
A little store was kept there at the same period by Jarah 
Meach. 

The first school in town of which anything can be 
learned was taught at Columbia village by Dolly Fields. 
Mr. Calvin Aboruethy remembers that when a boy he 
boarded at Nel Gray's, near where the depot now is, and 
went to school to Miss Fields one season ; so it is probable 
there was no school nearer home. 

One of the most appalling events of the pioneer period 
was the burning of Nel Gray's house, on the 4th of March, 
ISOG, when two children, aged respectively five and seven 
years, perished in the flames. 

Meanwhile, immigration steadily continued, clearings were 
made in every direction, and in February, 18U7, a Congre- 
gational church was organized, of which a separate sketch 
is given farther ou. This was followed, in September, 1808, 
by a Baptist church, which is likewise described by itself 
Another institution,' of a decidedly different character, 
though then considered entirely respectable, was a distillery, 
which was built in 1808 or 1809 by Eli and Nathaniel 
Hamblin and William Castle, on the river below the mill, 
and which was used until about 1830. 

By April, 1807, there were a hundred and si.Kteen votes 
cast for member of assembly in the town of Madrid, of 
which probably a third were residents of the present town 
of that name. There was at that time a small property 
qualification recjuired for voters, so that the number of 
adult male citizens was doubtless somewhat larger than the 
poll-list showed. By 1812 there were two hundred and 
eight votes for assemblyman cast in the whole town. 

We give below the names of some of the principal 
settlers, aside from those already mentioned, of the territory 
which is now Madrid previous to the war of 1812: Joseph 
Erwin, Nathan Smith, Seth Gates, Daniel Green, John 
Montgomery, Daniel Wright, John, Ira, and Alan.son 
Ilawloy, Samuel Robinson, Daniel C. Haskell, William 
Wright, Caleb Butterfield, Captain John Doren, M. C. 



Murray, David Brooks, Jeremiah Boynton, Levi Lockwood, 
Stephen Smith, William Lockwood, Roderick E. Hepburn, 
Sirene Woodbridge, Solomon Stone, Daniel Whitney, John 
Baird, Richard Blood, Solomon Gray, Windsor Goulding, 
Asahel Stone, Levi Bristol, Asa Low, Valentine Lovely, 
Canfield Averill, Joseph Orcutt. 

The first supervisor of Madrid who lived within the present 
town was Joseph Freeman, who served as such in 1810, 
1811, 1812, and who resided on a farm close to Columbia 
village. Henry Richardson, Esq., came to town in 1810, 
and was a justice of the peace there for no less than forty- 
four years. Dr. Robert McChesney began practice as a 
physician at Columbia village in 1810, but removed the 
nest year to Potsdam, whore he attained decided promi- 
nence in his profession. lie was the first physician in 
Madrid of whom we can learn with certainty, though Dr. 
Reuben Phillips was also there at a very early period. 

Throughout the War of 1812 Madrid, with the other 
towns of St. Lawrence County, was in continual fear and 
excitement, for, while it was close to the enemy's frontier, 
it was during most of the war unprotected by the American 
armies, which were stationed in the vicinity of Sackct's 
Harbor and still farther westward. The South Madrid 
militia was frequently called out, and took part in several 
skirmishes along the St. Lawrence. It was also employed in 
guarding public stores kept in the mill at Columbia village. 
Its officers were Captain Jesse Goss, Lieutenant Richard 
Blood, and Ensign Daniel Richards. 

In the summer of 1813 a lot of goods, partly public and 
partly private, was taken by the Americans from a British 
ship on the St. Lawrence, transported to Columbia village, 
and stored in Captain Goss' dye-house. In the winter of 
1S13-1-1 a squad of thirty or forty British came out and 
retook a part of the goods, and bore them back in triumph 
across the St. Lawrence. 

The British also employed secret agents, who circulated 
among the people on this side, acting partly as spies and 
partly in purcha-sing cattle for the use of their employers. 
In the summer of 1814 a drove of thirty or forty head, 
which had been quietly purchased in the back country by 
two men named Monroe and Sherwood, was seized by the 
American officers as it was about to cross at Massena Point. 
Being appropriated in the name of the government, the 
cattle were scattered among the farmers of Madrid and 
I'icinity to be kept until needed. 

Later in the season a detachment of British soldiers, ac- 
companied by Monroe, the spy, made a rapid raid through 
the liver towns, gathering up these government cattle. 
They found a yoke of them in charge of Nathan Smith, 
who lived on the farm now occupied by Mr. Enos L. Cogs- 
well, adjoining the one then owned by his father, Seth 
Cogswell. Smith's and Cogswell's cattle wore running 
together, and the British took away a yoke belonging to the 
latter, along with those of the government. 

The despoiled firmer persuaded Judge Ogdeii, of Ham- 
ilton (now Waddington), to go with him to Prescott, and 
intercede with the British commander. Mr. Cogswell U.ok 
with him written authority to obtain another yoke which 
had been taken from one of his neighbors at the same time. 
There appears, from this and other evidence, to have been 



280 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



quite a friendly feeling between the citizens on both sides 
(if the line, and the Biitish commander was unwilling to 
exasperate the Americans more than was necessary. He 
readily listened to Judge Ogden and Mr. Cogswell, sent for 
his agent, Monroe, and said to him, — 

" I told you to get government cattle, not private ones. 
Now take this man (Cogswell) home with you, keep him 
over night, help him get his four oxen a?ross the river, and 
bring your bill to mo." This was accordingly done. 

After the war, Monroe used to talk freely about having 
acted as a spy among the Americans. He said that one 
Sunday he lay behind a log near the school-house, where 
the Madrid jieople held meeting, and during the intermis- 
sion the young men and women came out picking blackber- 
ries, almost stepping on liini in his place of concealment. 

In the year 1814 the mills at Columbia village were de- 
stroyed by fire. They were then owned by Jarah Meach, 
having been sold tu him by Lord & Price, who had pur- 
chased them from Roberts, the builder. After the fire the 
site and water privilege were purchased by Timothy Reed, 
who also erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill under the same 
roof 

Miss Lydia J. Stowell, now Mrs. Canfield Averill, who 
passed through Columbia village in the autumn of 1814, 
says there was one hotel, kept by a man named Bigelow, 
four or five frame houses, and eight or ten log ones. She 
did not remember any store, but Captain Goss had one 
cither during the war or just after its close. Miss Averill, 
theu a blooming young lady of eighteen, had made the 
journey from Platt.sburg on horseback, having previously 
crossed Lake Champlaiu in a boat, ou the very day of Com- 
modore McDonough's great victory over Dowuie, which she 
saw and listened to as slie passed. She was then on her 
way to Waddington, with her father, and did not become a 
resident of Madrid till several years later. Her brother, 
William Stowell, succeeded Bigelow in the hotel in 1815, 
keeping it for two or three years. 

After the war, immigration, which had been chocked by 
that event, resumed its course. All but a tract at the ex- 
treme west end of the town, and another southea,st of Grasse 
river, was soon settled up. Log houses, however, were still 
the rule, with almost no exceptions out.side of Columbia 
village, and very few in it. Hardy and industrious Scotch- 
men began to make their homes within the present limits 
of Madrid. There was already a considerable number of 
that people in what is now Waddington, and the "Scotch 
settlement" grew rapidly toward the southern and western 
parts of the town. 

Another Scotch colony located southwest of Grasse river, 
where they have multiplied and replenished the earth 
entirely beyond Yankee competition. Butter-making was 
their particular forte, and in the early days the Americans 
were generally unable to e((ual them. Butter was one of the 
few things that would bring money, and their superiority as 
butter-makers enabled the Scotch to obtain a large part of 
what little money came into town. 

The principal means that the Americans bad to get money 
was by making " plan-heaps," — that is, by arranging a 
'■ plan" and felling trees into a " heap," burning them, and 
boiling dowu the ashes into black salts, potash, or pcarlash. 



The hardest times ever known in the town were just after 
the celebrated cold summer of 181G. Flour and pork were 
brought from the Genesee country, and both articles sold at 
thirty dollars a barrel in cash. A great many logs had to 
be burned and boiled down into potash to buy food for a 
family through the winter. Even when it was made, 
many a set tier had not even an ox-cart with which to transport 
it to the river. But if he had oxen he could dispense with 
the cart. A sapling fifteen feet long, of which the small 
end would go comfortably into the ring of an ox-yoke, 
answered every purpose. The large end was sjilit up for 
several feet and braced open wi h a big wedge, and on this a 
barrel of pota.sh was securely bound with chains or ropes. 
This unique vehicle would u'lide lightly over any log that 
the oxen could stop over ; and when the freight wiis landed, 
if there was nothing to bring back, the primitive chariot 
could bo thrown away without inconvenience. 

A little cash was also obtained by drawing cedar logs on 
to the ice of Grasse river in winter, and letting them float 
down to Jlontreal with the spring floods. This last practice 
led to the saddest tragedy ever known in the town of Mad- 
rid. In the winter of 1817-18, a large number of cedar 
logs were thus placed on the ice by Asa Lord, John H. 
Hawley, and others. When the ice went out in the early 
days of April, 1818, many of the logs lodged on the upper 
end of the island which divides Grasse river just above the 
bridge at Madrid or Columbia village. The bridge occupied 
the same position as now, but the dam was farther up, 
one section running across the main branch just at the 
head of the island, the other across the northwest branch, 
farther down. 

On the ninth day of April, two canoe loads of men went out 
to loosen the lodged logs and set them afloat down the stream. 
One canoe contained Asa Lord (Squire Lord he was com- 
moidy called), Abrahaui and Joseph Loomis, Ezra Bigelow, 
Asa Daggett, John Seavey, and Leonard Reed ; the other 
was manned by Carlostiu Hawley, a Mr. Rickerson, and 
several others. Several persons were standing on the shore 
and the bridge looking at the proceedings, one of whom was 
young Enos Cogswell, then a lad of fourteen, the only 
person we have been able to find who actually witnessed the 
catastrophe. 

After loosening most of the logs about the head of the 
island. Lord and the men with him undertook to run their 
canoe, broadside to the current, across to the southeastern 
shore. But the spring torrent was too much for those who 
wielded the paddles, and in an instant the frail craft was 
swept sideways over the dam. It struck something at the 
bottom and split nearly but not quite in two, Daggett, 
Reed (a youth of sixteen), and Seavey being thrown out by 
the shock, while the other four still clung to the canoe. 
Even then the spectators did not suppose the men would 
be drowned, as several of them were excellent swimmers, 
and the river was only ton or twelve rods wide. But the 
ice cakes were running thick in the stream, the water was 
as cold as that of the river of death itseif, and the men 
seemed to have been hopelessly benumbed almost as soon 
as they were submerged. 

Immediately on the catastrophe being seen, the other 
boat was unloaded of all its crew except Carlostiu Hawley 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



281 



and Mr. Rickor.son, and these two gallantly followed tlieir 
unfortunate comrades over the dam in the hope of picking 
them up. They steered their canoe " liead on," however, 
and being good boatmen went safely over. But the prep- 
aration liad taken a little time, and every moment was 
freighted with death to those who were struggling in that icy 
torrent. Young Reed, after being thrown out, exclaimed to 
Soavey, " We can land on the lower point of the island.'' 

But they were swept helplessly past, when the boy flung 
up his hand, with the despairing cry, " Oh, dear !"' and then 
disappeared beneath the waves. Scavcy happened to be 
thrown across into shallow water, and managed to reach the 
shore. The canoe struck one of the j)iers of the bridge 
and split completely in two, the four who had clung to it 
being left entirely without support. Meanwhile, the other 
boat with its two oarsmen dashed on after them. They 
passed Mr. Daggett, he being so close to tho .shore that 
they thought he must surely escape, and hurried on to 
succor those who .seemed in greater danger. But the 
wretched man was chilled to helplessness, and' quickly sank 
dead beneath the icy flood. 

And, strange as it may seem, every one of the remaining 
four was also drowned. The moment they were deprived 
of the boat they seemed struck with death ; the best swim- 
mers could hardly make a stroke, and one after another 
they f|uickly went to the bottom ere their friendly pursuers 
could reach them. Men came rushing to the shore, but 
nothing could be done. Captain Goss, who was on horse- 
back, rode into the stream, but being instantly chilled to the 
marrow, and his horse being almost carried down tho torrent, 
he was glad to escape with his own life. Of the seven persons 
who were carried over the dam together, all but Mr. Seavey 
were in a few moments lying dead in the bottom of the 
river. Seldom has a more sudden or appalling catastrophe 
befallen the people of a country town. 

It only remained for the survivors to recover the bodies 
of their dead friends. For this purpose they made a large 
raft of cedar logs, and laid it broadside across the stream, 
just below the bridge. All along the upper side of this raft 
stood men only a few feet apart, each having a pole with a 
hook on it near the end. Then the great raft was slowly 
lowered down the river by means of ropes, each pikcman 
carefully raking over tho ground beneath him. By Satur- 
day night (the accident hapi)ened in the middle of the 
week) all the bodies were recovered but that of Ezra Bigelow. 
Previous to that time the remains of the settlers had 
been deposited on the knoll northeast of the village across 
the road from the present cemetery. Either from lack of 
title or some other reason the location was not satisfactory, 
and there had been talk of purchasing a new ground. The 
terrible catastrophe just described hastened the people's 
action, and the present cemetery, or a portion of it, was 
immediately purcha.sed, the five recovered victims being 
its first inmates. On Sunday they were buried, and tho 
startling circumstances, together with tho number of the 
decea.sed, drew together probably the largest a.ssemblage 
ever seen at a Madrid funeral. The next day Mr. Bigelow's 
body was recovered, and then he, too, was laid beside his 
comrades in misfortune. 

About this time a stage route was established, running 
36 



from IMalonc through Madrid to Ogdcnsburg, in place of 
tho weekly mail carried on horseback. Mrs. Averill, who 
came into town to live in 1819, speaks of the village as 
having eight or ten frame houses and as many log ones. 
Dr. Caleb Pierce, who settled there in 1823, dues not de- 
scribe it as being any larger than that. 

The venerable doctor portrays the t<^rritory of tho pres- 
ent town as presenting at that time a most decidedly un- 
promising appearance. There was scarcely a single frame 
house, nor even a frame barn, for five miles outside of the 
village. Three-fourths of the county was still a fcjrest. The 
roads were nearly impassable. For miles on the southeast 
side of Grasse river a log causeway was all that kept teams 
and vehicles from sinking out of sight in the mud. The 
doctor thinks that he is the first person who brought a 
one-horse vehicle into town, and is sure there were not 
more than two or three before him. Cattle and sheep were 
all fed out of doors. The traveler who passed a farm-yard 
in the early winter morning would see the cattle's heads 
sticking out of the snowdrift in which all the rest of them 
was imbedded, while the sheep were covered out of sight. 

There was a large supply of physicians when Dr. Pierce 
came, — Dr. Goss, Dr. Holmes, Dr. Squires, who lived a 
mile or two from the village on the Waddington road, and 
Dr. Elisha Gillis, who came about 1820. For various 
reasons they all went away in the course of a few years ex- 
cept Dr. Gillis. In 1823 the only machinery at the vil- 
lage, besides the grist-mill and saw-mill, was Captain Goss' 
cloth-dressing establishment, which stood at the east end of 
the bridge. There were two small stores kept by Samuel 
Greenough and Charles McFarland, and that of Saff'ord and 
Horton was just being finished. There were also two small 
taverns, one of which was kept by Mr. Eastman. 

But shortly afterwards improvements began to appear. 
Frame barns, and then frame or stone houses, were erected 
in various parts of the town. In tlje nest twelve or fifteen 
years a great change took place, and at the end of that 
time probably a majority of the old log houses had been 
abandoned for better ones. A majority of the people, too, 
had paid for their farms and taken deeds, though in most 
cases they had been obliged to renew their original con- 
tracts at a higher price. In some instances three success- 
ive contracts were taken, and the land which had originally 
been bou'dit for two dollars an acre had finally been paid 
fur at .seven. 

Land was paid for and houses built by the hardest exer- 
tions. All that the farmers had to sell was low, and all they 
had to buy was high. Butter was eight cents a pound ; 
pork, six to eight dollars a barrel ; oats, a shilling a bushel. 
On the other hand, calico was from thirty to fifty cents a 
yard. Groceries were cash, and could not be obtained for 
■'rain. Farmci-s paid the doctor by orders on the store 
payable in " shelf-goods," for the merchants would not 
accept them for anything else. 

It must be confes.sed that considerable money went for 
whisky. Perhaps there was not such a very great deal 
more drank then than now, but there certainly was a great 
deal UKue made under the people's direct ob.servation out 
in the country. A distillery was built at Columbia village 
about 182G or '28, which flourished for many years. 



282 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



When Mr. Jesse Cogswell seltled at the villiif^e in 183G, 
and went into the grocery business, the uiaehinery was still 
limited to the saw- and grist-mill, the carding and cloth- 
dressing establishment of Mr. Goss, and the distillery, 
which last had nearly ceased operations.* Though there 
had been marked increase in the jiopnlation of the village 
during tlic previous ten years, it was still less than half 
what it now is. That of the farming portion of the town, 
however, was almost as large as at present. If there were 
not quite so many families, there were more in each family. 
Mr. J. Cogswell thinks that when he came a "small 
luajority" of the houses in town were frames. 

During the next ten or twelve years nearly all the rest of 
the log houses disappeared, the farms were still further 
cleared up, and the country assumed very much the same 
appearance which it has since presented, though there is 
all the while a gradual improvement going forward. 

For a few years previous to 1840 iron ore was mined 
near Grasse river, about two and a half miles below Colum- 
bia village, for use in the furnace at Waddington. It was 
of the kind called bog ore, cost three dollars per ton, de- 
livered, and made very good iron. Profes.sor Beck reported 
it as yielding on analysis forty-nine and a fourth per cent, 
of iron, although this variety of ore seldom yields, on actual 
working, more than twenty-five per cent. 

In 1850 the "Northern" (now Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain) railroad was completed, running for five and 
forty-eight hundredths miles through the southern portion 
of the town, and crossing Grasse river nearly a mile above 
Columbia village. A depot was established west of the 
stream, and a beginning was made toward a new village at 
that point. In 1852 business seems to have been quite as 
flourishing at Columbia village as it has ever been since, 
for, in the fall of that year, it was reported as having two 
taverns, sis stores, one drug-store, four groceries, one book- 
store, two shoe-stores, two tin-shops, one tannery and .shoe- 
shop, one grist-mill, one saw- and shingle-mill, one furnace, 
two wagon-shops, three cabinet-shops, one woolen-factory 
and carding machine, one jeweler, three blacksmith-shops, 
one marble shop, and two harness-shops. It had also three 
lawyers, four physicians, four churches, two district schools, 
and one select school. At the depot there were at the same 
time two taverns, one blacksmith-shop, and several dwell- 
ing-houses. Residences were from time to time erected 
between the village and depot, until it is now almost a con- 
tinuous village almost a mile long. 

Almost all the business of tlie territory of the present 
town was concentrated at Columbia village, but not quite. 
Anson Chamberlain kept a public-house and .sold some 
goods at Chamberlain's Corners, on Grasse river, four miles 
below the village. He was succeeded by Ralph Chamber- 
lain, and together they kept up some public business there 
for fifteen or twenty years, closing some fifteen years ago. 

Meanwhile the people made up their minds that ten 
miles square was a pretty large town, especially as the two 
business centres (Waddington and Columbia village) at 
which elections were alternately held were nine miles apart. 



* Mr. Goss soon after built the stone woolcn-fuctory which is still 
stnniling. 



Accordingly they procured the passage of a law, on the 
twenty-second day of November, 1859, .setting off the north- 
western half of Madrid into a new town to be called Wad- 
dington. This left Madrid a perfect rectangle, ten miles 
by five, except that in the northeast corner the Waddington 
boundary runs for about two miles along the centre of Grasse 
river, which bears a little to the northward of the remainder 
of the lino. These limits have remained undisturbed ever 
since. Afler this time Columbia village gradually assumed 
the name of" Madrid," and the latter appellation is now in 
general use. 

When the war for the Union broke out the sons of Mad- 
rid, whether of Scotch or American ancestry, responded 
promptly to the call of their country. Their deeds are told 
in the records of the regiments to which they belonged, 
and their names are enrolled in the long list of the heroes 
of St. Lawrence County with which this history closes. 
The town, too, was as ready to vote money as individuals 
were to go to the field. In 18G2, before any draft was 
ordered, a town-bounty of fifty dollars was voted to every 
volunteer. In December, 18G3, three hundred dollars was 
voted to each volunteer without a dissenting voice. At 
several special town-meetings, held in 1804 and 18G5, boun- 
ties of from three hundred to a thousand dollars were voted, 
and nearly every time by a unanimous vote. Eijual unan- 
imity was shown in favor of the constitutional amendment 
permitting soldiers to vote, two hundred and twenty-five 
ballots being cast in its favor and not one against it. 

Two springs, strongly impregnated with iron, and said to 
possess excellent medical properties, were discovered near 
the Madrid depot shortly after the war. The healthful 
climate and pleasant scenery around, combined with these 
medicinal waters, furnish every reason for establishing a 
flourishing watering-place at this point, but the efforts thus 
fiir made to that end have not yet been very successful. 
Doubtless the goddess of health dwells on the beautiful 
banks of Grasse river; but the goddess of fashion, a deity 
with a much more numerous following, not having deigned 
to make her abode there, her more modest sister is entirely 
unnoticed. A post-office has been established there, called 
" Madrid Springs," and the locality is sometimes called by 
that name, sometimes termed " the depot," and sometimes 
considered a part of Madrid village. 

The population of Madrid, by the census of 1875, was 
19GS. The population of former years will be found in 
the general history of the county. Now, as in early times, 
butter-nuiking is the principal occupation of its inhabitants, 
and this product of their dairies has a wide reputation and 
commands the highest price. Even cheese-making, which 
plays .so important a part in almost all dairying sections, is 
altogether a minor business. A single cheese-factory, situ- 
ated on Trout brook, opened by Henry Pelton during the 
present year, is all the representation of that branch of 
industry. 

As to maimfaclures, Grasse river furnishes ample power 
for their accommodation, and it is by no means unimproved. 
The Madrid woolen-mills, the erection of which by Mr. 
Goss has been already mentioned, are now owned by Mr. 
Bogcrt, of New York city, but are leased by J. D. Starks 
& Son, of >Lidrid. They took possession in January, 1876. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



283 



Previous to 1871 the mills bad been operated for eight or 
ten years by A. Van Sicklcr. Tiic proprietors make woolen 
cloth, kerseymere, flannels, etc., besides doing custom card- 
hvj^. They usually employ about eight hands, run some 
six months in the year, and turn out between three and 
four thousand yards. The capacity of the mills is much 
greater. Besides the flouring-mill of George Douglass, 
which runs night and day, the principal other manufactures 
are the tannery of John Fisher and the flax-mill of John 
Waite. Both of the.se establishments did a large business 
some ten years ago, but are now restrained to more mod- 
erate work by the pressure of the times. 

As has been said, Madrid and Madrid Springs have by 
the erection of residences between them almost grown into 
one continuous village. Considering them as one, the place 
now contains, besides the manufactures already noticed, five 
general stores, two drug-stores, one grocery, one hardware 
store, four liotels, three cabinet-.shops, five blacksmith-shops, 
two wagon-shops, three shoe-shops, one jeweler, and one 
marble-shop. The churches will bo separately mentioned. 
There are also two lawyers: C. R. McClelland, Es(| , who has 
practiced here since 1818, and Geo. G. Simonds, Esq., whose 
legal career dates from 1861. The physicians are Dr. G. W. 
Reynolds, who has practiced three years in Madrid, Dr. E. 
AValch, whose experience at the same place covers about ten 
years, and the veteran Dr. Pierce, already alluded to. 

The schools of Madrid have always been well sustained. 
A mile square of land devoted to their use was sold by 
trustees elected by the people, the money invested in bond 
and mortgage, and the revenue divided among the districts 
in the same proportion as the public funds distributed by 
the State. When the town was divided, the fund was also 
divided in proportion to the population. The portion be- 
longing to Madrid now amounts to $4008, the annual 
income being $261. The money received during the past 
year from the State by the several districts was $1425, and 
Some of them do not find it necessary to raise any school 
tax whatever ; the State and local funds being sufficient for 
their wants. 

There are ten school districts, the school-houses for which 
are in Madrid, besides nine "joint districts," the houses of 
which are in other towns. The total number of children of 
school age is seven hundred and forty-five. 

Madrid Union Free School District No. 1 was organized 
April 24, 1867, out of the old school districts Nos. 10 and 
20 ; those two districts being divided by Grasse river, and 
the greater part of the population of each being in Madrid 
village. The board of education consi.sts of three tru.stcos, 
one being elected each year for a term of three years. The 
first board wiis composed of Hugh Smith, William S. 
Lockwood, and John C. Gage. For several years, however, 
school was kept in the two district school-houses. 

In the summer of 1873 a handsome twoslory brick 
school-house with a one-story wing was built on the north 
side of the river, and a graded school was established. The 
cost of the site, building, furniture, etc., was $8000. The 
school employs four teachers (a principal, preceptress, and 
two a.ssistants), and has three grades, — -the academic, inter- 
mediate, and primary. The total number of scholars is 
175; the average attendance is about 150. 



The present board of education consists of John C. Gage, 
president, Nelson W. Pike, and C. R. McClelland, clerk, 
to whom we are indebted for these facts. The first princi- 
pal was John A. Ilaig, who was succeeded by John E. 
Cheetham, the present head of the school. Miss llattie A. 
Leete is the present preceptress. 

The Madrid town-hall is one of the finest buildings of 
the kind to be found in any town of that size in the State. 
It is situated on Church street, in Madrid village, and was 
erected in 1871 at a cost of $6000. It is built of brick, 
is seventy feet by forty in size, and consists of one story, 
and twenty-two feet high, besides a basement story, pro- 
vided with a furnace for warming the whole. The main 
room is finely frescoed, and amply provided with seats, and 
is used for town-meetings, elections, lectures, public exhibi- 
tions, and all similar proceedings. The basement is often 
used for dining parties, and is even provided with a gross of 
plates, cups, saucers, and all other needful articles of table 
furniture. Certainly, if the Madrid people arc not sufii- 
ciently social, it is not for lack of proper conveniences. 

From the town-hall wo pass to the town-officers. The 
following is a list of the supervisors of Madrid from 1802 
to 1877, with their years of service: Joseph Edsall, 1802 
to 1805 inclusive; Asa Freeman, 1800 and 1807; Alex- 
ander Richards, 1808; Asa Freeman, 1809; Joseph Free- 
man, 1810, '11, and '12; William Meach, 1813; Joseph 
Freeman, 1814 and '15 ; Ja.son Fenton, 1816 to 1822 in- ' 
elusive; Joseph Freeman, 1823 to 1828 inclusive; J. S. 
Chipraan, 1829 to 1832 inclusive ; George Rcdington, 
1833 to 1837 inclusive; Richard Blood, 1838; Walter 
Wilson, 1839 ; Geo Rcdington, 1840 ; Alfred Goss, 1841 
and '42 ; A. T. Montgomery, 1843 and '44 ; T. Lears, 1845 
and '46 ; A. T. Montgomery, 1847 and '48 ; Jesse Cogs- 
well, 1849 and '50; Richard Edsall, 1851 ; Francis Fenton, 
1852; Austin J. Goss, 1853; John S. Chipman, 1854; 
Jesse Cogswell, 1855 ; Cyprian Powell, 1856; Charles C. 
Montgomery, 1857, '58, and '59 (division of the town) ; 
Charles R. McClelland, 1800; Cyprian Powell, 1861; 
William S. Read, 1862, '63, and '64 ; Henry 0. Sweet, 
1865 to 1873 inclusive; John H. Robinson, 1874 to 1877 
inclusive. Of those mentioned previous to th3 division, 
Messrs. J. and R. Edsall, A. Freeman, J. and F. Fenton, 
Rcdington, Wilson, A. T. and C. C. Montgomery were resi- 
dents of what is now Waddington. 

The following is a list of the present oSicers of Madrid: 
Supervisor, John H.Robinson; Town-clerk, Judson E. Hoss- 
ford ; Justices of the Peace, Geo. E. Simons, A. F. Peck, 
Stephen F. Palmer; Commissioners of Highways.Elias Nich- 
ols, Adam Atchinson, Harvey C. West ; Collector. Arthur T. 
Hepburn ; Overseer of the Poor, Charles L. Lockwood ; 
A.ssessors, John Hall, David Fisher, John Smith ; Auditors, 
William Cranston, II. 0. Sweet, C. II. McClelland; In- 
spectors of Election, A. L. Short, W. P. Hall, M. A. 
Whitney. 

We close the pages devoted to Madrid with sketches of 
various organizations which could not conveniently be inter- 
mingled with the main current of the town history. 

The First CoN(iUEO.\Tio.v.\L Ciiuiicii. — This church 
was organized on the 17th day of February, 1807, by the Rev. 
Araos Pettengill, with the following ten members: Windsor 



28:1 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Goiililiii;;', Cynis Aliermtliy, Nol Gray, Sahiioii Gray and 
wife, Asalu'l Stmio and wit'i', .Alr.s. Rout, Mrs. Bt'nton, Miss 
Judd. Fur nearly twenty years it met in private houses 
and seliool-huuses, and oeeasionally in tlio old grist-mill. 
The cliurch was su|]pliod by transient missionaries until 
1809, when the Rev. Chauncey Cook was employed. 

In 1811, Rev. Jonatliaii Winchester was employed for 
four years, the call .specifying: that he was to receive ninety- 
one dollars yearly in cash, and two hundred and seventy- 
three dollars in "wheat and corn," at the going price. 
Ninety-one dollars was evidently the last cent for which 
casli subscriptions could be obtained. Mr. Winchester 
preached with general acceptation until, ISlt). Tiiere was 
tiien a vacancy of two years, the pulpit being occasionally 
occupied by Rev. Royal Flic^lps. 

A .society for secular purposes, called the First Congre- 
gational Society of Madrid, was formed May 8, 1820, with 
Salmon Gray, A. Packard, Sr , Stephen Goodman, Charles 
IMcFarland, William Powell, and Abncr Parmalee, as the 
first trustees. Rev. Joseph llurlbutwas employed in 1824, 
when the scarcity of money was again pretty plainly mani- 
fested. Thomas Wright subscribed a quarter of an acre of 
corn ; James Hurlbut, ditto ; Thaddeus Hurlbut, ditto ; 
Jonas Fuller, ten rods of corn ; Caleb M. Foote, thirty 
rods; Salmon H. Keeler, twenty ; John Hurlbut, twenty ; 
Aaron Gale, " a patch of onions." 

Notwithstanding the hard times, the present stone church, 
thirty by forty feet iu size, w.is built at Columbia village 
during Mr. Hurlbut's pastorate, at a cost of four thousand 
dollars, being begun in 1825 and completed iu 1827. Rev. 
James Taylor served as pastor from February, 1829, to 
January, 1838; and Rev. Samuel Wood from December, 
1840, till November, 1848. 

There was a remarkable revival in 1841, conducted by 
the celebrated Burcliard, during which seventy or eighty 
persons joined the church. The parsonage was built dur- 
ing Mr. Wood's pastorate. 

There was a good deal of discipline in the old days, the 
rules being very strict, and the violations, apparently, quite 
frequent. Men were arraigned for drinking, card-playing, 
swearing, " having some one else pay his debts," failing to 
keep up fences, undue intimacy with a suspicious character, 
and last, not least, on the complicated charge of " spending 
time and money running to Montreal and back, instead of 
paying his debts and supporting his family." 

Rev. B. B. Parsons was the pastor from 1849 till 1850, 
during which time (1850) a bell, costing three hundred 
dollars, was bought by general subscription and placed on 
this church. In 1857, Mr. Daniel Stone gave the society 
the welcome gift of a wood-lot of twenty-five acres. From 
June of that year until November, 18(52, Rev. R. Pratt 
officiated as minister. After an interregnum of five years, 
Rev. G. Strassenburg served from 18G7 to 1873, being fol- 
lowed, in 1874, by Rev. John U. Kopf, the present pa.stor, 
who has kindly iurnislied (ho facts liere given from the 
church records. 

There arc at this time niue(y-four members. There are 
also about a hundred members of the Sabbath-school, of 
which 0. S. Hurlbut is .superintendent. The deacons of 
the church are Samuel Barlow, George Dean, Sr., and ' 



ITascall D. Raymond. The temporalities are cared for by 
the following tru.stees: H. 0. Sweet, G. M. Dougla.ss, Phi- 
lander Hallock, 0. M. Foote, H. D. Raymond, and James 
Watson, Geo. G. Simons being the clerk of the board. 

The FiHST B.\rTi.sT CiiuiicH. — Sept. 7, 1808, was the 
birthday of the Baptist church of Madrid, and, like its 
Congregational sister, it began its existence with ten mem- 
bers. These were Samuel Robinson, Levi Bristol, Valen- 
tine Lovely, Joseph Orcutt, Anna Robinson, Olive Higby, 
Tillie Lovely, Rhoda Corey, Tamerin Newbury, and Olive 
Doren. The organization was effected by Rev. Samuel 
Rowley, at the house of Samuel Robin.son. 

Rev. Mr. Rowley preached occasionally for several years, 
as did also Elder Roots, Rev. Isaac Sawyer, Rev. Emery 
Osgood, and other missionary ministers. 

The first regular preacher was Elder Solomon Johnson, 
who was employed in 1818, and even then his services 
could be afforded only once in four weeks. The same 
year Samuel Robinson and Enos C. Eastman were chosen 
the first deacons. In 1825 Rev. >Ir. Rhodes was employed 
to preach every two weeks, and was succeeded in 1826 by 
Rev. Silas Pratt. Rev. Hiram Safford, who lived at Co- 
lumbia village, being a partner in a store there, preached 
frequently, though not regularly employed, as did also Rev. 
Nathaniel Culver. The meetings were held sometimes at 
Columbia village, .sometimes at the " Upper Settlement," or 
Doren school-house, and sometimes at the Franklin school- 
house, four miles down the river from the village. The 
most numerous cases of discipline were for intoxication, 
which seems to have beeu the besetting sin of the day, in- 
side as well as outside of the church. A small frame 
church was built at Columbia village in 1836. 

The records are quite imperfect, but they show that Rev. 
Messrs. Dodge, Peck, Scott, Lyle, R. S. Palmer, and 0. W. 
Moxley successively oftieiated, the latter being the pastor 
in 1844. He was succeeded by Daniel Sabine, for two 

years; Kyle, two years; J. M. Beaman, two years;' 

H. S. G. Warren, one year ; 0. W. Babcock, two years ; 
Chas. Elliot, two years; 0. W. Moxley, two years, closing 
in December, 1859. The eliureh was supplied somewhat 
irregularly by Revs. L. S. Baker, A. J. Frost, and 0. W. 
Moxley until the spring of 1864, when Rev. J. N. Webb 
was in.stalled. He remained until September, 18G8, and 
was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Hickey, who .served as 
pastor until 1873, when Rev. Charles II. Johnson was 
duly in.stalled. 

In 18G9 the old church was sold to the Catholics. In 
1871 the Baptist Evangelical Society, which is the name 
of the secular organization connected with the church, pur- 
chased a small frame church-building erected that season 
for a Union church at Madrid Springs. In 1872 and 1873 
a very fine brick church was built at Jladrid village, at a 
cost of nearly eleven thousand dollars. The next year after 
its dedication (1874), Mr. Johnson was succeeded by Rev. 
11. A. Council, who remained until the spring of 1877, 
when the Rev. 0. W. Moxley became, for the third time, 
the regular pastor of the church. 

The present number of members is eighty-one. The 
Sabbath-school lias about ninety scholars, and its library 
contains near two hundred volumes. The present officers 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



285 



are as follows : Deacons, Harlos Daily, David M. Sinead, 
and Erastus Wright; Trustees, David M. Smoad, Oscar 
Smead, John Fisher, Hampton Lovegrove, David Worth- 
ing ; .Sabbath-school Superintendent, D. M. Smoad. The 
churcli clerk is Mr. Samuel D. Gage, to whom we are in- 
debted for assistance in learning the facts above narrated. 

The First BIethodi.st Church. — Previous to 1847 
there had licen a few 3Ietliodists scattered through the 
town who had occasionally assembled tci liear the word of 
God expounded by traveling missionaries or local preachers, 
especially by llev. Alamanzo Blackmail, then a resident of 
Buck's Bridge. On the 3d day of June, in that year, a so- 
ciety was organized at Buck's Bridge known as the society 
of the First Blethodist Episcopal church of Columbia vil- 
lage, the first trustees being Solomon S. Martin, Stephen 

F. Palmer, and William S. Reed ; and steps were taken to 
have regular preaching at Columbia village. Rev. Mr. 
Blackman supplied the puljjit for two years, ho being fol- 
lowed by Rev. Ira Corbin, and he by Messrs. Whipple and 
Sims, who preached alternately. Afterwards, Rev. S. F. 
Kenyon preached two years; E. E. Kellogg, two years; 

G. F. Baker, two years ; G. G. Hapgood, one year ; C. E. 
Beebe, three years; E. E. Kellogg, three years; A. G. 
Markham, three years; D. B. White, two years; G. P. 
Kenney, three years. The last-named gentleman is the 
present incumbent, to whose courtesy we owe the informa- 
tion gleaned from the church records. 

In 1852 the society bought the store of Alfred Goss, and 
fitted it up as a place of worship. In 1SG8 a commodious 
and elegant brick church was erected on the same site at a 
cost of about $14,000. A parsonage has also been built 
near by at a cost of $1200. The church is in a very flour- 
ishing condition, there being at the present time one hun- 
dred and twenty-two members. There is also a Sabbath- 
school with eighty-nine members and fourteen officers and 
teachers, Mrs. M. A. Nichols being the superintendent. 

The stewards of the church are William R. Lockwood, 
James Blackman, Sowell Daily, Elias Nichols, Nelson 
Hamblin, Cornelius Currier, Stephen F. Palmer, D. AV. C. 
Douglass, and Solace E. Daily. The class-leader is Rev. 
Alamanzo Blackman. The trustees are S. F. Pomeroy, D. 
W. C. Douglass, William R. Lockwood, Solace E. Daily, 
Solomon S. Martin, James Blackman, Nelson Hammond, 
and Erastus Bibbins. 

Thk First Universalist Chdrch. — An organization 
was effected by a few Universalist settlers as early as 1814. 
■ They employed the Rev. John Foster, who preached from 
that time until ISIG. After him the Rev. Jonathan Wal- 
lace was sustained as the pastor about half the time for 
thirteen years. For near ten years afterwards the society 
was in (juite a depressed condition. In 1838 there was a 
revival of interest, and a reorganization of the church was 
efiocted, William Richmond, Ansel Pain, Charles Bartholo- 
mew, and Thomas Hesselgrave being appointed deacons. 
Mr. Richmond is now dead ; the others still retain the po- 
sitions to which they were then chosen ; and to Mr. Hes- 
selgrave wc are indebted for our information regarding the 
church. In 1838, '39, and '40 the Rrv. Mr. Garfield offi- 
ciated as minister. 

In IS 11 a secular organization was effected, with lliram 



Winslow, William McEwen, and Luther Abernethy as the 
first trustees. The next year the society built a handsome 
white frame church edifice on Main street, Columbia vil- 
lage, at a cost of $3000. Rev. Darwin Mott and Rev. J. 
Baker served several years as pastors, and in 1850 Rev. J. 
W. Bailey was employed. A parsonage was built in 1851. 
After Mr. Bailey, Rev. Asa Saxe preached for about two 
years. Rev. W. H. Wagner, who was connected with the 
Union army, preached in this church for several years, and 
since him the ministers have boon the Revs. E. M. Grant 
and G. S. Perrin. There has been much occasional preach- 
ing by students from Canton seminary, and there appear to 
be a considerable number in town who sympathize with 
their doctrines. 

The Church of St. John the Baptist (Catholic). 
— A mission church with this name was established by the 
Catholic authorities, and the old Baptist edifice purchased 
in 18G9. Since then the officiating priests have been 
Fathers John Joseph Swift and Florence McCarthy, both 
being regularly stationed at Waddington. There are now 
between forty and fifty families belonging to the church. 

Grasse River Louge, No. 312, F. and A. M. — This 
lodge was instituted June IG, 18G3, the charter members 
being H. B. Richardson, Caleb Pierce, M.D., H. K. Bold- 
ing, R. Lovegrove, and Nathan Crary. The Masters since 
then have been H. B. Richardson, John A. Fuller, Nathan 
Crary, Charles R. Bundage, Hugh Smith, R. Lovegrove, 

B. J. Soper, Charles H. Buttrick, William H. Easton, A. 
Van Sickler, 0. C. Robinson, A. A. Wescott. 

The present officers are A. A. Wescott, W. M. ; Ira L. 

C. Lockwood, S. W. ; 0. C. Robinson, J. W. ; S. F. Pal- 
mer, Treas. ; R. Lovegrove, Sec. ; Edward Lockwood, J. 
D. ; J. E. Hor.sford, Tyler; Rev. A. Blackman, Chaplain. 
The facts of our sketch are obtained from the secrotarj'. 

From its feeble beginning with five members, Grasse 
River Lodge has gradually grown until it now numbers 
forty members, exhibiting a career of moderate but steady 
prosperity. It meets at IMadrid village on the first and 
third Saturdays of each month. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DR. CALEB PIERCE. 

In the front rank of the honorable profession of modi- 
cine in St. Lawrence County, ho of whom we write has 
for many years occupied a prominent and honorable posi- 
tion, and deservedly and justly so. Winning this place 
by skill and erudition, he has maintained it well in the 
aeneral estimation of his fellow-citizens. 

Dr. Caleb Pierce is the first son of Bcstor P ierce, and 
grandson of Nathaniel Pierce, of Plainfield, Conn., the 
family being of English descent, and claiming ancestry 
among the Percys of Northumberland.* The first wife of 
Bestor Pierce was a daughter of Eden Burroughs and 
was the mother of Caleb, Collins R., Minerva, and Laura 



"^' Sec Records of tlic Massacbusctly Historical Society. 



286 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Pierce. She died April 4, 1813. About the year 1816, 
Bestor Pierce married IMarj;arct MeCliesney, a native of 
the State of New York, who bore to liim two sons, John 
and Robert. The only surviving children of both union.s 
are Caleb, John, and Robert. 

Dr. Caleb Pierce was born in Royalton, Vt., Aug. 6, 
1800, and at the age of six years came with his ftxther and 
family to St. Lawrence County, and settled in Potsdam. 
He was reared as a farmer, and attended the common dis- 
trict schools until the opening of the St. Lawrence academy, 
when he entered that institution, and pursued its course of 
studies for three years. At the age of nineteen he evinced 
a strong desire to prepare himself for the practice of the 
medical profession, but owing to the limited circumstances 
in which his father was placed, no assistance beyond a mere 
pittance could be awarded from that source. The young 
man, however, was undaunted, and had the courage and 
will sufficient to face even poverty in the struggle to ac- 
complish his cherished desire. He, therefore, went to 
Lebanon, N. H., and began the study of medicine with 
Dr. Piiineas Parkhui-st and Prof R. D. Muzzey, members 
of the faculty of Dartmouth college. During his stay 
with these gentlemen he attended three full courses of 
medical lectures, and received a diploma as a doctor of 
medicine in the fail of 1822, and also a diploma from the 
Vermont State medical society. 

In the year 1823, Dr. Pierce settled in the village of 
Madrid for the practice of his profession. Here for a few 
years the shades, as well as a few of the lights, of the 
practice of medicine in a new country fell on his pathway. 
Though he was struggling with poverty, and money was 
hard to get to replenish the soon depleted stock of medi- 
cines, yet he never refused to attend the calls of his chosen 
profession, though they came from those unable to pay 
even for the necessaries that made them whole. Rich and 
poor were alike served well, and his ministrations to those 
engaged in the sister profession of the gospel have ever been 
gratuitously supplied, whatever their doctrines or creeds. 

Soon after his arrival in Madrid he connected himself 
with the St. Lawrence medical society, of which he is still 
a member, receiving from that society in 1821 its certifi- 
cate of authority to practice his profession. Ho has been 
the president and vice-president, and repeatedly one of the 
censors of the society ; and has also a diploma of honorary 
membership from the Castleton medical college of Ver- 
mont, granted in 1848. He received also in 1871 the 
honorary degree of M.D. from Dartmouth college. He 
hiis represented the county society many times in the State 
medical society as a delegate to its annual meetings. 

Thus was he thrown into the circle of cultivated and 
enlarged minds at a period in his life when his enthusia.sm 
was enlisted in an honorable pursuit; and the influences 
then surrounding him so moulded and directed the student, 
that the practitioner of later years felt and acknowledged 
their power and benefit. 

At the age of twenty-five years he married an estimable 
lady. Miss Sarah, daughter of General James Farnsworth, 
of Fairfix, Franklin Co , A''t. She was a woman of no 
ordinary ability ; possessed of a finely cultivated mind, and 
an ever-willing heart to lend a helping hand to those in 



distress. As a wife and mother she performed her duties 
and obligations with a scrupulous regard for the right, but 
always lull of sympathy for the poor and afflicted, a well- 
chosen mate for her husband, who reciprocated her generos- 
ity and charities. Her religious belief was in consonance 
with her early training, coupled with her own logical 
deductions. She was an active member of the Congrega- 
tional church of Madrid for many years. 

To Dr. and Mrs. Pierce six children have been given : 
William Cornelius, James Farnsworth, Henry Clark, John 
Horton, Harriet Melinda, and Granville S., of whom James 
F. alone survives. 

Mrs. Pierce "fell asleep" Jan. 1, 18G5, leaving a large 
circle of warm personal friends to mourn her loss, but who 
treasure her memory with a pleasure that mitigates their 
sadness. But upon her companion of forty years of life, 
joys, and sorrows, a shadow fell which can never be dis- 
pelled till they shall clasp hands again beyond the river in 
that city, " where the Lamb is the light thereof," and tears 
and partings and mournings are past. 

In politics Dr. Pierce has been a life-long Democrat of 
the Jacksonian school ; always active in public afi"airs, but 
never soliciting office nor neglecting professional business 
for political preferment. 

As a physician of over half a century's practice in the 
county of St. Lawrence, he has met with great success, 
and from bare-handed circumstances has, by prudence and 
economy, gathered to himself a sufficiency of this world's 
goods to give comfort and ease to his declining days. 



HON. JAMES F. PIERCE, 

son of Dr. Caleb Pierce, was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y., April 8, 1830. At the age of fifteen he entered 
the academy at Canton, where he pursued the ordinary 
course of study taught in such schools, remaining two years. 
In 1847 he went to the St. Lawrence academy, Potsdam, to 
further prosecute his studies preparatory for college, but 
on account of poor health, by the advice of physicians, he 
abandoned the idea of a collegiate course. He then com- 
menced the study of law with the Hon. L. Knowles, of 
Potsdam. 

In 1847 he entered the law office of the Hon. J. Pierson 
and Beach, of Troy, N. Y., and at the expiration of two 
years graduated at the Albany law school. His health 
failing he returned home, serious apprehensions being had 
by his friends and himself as to his recovery. 

In 1853 he left his native home for a more congenial 
climate, which he found in Florida. On his arrival at St. 
Augustine he made the acquaintance of Hon. Judge Bron- 
son, of that place, of the supreme bench of the State. 
Judge Bronson proved a true fiiend, and extended to him 
the privileges of his office while a resident of the State, 
should he desire to occupy it. This offer was gladly ac- 
cepted, and during the three years of his stay in Florida 
Mr. Pierce found the judge to be a faithful friend, and one 
to whom he became warmly attached. 

Judge Bronson was a Democrat of the old Jeffijrsonian 
school, and in young Pierce he found a person whose po- 




/uy -.^ a^^^y '^S<^^^^^(L^ 




James f. Pierce 




ff£S/DENCE OF CALLB PI£RCL,M.D. MADRID , New Yokk. 




;-:aiKijiw*««si*!»s*«f'*?*i' 



i>^\1W\>. 



>ESfOENCE OF S.J.DEWEY, Waddington, Nfw York 




Res. OF JAMES R£0/NGTdN,W/<DD/NGTON.Sr. Lawrence Co.,N.y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



287 



litical principles were and ever liad been of the true Demo- 
cratic type. During his residence in Florida lie also 
formed the acquaintance of important State officers, among 
whom were United States Senator Yuleo and Governor 
Broom, men of great mental worth, and life-long Democrats. 

In 1855 Governor Broom was renominated for gov- 
ernor of Florida, and Mr. Pierce, in company with the 
governor, devoted much time in traveling through different 
parts of the State, holding political meetings, and making 
speeches urging the claims of tlie nominee for governor. 

In 1857, his health being improved, Mr. Pierce returned 
to Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and commenced the 
practice of law with Messrs. Sawyer & Russell, as one of 
the partners of that firm. During this connection he was 
elected county clerk. 



In 1865, wishing to find a more desirable location in 
which to practice his profession, he went to New York 
city, where he formed a co-partnership witli Robert Sewell, 
Esq., one of the most prominent lawyers in the city. By 
strict attention to business they secured a large and lucra- 
tive practice. 

In 1870 his district, recognizing his position and service, 
elected him State senator from the second senatorial dis- 
trict, Brooklyn, which office he held for two years. As a 
further recognition of his political services, in 1877 he 
again received the nomination for senator, and was elected 
by a large majority. 

Mr. Pierce was married, June 24, 1856, to Miss Anna 
M. Redington, daughter of Hon. George Redington, of 
Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 



WADDING TOISr. 



Waddington is a new town but an old settlement, — 
one of the oldest in the county. The first white family 
who made their home in the present town were Dutch, and 
were found living in a hut on the site of the village, by 
Samuel Allen, in Jlarch, 1797 ; every member being clad 
in deerskin garments. The date of their location, their 
name, and their fate are alike unknown. Jlr. Allen is 
believed to have been the next settler. Certainly he made 
his home there during the year, for on the 14th of Novem- 
ber, 1797, his son, William L. Allen, was born there, being 
the first white child born in the present town. A few 
others are supposed to have made temporary homes there 
that year, but no land was sold until 1798. So far as 
known, the first death of a white within the town was that 
of Daniel Tuttle, who lived on the bank of the St. Law- 
rence, a short distance above Point Iroquois. 

The title of Waddington (except the islands^ with the 
rest of the survey-township of Madrid, which had been 
laid out and patented by the State several years before, as 
described in the general history, became vested about this 
same time in David A. Ogden and Thomas S. Ogden, of 
New York city. The islands in the St. Lawrence had not 
been patented by the State, because it was not known 
whether they would belong to this country or Great Britain. 
They were included, however, in Macomb's great contract, 
and were to be convoyed to him or his assigns, if finally 
allotted to the United States. The principal one, lying for 
three miles along the St. Lawrence, and about three-fourths 
of a mile wide at the broadest point, now called Ogden is- 
land, was then known as '• He au Rapide Plat." It was so 
called from the name " Rapide Plat," given by the French 
to that part of the St. Lawrence northwest of the island, 
meaning " smooth rapid," because while the river was here 
quite swift, it was not so broken as to be dangerous to navi- 
gation, and the fall of eleven feet extended over the whole 
distance of three miles. On the other hand, the smaller 



branch of the river, southwest of the island, originallj' made 
the whole fall in about fifty rods, opposite the site of Wad- 
dingtoir village. The water rushed swiftly down a rocky 
incline to the main fall, where it plunged off a distance of 
nearly eight feet, rebounding as it reached the bottom so as 
to cause a strong upward flow along the shore. The place 
was called by the French, " Le Petit Saut," the little falls. 

In 1797, Waddington was nominally a part of Herkimer 
county, which, by law, extended north in a narrow strip 
from the Mohawk to the St. Lawrence, but, in fact, all this 
section was then almost out of the jurisdiction of civilized 
tribunals. 

In July, 1798, there were at least twelve or fifteen resi- 
dents in the vicinity, for that number were present at a 
celebration of Independence Day held at the extreme end 
of Point Iroquois. Jacob Redington read the Declara- 
tion of Independence, and made a short speech, and then 
all the rifles and shot-guns in the settlement were fired in 
honor of the day, and all the men present joined in tumult- 
uous cheering. The Canadians, astonished at the uproar, 
and not yet accustomed to independence days, sent over a 
" flag of truce ' to learn the cause, the bearers of which 
quietly returned when they learned that no invasion of Canada 
was meditated. The exercises closed with a ball, the voice 

of Mrs. A (probably Allen) being the only music 

to guide the feet of the dancers. 

Joseph Edsall, a native of New Jersey, received the agency 
of the survey-townshij) of Madrid in June, 1798. The 
only persons recorded as taking contracts that year were 
Barton Edsall and John Sharp, though, as has been seen, 
there were several other residents. Sharp is remembered 
as having lived on the river, a little above Waddington 
village. 

The land was surveyed, or partially surveyed, by Ben- 
jamin Wright in 1799, and in 1800 it appears to have been 
fully opened for sale. Lots were laid off all along the river, 



288 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a sixth of a mile wide on the river-front, and runnint; back 
from a mile to a mile and three-quarters. All lots back of 
thts were .surveyed a mile Sfpiare each. The former were 
commonly called river-lots, the first retail price beinj; §2.50 
per acre ; the latter were known as mile-square lot.'*, and 
were sold at §2 per acre. In June, 1800, the followini^ 
entered into contracts for land, many of them having been 
already there, and waiting for a chance to purchase: John 
Tuttle. lieiijnmin Bartlntt, Godfrey Myers, Benjamin Camp- 
bell, Elias Diiuick, Reuben Fields, Asa Freeman, Samuel 
Allen, Edward Lawrence, Asa and Jason Fenton, Alexander 
Brush, Jiimes Kilborn, Jacob Carnes, Allen Patterson, 
Jacob Redington, Robert Sample, Caleb and Cornelius 
Peck, Henry Allen, William Osburnc, Ira Paine, Oliver 
Linsley. Josepli Orcutt, and Henry and Joseph Erwin. 
John iMontL'oniery, father of Horace and C. C. Montgomery, 
aLso came in this year. 

The next year (1801) the only names recorded as pur- 
chasers arc those of Isaac Bartholomew and Simon Linds- 
ley, but it is known that there were others who settled in 
town that year, though perhaps they did not buy land till 
the next. Among these were four brothers, — Andrew, 
Walter, Thomas, and Richard Rutherford, — all well-to-do 
Scotchmen from Roxburghshire, who crossed the ocean in 

1801, and are known to have taken up their residence in 
what is now Waddington the same year, as the next Janu- 
ary they all signed the petition of the " ten towns"" for the 
creation of St. Lawrence County. The locality they selected 
was southwest of Waddington village, and has .since been 
sometimes called Rutherford Ridge, but more commonly 
the " Scotch settlement.'' 

In the forepart of this year a number of settlers, mostly 
residents of the .survey-township of Lisbon, sent a petition 
to the legislature that the " ten towns" (.survey-townships) 
should be formed into a civil town, named Lisbon, and an- 
nexed to Clinton county. This was accordingly done, and 
for a year Waddington was a part of Clinton county. This 
arrangement, however, suited very few, and, on the 3d of 
March, 1802, in accordance with the alnujst unanimous 
petition of the inhabitants, the county of St. L.iwrence was 
erected. By the same act the survey-townships of Pots- 
dam and Madrid were formed into the civil town of Madrid, 
thus including all that is now Waddington, except the 
islands in the St. Lawrence, which were afterwards added. 
The first town-meeting was held on the first day of April, 

1802, and although the name was Madrid, yet, as the people 
nearly all lived in what is now Waddington, we give the 
names of the ofBcers elected : 

Supervisor, Joseph Edsall ; Town Clerk, Jacob Reding- 
ton ; Assc.s.sors, Cyrus Abernethy, Reuben Field, Alexander 
Brush, and Henry Erwin ; Con.stable and Collector, Henry 
Erwin ; Overseers of the Poor, Jonathan Tuttle and Solo- 
mon Linsley; Commissioners of Highways, John Sharp, 
Isaac Bartholomew, and Ephraim S. Raymond ; Fence- 
viewers, A.sa Freeman, Jonathan Allen, and Cyrus Aber- 
nethy ; Pound-keeper, Edward Lawrence; Over.seers of 
Highways, Jonathan Allen, Alexander Brush, Thomas 
Rutherfjrd, Oliver Linsley, and Solomon Linsley. 

Of the.se, all but Abernethy, Raymond, S. Lin.sley, and 
possibly one or two more, wer(' residents of what is now 



Waddington. Tradition a.s.scrfs that this first town-meeting 
was held in an oj)en field ; the " moderator," as the pre- 
siding officer was then called, being seated on a pine stump. 
Mr. Edsall, the supervisor, was also appointed one of the 
first judges of the court of common pleas of the new 
county, holding that position until 1811. 

The principal roads laid out this year were the " great 
road," as the commissioners called it, beginning at the 
southwest corner of mile-square lot No. Twenty-six on the 
Lisbon line, running thence north, sixty-two degrees ea-st, 
nine miles ; thence north, sixty-five east, to the Louisville 
line, and the " Upper and Lower Perpendicular roads," 
running at right angles to this ; the first starting on the 
river at the corner of river-iots Forty-seven and Forty-eight, 
and the other at the corner of lots Thirty-seven and Thirty- 
eight. A number of settlers came from New England, 
especially from Verniunt. in this year (1802), and log cabins 
began to rise in every direction in the forest. 

In 1803, D. A. and T. L. Ogden conveyed an undivided 
third of their land in this vicinity to Joshua Waddington, 
and these three were for many years joint owners of the 
territory of Waddington. In the forepart of the year a 
serious difficulty occurred with the <SV. Regis Indians, wlio 
laid claim to the " He au Rapide Plat" (Ogden i.sland ), 
though it had already been sold to the State. The island 
was covered with valuable pines, and many of these were 
cut down under the direction of the Indians. Judge Ed- 
sall forbade them taking them away. Much excitement 
en.sued, and some of the chiefs went so far as to threaten 
the taking of scalps. This coming to the ears of that en- 
ergetic pioneer, Nathan Ford, of Ogdensburg, then first 
judge of the county, ho called them to account so sharply 
that they greatly moderated their tone. Finally, an amicable 
arratigement was made, by which the Indians agreed to re- 
linquish all claims to the land and standing timber, and 
Edsall agreed to pay .sixty cents for each tree then cut 
down, if it should be decided that the island belonged to 
the proprietors of Madrid. In the latter part of the same 
year, Alexander Richards became agent for the proprietors 
in place of Judge Edsall. A small grist-mill and saw-mill 
were built in 1803 and 1804, on the site of Waddington 
village, the necessary water being obtained by a short race- 
way without a dam. 

Immigration steadily progressed year after year, Vermont 
and Scotland being still the principal fountain-Sicads. 
Numerous countrymen of the Ilutherfords followed their 
example, and the " Scotch settlement" grew and, prospered, 
at least as rapidly and well as any other part of the town. 
While the Americans had hardly any resources to obtain 
money, except the making of potash and the sending of a 
little timber to Montreal, the Scotch devoted themselves 
especially to the making of butter, and, whether on account 
of quantity or quality, they certaiidy as a class succeeded 
better than their Yankee competitors. Plenty of grain was 
raised, too, by all classes ; but, although this would keep 
people from hungor, it would bring little or no money: it 
cost as much as it would sell for to transj)ort it to the sea- 
board markets. 

The first jihysician in Madrid, or Waddington, was Dr. 
Barber, — supjioscd to have been Allen Barber, who came 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



289 



thither in 1802. Dr. Barber was drowned on tlio Oth of 
January, 180G, while crossing the St. Lawrence from Canada 
to Louisville in a boat. 

Meanwliilo, whatever business was done in the north 
part of jMadrid, now Waddini^ton, was done on the river- 
shore opposite the middle of the " He an Rapide Plat.' 
The place was early named Hamilton by the proprietors, 
in honor of the distinguished statesman, Alexander Hamil- 
ton, who, for several years previous to his death, had been 
connected in business with I). A. and T. L. Ogden. There 
being already a post-oflSce of that name in this State, how- 
ever, the one at the point in question received the name of 
" Madrid," being establi-shed on the 14tli of December, 
1807, with Alexander Richards as the first postmaster. 
The next year Mr. Richards was al.so appointed an associate 
judge of the common pleas, lemainiiig such until 1823. 

In 1808 a law was passed authorizing the proprietors to 
build a dam across the south branch of the St. Lawrence at 
Hamilton with a lock in it fifty feet by ten, which should 
permit the passage of vessels of two feet draft. The builders 
were allowed to collect toll at the rate of fifty cents per ton 
for small boats, and twenty-five cents for vessels above two 
tons. The whole work was to be completed in three years. 
A stone dam with a wooden lock was first attempted, but 
the lock was undermined before it was completed and the 
work was abandoned. In 1811 the time for its construction 
was extended, but the War of 1812 necessitated a further 
postponement. 

Meantime settlement had progressed so rapidly that, 
according to the census of ISIO, there were then fourteen 
liundred and twenty people in the town of Madrid, of whom 
probably two-thirds were in what is now Waddington. 

Madrid had then a larger population than any other 
town in the county, it being nearly two hundred larger 
than that of Oswegatchie, and five hundred more than that 
of Potsdam. There was a port of entry established at 
Hamilton as early as 1810, Colonel Mathew Myers being 
the deputy collector in charge. Colonel 3Iyeis was also 
the first lawyer in Waddington, having been admitted to 
practice in the common pleas of St. Lawrence County in 

1809, while Gouverneur Ogden was not admitted until 

1810. The latter was appointed surrogate in 1813, and 
held the office eight years. 

In 1811 a partial division of Madrid township took place 
among the three proprietors, D. A. Ogden receiving, with 
other lands, a tract of eleven hundred and thirty acres, 
covering the site of Waddington village, also the mills, 
dam, and water-privilege, and the " He au Rapide Plat." 
The title to the latter, however, was still not quite deter- 
mined between the United States and Canada. About this 
time Blr. D. A. Ogden withdrew from his law practice in 
New York city, with the view of making his permanent 
residence at the beautiful locality of which ho was the 
owner. The outbreak of the war, however, postponed the 
consummation of his plans. Mr. Ogden was appointed an 
a.s.sociate jud'.;e of the common pleas in L811, retaining the 
position four years. 

Immigration and improvement continued until the begin- 
ning of the great international conflict of 1812, when both 
suddenly stopped. TIumc were then at Himllion (accord- 
37 



ing to "Spaffiird's Gazetteer," issued the next year) one 
hundred and thirty-five houses, two saw mills, a grist-mill, 
a fulling-mill, a trip-hammer, and several shops. We are 
inclined to think the number of houses is exaggerated, as 
it disagrees very much from the estimates of old settlers at 
a still later period ; besides, Spafford gives other statistics 
which are obvious mistakes. 

After the unfortunate Dr. Barbor the next physician was 
Dr. James A. Mott, who began practice at Waddington in 
1812. His ride extended into the adjacent towns, and he 
continued his practice until his death, only a short time 
since. 

We give below the names of some of the prominent resi- 
dents of that part of Madrid which is now Waddington, be- 
sides those already given : Gocjrge Rutherford, Benjamin 
Raymond, Asa Fentou, Christian Carnes, Jonathan Carter, 
Nicholas C. Raymond, Amos AVells, Andrew Benton, Joel 
Woodworth, Joseph Woodworth, Josiah Wright, Amasa 
Pratt, Ebenezer Lyman, Philo J. Tuttle, Mo.ses MeConnel, 
John Selbs, Samuel Browning, James Martindale, Clement 
Tuttle, Luman Bartholomew, John Moffett, Chas. Richards, 
John Baird, Abiram Hulbert. Most of these gentlemen 
occupied various local offices, and were prominent, energetic, 
and industrious pioneers. 

The war caused great excitement and terror along the 
river, as well it might, considci'ing that the whole country, 
with almost no military protection, was liable to raids from 
the enemy, and that the lessons of the Revolution had 
taught the people to expect the presence of savage Indians, 
with tomahawk and torch, as an accompaniment of every 
British force. In some cases men left the country with 
their families, and never returned. In many others they 
abandoned their homes on hearing of the declaration of 
war, but on finding there was no invasion returned the 
same season. Still others stood the storm from beginning 
to end without flinching. The dread of Indians was 
naturally very great, and a St. Regk squaw could not ap- 
pear on the shore of the St. Lawrence without throwing 
the whole neighborhood into a spasm of terror. 

As a matter of fact, little injury was inflicted on the resi- 
dents of Waddington or Madrid throughout the whole 
contest. Some small raids were made through the country 
for the luirpose of picking up government property, and 
occasionally private ]iroperty was taken at the same time ; 
but these were not fre(|uent, and the commanders on both 
sides seem to have generally discouraged the making of 
purposeless excursions into peaceable localities. 

A company of militia was stationed at Hamilton (Wad- 
dington) for several months, at first under Capt. Besfer 
Pierce, of Potsdam, father of Dr. Pierce, of Madrid, and 
afterwards under Capt. George R. Wells, and at one time a 
sharp skirmish took place on Ogden island with a detach- 
ment of invading Britons. The accounts are somewhat 
vague, but as there is no evidence of the enemy's holding 
pos.session of the island, it may be presumed they were 
driven off. In one of these little conflicts on the lines, 
Mr. Jacob liedington, an old Revolutionary soldier (father 
of James Uedington, Esq.), was wounded. 

When the war closed, in the spring of 1815, improve- 
ment immediately began again. The legislature again ex- 



290 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tended the time for building; the dam before spoken of, and 
one was soon completed, with a stone locic ; but the latter 
proved of little use, as it was too small for the onlinary 
river vessels to pass through. 

The treaty of peace havinj: provided (hat the buiuidary- 
line should run in the main channel of the St. Lawrence, and 
that channel being unquestionably on the northwest side of 
Ogdcn island, David A. Ogden proceeded to improve that 
locality. Clearings were made, and a very large stone 
house was built, with walls three feet thick, which to-day 
dominates the island like a fortification, and which seems 
likely to last for cent\iries, unless assailed by some hand 
more ruthlwis than that of Time. In 1819, when the 
boundary-line was run by a eiminiissidu appointed by both 
nations, the island was formally assigned to the United 
States, as were also several others lying opposite Wadding- 
ton, the principal of which were Clark's and Monk's islands, 
both lying below Ogden island. 

In 1816, Mr. Ogden was elected to Congress, and re- 
elected in 1818, representing the Twentieth district, com- 
posed of St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis counties, from 
March, 1817, to March, 1821. 

The means of communication through the country were 
still very imperfect. Commissioners were appointed in 
1816 to lay out a road from Ogdonsburg through Hamil- 
ton to Massena, and another from Hamilton through Co- 
lumbia village to Russell ; the expense of both to be levied 
on the adjacent lands. 

The fact that the name of the village of Hamilton was 
the same as one in Madison county caused much confusion, 
and by a vote of the town-meeting held in March, 1818, it 
was changed to Waddington. Several years later the name 
of the post-office was changed from Madrid to Waddington, 
the former appellation being transferred to a new office at 
Columbia village. 

Jason Fenton was appointed an associate judge of the 
common pleas in 1818, and continued in the office for 
thirteen years. 

Mr. Horace Montgomery remembers coming into the vil- 
lage from the country about this time (1818), and thinks 
there was then but one store there, the village being less 
than one-quarter its present size. It was not until this 
year that there was either a church organization or church 
edifice in the present town of Waddington. St. Paufs 
church building was erected in the summer, and the church 
itself organized in the fall, — of which a separate sketch is 
given farther on. The nest year the people of the Scotch 
settlement organized a church, and built a house of worship, 
of which, also, further mention will be made. 

By this time the western part of the town, where the 
Scotchmen lived, was showing in place of the old log 
houses some frame ones and a goodly number of stone ones. 
For the latter material the sons of Caledonia seem to have 
had a strong predilection. All through western Wadding- 
ton and part of IMadiid may be seen the thick-walled stone 
houses built from forty to si.\ty years ago, most of them far 
back in the fields, with an air of independence and solidity 
which some might consider typical of the national character 
of their builders. The eastern part of the town was still 
jiartly unsettled, and the houses were yet mostly of logs. 



In 1820 the population of the whole town of Madrid 
had increased to 1U30, — a little less than half the present 
population of Waddington and Madrid. It was still the 
largest town in the county in point of population, having 
nineteen inhabitants more than Potsdam, and nearly three 
hundred more than Oswegatchie. Mr. H. W. Pratt de- 
scribes Waddington village in 1822 as being about a quar- 
ter as large as now. About this time and during the next 
ten j'ears a large number of Irish settled in the eastern part 
of the present town of Waddington. These and their de- 
scendants are for the most part still residents there. 

Among thcise who were considered especially prominent 
at this period, and whose life of brilliant promise but brief 
existence is still regretfully spoken of liy two or three sur- 
viving acfiuaintaneos, was William Henry ^'ining, son of a 
member of Congress from the State of Delaware, and nephew 
of Mrs. Gouverneur Ogden. Having studied law with Mr. 
Ogden, and been admitted as a counselor in 1820, he began 
practice in Waddington, and both by his eloquence and legal 
knowledge excited the highest hopes of all who knew him. 
The next year he was elected to the assembly, but declining 
health prevented him from taking his seat, and he died in 
1822. 

George Redington was another young lawyer of that 
period, admitted in 1823, who afterwards became one of 
the leading citizens of the county, both in wealth and posi- 
tion. Besides Dr. Mott, Dr. Wm. A. Canfield was a phy- 
sician at Waddington from about 1817 to 1825, and Dr. 
Lewis Stowers, who began to practice about 1826, had a 
Ion" and successful medical career. William Ogden, ad- 
mitted in 1824, practiced law in Waddington for several 
years thereafter. David A. Ogden was " first judge" of 
the common pleas for many years at this period, holding 
from 1820 to 1824, and again from 1825 to 1829. 

In 1825, young James Redington, who then returned to 
Waddington after a long absence, describes the place as a 
very small village, which even then began to look '• old- 
fashioned." This appearance was doubtless due to the 
prevalence of stone buildings, which always have a tendency 
to give a place a venerable appearance. A stone tannery 
was built by Judge Jason Fenton, in 1827, which was con- 
ducted by him and his heirs for nearly thirty years. 

Among the merchants of this period were Deacon Thos. 
Rutherford, a Scotchman, who, though not a relative cf 
the earliest pioneers of that name, had chosen the same 
locality for his new-world home. Another was William 
Lighterness. These were both previous to 1828. In that 
year S. J. Dewey came to Waddington, where there were then 
three stores, — one kept by Henry Church, one by Silver & 

Gilbert, and one by Turner. The only hotel was 

then kept by Martin Brydges. About the same time a 
firm came from Vermont and started a paper-mill, a large 
tin-shop, and a store ; the members' names were Whitcomb, 
Thayer, and Wsdes. The paper-mill made both writing- 
paper and wrapping-paper, and ran nearly twenty years. 

In 1830 tiie jiojiulation of the whole of old JIadrid was 
3459, — an increase of nearly eighty per cent, on that of ten 
years before. Oswegatchie and Potsdam had grown still 
more rajiidly, however, and .Madrid no longer had the 
largest population of any town in the count}'. Business, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



291 



however, was lively, and men of trade and men of law both 
appeared to think Waddinnton a promising locality. James 
Redington, admitted to the bar in 1831, is the only sur- 
ving lawyer of that era. 

In 1832 the connection between the lock before men- 
tioned and the island shore gave way, the lock being en- 
tirely destroyed, and a considerable break in the dam being 
caused. Within two or three years afterwards Isaac Ogden, 
who had become the owner of the island, built a new bridge 
on stone piers, the spaces being filled in with stone, though 
openings were left where boats could pass. These could be 
closed if desired, so as to shut off the water. The dam was 
fully repaired. 

A large stone flouring-mill was built in 1832, the build- 
ing being afterwards turned into the present paper-mill. 
Various other improvements were made during the decade 
extending from 1830 to 18-tO. A furnace was built by the 
Ogdens in 1834. It was twenty six feet square on the 
ground, and twenty-eight feet high, being what is called a 
quarter-furnace, with one tuyere and one cold bla.st. The 
ore used was " bog ore," obtained near Gra.sse river, in the 
present town of JIadrid. Some of it was made into pig- 
iron, and some into castings. It cost about $3 per ton de- 
livered. After the " hard times" of 1837 the furnace was 
found unprofitable, and in 1840 it stopped, and has never 
since been worked. 

The hotel so long known as the Clark House was built 
in 1835. An oatmeal-mill was erected about 1838 by A. 
T. Montgomery. This was used some nine years, when it 
was destroyed by fire. 

In 1839 Waddington was incorporated as a village, the 
i'ullowing being the first oflicers : Trustees, Walter Wilson, 
(president), A. T. Montgomery, Lewis Stowers, Seth J. 
Dowey, Thomas Rutherford, Jr. ; Assessors, Robert Tate, 
Nathaniel Taggert, Samuel II. Dearborn ; Clerk, Stillnian 
Footc ; Treasurer, John S. Chipman ; Constable and Col- 
lector, Robert Hatch. 

The farming section of the town increased much le.ss 
between 1830 and 1840 than during the previous decade. 
The population of the whole of Madrid in the latter year 
was four thousand five hundred and eleven, — a growth of 
thirty per cent in ten years. This is almost exactly the 
.same population which now dwells in the same territory ; 
for though there was at one time a slight increase, and at 
another a decrease, yet the number has always swung back 
to the standard of forty-five hundred. 

The country, too, had assumed very much the .same 
appearance as now. The log houses had mostly disap- 
peared, except in the eastern part of the town, and there 
there are a few even yet. The land was generally cleared^ 
though not as fully as now, and the town had pa.ssed from the 
pioneer into the farming state. From 1840 to the present 
time its annals are necessarily brief and uneventful. 

The large flouring-mill built in Waddington in 1832 
stopped about 1840. Sub-sequcntly the building was trans- 
formed into a paper-mill. In IS.")!), Captain Nathaniel 
Taggert built another large stone grist-mill for Howland 
& Aspinwall, of New York, who immediately leased it to 
J. V. C. & II. S. Northrop, of Waddington. They occu- 
pied it either .is lessees or proprietors about sixteen years. 



An old trip-hammer-shop, which had been in existence 
before the War of 1812, was changeil into a foundry about 
1840 by Benjamin Hentley, and has been maintained as 
such ever since. An establishment originally erected as a 
shingle-mill in 1835 was changed twenty years later into a 
woolen-factory by Russell B. Starks. A planing-mill and 
sash- and blind-factory were erected near 1847 by Dalzell & 
Hill. Another large grist-mill was built about 1855. 

It is evident that while all these improvements were being 
made Waddington must have been steadily increasing in 
population, though the farming country was not. The 
mercantile business became important, and small mechanic 
shops were numerous. The Waddingtonians became tired 
of traveling nine miles to Columbia village to attend town- 
meetings and elections every alternate year, and as this 
feeling was shared by the people of the surrounding coun- 
try, and reciprocated by those in the south part of the town, 
a division was easily agreed upon. It took place on the 
22d of November, 1859. 

The old town was divided into two parts, — the north- 
western and southeastern, — each being five miles by ten, 
except that the boundary follows Gra.sse river for about two 
miles, which there bears to the northwest of the rest of the 
dividing line. The southeastern section retained the old 
name of Madrid, while to the northwestern part was given 
that of Waddington. The new town was organized the 
next March, the following being the officers : 

Supervisor, Walter Wilson ; Town Clerk, Thomas Pea- 
cock, Jr. ; Assessors, Charles D. Bartholomew, Joseph Dal- 
zell ; Justices of the Peace, Robert Martin, C. C. iMont- 
gomery, Isaac Bartholomew ; Overseer of the Poor, Robert 
Dezell ; Collector, Charles McRostio ; Constables, Gideon 
Rutherford, Charles McRostie, Richard Dalton, and Wil- 
liam N. H. Lewis; Inspectors of Election, George Oliver, 
Andrew Dalzell, Henry W. Pratt. 

Scarcely had Waddington assumed a separate existence 
ere it was called on to act its part in the great conflict which 
was to decide whether America should or should not be 
a nation. How well it responded to this call is shown by 
the list of its soldiers and the record of their exploits to be 
found in the latter part of this work. 

Since the war the course of history has run very smoothly 
over the gentle slopes of Waddington. Occasionally a 
stone, brick, or frame house takes the place of a log one • 
that primitive style of architecture being not yet entirely 
abandoned in the c;istern part of the town. Occasionally, 
too, a new manufacturing establishment ari.ses at Wadding- 
ton village, but only a very small fraction of the magnificent 
water-power there is yet occupied. Aside from farming, the 
business of the town is almost entirely concentrated at that 
point. A small portion of the village of Chase's Mills 
however (a tuvern, store, and half a dozen houses), on the 
north bank of Gra.s.se river, extends over from Louisville 
into the southeast corner of Waddington. Four miles 
southwest of the village, too, is the Waddington butter-fac- 
tory, opened by a stock company in 1875, and doing a 
thriving business. 

Manufactures are so important an clement in promoting 
the welfare of a community that we desire to make es- 
pecial mention of the present condition of thos3 in this 



292 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



town. One (if the must iiiipovtant is the piipcr-uiill of II. 
A. James, juuchascd hv him ahdut eleven years ago. Tlic 
main builtlini;'. as has hciii stated, was erected for a grist- 
mill forty-five years ago, but, the machinery is only twelve 
or thirteen yeans old. The niill employs about twenty-eight 
hands, runs night and ihiy, summer and winter, and turns 
out between thirty and forty liundred-weiglit of paper every 
twenty-four liours, — all u.sed for iiewspajiers. A fla.x-mill 
for manufacturing flax out of the raw material wa.s carried 
on by Mr. James up to 1876, when the building was de- 
voted to the use of the paper-mill. 

The one-story stone tannery of Jason Fenton was pur- 
cliased in 1855 by Peter Dulton, wlio added an upper story 
and out-building.s, and has carried it on ever since. It now 
turns out about two thousand eiglit liundred liides per year. 

The foundry established in 1840 by Benjamin Bentley 
was burned in 1874. It has since been rebuilt, and is now 
owned by Mayette & Allison. It produces plows, stoves, 
and similar important articles, besides largo quantities of 
smaller castings. 

The large stone grist-mill built by Ilowland A: Aspinwail 
has for eleven years been owned by L. J, Proctor. It has 
four run of stone, kept constantly busy with custom work. 
The " Model IMill" of Bowhall & Rutherford was built in 
1855 or 1S5G. It has three run of stone in steady employ- 
ment. The flouring-mill of J. T. lluthcrfbrd was erected 
by him in 1873. It will produce a thousand barrels of 
flour yearly. 

The last-named gentlemen has also a saw-mill, built by 
Richard Harrison in 1863 or 1864, with a capacity of 
twenty-four thousand feet per day. In the present state of 
tlic market its production is limited to a small fraction of 
that amount. Mr. Horace Montgomery's saw-mill, built in 
1860, has a capacity of a million and a half feet per year, 
but is confined to a comparatively small amount. 

Another important manufiicturing establishment is the 
large planing-mill and sash- and blind-factory built thirty 
ago by Dalzell & Hill, and in which an extensive business 
is now carried on by Joseph McDowell. An institution 
with a modest-sounding name, but of no slight importance 
in a great dairying region like St. Lawrence County, is the 
butter-tub factory of Stephen Burdiek. A shingle-mill is 
also carried on by the same gentleman, who is thus pre- 
pared to give shelter to the people and t(j their princijial 
production. 

The woolen-factory established twenty years ago is still 
owned and carried on by Ru,s.sell B. Starks. It produces 
both cloth and yarn. A carding-mill was built ten years 
since by Edward Doran, wliieh is still conducted by him. 
His father, Samuel Doran, was the owner of a similar es- 
tablishment, built about 1827. 

Besides the manufacturing interests thus specified, the 
village of Waddington contains 10 general stores, 1 grocery, 
2 millinery-stores, 1 agricultural and hardware-store, 2 cab- 
inet-shops and furniture-stores, 3 wagon-shops, 4 blacksmith- 
shops, 2 shoe-shops, 2 harness-shops, 1 marble-shop, 1 
cooper-shop, 1 brickyard, 3 meat-markets, 3 hotels, 1 
watchmaker, and 1 iihotograjihor. 

We have spoken of the early lawyers. The present ones 
are James Redington, who studied with his brother, Judge 



Rediiigton, who lias practiced at Waddington from an early 
period, and is now consular agent at Morrisburg, Canada. 
A. B. Shepard is a more recent practitioner. Besides tlie 
physicians before mentioned. Dr. H. A. Borland pursued 
the healing art at the place under consideration from about 
1860 to 1870, and Drs. Silas J. Bower and John Morrison 
are now active members of the same profession. The former 
of the two la.st-nanied gentlemen has practiced at Wadding- 
ton about seven years, and llu! latter three. The village 
dentist is Dr. Samuel Clark. 

The Waddington Pianrcr, a thirty-two column .sheet, 
begun in the spring of 1877, is mentioned in the chapter 
devoted to the press. 

Before entering on the separate records of various so- 
cieties, we will close what may be called the general hi.story 
of the town with two or three lists of ofiicials. The follow- 
ing supervisors of Madrid before its division were residents 
of the part which is now Waddington, the annexed figures 
showing the years of service: Joseph Edsall, 1802-5, in- 
clusive; Asa Freeman, 1806-7; Alex. Richards, 1808; 
Asa Freeman, 1800; Jason Fenton, 1816-22, inclusive ; 
J. S. Chipman, 1820-32, inclusive; George Redington, 
1833-36, inclusive ; Walter Wilson, 1839; Geo. Reding- 
ton, 1840; N. T. Montgomery, 1843-44, 1847-48 ; Richard 
Fjdsall, 1851; Francis Fenton, 1852; John S. Chiimian, 
1854 ; Chas. C. Montgomery, 1857-59. Since the division 
the supervisors of Waddington have been as follows : Walter 
Wilson, 1860-64, inclusive; Chas. C. Montgomery, 1865- 
74, inclusive ; Robert Dalzell, 1875-76 ; John T. Ruther- 
ford, 1877. 

The following are the present ofiBcials of the town : Super- 
visor, John T. Rutherford ; Town Clerk, LoomisS. Wright ; 
Justice of the Peace, Silas J. Dewey ; Commi.s.sioncr of 
Highways, John W. McDowell ; Overseer of the Poor, 
George R. Wright; Assessors, Adam J. Hobkirk, Irwin 
Jardin,and James Fay ; Collector, James W. Hidler; Con- 
stables, William C. Jardin, Joseph McDowell, Andrew F. 
Jardin, James Brown ; Town Auditors, Henry D. Bar- 
tholomew, Henry B. Proctor, Samuel Clark ; Inspectors of 
Elections, Robert Thompson and Henry W. Pratt ; Com- 
missioners of Excise, Gideon Rutherford, William Burton, 
and William T. Rutherford. 

It will be observed that there is but one justice of the 
peace in the above list. Justices are elected from time to 
time as the law rcipiires, but for many years it is seldom 
that more than one has taken the oath of office. This is 
something very unusual, and speaks volumes in favor of the 
peaeefulness of the people, and the lack of ambitiou of the 
leading citizens. 

The following are the presidents of the village of Wad- 
dington, with their years of service, those previous to 1866 
having been chosen by the board of trustees, and those in- 
cluding and since that year having been elected by the 
people: Walter Wilson, 1839; Nathaniel Taggert, 1840; 
Richard Edsall, 1841; Alexander Mills, 1842; Norman 
Sturtevant, 1843; Horace Montgomery, 1844; Seth J. 
Dewey, 1845; Albert Tyler, 1846; Lewis Stowers, 1847; 
James Redington, 1848; Walter Wilson, 184!1; Francis 
Fenton, 1850-51 ; John Peacock, 1852; F'raneis Fenton, 
1853; Lewis Stowers, 1854; John Peacock, 1855; John 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



293 



V. C. Northrop, 185G-58 ; John Peacock, 1859 ; James 
Rodington, ISGO; J. V. C. Northrop, 1SG1-G2 ; Henry 
W. Pratt, 18G3-G5 ; Richard Harrison, 18GG ; Walter Wil- 
son, 18C7; John T.Rutherford, 1868; William Jardin, 
18G9; James Graham, 1870; Loomis S. Wriglit, 1871; 
Samuel Clark, 1872-73; Robert Dalzell, 1874; Jamea 
Graham, 1875-7G; Robert Thompson, 1877. 

The present officers of the village are the following: 
President, Robert Thompson ; Trustees, John L. Rule, D. 
T. Demorest, John S. Rutherford, and M. F. Hughes ; As- 
sessors, Joseph McDowell, Gideon Rutherford, and A. B. 
Parlow; Treasurer, H. B. Proctor; Clerk, George R. 
Wright ; Constable and Collector, J. B. Brownell. 

As before stated, the first deputy collector in charge of 
the port of Waddington was Mathew iMyers. His suc- 
cessors have been Harvey Lyon, Ira Collins, Richard Ed- 
sall, Thomas Short, Lewis Stowers, Alex. Mills, William C. 
Pierce, Samuel Doran, John T. Rutherford, C. C. Mont- 
gomery, and Henry W. Pratt. The port is the second in 
importance in the district, the receipts varying from $400 
to $1000 a month, besides h-irge quantities of raw hides, 
poplar wood, etc., which enter free of duty. 

We now invite our readers' attention to a few brief 
sketches of various associations, wliich could not well be 
interwoven witli the general history of the town. 

ST. Paul's church (episcopal). 

There is no record of any ecclesiastical organization or 
services previous to 1818. The church edifice was begun 
in 181G and finished in 1818, being built at the expense of 
Trinity church, New York, and of David A. Ogden. Being 
constructed under the direction of Mr. Ogden, it was, like 
his house, built of walls three feet thick. The building 
was consecrated by Bishop Hobart on the 22d of August, 
1818, being the first church edifice dedicated to the service 
of the Lord in St. Lawrence County, with the barely possi- 
ble exception of a small frame building erected at Ogdens- 
burg in 1818, but i)robably not completed till later in the 
season. 

The church was legally incorporated on the 19th of Oc- 
tober, 1818, with David A. Ogden and Gouverneur Ogden 
as wardens, and Jason Fenton, Robert McDowell, Thomas 
Short, Thomas Archibald, John Dewey, John S. Chipn)an, 
Thomas Rutherford, and Elisha Meigs as vestrymen. The 
organization had been perfected two days earlier, when Amos 
G. Baldwin was appointed rector, William H. Vining clerk, 
and D. A. Ogden treasurer. 

At this time a commission was running the boundary 
between the United States and Canada, General Peter B. 
Porter being the ccmimissioner on the part of the former 
country, and Hon. John Ogilvie on the part of Great 
Britain. Learning of the construction of the church at 
Waddington, the latter gentleman presented it with a bell 
in June, 1818, — a gift which the vestry at its first meeting 
duly acknowledged by directing a commemorative inscription 
to be engraved upon it. 

The following is a list of the rectors of St. Paul's, with 
their years of service, as nearly as they can be ascertained 
from the parish records. As will be seen, there were sev- 
eral interregna : Amos G. Baldwin, 1818 and '10 ; George 



Otis, 1820 ; Addi-son Searle, 1824 and '25 ; Seth W. Beards- 
ley, 1820 and '27 ; Hiram II. Adams, 1827 and '28 ; H. 
S. Atwa-er, 1829 and '30; Aaron Humphrey, 1834 to 
1840; John A. Childs, 1841 to 1844; John H. Hanson 
(author of several once-celebrated articles, claiming that 
Rev. Eleazar Williams, of St. Regis, Avas the '• Lo.st Prince," 
the dauphin of France), 184G to 1851 ; Liberty A. Bar- 
rows, 1854 to 18G0 ; John Everett Johnson, 1861 to 1866 ; 
Walter Windeyer, 18G7 to 1869; T. M. Tliorpe, 1809 to 
1870; Reeve Ilobbie, 1870 to 1872; Edward Pidsley, 
1872 to 1875 ; Thomas G. Clemson, 1875 to the present 
time. 

The pr&sent wardens are Setli .J. Dewey and John T. 
Rutherford ; the vestrymen, Dr. Silas J. Bower, C. C. Mont- 
gomery, Charles Clark, James I. Cook, William Forsyth, 
William Keycs, Henry B. Proctor, and S. S. F. Carli.sle. 
A glebe of three hundred acres on " mile-square lot No. 
Ten," about a mile from Waddington village, contributes 
largely to the support of the church, and a handsome brick 
parsonage stands close beside the massive stone edifice 
planned by Mr. Ogden, which to modern eyes has an air of 
cathedral-like solidity and solemnity. 

THE SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

We have thus, for convenience, designated this organi- 
zation, though it might be more jireci.scly described as " The 
Presbyterian Church of Waddington, in connection with the 
Canada Presbytery." It was organized as the First Asso- 
ciate Reformed church of Madrid, on the 17th of September, 
1819, with Richard Rutherford, Mark Douglas, John Mof- 
fatt, John Rutherford, and Robert Rider as trustees. A 
frame house of worship was erected that year, two and a 
half miles southwestward from Waddington village. The 
Rev. William Taylor was the first minister, officiating from 
1819 till 1837. After a vacancy of three years, he was 
succeeded by Rev. John Morrison. The latter is still the 
piistor, the church thus giving an example very rare in this 
country of two ministers occupying a pulpit for fifty-five 
years. 

In 1837 the church was changed from Associate Re- 
formed to Presbyterian, but was conncct(;d with the pres- 
bytery of Canada. Another church building (frame) was 
erected near the present line of Madrid about 1847, and Mr. 
Morrison preached alternately in the two houses. In 1SG4 
a substantial and commodious brick edifice was erected in 
Waddington, near the IMadrid line, which has since served 
for the whole congregation, the frame buildings previously 
used having been abandoned. Two or three years later a 
handsome frame parsonage was built close by the church. 

One would need but to glance at the latter edifice and its 
surroundings to see that it was occupied by a large congre- 
gation of the mo.st .substantial farmers. The large, plain, 
well-built brick structure, surrounded on three sides by nearly 
a score of stout sheds for the comfort of teams, altogether pre- 
sent indications of thrift and thoroughness which cannot be 
mistaken. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WADDINGTON. 

This church was organized as a Congregational church, on 
the 12th day of January, 1828, by Rev. Joseph Hurlbert. 



294 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The first members were Winsor Goulding, Mrs. Winsor 
GoiiIJiiijr, Medad Sheldon, Lucy Sheldon, Lorenzo Sheldon, 
Mahahi Sheldon, Bonjamin W. Jackson, Mrs. Sarah Jack- 
son, Mrs. Shay, Aniorct Rcdiiigtun, Allen B. Myers, Alex. 
H. Stowell. The first minister — acting, however, only as 
an occasional supply — was Rev. Joseph Ilurlhcrt. The first 
deacon, cho.sen in 1829, was Lorenzo Sheiduu ; and it was 
four years thereafter before the second one, Samuel H. Dear- 
born, was elected. 

The early meetings were held in the Waddington school- 
house, but its narrow accommodations did not prevent the 
church from having a prosperous growth. Thirty-nine 
members were admitted during a revival conducted in Sep- 
tember and October, 1841, by Rev. Lewis A. Weeks. A 
frame church edifice, capable of seating 300 conveniently, 
was begun in 1844, and completed and dedicated in 1819. 
On the 12th day of February, while under the pastorate of 
a Presbyterian minister (Rev. J. W. Whitfield), the church 
voted unanimously to connect itself with the Presbyterian 
organization. Its name was sub.sequently changed by the 
legislature to accord with this transi'er of ecclesiastical alle- 
giance. A large and handsome brick parsonage was built 
in 1877. 

The following Is a list of the pastors, with their years of 
service: Joseph Hurlbcrt (supply), 1829; S. Williams 
(supply), 1830-33; James Taylor, 1833-38; Adolphus 
Taylor, 1838-40; Charles F. Halsey, 1845-50; Andrew 
Phillips, 1850-55; H. N. Gates, 1855-58; A. M. Shaw, 
1859-Gl; J. W. Whitfield, 1861-GG; Andrew Johnson, 
18G(>-G9; Robert W. McCormick, 18G9 to the present 
time. 

The following are the present officers : P]lders, James 
Rediiigloii, Tiionias Rlythe, Alexander Dunn, James Alli- 
son, William Harper, James Waddell, John Logan, William 
J. Rutherford ; Deacons, Robert Wood, John S. Ruther- 
ford, George Common ; Trustees, James Allison, James 
Waddell, Robert Wood, George Common, William Short, 
William Brown ; Clerk, John S. Rutherford ; Treasurer, 
James Allison. 

The church is now in a very flourishing condition, 
having 159 members. There is also a thriving Sabbath- 
school, with 100 members, and 300 volumes in its library, 
of which James Allison is the superintendent. 

ST. siary's cnuRCH (catholic). 

As far back as 1825 a log church was erected by the 
Catholics, about four miles southwest of Waddington vil- 
lage, on the Norfolk mad. Services were held there at first 
only by occasional missionaries, and were attended by mem- 
bers of the church from all parts of JMadrid, Lisbon, Pots- 
dam, and ]\Iassena. The first resident priest was Father 
Psalmon. He was followed by Father ^Liguire, and he by 
Father Foley. The successor of Father Foley was Father 
James Mackey, a zealous, active, and eminent priest, now 
at Ogdensburg, who remained about twelve years, closing 
in 1848. 

During the latter part of Father Mackey 's pa.storate, and 
through his efforts, a commodious church edifice of stone 
was erected at Waddington village. Subsetjuent to that 
time we have been able to obtain the names and years of 



service of the officiating priests from the parish records, as 
follows: Hugh F. Quigley, D.D. (a prominent ecclesiasti- 
cal writer), 1849; Patrick Phelan, 1849-55; H. Herf- 
kcns, 1855-G7 ; John Joseph Swift, 18G7-7] ; Florence 
McCarthy, 1872 to the present time. There are now 
about a hundred families under the care of the reverend 
gentleman last named. Besides the church edifice there is 
a valuable brick parsonage, the title of both being vested in 
the trustees. These are the bishop of the diocese, the vicar- 
general, the parish priest, and two laymen, Joseph Martin 
and Michael Brien. 

WADDINGTON CIRCUIT (METHODIST EPISCOPAL). 

The fii-st Methodist class was organized at Waddington, 
about 182G, by the Rev. Mr. Sawyer. His circuit extended 
from Ogdensburg to Raquette river bridge. There are no 
records till a very late period, and we give the names and 
order of the ministers as well as they can be gathered from 
the recollections of the older members : John Dempster, 

1829; Stoddard, H. 0. Tilden, David Chattister, 

Linden King, Allen Castle, William Hawkins, Justin 
Alden, S. D. White, 0. Holmes, William D. Moore, Horace 
Danforth, Dr. Hopgood, Absalom Mesliier, Charles Moffatt, 
Alamanzo Blackuian, William P. Allen, C. E. Dorr, S. C. 
Goodell, and G. S. Hastings ; the latter being the present 
incumbent. 

During this time the immense circuit of early days has 
been materially reduced in size, while church buildings 
have taken the place of school-houses and private residences 
as places of worship. A small brick church edifice was 
begun at Waddington village in 1849, which was finished 
and dedicated in 1854. Two years later another class was 
acconmiodated by the erection of a small frame building in 
the western part of the present town of AVaddington, near 
the Lisbon line, which is commonly called the Brown 
church. Another class met at Chase's INIills, in the town 
of Louisville, though a large number of the members lived 
in Waddington. 

These three classes now constitute the circuit under 
consideration, atid are ministered to by the same pastor. 
Their numbers in full communion are as follows: Wad- 
dington class, 63 ; Brown Church clas.s, 25 ; Chase's Mills 
cla.ss, 28. The stewards are William Thompson, Williani 
Jardin, Augustus Savage, and William Bardon. 

WADDINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL. 

The schools of this town have been of the ordinary " dis- 
trict" variety, except in the village, and there the change 
has been but lately made. A board of education was formed 
in 1866, consisting of three members. They proceeded to 
organize a graded school with four departments, using the 
two-story brick building which had been constructed in 
1859. The present number of scholars in the district is 
314; the average daily attendance is 200. The board of 
education now consists of II. W. Pratt, John Morrison, and 
James Parlow, Jr. The j)rincipal of the school is R. E. 
Doolittle. 

WADDINGTON AURICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

This association was organized in 18G9 as a stock society; 
the stock being owned by twenty-five persons. It is not 





^Cc ,j?c^<^<^^ /mO 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



295 



confined to the limits of Waddington, but the stockholders 
and exhibitors mostly reside within that town. The society 
has had a well-attended fair every year since its organiza- 
tion, and is now in a flourishing condition. It owns twenty- 
four acres of land near Waddington village, on which are 
an " Agricultural hall," a " Floral ball,' a bouse, barn, 
seats, etc., and last, not least, an excellent half-raile track. 
The officers for 1877 arc as follows: President, Robert 
Dalzell ; Vice-President, George Rule ; Treasurer, W. T. 
Rutherford ; Secretary, Samuel Clark. 

WADDINGTON LODGE, NO. 393, P. AND A. M. 

This lodge was instituted June 23, lt'56, with the fol- 
lowing officers: John Peacock, W. M. ; H. B. Proctor, S. 
W. ; Leonard J. Proctor, J. W. ; John V. C. Northrop, 
Treas. ; S. J. Dewey, Sec. ; James Z. Skinner, S. D. ; 
Edwin 0. Cummings, J. D. ; Rev. L. A. Barrows, Chap. ; 
James M. Bishop and James Perkins, Stewards; James 
Moffiitt, Tyler. 

The names of the Masters, with the years of their elec- 
tion, have been as follows: John Peacock, 185G ; H. B. 
Proctor, 1857 ; John Peacock, 1858-CO ; James Z. Skinner, 
18G1; J. V. C. Northrop, 1862; S. J. Dewey, 18G3; 
James Z. Skinner, 18C4 ; William W. Fulton, 180.5-06 ; 
S. J. Dewej', 1867-71, inclu.sivc ; Rev. Reeve Hobbie, 
1872; S. J. Dewey, 1873-70, inclusive; S. J. Bower, 
M.D., 1877. The present membership of the lodge is 48 ; 
it meets at Waddington village the first and third Wednes- 
days of each month. 

We liavc now given a sketch not only of the town of 
Waddington but of all the separate institutions which 
exist in it. In closing, we desire to express our thanks to 
all who have aided us with information ; especially to 
Messrs. James Redington, Horace Montgomery, Calvin 
Abernethy, H. W. Pratt, John Rutherford, William Jardin, 
Peter Dalton, William Hatch, Rev. T. G. Clcmson, Rev. 
Robert W. McCormick, and Rev. Florence McCarthy. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

HON. GEORGE REDINGTON. 

The Hon. George Redington, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in the city of Vergennes, in the State of Ver- 
mont, Nov. 23, 1798. He was the second son of Jacob 
Redington, a Revolutionary soldier, who emigrated from 
Vermont into the county of St. Lawrence, N. Y., in the 
year 1800, which was known at that time in Vermont as 
" the west." After innumerable hardships, coming from 
Vergennes by way of Montreal, he finally located himself 
and family upon the banks of the St. Lawrence, not far 
from where the village of Waddington now stands. With 
the exception of a few earlier immigrants, the southern 
border of the St. Lawrence was one wild wilderness, 
stretching far back to the settlements upon the Mohawk 
and Hudson. It was here that bis fat Iut struck the first 
blow in the forest, and made a home, and, in conjunction 



with the best of mothers, raised a large family, who have 
had more or less to do in moulding the county to its present 
just influence in the State. Young George was scarcely 
two years of age when he was brought from Vermont to 
these new scenes. In a very early period of his life he 
manifested great activity both of body and mind. Unfor- 
tunately, when about five years of age, after a severe sick- 
ness, for some unexplainablo cause, he lost the use of one of 
his legs. For this I'cason he was crippled for life, and was 
under the necessity of using crutches. In the year 1813 his 
father moved from Madrid ( now Waddington ) to Potsdam, 
and remained there three years, during which time George 
received a good academical education at the St. Lawrence 
academy, under the tuition of the Rev. James Johnson. 
From thence, in the year 1816, he moved to Montreal 
for a temporary residence, and took his son George with 
him. While there he was engaged in teaching school, and 
was earnest and industrious in his duties. In the year 1819 
he entered the law-office of the Hon. Gouverneur Ogden, 
at Waddington. While prosecuting his studies, there was 
a young man in the same office, already admitted to the 
bar, of brilliant attainments, able and eloquent. Between 
them sprung up a friendship, and from bim be received 
much assistance in the attainment of bis profession. Allu- 
sion is here made to the Hon. Henry Vining, a nephew of 
Mrs. Gouverneur Ogden. Mr. Redington, upon the com- 
pletion of his studies, began the practice of his profession 
in Waddington, which he followed, in connection with a 
manufacturing business, until 1831-32, at which time he 
gave more attention to the purchase and sale of real estate 
throughout the county, gradually relinquishing the practice 
of the law. He was also land agent for several proprietors 
of land residing in New York and elsewhere. He erected 
several mills, and engaged largely in the manufacture of 
lumber and square timber, finding bis principal markets in 
Montreal, Quebec, x\lbany, Troy, and New Y'ork, and giv- 
ing employment to a large number of men. He was an 
active, energetic business man of great capabilities, accom- 
plishing much more than many others with the advantages 
of robust health and sound bodies, and was most highly 
esteemed for his upright, straightforward, honest dealings 
with bis fellow-men. Judge Redington received a religious 
training from a pious mother of the Puritan stock and Cal- 
vinistic to the strictest letter, though charitable to all and 
in loving fellowship with all Christians. Before he became 
a member of the church he respected it, and was an habit- 
ual attendant upon divine worship. But in 18-10, while 
in the full tide of business, his mind was more particularly 
directed to the importance of the subject of identifying 
himself with the Christian church and becoming one of its 
members. He therefore, about this time, joined the Con- 
gregational church at Waddington, and took a dee]i interest 
ever after in the support of the gospel. He was maiidy in- 
strumental, by his influence and money, in the erection and 
completion of the j)resent Presbyterian house of worship, 
a neat and commodious structure in Waddington. The 
form of the government of the church has been changed 
since his death. Politically he was a stiinch Democrat. 
In 1848 be became a member of the Free-Soil party, and 
voted for Martin Van Buren upon the platform of that 



290 



niSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



pai'ty. In 1841 he was first elected to the assembly of the 
State of New York, and served tlirec successive terms, 
closing his services in 1844. While a member of the legis- 
lature he was hinlily rospocted at Albany, and had <;reat 
influence in .sliajiing the proceedings of that body, which 
was composed at the time of the most prominent and able 
men of the State. He was subsequently appointed a judue 
of the court of common j)leas of the county, and served 
several years. He had the fullest confidence of the citi- 
zens of his own town, having served them as a justice of 
the peace, supervisor, and in many other minor offices. He 
aided very materially in the construction of the Northern 
railroad from Ogdcnsburg to House's Point, and was one of 
its directors, working successfully for its advancement. On 
the 2Sth day of November, 1827, Judge Iledington was 
united in marriage to Miss Amorctte Stone, a daughter of 
Daniel Stone, of Madrid. She was religiously educated 
by her parents, who were Congregationalists. At the age 
of eighteen she united with the Congregational church at 
Waddington, and was one of its original members. She 
took an active part in everything that pertained to the in- 
terests of the church, was kind to the poor and afflicted, 
and was loved and respected by the entire community. She 
was particularly devoted to her husband, and her love and 
care for her children knew no bounds. In 1843 she was 
taken with the erysipelas, a disease then raging in the 
county, and died quite suddenly on the 21st day of Feb- 
ruary, 1843, while her husband was in Albany. So sadden 
was the event that he was prevented from having a final 
interview, though desired by her most intensely. The chil- 
dren of Judge lledington by this wife were Sarah A., Har- 
riette C, Jane E., George S., Ann M., Mary E., and Henry 
Vining. On the 18th day of September, 1844, ]Mr. lled- 
ington was married to Miss L. U. Sheldon, daughter of 
Medad Sheldon. She was a true-hearted, faithful Chris- 
tian lady. By this marriage Mr. Redington had three 
children, John J., Chailes M., and Lyman W. All of the 
above-named children are yet living, except George S., John 
J., and Charles M. The second Mrs. lledington died 
March 14, 1849. 

Judge lledington departed this life on the 15th day of 
September, 1850. He had been confined to his house for 
a time by a fracture of his sound limb, though about the 
house in the full vigor of his mind, taking charge and di- 
rection of his extensive business. On Saturday, the 14th 
of September, he had met several parties from Louisville 
and Macomb, making lumber contracts and passing deeds 
of conveyance with his usual cheerfulness and promptitude. 
No particular strain was observed upon his mind or pressure 
upon the brain. In the evening he pleasantly enjoyed the 
society of his family, and retired about his usual time to 
his sleeping-room. On the morning of the 15th it was no- 
ticed by some of his daughters that father was sleeping late. 
"Aunt Sally," his eldest sister, became a little anxious and 
gently opened his bedroom door, and thought she saw him 
in a gentle sleep and closed the door. But it was soon 
found that the sleep, though gentle, was a sleep, as far as 
this life is concerned, that knows no waking. He died 
with a disease of the heart. He was followed to the Red- 
ington cemetery by a large concourse of citizens from dif- 



ferent parts of the county, filled with sorrow that their 
friendly and businjss relations were forever terminated. 

At his decease, Judge Redington left a large estate, which 
was administered by his brother, James Redington, and 
distributed to his surviving children. A portrait of the 
judge accompanies this brief outline, and a view of his old 
home in Waddington, now occupied by one of his daughters. 



HON. JAMES REDINGTON 

is one " to the manor born'' of St. Lawrence County, hav- 
ing first seen the light of day on the 27tli of June, 1810, 
in Waddington, his father being Jacob lledington, formerly 
of Vermont. 

He received an academic education at the St. Lawrence 
academy, in Potsdam, N. Y., and began the study of the 
law with Hon. George Redington, in Waddington, in 1827. 
He completed his legal studies with J. P. Cushman, of the 
city of Troy, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar as an 
attorney and counselor-at-law in 1831, in the supreme 
court of the State, and at once began the practice of the 
profession in Waddington. About this time he joined the 
Congregational church in that place, and remained a con- 
stant supporter of the church and an attendant upon its 
ordinances until the year 1SU2, when, upon petition of 
many of its membfirs, the form of government was changed 
to that of Presbyterian. Since that he has remained a 
member of the church in its changed form. 

On "the 30th of November. 1840, he was appointed sur- 
rogate of the county of St. Lawrence by Governor \V. H. 
Seward, serving four years under the appointment, and 
in 1856 was ehcted to fill the same position. 

He was a member of the Whig party during the exist- 
ence of that glorious old organization, and on the formation 
of the Republican party allied himself with that, and still 
remains so connected. In 18G1 he was elected to the 
a.s.seinbly, and served four successive terms as a representa- 
tive of his district. He is at present serving the Federal 
government as consular agent at Morrisburg, in the do- 
minion of Canada. He was a warm supporter of President 
Lincoln's administration, and an advocate for the vigorous 
pnwcution of the war for the Union. 

In 1835, Mr. Redington was united in marriage to Miss 
Charlotte G. Colfax, a daughter of Robert Colfijx, of New 
London, Conn. To them were born the following-named 
children : Mary Chipraan, who died in infancy ; Frances 
A., who married E. W. Carpenter, a merchant of Potsdam, 
where they now reside ; Sarah E., who married Hon. Rich- 
mond Bicknell, Jr., of the law firm of Knowles & Bicknell, 
of Potsdam ; James K., who was formerly law-clerk in the 
Interior Department at Wa.shington, and is now a practicing 
attorney in the law firm of Smith & lledington, at Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; he married Miss Emma Campbell, of the 
same place; and George N. Redington, an artist in the 
photograph gallery of N. L. Stone, in Potsdam. 

The husband of Sarah E., Mr. Bicknell, was a young 
man of rare promise and brilliant legal attainments; he 
died at the early age of thirty-two years, universally re- 
gretted in the community. He was buried in the Reding- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



297 



ton cemetery, at Waddington, his wife surviving him nearly 
four years, and dying at the age of thirty-four. 

The best evidence, perhaps, of Mr. Redington's standing 
in the estimation of liis fellow-citizens is that borne by their 
elevation of him to the various positions in tiieir gift, and 
the commitment to him of their important trusts for exe- 
cution, whicli lie has discharged to their satisfaction and his 
own credit and honor. 




MAJOR JOHN T. RUTHERFORD. 

The gentleman, of whose life the following lines are a 
brief outline, though not a soldier by profession, neverthe- 
less won his honorable title on the field of war, rising from 
the ranks of the private, through the several grades of the 
army, to the majority. He is of Scottish descent, and has 
the blood of the old Covenanters in his veins. His father, 
Thomas, and grandfather, John Rutherford, were both 
natives of " Auld Scotia," but Major Rutherford was born 
in the town of Madrid, now Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 23, 1823, where he was educated at the common 
schools, and reared as a farmer's boy. At the age of twenty- 
two years he entered the St. Lawrence academy, at Potsdam, 
in the same county, where he continued two years, and then 
entered Ogdensburg academy, where he graduated at the 
end of one year, and began teaching school during the 
winter and laboring on the farm in the summer season. 
About the year 1848 he engaged in mercantile pursuits in 
the village of Madrid, which he conducted successfully for 
six years, serving during the time four years as postmaster 
of the village under Presidents Taylor and Fillmore. 

At this period in life he began the study of the law, and 
was admitted to the bar in 18.54, in the supreme court, and 
followed the practice of the profession for two years. Being 
of a speculative turn of mind, he contracted to build the 
St. Lawrence university, at Canton, and removed to that 
village to execute the work. 

When the War of the Rebellion broke out he was among 
the first to respond to the call of the country for volunteers, 
38 



and entered the service in April, 1861, as a private in the 
9th New York Volunteer Cavalry, and proved himself a 
gallant soldier, as the following record amply testifies. Brave 
as his forefathers who fought at CuUoden and Bannockburn, 
he never wavered in the face of duty. Being a man of quick 
perception and coolness in judgment, and persistent withal, 
he was soon noticed by his superior oflicers as being a man 
born not only to obey but also to command ; and after one 
year's service in the ranks as private and sergeant, he was 
promoted to the second lieutenantcy of his company, Feb. 
22, 1802, for gallantry at the second battle of Bull Run. He 
was wounded at the battle of Berryville, Va., which disabled 
him for sixty days only, and for his conduct on that occasion 
he was promoted to the first lieutenantcy of the company. 
Again taking his command he served until June 1, 1864, 
when he received a captain's commission, in which position 
he served until the close of the war, when he received his 
brevet of major. 

During his service he participated in the battles of 
Bull Run, Berryville, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Brandy 
Station, Mine Run, Mechanicsville, Kilpatrick's Raid 
around Richmond, Cold Harbor, the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania Court-House, Petersburg, Sheridan's Campaign in 
the Valley of the Shenandoah, and many others of minor 
importance. He served under Generals Sigel, Pleasanton, 
Buford, Merritt, Sheridan, Slocum, and others, and for a 
time commanded General Slocum's escort. The company 
was much of the time, while under Sigel, selected by that 
commander for scouting duty. 

On being mustered out of the service when peace was 
declared. Major Rutherford, like the thousands of brave 
men who had fought so well and so long, returned to the 
ranks of the private citizen with nothing of the soldier 
' about him but his experience, his galhint and meritorious 
record, and his justifiable pride therefor. He resumed the 
practice of the law, which he followed until Sept. 29, 1866, 
when he received the appointment of collector of customs 
and inspector at the port of Waddington, which position 
he retained until Jan. 1, 1875. He is at the present 
writing engaged in milling and farming. He has given 
considerable attention to the importation of thoroughbred 
cattle from Scotland. He is the present supervisor of 
Waddington, and is held in high esteem by all who know 
him, not only for his gallant deeds as a soldier, but for his 
private worth as a man. 

On Oct. 14, 1855, Major Rutherford was united in mar- 
riage to Belinda Castleman, by whom the following-named 
children have been born to him : Winfield Scott, Clarendon, 
Martin C, Eugene F., W. H. S., and James De Forest, 
all of whom are living at the present time, except the last 
one named, who died May 19, 1870. 



HENRY W. PRATT. 

The subject of our sketch traces his lineage from an 
honorable ancestry having its beginning in England. His 
grandfather, Captain Elias Pratt, was born at Oxford, Ma.ss., 
Nov. 16, 1743, and ciuumanded a company of volunteer 
militia during the Revolutionary War, serving until peace 
was declared. 



298 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Amasa Pratt, tlio father of Ilcnry W., wa.s the youngest 
child of liis fatlier's taiiiilj, being born also at Oxford, 
Mass., May 7, 1787. He passed his youth mostly in Wor- 
cester county, in that State, and learned the trade of a 
hatter at O.^ford. In or about the year 1808-9 he located 
in Ogdensburg, and engaged with Silvester Gilbert in the 
business of his trade, in the old barracks at the mouth of 
the Oswegatehie. In 1810 he removed to the village of 
Hamilton ( now Waddington), where he engaged in mercan- 
tile business in connection with his former business. He 
was united in marriage with Miss Fannie Connor, daughter 




MRS. FANNIE PRATT^ 

of James Connor, of Amsterdam, N. Y., on June 12, 1814. 
Mi's. Conner was born October 18, 1793. To them were 
born five children, viz. : Emeline J., Henry W., Miriam, 
Amasa, and Eleanor, all of whom are now living. Mr. 
Pratt died in Waddington, May 27, 1830, and Mrs. Pratt, 
April 11, 1873. 

Henry W. Pratt was born January 19, 1817, in the town 
of Waddington (then Madrid), St. Lawrence County, and 
resided with his parents until of the age of sixteen years, 
receiving a good common school education. 

At this date he was a|iprcnticed to the trade of his father 
before him, with Field & Robbins, of Ogdensburg, and 
served four years. He then renioved to Waddington, and 
established himself in the same trade, and followed it suc- 
cessfully for two years, when he was disabled from further 
prosecuting it by the loss of his right arm while firing a 
salute on Washington's birthday in 1839. After this loss, he 
served three years as deputy sheriff of St. Lawrence County. 

Politically, Mr. Pratt is allied to the Republican party, 
having been a member of the Whig party previous to the 
formation of the former organization. He served as post- 
master of Waddington under Presidents Harrison and 



Fillmore, and has been a justice of the peace of his town 
fifteen years, lias served on the board of trustees of the 
village several years, and is at present on the board of 
education of the town, in which cause he has ever been 
deeply interested. At the breaking out of the war of the 
rebellion he at once actively interested himself in the re- 
cruiting of volunteers to fill the <|uotas of his town. During 
the years of the war, and since, he has been engaged in 
farming. He received the appointment of deputy collector 
of customs and inspector at the port of Waddington in 
August, 1877, which position he still occupies. 

On the 14th of October, 1852, Mr. Pratt was united in 
marriage to Miss Sylvia A. Pratt, a daughter of John M. 
Pratt, of Dudley, Jlass., he being a native of that State, 
and of English descent. Mrs. Pratt in early life embraced 
the cause of Christianity, and has been a zealous and active 
member of the Congregational church of Madrid for many 
years, working especially in the Sabbath-school. 

We are warranted in the statement that Mr. Pratt and 
his estimable wife are held in high esteem by those who 
have the pleasure of their acquaintance. 



CALVIN ABERNETHY. 

Among the few pioneers of Waddington who still survive, 
and look with pride and pleasure on the changes their own 
hands have wrought, Calvin Abernethy is found. He was 
the eldest son of Cjrus and Sally (Doolittle) Abernethy, 'V' 
natives of Vermont, and immigrated to the town of lila3i- 
son in 1802, Calvin being then about five years of age. 
He was born at Cornwall, Vt., in 1797. He was reared 
and educated' as a farmer, the occupation of his father be- 
fore him, and has made that business his own through life. 
At the age of twenty-four years he was married to Miss 
Lura McKnight, daughter of John McKnight, a native of 
Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Abernethy have reared a 
family of seven children, viz., Sarah, Susan H., Cyrus La- 
fayette, Monroe, Helen, Paulina, and Cyrus C, all of whom 
are now living, except Helen, Monroe, and Cyrus L. 

Politically, Mr. Abernethy was formerly a Democrat ; but 
owing to its extreme tendencies to perpetuate the " peculiar 
institution," African slavery, he refused to serve longer un- 
der its colors when the Republican party was organized, 
and joined the ranks of that party, where he is still found. 
Two of his sons went into the army to fight for the Union, 
Cyrus L. and Monroe. The latter died in the service, at 
Martinsburg, Va.,and the former served until mustered oat 
at the close of the war. 

Mr. Abernethy resides with his children, in the home- 
stead that has sheltered him for more than the allotted 
threescore and ten yeai-s of man's pilgrimage. His com- 
panion of more than half a century passed on before him 
to her rest, June 7, 187(), at the age of seventy-nine years. 

A view of the old home may be seen on another page of 
this work. 




WALTER WILSON. 



Amid the bloom of the heather and the tassels of the 
broom of " bonnie Scotland," the land of Bruce and Wal- 
lace, Walter Wilson was boi-n July 15, 1797, and was given 
the name Walter, that his father and grandfiither had 
borne before him ; his birthplace was also theirs — Gedlmrgh. 
He immigrated to St. Lawrence County in 1819. He re- 
ceived a good common-school education in the land of his 
birth, and his first employment in the land of his adoption 
was teaching. Next he entered the business of his life, 
merchandising, oflBciating as a clerk in a store for Mr. Cooper, 
at Chippewan bay. His mercantile life was a successful 
one, and, by thrifty habits and sound business judgment, he 
ama.ssed a handsome competency. While engaged at Chip- 
pewan bay he met, wooed, and won an estimable lady, 
Mi.ss Ann Podds, a Scotch lassie, and daughter of Thomas 
Dodds. She was born in 1801, and yet survives, possessing 
much of the vigor of her early days. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born the following named 
children : William, Ellen M., Thomas, and Isabella. Elk-n 
M. is now Mrs. L. J. Proctor, of Waddington, with whom the 
aged mother resides. Thomas also resides in Waddington, 
and Isabella is now Mrs. J. C. Spencer, and resides in New 
York city. William is deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wil.son were life-loni; members of the 



Presbyterian church, and upon his decease, which occurred 
Nov. 19, 1873, he left an endowment for that society in 
Waddington nearly suflficient for its entire support. He 
did not confine his gifts, however, to his own favorite church, 
but made a fine donation to the Jlethodist society of his 
town also. Previous to his death he donated a parsonage 
to the Presbyterian church. His interest in education was 
marked and unabatinu, and in all matters for the public 
good he maintained an interest, and took an active part in 
their promotion. In politics he was ibrnierly a member of 
the Whig party, and on the formation of the Republican 
organization allied himself to that party, being always a 
strong opponent of .slavery. 

On his decease, the Ogdeiisbvrg Joiiriidl thus spoke of 
Mr. Wilson: 

" Walter Wilson, one of the oldest and most respected 
citizens of Waddington, died at his residence on Wednesday 
morning, after a brief illness. He had just returned from 
an annual hunting trip in Canada, which was one of his 
favorite pa.stimes, a short time before he was taken ill. He 
was an upright, energetic, and successful business man, and 
always sustained a prominent position in the community 
where he resided so many years, and is held in high esteem 
by all surviving friends who once knew him." 



N O R P O L K. 



There is a peculiar felicity in bringing to light the 
events of other days ; of adding to the pages of history 
some data that are almost lost to the memory of man, and 
are slowly but surely sinking into oblivion ; of calling to 
the remembrance of the few now remaining the scenes of 
their early toil and care " in the days when they were 
pioneers, nevenhj years ago," and laying before the present 
generation the fruits of pioneer industry and enterprise. 
As the poet has aptly sung : 

" Back on the misty track of time, in memory's flickering light, 
They see the scenes of other days like meteors in the night. 
The garden, with its low-built fence, with stakes and withes to tie it, 
The rude log house, their early home, and one wild maple by it. 

*' Rude were the sports 'round that wild home when little hands were 
twined, 
And echoing woods swept back the joy like voices in the wind ; 
And there gay birds, on bended spray, their wild-wood songs have 

given, — 
The robin sang at dawn of day, the whip-po-will at even. 

'* But leaves are scattered not more wild by autumn's winds uphurled. 
Than all that group of faces bright upon the wide, wide world ; 
But still on memory's page, in light which time can ne'er destroy, 
Stand out these scenes, — that house and tree, — a lost but sacred 
joy-" 

Some years prior to the actual settlement of what now 
constitutes the town of Norfolk, in common with many of 
the towns in St. Lawrence County lying on the great river 
or its tributaries, timber thieves " .squatted,'' for the purpose 
of getting out timber and shipping it to the markets on the 
Canadian side of the river. The first contract for land in 
the town was given to Erastus Hall, who came in from Ty- 
ringham, Mass., in June, 1809. He came into the town 
to explore, with a view of .settlement, arriving at Potsdam 
May 9 of the year above named. Meeting Judge Ray- 
mond at the inn of Ruell Taylor, he was induced to go 
and look at lands located in what was then the town of 
Loui.sville. Ira Brewer, from the same place, with Mr. 
Hall, accompanied him on his journey, and they proceeded 
through a bush road, which had been cut as far as the 
present village of Raymondville, for the purpose of con- 
veying potash to a point from whence it could be shipped 
in canoes to Canada. Arriving at their destinatiim, but 
on the opposite side of the river from that which they 
wished to gain, they made a rude raft of logs, on which 
they placed their coats, guns, and (ire-works, ;iiid endeavored 
to paddle over, but soon found themselves at (lie mercy of 
the current, without the ability to jiaddle their frail raft 
with the poles they had provided. Pa.ssing under a tree, 
they threw their freight ou shore, and with niueli difficulty 
rescued themselves by clinging to the branches. One lost 



his hat, but .soon recovered it by swimming, and the two 
found shelter in a shanty erected by lumbermen in procur- 
ing timber. A great number of fine spars had been taken 
from the woods near Raquette river at this time. In re- 
turning, they attempted to cross the river in an old bark 
canoe, but this instantly filled with water, and they were 
obliged to hasten back. On the first night they were un- 
able to get to their destination, and slept under a log. 
Several days after they returned, and had farms surveyed 
out by Sewall Raymond, of Potsdam. Mr. Hall employed 
some persons at the Union, in Potsdam, to erect him a 
house, this being the first respectable habitation built in 
town, and in the fall returned to New England for his 
family. Mr. Hall resided in the town until his death, 
which occurred March 29, 1869, at the advanced age of 
eighty-three. He was preceded to the grave by his wife — 
who was a remarkable woman in many respects — almost nine 
years. She died in the town of Norfolk, Feb. 1, 18(50, 
aged seventy-three. When Mr. Hall arrived his worldly 
goods consisted of $15 in cash, a pair of two-year-old 
steers, and an old mare; but before his death he had ac- 
quired more than a comfortable competency, and had the 
satisfaction of leaving to his heirs property valued at 
$100,000, none of which was acquired by speculation, but 
all by patient industry and laborious effort. 

Eben Judson, from Williston, Vt., and Martin Barney, 
came in the same year, and made small beginnings. In 
March, 1810, Mr, Judson came on with his family, and 
his wife was the first white woman who settled in the town. 
They were accompanied by their three children, a brother 
and brother-in-law of Mr. Judson's, and two brothers, 
Ashbel and John Hall, young men, who remained several 
months and returtied. They had two horse-teams, an ox- 
team, and a cow. The brother and brother-in-law of Mr. 
Judson immediately returned, leaviiig the family established 
in their house, which was a .shanty 10 by 14 feet, built be- 
tween two hemlock-trees. They also had a shed for their 
cattle, which was an open bower covered by boughs. It is 
said of Judge Raymond, that happening to pass the prim- 
itive home of the Judsons .soon after, and being belated, 
he sought shelter there, prefacing his request with the fa- 
cetious remark that '• they must be keeping tavern since 
they had erected sheds," and accepted the humble accom- 
modations of the hospitable fellow-pioneers with a good- 
nature and fimiliarity which was mutually creditable. Jlr. 
Hall and wile arrived four days after the Judsons. 

In September, 1810, Timothy W, Osborn, from Georgia, 
Vt., came on with a company of eight or ten men, as an 
agent for iNIajor Bohan Slu'iiard, of St. Alban's, Vt., and 
erected a saw-mill on Trout brook, which was the 

299 



300 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



FIRST SAW-MILL 

built in the town. Tiie second mills were built by Jonathan 
Culver, at a point then called Hutcliins' falls, in 1812, 
wliich were at the lowest place on Ra((uotte river ever oc- 
cupied by mills.' These mills were destroyed by fire. The 
third mills in town, and the most pretentious, were erected 
by Judge Atwater, on the Morris tract, in the lower part 
of" the present village of Norfolk, in the suuinuT of 1816. 
The first Durham boat ever run on the Raquette river was 
in this year, and was laden with mill-irons, goods, and pro- 
visions from Schenectady, sent by Judge Atwater to begin 
the settlement at his mills. It was drawn around Culver's 
dam, and afterwards for one or two seasons performed regu- 
lar weekly trips from Culver's to Norfolk, in connection 
with a line below the dam, which ran to ports on the St. 
Lawrence. The latter was required to be regularly furnished 
with clearance papers from the collector of customs. Chris- 
topher (r. Stowe, Martin Barney, Milo Brewer, and several 
others came in and commenced improvements in 1810, but 
the families of Hall and Judson were the only ones that 
spent the winter in town. In 1811 the settlement was in- 
creased by several families, and each successive year brought 
fresh additions to the town. 

Among other early and prominent settlers of the town of 
Norfolk were Moses B. and Colonel Ira Hale, father of 
Oscar H. Hale,* Joel Farnsworth, Divan B. Rich, father of 
Silas F. and Hiram Rich, Denis Kingsbury, Sylvester C. 
Kingsley (the noted hunterj, Henry, John, William, and 
Aaron Blanchard, Ephraim P. Raymond, Nathaniel F. 
AVinslow, Joseph Cummings, Perry C. Bixby, Amos Kimball, 
C. C. Elms, Chauncey L. Shepard (the present efficient high- 
way commissioner, audson of Major Bohan Shepard), Osmund 
Farwell, .John Patterson, Samuel Adams, David C. Clinton, 
Wetmore Adoniram Lockwood, Ichabod Whitcomb, Lewis 
and Daniel Small, Fisher F. Ames, Amos W. Palmer, Wil- 
liam W. Grandy, Lot and Jones Bradish, William L. Glad- 
ding, Ebenezer S. Sanburn, Elisha W. Barber, Roswell 
Hutchins, Julius and James Grant, the pioneers of what 
has since 1838 been known as the " Grant Settlement," on 
and around lots 72 and 73. 

THE FIRST BIRTHS. 

The first white child born in the town was Roscius W., 
son of Eben Judson, now residing in Ogdensburg, who was 
born Aug. 7, 1810. Giles J., son of Erastus Hall, was 
born March 7, 1811. 

THE FIRST DEATH 

was that of Eban Jud.son, who died June 29, 1813, and 
was buried on the farm now owned by the widow of Louis 
Small. Subsequently his remains were exhumed and re- 
interred in the Raymondville burying-ground. The first 
physician who settled in the town was Dr. LeiOiieLWiiislow, 
who came in 1811, from Williston, Vt. 

The first road towards Massena w;is made in November, 
1810, by Messrs. Hall & Brewer. 

THE CIVIL ORGANIZ.\TION. 

Norfolk was formed from Louisville, April 9, 1823; a 

* Now of the town of Stockholm. Sec biography iu the history of 
that town. 



previous futile attempt to divide the towns having been 
made in 1817, making one six miles square, with the present 
village the centre. On the former date Louisville was 
divided, embracing mile-squares 3G to 9.T, and all of 34 and 
3.5 south of Grasse river. On the 15th of April, 18.3-4, 
mile-squares 6-to-lO inclusive, and the north halves of 14 
and 19 of Stockholm, were added; and April 3, 1844, lots 
36 to 44, and parts of 34, 3,'), and 45, were annexed to 
Louisville. The town of Norfolk now contains 35,310 
acres. Its surface is slightly broken and gently rolling, and 
north and west of Raquette river it is swampy. The soil 
rests upon depositions of gravel and clay, underlaid by 
calciferous sandstone, and is generally fertile. In the eastern 
part of the town it is sandy. Its streams are Raquette 
river, which flows through the western and diagonally 
across the northern parts of the town, and, near the central 
part, Trout and Plum brooks, which are tributary to that 
river. Raquette river forms an abundant and excellent water- 
power ; there being no less than seven dams upon it within 
the limits of the town. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Elisha 
Adams, on Monday, May 5, 1823, and the following-named 
officers were elected : Christopher G. Stowe, supervisor ; 
Erastus Hall, town clerk ; Elisha W. Barber, Ephraim S. 
Raymond, Roswell Hutchins, assessors ; Ebenezer S. San- 
burn, Bishop Booze, John Blanchard, commissioners of 
highways ; Christopher G. Stowe, Ephraim S. Raymond, 
overseers of the poor ; Russell C. Atwater, Roswell 
Hutchins, Erastus Hall, inspectors of common schools ; 
Benjamin Raymond, Phineas Atwater, Roswell Hutchins, 
trustees of gospel and school lots. 

"In 1828, a committee of five, to wait on the court- 
house commissioners. In 1848, voted against dividing St. 
Lawrence into three counties. In 1851, voted strongly 
against enlarging the court-house. In 1852, voted $650 
for a town-house. This was built of brick, 60 by 40, with 
a piazza eight feet wide in front. It is decidedly the finest 
town-hall in the county, and has cost about ^lOOO."! 

We subjoin a list of the supervisors of the town from its 
organization to the present (1877) : 1823, Christopher G. 
Stowe; 1824-29, Phineas Atwater; 1830-31, William 
Blake; 1832-33, P. Atwater; 1834-36, William Blake; 
1837, Norman Sackrider ; 1838, William Blake; 1839, N. 
Sackridor; 1840-41, Hiram Atwater; 1842-45, Ira Hale; 
1846-47, Giles I. Hall; 1848-49, Calvin Elms; 1850-51, 
Nathaniel F. Beals ; 1852-54, Chri-stian Sackrider; 1855, 
Giles J. Hall; 1856, John Yale; 1857-59, Lewis Small; 
1860, Horatio S. Mun.son ; 1861, William Glosson ; 1862 
-65, John R. Brinckerhofl"; 1866-68, Edwin H. Atwater; 
1869-75, Joseph C. Mould; 1876-77, Edwin H. Atwater. 

The present town ofiicers are E. H. Atwater, supervisor ; 
C. A. King, town clerk, in place of I. N. Monch, moved 
away ; Silas J. Farnsworth, assessor ; C. L. Shepard, com- 
missioner of highways; Levi Miller, H. S. Joy, C. H. 
Robinson, A. E. Sayles, justices of the peace ; R. C. Brinck- 
erhoff, collector; Alonzo Whitcomb, John Hayes, overseers 
of the poor; George B. Graves, Hugh Finnegan, I. J. 
Crabb, constables ; A. D. Calkins, E. R. Foord, Ethan A. 

f Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence Co., etc., 1862. 





r 



Mrs.Wm.C./?awson. 



( PHOTOS, sr H. I Stone. Potsdam, n. Y. ) 




The Old Home 



Wm C Rawson. 




RESfOENCC or VVM. C. HAWSON, ftonrOLx, Si. LkvtHt-iicL County, H.Y. 




i 








I'linto*. Iij .Stnlio, I'litsdiini, 



SILAS WALDKON. 



JIKS. SDl'HHOMA WAI.llHON. 



SILAS WALDRON. 



The subject of our present sketch, Silas Waldron, was 
born at Lachute Argenteuil, Canada, in the year 1804. 
His fether, Abiathar Waldron, was a native of Rhode Island, 
and at the bei;inning; of the Revolutionary war entered the 
service of an officer in the Continental army as a servant, 
being too young to enlist as a soldier, but before the close 
of the war he was mustered into the ranks. At the cessa- 
tion of hostilities he sought a home in Chittenden Co., Vt., 
where he married a wife from the Everets family, and settled 
in the town of Williston. In 1798 he sold his farm, and 
with others of his neighbors emigrated to Canada East, 
or the province of Quebec, as it is now known, his family 
then containing five children, and located at Lachute Ar- 
genteuil, where three other children were added to the 
fivmily, which then consisted of five boys and three girls, 
who .settled in different part,s of the country. 

Silas Waldron, at the age of twenty-two years, was con- 
nected by marriage with the Burch family, who were also 
settlers at Lachute, from Vermont. Silas, with his wife, 
Sophronia, resided two years on the homestead, and then 
bought a small farm and began life in earnest for themselves; 
but after two years, a rerpiest came from his father to return 
and manage the old homestead again, and the sou dutifully 
returned to assist the father in his declining years and fail- 
ing health. When the Canadian rebellion, or patriot war, 
broke out, the senior Waldron sold his farm (in 1838), as 
also did the son, and removed to Norfolk, St. Lawrence 
(!ounty, where the year following they bought a farm, and 
both families moved to it in February, 1840, and there the 
father died in the .\pril following. Mrs. Waldron died some 
fivi^ years afterwards. The son, Silas, has followed the oc- 
cupation of a farmer from his boyhood to the present time, 
satisfied witii it.s returns, which have been fairly remunera- 
tive. 

Mr. Waldron has always taken an active interest in the 
affairs of his town, and has held some of it.s offices with 
credit to himself and satisfaction to tlie people. In busi- 



ness his word is a guaranty of his faith in his undertakings, 
accepted by all who have dealings with him. 

In 1840, Mr. Waldron and his wife joined the Methodist 
Episcopal church, of which church his father and mother 
were also members ; and the pioneer preachers testify that 
" Father" Waldron's house was their home whenever they 
came in its vicinity, and bear witness also to his liberality 
to the church. In these qualifications, also, the son and his 
wife were noted, and were among the most zealous workers 
for and of the church for more than thirty years. For a.s 
long a period, too, Mr. Waldron served the church as steward, 
trustee, and class-leader, working freely and actively wher- 
ever the interest of the church called for his aid. His 
purse was open to its temporal necessities, and his heart 
and tongue gave of their best powers for its spiritual wants. 
In 1867 a new church edifice was erected, and Mr. Wal- 
dron was one of the building committee, and paid liberally 
for its construction, which cost SOOUI). 

Mr. Waldron and the wife of his youth have i)assed 
through fifly-one years of wedded life together in amity and 
concord, sharing its trials, hardships, comforts, and joys, 
and have reared a family of four daughters and two sons. 
The oldest son now resides in Nebraska, and is a farmer ; 
the other son is at home with his wife, on the old home- 
stead. Two daughters are married, and reside in Louisville, 
St. Lawrence County; one died some six years ago, and the 
youngest one is at home with her ]iarents, unmarried. 

Though sorrow and distress have come to them in the 
loss of friends and relatives, and severe illness has brought 
their family at times near unto death, yet this trusting 
pair have never failed to look unto Him whence cometh 
their .strength, with confidence and the spirit of the 
psalmist, when he says, " Though He slay me, yet will I 
trust in Him," and they are now passing serenely down the 
stream of time, their bark guided by faith, their sails 
trimmed by hope, and their horizon bounded by an endles.s 
love. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



301 



Everest, inspectors of election district No. 1 ; Silas J. Farns- 
worth, M. P. Bishop, A. A. Woodartl (appointed), inspectors 
of election district No. 2 ; 0. H. Hale ; L. L. Atwater, 
L. C. Yale (appointed), town auditors; Alonzo Auies, 
George Carpenter, Cyrus O. Jones, excise commissioners. 

NORFOLK 

is the principal village in the town, the first settlement at 
which was made in 1816, by Judge Russell Atwater, from 
Russell, who, in June the year previously, purchased one- 
half of the Morris tract, and the west half of Eighty-eight 
in Louisville. This tract had been assigned to James D. 
Le Ray in a partition of lands, and sold by him to Gouver- 
neur Morris. A clearing of ten acres had been made for 
Le Ray in the summer of 1811, in the lower part of what 
is now the village of Norfolk, on which, in 1812, a crop of 
wheat was raised. A large stone grist-mill, with two run 
of stones, was built by Mr. Atwater, the same year of his 
arrival, on the site of the mill subsequently owned by 
Norman Sackrider. 

Among the early settlers of the village who have been 
more or less identified with its moral and material develop- 
ment, might be mentioned the following : Norman Sackrider 
and Christian, his brother, Julius Judson, Thomas* and 
Joseph C. Mould, William Atwat«r, M.D., Hiram Atwater, 
Timothy W. Osborne, Roswell Hutchiiis, Solomon Sart.well, 
Martin Beach, John P. and Henry A. Wetmore, Arba 
and Alba Robinson. 

A company styling itself the Plicpni.x iron company, 
under the firm of E. Keyes & Co., was formed Oct. 7, 1825, 
and the year following built in the village, on the north 
bank, a furnace for making iron from bog ores, which ex- 
isted abundantly in the swamps of this and neighboring 
towns. It passed through several hands and ran about two 
hundred days in a year till 184-1, when it was burned by 
an incendiary. It produced about twelve tons daily, and 
was lined with sandstone from Potsdam and Hopkinton. 
In 1846 a forge was built by William Blake a little 
above the furnace, and run two or three years, until it 
was burned. 

" The village of Norfolk possesses manufacturing facili- 
ties which are destined to render it a place of much im- 
portance. The Raquette river here has a descent of about 
70 feet within a mile, passing over three dams already 
erected, and affording opportunity for at least four more, 
at each of which the whole volume of the river could be 
used. Below the upper dam the channel is divided by an 
island of about two acres in extent, which affords facilities 
for the erection of dams at its head and at its foot, and the 
water could be diverted to either side or used upon both 
sides of the island and the main shore. At the foot of the 
island the river turns to the left, and the bank on the inside 
of the bend is low and flat, and but little elevated above 
high-water mark, while that on the outside of the bend is 
an elevated plain of easy a.scent, and abruptly terminating 
upon the river. This elevated bank continues, with a slight 
interruption, to below the village. The left bank of the 
river is low, and on this the main part of the village is at 

*■ Now past eighty years of age, having heen Ijorn Dec. 25, 1797. 



present built. Throughout the whole extent the bed of 
the river is formed of limestone, afifording at the same time 
a secure foundation for building and the materials for the 
erection of walls. Lime made from this stone is of good 
quality." 

The village now contains four .shingle-mills, owned and 
operated respectively by John R Brinekerboff, A. A. Davis, 
E. H. & L. L. Atwater, and Edson Dow, which manufac- 
tured 7,500,000 shingles during 1876; a grist-mill by At- 
water, Bemis & Co. ; a creamery, by Henry M. Atwater, 
makes about 25.000 pounds of butter per annum ; a tannery 
by Horatio Robin.son ; two carriage-shops, by C. A. King 
and J. M. Hutchins; one furniture-factory, two saw-mills, 
a pump-factory, three blacksmithies, and three shoe-shops. 
There are two general stores, kept by G. A. Mowitt and 
Ambrose E. Sayles, respectively, one drug-store, by N. C. 
Smith, two grocery-stores, one furniture-store, and three 
millinery establishments. There are four churches, one 
each of the Protestant Episcopal, Congregational, Method- 
ist Episcopal, and Roman Catholic denominations. There 
are two district schools, a post-oifice, Joseph C. Mould, post- 
master, a telegraph-office, two hotels, and about 600 in- 
habitants. Norfolk stands preeminently as one of the 
most enterprising villages in the northern part of St. Law- 
rence County. The above description includes the settle- 
ment known as " Slab city," which never was anything more 
than a continuation of Norfolk. 

RAYMONDVILLE. 

The village of Raymondville was originally called Racker- 
ton, but is generally known as the lower village. Its 
pi-esent name was given in honor of Benjamin Raymond, 
the first agent for Norfolk and Potsdam. The Indians 
called it Tsiiakoontieta, meaning " where they leave the 
canoe."f 

In 1814 a bridge was constructed acro.ss Raquette river, 
and in 1816, l\Ir. Raymond moved his family to the place. 
Erastus Hall had settled in the immediate vicinity of the 
place in 1810. The place possesses an excellent water- 
power, which has been largely utilized for manufacturing 
purposes. Among the oldest and most prominent manu- 
facturers there now are Joseph Clark and William Coats, 
the former engaged in the wagon and repairing business, 
the latter in the manufacture of bricks. The place now 
contains a woolen-factory, established as such in 1873. The 
original building was erected by Joseph Clark, and used by 
liim for various mechanical purposes in general wood-work 
until destroyed by fire in 1852. The present structure was 
built the same year. There are two butter-tub factories, 
grist-, saw-, and shingle-mills, a creamery, owned and oper- 
ated by C. A. Clark, in which he makes about 25,000 
pounds of butter per annum. It has three brick-yards, the 
most extensive of which is that operated by William Coats, 
and established by him in 1841. He manufactures 500,000 
bricks per year ; his brother, T. S. Coats, 400,000 ; and at 
the other yard are made about 200,000, making a total of 
1,100,000. The first brick-yard was established in 1817, 
by Erastus Hall, and w;is located one-half mile below the 



t See Childs' Historical Directory, |i. 11)7 



302 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



village. In addition to the above there is a starch factory, 
two blacksniitli-shops, two general stores, a union church 
(used altoniatoly by the E]iisfiip;il Mutliddists and the Con- 
gregationali.st.sj, a coiiiniddious scliiKil-lidusc, a hotel, and a 
post-ofiice. Altogether, with a little ni(ire general enter- 
prise among the residents of Rayniondville, coupled with 
the line natural ndvantagois the place enjoys, it might be- 
coiue a village of considerable importance. 

THE TOWN-IIALI,. 

This building, one of the finest of its kind in the county, 
was erected in 1871. It is built of brick, and its dimen- 
sions are 38 by CO feet, with walls 22 feet high. It cost 
$:1000, and its builders were Messrs. Oral Bradley, Edwin 
II. & L. L. Atwater, Cliauncoy L. Shcpard, and E. W. 
Beniis. The expense of erection was borne by the gentle- 
men above named, and on completion it was sold to the town 
at what was generally considered a very reasonable price. 
It is located in the village of Norfolk. 

BRIDGES. 

The town has been equally fortunate with regard to its 
bridges, particularly tho.se spanning the Raquette river at 
the village of Norfolk, which were both constructed for the 
sum of $3,500. They are of iron, of the .style known as 
trestle, and are very substantial and durable. The con- 
struction was superintended by the present efficient high- 
way commissioner, C. L. Shcpard, and they give general 
satisfaction. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Meetings for religious worship were held in the lower 
part of the town, almost immediately after it was settled, 
alternately at the hou.ses of Messrs. Hall and Judson, who 
were members of no church, but believed that the observ- 
ance of the Sabbath conduced to morality. Soon after their 
arrival they agreed to hold religious meetings at their 
houses, at which a sermon should be read, and that "their 
families should remain and visit after the meeting was dis- 
missed. Occasionally others of the settlers would come in 
on the Sabbath, and these weekly meetings were kept up 
for some time, when one Montague, who came on with 
others to build a mill on Trout brook, having heard of these 
meetings, attended, and was the first worshiper who could 
sing and pray, and thenceforth they lacked none of the ele- 
ments rer|uisite in the Protestant worship." In 1811, Seth 
Burt, a missionary from Massachusetts, came and left, books. 
The Rev. James Johnson, from Potsdam, and the Rev. Mr. 
Winchester, from Madrid, oceasioiially visited the town, and 
held meetings in the vicinity of the present village of Ray- 
mondville. 

GRACE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
at Norfolk was begun in 1816, by Hon. Rus.sell Atwater, 
who fitted up the ujiper story of his grist-mill fur the pur- 
pose of divine worship, according to the ritual of the Epis- 
copal church, and himself ofiiciated for several years as lay 
reader, and .succeeded in making a few converts to the 
church, instructing them in the tenets of that faith. Anion" 
these was the Rt. Rev. L. Silliinan Ives, D.D., subsequently 
bishop of North Carolina. The parish of Grace church 
was regularly organized in 1825 by the Rev. Seth M. 



Beardsley, then acting as missionary in the country, who 
also made an unsuccessful attempt to build a church. He 
was succeeded by Hevs. Hiram Adams and Henry Atwater, 
in 1828 and 182'J respectively. From July, 183G, to March, 
1842, public services were discontinued, with the excep- 
tion of occasional lay reading, and owing to the want of a 
clergyman, and the removal of several families, the organi- 
zation of the parish was lost. A reorganization took place 
March 29, 1842, when the Rev. John A. Childs began to 
officiate as missionary, and ho was followed by Rev. John 
H. Hanson. On the 3()tli of July, 1S45, the corner-stone of 
the present clnireli edifice was laid by the lit. Rev. Wni. 
H. Delancy, D.D., bishop of western New York, in a lot 
of ground purchased by the vestry, and situated it] the 
centre of the village. The edifice co.st $3000, and will 
comfortably seat 250 persons. It is after the Elizabethan 
style of architecture ; is 70 feet in length, including the 
porch, 50 feet across the transept, and 22 across the nave. 
The ridge is thirty-four feet high. The walls are of stone, 
and very massive. At the time of its erection it was the only 
Gothic structure in St. Lawrence or Franklin counties. The 
present church officers are : Rector, Rev. J. L. Nesbitt ; 
Senior Warden, Sylvester Foord, M.D. ; Vestrymen, Ed- 
win II. Atwater, C. II. Robinson, H. F. Allen, F. A. Wet- 
more, Jidgar Foord, S. F. GofF, A. N. Thompson. The 
present number of ecimnnining members is 35 ; number of 
teachers and scholars in the Sunday-school (which was 
organized Nov. 25, 1877} is 28 ; superintendent, the rector. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

was organized July 1, 1817, by Rev. Royal Phelps, of the 
Cayuga presbytery, then acting as a missionary, assisted by 
Rev. John Ransom, of Hopkinton; had at first seventeen 
members. The meetings were first held in the loft of a 
mill, and afterwards in a chamber of the tavern of J. Lang- 
worthy and in the school-house. Loring Brewster was in- 
stalled first pastor April 28, 1828. The society was incor- 
porated February 20, G. C. Stowe, Martin Beach, E. S. 
Tambliiig, William Blake, Philemon Kellogg, and John C. 
Putnam, trustees. Reorganized Dec. 12, 1840. A church 
edifice was erected in 1840, at a cost of $4000. It will 
seat 200 persons. The present membership of the church 
is 60. Pastor, Rev. Geo. B. Rowley ; Deacons, Benj. Glines 
and J. C. Mould ; Trustees, Alba Robinson, Julius Judson, 
Charles Stowe ; membership of the Sunday-school, 68 ; 
number of teachers, 7 ; Superintendent, Edward Blaneliard. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

at Rayniondville was first organized Marcli 12, 1828, as a 
colony from the parent church at Norfolk. The organiza- 
tion had comparatively little vitality prior to the erectipn 
of the brick church, which was built in conjunction with 
the Metliodi.sts, in 1844. The building cost $1)00(1, and 
has a seating capacity for 275 persons. It has a 300-pouud 
bell, and is altogether one of the finest church edifices iu 
town. The ])re.sent membership is 52. Pastor, Rev. Geo. 
B. Rowley ; Deacons, A. B. Bishop and A. S. Hall ; Trustees, 
M. P. Bishop, A. B. Bishop, and Thomas S. Coats. The 
union Suiiday-.sehool has a membership of 12 teachers and 
120 .scholars. The superintendent is William Coats. 



I 

I 




DK. WILLIAM FLOYD. 



Many of the facts connected with tlie life and history of 
the subject of this sketch are lacking, owing to the removal 
by death of those of his friends and relatives who were 
conversant with them. What is here given shows hira to 
have been a respected and influential member of society, and 
an unusually successful practitioner of his chosen profession. 

Dr. Floyd was born in New Haven, Addi-son Co., Vt., Oct. 
16, 1800. On Jan. 1.'), 1S22, he married Miss Phebe 
McClcnathen, daughter of Thomas McClenathcn. Three 
children were the result of this union. Dr. Floyd came to 
Norfolk in 1829. The practice of his profession w;is not 



confined to Norfolk, but extended to the villages of De Kalb 
and Madrid. His fii-st wife having died, he was united in 
marriage to Lucretia Taylor, Feb. 14, 1842. One child 
was born to them. 

Dr. Floyd was a Free Ma.son of good standing, being one 
of the charter members of the Norfolk lodge. He enter- 
tained a high regard for religious matters, and was a con- 
sistent member of the Congregational church. Having 
been successful in the accumulation of properly, he contribu- 
ted largely to the support of the church. In politics he was 
a stanch Republican. 




CHAUNCEY L. SHEPARD. 



The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Geor- 
gia, Franklin Co., Vt., INIarch 28, 1S03. His parents' 
names were I5ohan SheparJ and Charlotte Sliepard, who 
were of English descent. Chauncey moved from Vermont to 
St. Lawrence County in 1823, and located on the same form 
where he now resides. His first purchase was forty acres at 
ten dollars per acre, and subsequent purchases amounting to 
some two hundred acres. His parents moved here in 1828, 
and Chauncey and his brother together owned prior to his 
marriage some four hundred acres, three hundred of which 
were cleared by himself. He was married at the age of twenty- 
four to Rachael Ball, daughter of Jonas Ball, of Madrid, 
St. Lawrence County, who departed this life in 1832. The 
result of this union was four cbildron, three daughters and 
one son, viz.: Harriet M., Charlotte Elizabeth, Candace P., 
and (jrcorge W. Shepard, all of whom are living and mai'- 
rled. Mr. Shepard has followed various pursuits in life. 
Used to be called a good carpenter and joiner and stone 
mason. Was one of the first to start tlic stage line through 
this section, and drove the first stage through from Norfolk 
to St. Ridges ; was one of the proprietors of the route. He 



subsequently iiurehased large droves of cattle and drove 
them through to Montreal and Quebec, Canada. Was at one 
time superintonJont of the building of the woodwork for 
river and canal locks at Montreal and Beauharnois ; also 
superintendent of the building of the Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain railroad, such as grading and masonry. Li the 
fall of 1851, Mr. S. went to California, where he remained 
some two years, and endured the hardships of a life in the 
mines ; took out at one time, with his own hands, a nugget 
worth nine hundred and fifty dollars. Upon his return, in 
1853, he commenced building, and has now one of the 
finest fiirms in the town of Norfolk. A sketch of his resi- 
dence and farm ' buildings can be seen on another page of 
this work. He has served the town some fifleen years of 
his life as commissioner of highways, and has just erected 
two fine iron bridges over the Racjuette river, at Norfolk 
village. 

Mr. Shepard is now in his seventy-fifth year, and. al- 
though pa.st the usual time allotted to man, is as active as a 
boy, and attends regularly to the duties of the farm, and 
all that demands his attention. 



\ 



'V.?n-ji'-iii,uv;rfj^j,y^^^„'i-,^'..' ^' 




\ti>l iJcN[^t ur n.C. r An iVLLL , j'vOfr/- utn , oi lA vVrttrvut. '.-u., 




H. D.C/4RPENTER 

(Norfolk j 




RES. or STLf'HLN A.CRARY, PIEHREPONT Niw York . 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



303 



THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
at Norfolk was oriianized April 19, 1S31, with Royal Sliol- 
don, Lucius Ciianfller, Justus Webber, Hiram Johnson, 
and Ebenezer Hougiiton, trustees. They reorganized Feb. 
10, 1840, and erected their present house of worship in 
Norfolk village. The present pastor is Rev. R. E. King. 
Membership of the charge is 26 probationers and 153 full 
members. The Sunday-school numbers 32 officers and 
teachers, and 2(15 scholars. The pastors and others to 
whom we applied failed to furnish us with the names of 
the officers of the church, lience the omission. 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 
at Norfolk was organized in the summer of 18t)8, at which 
time they purcha.sed the old Methodist church and fitted it 
up for a place of worship. The first pastor was Rev. Father 
Swift, ; the present incumbent is Rev. J. J. Breniian. Mem- 
bership 400. Tru.stees, Rt. Rev. Bishop Wadhams, Very 
Rev. James Mackey, Rev. J. J. Brennan, P. M. Leonard, 
and James Smith. Membership of the Sunday-school, 34. 
Superintendent, Father Brennan. 

EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL. 

Matters of education received early attention from the 
early settlers, and we find that a school was taught as early 
as 1812. The progress in educational improvement has 
been, in many respects, in advance of other material inter- 
ests, as is shown by the subjoined statistics : number of 
school-houses, 15 ; value of same, S8000 : number of teach- 
ers employed, 15; number of scholars, 915; State appro- 
priation, $1851 ; taxes, $577. The population of the 
town for the halfdecades from 1845 to 1875, iuclusive, has 
been as follows: Li 1845, 1544 ; in 1850, 1753 ; in 1855, 
1804; in 1860,2329; in 18G5, 1876; ic 1870, 2441; 
in 1875,2470; in 1877 (estimated), 2550. 

We are under obligations to the following persons for 
information and as.sistance in the compilation of the history 
of the town of Norfolk: Dr. Franklin B. Hough, author 
of the "History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties;" 
to Giles J. Hall, son of Erastus Hall, the pioneer of the 
town; Julius Jud.son, son of Eben Judson, also one of the 
very earliest settlers; C. L. Shepard, son of Major Bohan 
Shepard ; Col. Ira Hale, now of Stockholm, and his son 
Oscar H. Hale ; Lot and Jones Bradish ; H. C. Farwell. 
son of Osmond Farwell; Perry C. Bixby ; Henry C. Wet- 
more ; Joel Farnsworth ; John C. Mould ; E. A. King, 
town clerk ; and many others. 



BIOGIUPHICAL^SKETCHES. 

PERRY C. BIXBY. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Underbill, Chittenden Co., Vt., Nov. 9, 1802. His parents' 
names were Salmon Bixby, who was of Scotch descent, and 
Abigail ChamberTain, of English parentage. His father's 
family moved to St. Lawrence County in the month of 
January, 1811, and located in the town of Madrid, some 
two miles east of Columbia village, and two years later 
removed to the vicinity of the Hiiskall burying-grouud. 



Mr. Bixby was married Oct. 9, 1830, to Eliza A., daughter 
of Uanic;! B. Beals, and on Christmas of the .same year 




Plioto. by N. L. Stoue, Putaduni. 

PERRY C. BIXBr. 
moved his father and mother to the present homestead, 
which was purchased expressly for tlieni by his son, P. C. 
The old gentleman's health finally failed, and it became neces- 
sary for the son to take charge of the farm and attend to 
the wants of the aged father and mother, which he did, and 
has succeeded in accumulating a fine property, working at 
his trade, that of a carpenter, and overseeing the farm since 
the date of his marriage. The original purchase was 
twenty-five acres, and he now holds a deed of two hundred 
and sixty acres. He has erected some two or three build- 
ings annually until within the last two or three years, and, 
although his infirmity forbids further business in this line, 
yet he goes about the farm from day to day and works with 
the energy of a boy ; and on the day prior to ihe writing of 
this sketch, when called upon by the writer, was one and 
one-half miles distant from his residence, cutting under- 
brush. His family consists of a wife and ten children, — seven 
daughters and three sons, viz. : — Chloe, the twins Abigail 
C. and Eliza, Helen, Elsie, Lucy, and Cynthia, Daniel 
Philip, George W., and Orton Bixhy, all of whom are living. 
The first school -house of this district was built of stone, 
and Mr. Bixby carried up one corner of it for the benefit 
of the district. Mr. Bixby s religious belief is to " first 
reconcile thy brother." But fow men have spent so long a 
life of activity and usefulness as has the subject of this 
sketch, and now, at the age of seventy-five, lives to see ihe 
results and fruits of bis labors. 



0. H. HALE, 

the proprietor of the " \'alley Farm," — a view of which 
umy be .seen on another page ot this work, — is also en- 
gaged in the breeding ol' Jersey cattle and Berkshire liogs. 
The farm contains two hundred and fifty acres, finely 



304 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



located and well watered, and under the skillful manage- 
ment and intelligent cultivation of its proprietor has be- 
come one of the best in the town of Norfolk. 

Mr. Hale was born in Norfolk, St. LawriMice Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 6, 1835, being a son of Ira and Amelia Judson Hale. 
He was married April 8, 1858, to Maggie Gage, who was 
born March 4, 1S;!5, in Fairfield, Ileikimor Co., N. Y. 
Her jiareiits, Elijah B. and Esther Hoffman Gage, were 
both natives of Herkimer county, and removed to St. Law- 
rence county in 1844. Four children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Hale, who are now living. 

Mr. Hale is a successful, well-to-do farmer, and a good 
citizen. 

MR. CHANDLER RAWSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Chester, Vt., 
Oct. 27, 1818, and was the third child and oldest son of 
Samuel and Lydia Rawson. He had one brother and eight 
sistefsT'three of whom are still living ; his brother resides 
in Virden, Macoupin Co., 111. Mr. Rawson's parents were 
of Engli.sh descent, and emigrated to this country about 
the year 1820. They settled in the town of Potsdam, where 
they resided until their death. His father died July 12, 
1833; his mother, Nov. 5, 1834. By this bereavement 
the subject of this sketch was left an orphan, with seven 
sisters and one brother, younger than himself All of the 
family who now survive are comfortably settled in life. Mr. 
Rawson himself has been very successful in the acquisition 
of property, as the view of his residence, which appears 
on another page of this work, bears evidence. 



Mr. Rawson commenced life under rather adverse cir- 
cumstances, being left an orphan by the death of both 
parents, as before mentioned, at the tender age of fifteen 
years, but by industry and economy has achieved a compe- 
tence. He engaged to work for Leonard Ellison until he 
was twenty-one years of age, and at the expiration of his 
service was the possessor of SI 00, and attended school 
through the subsequent winter. For the four years follow- 
ing he worked for John and Calvin Borroughs. 

lie was now twenty-five years of age, and the possessor 
of about $500. The next five years were similarly spent, 
and at the age of thirty he was the owner of one hun- 
dred and thirty-one acres of land, clear of incumbrance. 

Feb. 14, 1840, he joined his fortunes to those of Elniyra 
Grandy, of Stockholm, N. Y. The result of this union 
was one child, Sidney G. On Sept. 6, 1853, he lost his 
faithful wife and companion, and two months later was 
called to mourn the death of his only son. 

Mr. Raw.son for his second wife married Mary Wads- 
worth, of Stockholm, Oct. 25, 1854. To them four children 
have been born, — one son and three daughters; all living 
except the son, who died at the age of two years. 

And now, at the age of threescore years, Mr. Rawson 
can review his past life with satisfaction, knowing that he 
has been a faithful servant in the Lord's vineyard, and im- 
proved the talents intrusted to him. Ever ready to aid in 
all good works, he takes an especial interest in educational 
and religious interests. He is a self-made man, and enjoys 
the confidence and esteem of the community where he 
resides. 



PIERREPONT. 



PlERREPONT was formed from Ru.s.sell and Potsdam, 
April 15, 1818, and included the townships of Emilyville, 
No. 15; Chaumont, No. 13; Clifton, No. 10; Clare, No. 
C ; and so much of De Witt, No. 3, as would lie east of a 
continuation of the west line of said township to the rear 
line of Canton. 

Emilyville was taken off' and annexed to Fine in the or- 
ganization of that town, March 27, 1844. Chaumont and 
Clifton were taken from it, and a town named Cliflon or- 
ganized April 21, 18G8. The surface is diversified, and 
the soil various and well adapted to grazing. The principal 
stream is the Racjuette river, which runs through the north- 
east corner, though the north and middle brandies of the 
Grasse river cross town 0, Clare. Magnetic ore and other 
valuable minerals are found in the town. It derives its name 
from Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, who owned a large share of its 
area, and by the agents of wlicim it was jirincipally settled. 

Prom the field-notes of BcMJaniin Wright, made on the 
survey of township No. 3, now Pierrepont, the following 
traditionary record is taken: " The Indians tell of a silver- 
mine, near the falls on Grasse river, which was worked a 



little about 1776, but was stopped by an order of govern- 
ment soon after it was begun." In township No. 3, it is 
said, " The Indian line of navigation from Lake Champlain, 
or from St. Regis to Black river or Lake Ontario, lies 
through this town by way of Fall river." 

Dr. Hough says, — 

" A part of the township of Clare was formerly owned 
by Madame De Stael, the accomplished French authoress, 
and virulent enemy of Napoleon. She invested her money 
in these lands at the recommendation of Gouverneur Mor- 
ris, with whom she was personally acquainted. On Oct, 
7, 1806, he wrote to her as follows : 

" ' It baa occurred to me that >'0U would do well to jturchase the 
rcmninder of the township of Clare. It lies next to that of liallvbecn 
(Russell), which is rapidlv increasing in population. Thus in time 
a revenue will be drawn from it, inconsiderable indeed at first, but 
subsequently of great im]porlance. Now such a provi,«ion for a son 
is of more value than thrice the amount of money. The one directs 
to industry and economy, the other e.xeites to dissipation, unless in- 
dolence is allowed to e.xercisc its enervating power. It would per- 
haps be possible to purchase the remainder of Clare at the rate of one 
dollar an acre. It certainly would not be necessary to go higher 
than two dollars.' 





J. /NGRAHAM Leonard 



^ffs. J. /n GRAHAM Leonard 



( Photos by N l Stonc Potsdam) 







R£5i £f J. tNGRAHAM LEONARD, Pi errepont, St. Uwrence Co.. N Y 



p", ■:.?.■■■'■ rarwrwTi.-'rB 




^■-^., 



1 






h M.AND L. BULLfS .f/fwcPONr^y 




HOffACl BUTTEFfFtELD. 




Photos BY Mrs Of? J HirCHcocif. 
Canton N V* 



'f-\^-^- 



Mrs.Hokaci. BUUERFIELD- 




ri\ONT View or House. 




RESIDENCE & DAfRV FARM or HORACE SUTTCRrjELO, PIIRRLFOUT , N. Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



305 



i 



" On the partition of lands between McCormlck and 
others, 15,200 acres were conveyed to Herman Le Roy 
and Win. Bayard, in trust for this lady. Tiioy were sub- 
sequently conveyed to Theodosius 0. Fowler, and in 1846 
purchased by S. Pratt and Jolin L. Russell, upon directions 
to sell by the Due de Broglie and Ada Holstein de Stael, his 
wife, the only surviving child of Madame de Stael. In 
1847 a question of alienage of the Duchess de Broglie, and of 
the operation of the Now York statute of trusts, having 
arisen, the legislature, by separate acts, confirmed the title 
of Russell and Pratt to the Clare lands, and of Livingston 
to the Clifton lands, similarly ciicumstanced." 

Between the years 1804 and 18C8, Wui. H. Sawyer and 
Leslie W. Russell, of Canton, purchased for themselves and 
Samuel C. Wead, of Malone, the west half of this town- 
ship, since which it has been rapidly settled. The east half 
of the township is owned by Marcus Ball, of Troy, and is 
practically unsettled. The Pierrepont, Fine and Watson 
turnpike runs from north to south, through the west half 
of the town, and all the farms are upon this road. About 
2000 acres of land are cleared and improved, and 2000 
acres more in process of clearing. The land lying back 
from the road is considered the best for farming. The 
timber is mostly hard wood, with hemlock, pine, and spruce. 
There is one saw-mill, owned by the estate of David C. Jud- 
son, of Ogdeusburg, and it is expected that a tannery will 
soon be built. There are two school-houses in the tract, 
but no churches ; the Methodists and Roman Catholics, 
however, have services in the school-houses. Nathan Isham 
has a store in the tract. The Adirondack railroad, from 
Saratoga to Ogdensburg, of which eighty miles are com- 
pleted from Saratoga, will pass through the west half of 
this town, following the valley of the Grasse river and pass- 
ing through Canton. Thomas C. Durant has a land-grant 
of about one million acres from the State of New York to 
aid in its construction. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settlement in Pierrepont was made by Flavins 
J. Curtis, who located in the northeast corner of lot 17 
about 1806-7. The St. Lawrence turnpike from Piatts- 
burg to Carthage was surveyed and cut through the town 
in 1812, and turnpiked in 1813. This was the means of 
opening the town for settlement, and settlers, generally from 
Vermont, came in quite rapidly. Henry Axtell came from 
Vermont in March, 1813, and settled on the east side of 
lot 44. In his family, the year following, was born the 
first child in town, — Henry Edwin Axtell. Ritto B. Ax- 
tell, another son, is now living on the homestead. Cyrus 
Grannis, an agent of Pierrepont's, erected a large frame 
house near the centre and opened a tavern, said to have 
been the first in town. Ebenezer Tupper came in 1813, 
and settled on the east side of the Rafpiette river, at the 
point where the turnpike crosses. Soon after coming in ho 
also opened a tavern. Peter Ripley Leonard came from 
Shoreham, Vt., and settled in Canton in the spring of 1803. 
His brother, Moses Leonard, settled in Canton in the same 
year. They removed to this town in 1S13. Peter II. lo- 
cated on lot 44, about half a mile southwest of the centre, 
and his son, Charles Leonard, now owns the homestead. 
39 



Moses settled on land where the centre now is ; a few years 
later he moved to a farm on the Colton road on lot 57. 
His son Moses is now living on the farm. Another son, 
William, is living on the farm first located. A daughter 
married Andrew A. Cranipton. The same year (1813) 
Zuriel Waterman settled on what is now called " Waterman 
hill." 

Others followed that year, of whom may be mentioned 
Davis Dunton, Foster Shaw, Alanson Woodruff, Joseph 
Mather, and Clark Hutchins. Andrew A. Cranipton came 
from Pittsford, Vt., in 1815, and settled on lot 44, about a 
quarter of a mile southwest of the centre. He resided on 
this farm fifty-one years, and w:ts familiar with the history 
of the town in its rise and progress. He was an earnest, 
active, and industrious citizen. At the first town-meeting, 
held March 1, 1819, he was elected town clerk, and has 
been supervisor, justice of the peace, and held other offices 
of the town. For twenty-four years he was postmaster. 
Such was the trust reposed in him that he was largely in- 
trusted with the settlement of the estates of his deceased 
townsmen. He died Sept. 16, 1866, in his seventy-first 
year, and was an honest, upright man. His son, Lucius 
Cranipton, now lives on the homestead. Appleton Crary 
was the first of this family to settle in the town. In 1816 
he located land on lot 4, on the Canton road, and his widow, 
a daughter of John Hopkins, a pioneer of the town of Can- 
ton, is now living, being in her eighty-eighth year. Na- 
than Crary, Jr., then living in Potsdam, taught the first 
school, in 1815-16, in a log house that stood at the foot of 
the hill, and back of Benj. P. Hubbard's store. He mar- 
ried Catharine Averell, of Madrid, and moved into the town. 
The last farm owned by him is the same now owned by 
Ingraham Leonard. He was an ordained minister in the 
M. E. church, and preached every Sunday to weak and 
feeble churches, giving his services gratuitously. His farm 
supported him, and he did good for the sake of so doing. 
He preached the Sunday before his death, which took place 
Oct. 11, 1801. He was aged .seventy-one years, and his 
wife died Feb. 10, 1874. Edward Crary settled in the 
town at, and gave the name to, Crary's Mills, having built 
and owned the mills there. 

Orrin Crary, now living in Parishvillc, settled on lot 5. 
Nathan Crary, Sr. , moved to Potsdam in 1805, and lived 
there u}) to 1824, when he moved into Pierrepont and set- 
tled on lot 4, near where his sou Stephen now lives, which 
lot is a portion of Stephen's farm. Mr. Nathan Crary was 
a soldier in the War of the Revolution. Smith Crary (the 
poet) lives on lot 4, on the Canton road. 

Ephraim Butterfield came from Vermont to Clinton Co. 
about 1804. He served in the War of 1812, and in 1815 
removed with his family to Pierrepont, and located in 1816- 
17 on the farm now occupied by his .son, Horace Butter- 
field. Of a family of eleven children, nine sons and one 
daughter are now living. Mr. Butterfield died in Pierre- 
pont in 1847, and Mrs. Butterfield in 1874, at the age of 
eighty-nine. 

Christopher Leonard, father of Ingraham Leonard, set- 
tled on lot 45, about a quarter of a mile northeast of the 
centre, on the turnpike. Sliubael Crandall came from 
Royalton, Vt., in 1817, with ox-teams, the journey occupying 



30G 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



fourteen days. Mitchell Ilaiiiiifon, boni in Barrc, Mass., in 
1782, moved to Vcruioiit in 17DU, and in 180G came to 
this county, settling in Hopkinton, where he was in the 
ein|iliiy of Judj^c Hopkins. He also assisted in euttinj; out 
the old Northwest Bay road, so called. In 1811 he moved 
in Canton, where he lived ten years. He removed to Pierre- 
pont in 182.''), where he resided till his death, whieh occurred 
in 18.'')4. Of a family of eight children, tluec arc now 
living;: Mrs. Moses Leonard, of Pierrepont, Mrs. L. A. 
Harris, of Pot.sdani, and A. B. Hamilton, of Pierrepont 
Centre. Rev. William Whitfield, pastor of the Free-will 
Baptist church ol' this town, was born in the parish of 
Clerkenwell, county of Middlesex, England. His educa- 
tion was in the pari.sh of Islington, where his parents then 
resided. In the fall of 1828 he came to the town of Law- 
rence, and in 1831 his religious life began. During that 
year he was united in marriage with Deantha M. Axtell. 
In 1838 he was licensed to preach, and in 1810 he came to 
Pierrepont, and shortly after was ordained. His ministry 
has been extended to towns around, and he has attended 
a very large number of funerals in this and other towns, 
and has united in matrimony' two hundred and seventy-six 
couples. 

In the niirthea.st corner of the town, on Raquette river, 
the first settlement was made by Gardner Cox, from Bar- 
nard, Vt., who, in 1817, bought a small tract of land, in- 
cluding the water-privilege. John P. Dimick, from the 
same place, purchased a piece of land adjoining. These 
two persons " shantied" together several weeks and cut 
over some twenty acres of land, and returned to Vermont 
in the winter. In March, 1818, Benjamin Cox, who had 
joined his brother in the purchase, moved in with his family, 
which was the first family that settled in this part of the 
town. Josej)h Dimick, a soldier of the Revolution, came to 
reside with his son about 1820, and died here, aged about 
seventy-six. He was with General Putnam when he made 
his celebrated escape from the British at Horse-Neck. 
Within four years from the advent of Mr. Cox's family, 
many other families came in at his solicitation, and settled 
on both sides of the river. SamueHiancroft came from 
Rutland Co., Vt., in the summer of 1816, and moved his 
family into the town the next year. Reuben Dorothy 
moved in in 1818, and Asa B. Briggs from Barnard, Vt., 
in 1820. Samuel Belding came in about 1818, and located 
on lot 30, near the Parishville line. His son is living on 
the homestead. Seth Hale came in about that year, and 
settled near East Pierrepont. David Bradley, from the 
northern part of Vermont, came in at that early day, and 
settled on lot 21, near the Rexford dam. Many of the 
above-named old settlers have descendants still living on the 
homesteads or in the town. 

In the summer of 1799, Judge Raymond and others, 
engaged in surveying into townshi]is the great northern 
purchase, had a provision-camp near the village of East 
Pierrepont. An incident is related concerning this encamp- 
ment worthy of record. Some of his men, wearied with 
the labors of the survey, wliich was protracted till late in 
the season, became anxious to return home, and finally re- 
fu.sing to listen to reason or argument, became mutinous, 
and resolved to leave, with or without permission, and so 



declared their intention. The route they proposed to take 
was through the southern forest, and their guide, the com- 
pass of Mr. Raymond. Hearing of this intention, the latter, 
having exhausted his patience in attempting to dissuade, 
resorted to another expedient, and privately stole out of the 
camp on the evening previous to the day appointed for 
their departure, and hid his compass. When the mutineers 
had made all their arrangements and were prepared to start, 
inquiry was made for the compa.ss, but it could not be found. 
Mr. I'aymiind, having in this manner gained control over 

i his men, succeeded at length in convincing them that it was 
their interest to continue the survey until it was completed, 

I and then return home honorably; and having obtained from 
each a promise of obedience, the instrument was produced 
and the labors continued till completed. 

From observations, continued annually for more than 
thirty years, upon the height of the sjiring flood of the 
Raquette at Cox's mills, in Pierrepont, by the owner, it has 
been noticed that, with but few exceptions, the highest water 
occurred on the last week in April. One of these excep- 
tions was in July, 1830, when a memorable freshet prevailed 
throughout all the rivers of northern New York and por- 
tions of the New England States. It was produced by 
heavy and protracted rains. The water at this place was 
then about three and a half feet above ordinary summer level 
on the dam, while the ordinary depth in spring floods does 
not exceed two and a half feet. 

DOCUMENTARY AND CIVIL HISTORY. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Cyrus 
Graunis, March 1, 1819. The following-named persons 
were elected : Cyrus Grannis, supervisor ; Andrew A. 
Crampton, clerk ; Wm. Yale, Elisha Woodruff", Gardner 
Cox, assessors ; Peter R. Leonard, Joseph Dorothy, poor- 
masters ; Flavins J. Curtis, Ezra Crary, Samuel Belding, 
eomniissioners of roads ; Richard Weller, constable and col- 
lector ; Seth Hale, over.seer of highways ; F. J. Curtis, Eben- 
ezer Tupper, Gardner Cox, commissioners of schools; Cyrus 
Grannis, Wni. Yale, A. A. Crampton, inspectors of schools; 
Jos. Dorothy, Seth Hale, F. J. Curtis, Henry Axtell, fence- 
viewers ; E. Tupper, P. R. Leonard, pound-keepers. Com- 
plete list of supervisors: C. Grannis, 1819 ; John Axtell, 
1820-21; Ezra Crary, 1822-23; Benj. Squire, 1824-29; 
Aug. 22, 1829, Gardner Cox, to fill vacancy; G. Cos, 
1830-32, '40; Samuel Northrup, 1833-38; Paine Con- 
verse, 1839; A. A. Crampton, 1841-42; Joshua Manley, 
1843,' '44, '4G, '47; Orrin A. Howard, 1845-57, '58, '66, 
'67, '68 ; Truman Smith, 1848-19 ; Asa W. Briggs, 1850- 
51; Peter F. Ryerson, 1852-53; Edwin A. Merritt, 
1854, '55, '56; Benj. F. Hamilton, 1859-60; Martin 
Welch, 1861, '62, "63; Ansel B. Hamilton, 1864-65; L. 
Crampton, 1869-70; A. C. Leonard, 1871-72; Wm. A. 
Sherman, 1873, '74, '75, '76. 

The present town officers are Lorenzo Northup, super- 
visor; Wm. Whitfield, clerk; Edwin Cook, commissioner 
of highways ; S. B. Crandell, Chas. Drury, Aaron Colton, 
justices of the peace ; Anscll Howard, A. P. Sabius, over- 
seers of the poor; M. J. Barber, assessor; R. T. Wells, 
constable and collector; C. R. Packard, W. W. Smith, D. 
Wells, James A. Robiason, Chester Crandell, constables ; 




-'^ 




M.L. Howard. 



M(?s. ML. Howard. 





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'a^g^^^fe Sfc^J^ acS^---.. / 




RES. AND OAIRV FARM OF M.L. HOWARD, PiiffRCPonT, New York 



rvift^tmrfNiifc w-l 






Lira Lobdcll . 



Mrs Ezra Lobdill. 




Res. m ., 



'■ A K M . LL H ■ 



. . PlCffRC.POHT,Sr.LAWf>lMCcCo..N.Y. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



307 



0. A. Howard, F. A. Monisoii, L. W. Daniels, town 
auditors ; Carlos Carlton, comiuissioner of excise. 

N<jles from the Town Records. — 1819. At the first town- 
meeting $1)0 was raised for the support of schools, and $100 
for the poor. Similar appropriations were voted nearly 
every year for many years. The ])oor funds having ac- 
crued to a considerable amount, the town at the town- 
meeting in 1829 appointed a committee of three to draft a 
petition to the legislature praying that they might apply 
this to the support of schools. Bcnj. Squire. Zuriel Wat- 
erman, and Samuel Northrup were appointed on this com- 
mittee. An act was pa.ssed April 29, 1829, making it the 
duty of overseers of the poor to pay over the funds in their 
hands to the commissioners of common .schools, to be in- 
vested for the benefit of schools. 

In 1822 $1 bounty was offered for foxes and $5 for 
panthers and wolves. In 1825, 50 cents for foxes and $5 
for wolves. 

At the annual town-meeting in 1846 the town voted to 
petition the legislature for powers to purchase land and 
erect a town-house on the same. Joshua Maniey, Nathan 
Crary, Jr., Henry Gleason, Merritt Howard, Cbileab Bil- 
lings, Lucius Palmer, and Christopher W. Leonard were 
appointed a committee to draft a petition to the legislature. 
An act was passed April 27, 1847, directing the board of 
supervisors of St. Lawrence County to levy a tax of $800 
on the town for the above purpose, and appointing the 
three first named to superintend its erection. The super- 
visor, town clerk, and superintendent of schools are ex officio 
trustees of the town-house. A town-hall of ample propor- 
tions was built near where the Canton and Colton road 
crosses the St. Lawrence turnpike. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1816, Rev. A. Baldwin, an Episcopal clergyman, held 
religious services in this town, but it is believed that Rev. 
Ezra Healy, a Methodist minister, held religious services 
at an earlier date. Before the year 1844 no religious socie- 
ties had existed at East Pierrepont, which being only four 
miles from Potsdam the inhabitants had joined with the 
several religious denominations of that place. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

at East Pierrepont was incorporated Jan. 3, 1844, with 
Gardner Cox, Nathan Christy, Levi Fuller, John Hicks, 
and Harry Train, trustees. Rev. Mathew Bennett was 
the first pastor. Rev. Alex. Bramley is the present pastor 
in charge. The present trustees are Gardner Cox, J. H. 

Miles, C. H. McDonald, John Jeuner, and Alfred Subin. 

* 

THE PRESUVTERIAN CHURCH 

was organized about . The present trustees are E. H. 

Sanderson, Geo. L. Crandell, Geo. Crandell, John Jenner, 
and Alfred Sabin. The Rev. Dr. Plumb was the first 
pastor in charge, and Rev. E. B. Furbish, of Potsdam, is 
the present pastor. 

A Union cbureh edifice has been erected, and is owned 
and occupied jointly l)y both societies. 



A Union Sunday-school is established, of which J. H. 
Miles is superintendent. The school consists of forty 
scholars, and has five teachers. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH 

at Pierrepont Centre was organized Sept. 14, 1850, by Rev. 
J. W. Lewis, assisted by a council from neighboring 
cliurelies. The names of the persons who united in the 
organization are as follows ; Rev. William Whitfield, D. M. 
Whitfield, Francis Whitfield, James Morrell, Sarah North- 
rup, Jacob Lobdell, Nancy Lobdell, George Wells, Almeda 
Wells, Samuel Crandell, Lewis Stanton, Wealthy Stanton, 
Ezra Axtell, I. J. Leonard, Isaac Stewart, Sophrona 
Stewart, Michael Stewart. Rev. Wm. Whitfield was chosen 
pastor, which office he still retains, and fills acceptably to 
his people. Jacob Lobdell was chosen deacon. The so- 
ciety hold their meetings in the town-house. It is expected 
that a church edifice will be erected. The covenant adopted 
by this church states " that the benevolent enterprises of 
the day, such as missions, education. Sabbath-schools, tem- 
perance, and anti-slavery, should claim the regard and sup- 
port of the Christian church," and no person was admitted 
to membership who could not pledge their support to these 
interests. The membership for 1877 is twenty-three. 

THE FREE CHURCH ASSOCIATION 

of the town of Pierrepont was organized July 27, 1874. 
The present trustees are Lucius Crampton, J. R. Leonard, 
Geo. Glea.son, Charles Leonard, A. B. Hamilton, and Orriu 
A. Howard. Mrs. C. K. Pangborn devised to this a.ssocia- 
tion the sum of $1125, which is to be used in building a 
church edifice which shall be free for the use of any de- 
nomination. The Beech Plains Free Chui'ch association 
of this town was organized in 1875, with Nathan Daniels, 
0. L. Taylor, Edwin Bellows, Truman Moore. John Bar- 
don, F. Severn, and L. Bullis as trustees. 

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS' CHURCH 

of Pierrepont was organized June 28, 1875, with Milo 
Western, Orange Collar, and Arden Eels as trustees. 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

of Pierrepont was organized Jan. 3, 1853, the meeting for 
this purpose being held at the house of Joseph Martin. 
The first trustees were Charles Smead, Chester Mott, John 
Martin, Daniel Church, and Darius N. Curtis. The trustees 
appointed a building committee, consisting of Elijah Smead, 
Henry Gleason, and Lucius Palmer. This committee did 
their work well, a neat and tasteful church edifice being 
erected under their supervision, size forty by fifty feet, and 
will seat about 300 persons. A pleasing incident occurred 
during the building of tiiis church, in 1854. A petition 
numerously signed was sent to Mr. Henry E. Pierrepont, 
asking for a donation towards procuring a bell for the firet 
church edifice erected in the town that bore his name. 
Mr. Pierrepont responded by presenting to the society a 
bell weighing 903 pounds, with hangings complete. On 
the bell is the following in.seription : " Presented by H. E. 
Pierrepont to the Union Church of Pierrepont, 1854," 
and over the front door of the church is a marble tablet in. 



308 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



scribed: "This ehurcli bell was presented by Mr. 11. K. 
Pierropoiit, of Brooklyn, N. Y., 1854." The building 
conmiittce, as a sliglit token of their esteem and gratitude, 
forwarded a box to Mr. Pierrepont, containing some pro- 
ducts uf tlie farm, such as butter, cbecsi>, hone}', etc. The 
church was completed and dedicated in August, 1855, the 
services being conducted by the Rev. Hiram Shepherd, 
assisted by the pastor. Rev. A. Blackman. This church 
being a charge of the South Canton Brick church, the list 
of pastors will be found in connection with that society. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The first grist- and saw-mills in the town were built by 
Cyrus Grannis, on a brook which bears his name. Glea- 
son's saw-mill occupies the site at this time. In 1818, 
Gardner and Benj. Cox and John P. Dirnick got out the 
frame for a saw-mill, and, in the summer of 1819, the dam 
was built and the saw-mill erected. John and Joseph 
Goulding, of Potsdam, were the millwrights who superin- 
tended the work. In 1822, Gardner Cox erected a grist- 
mill on the west bank of the river, which had a single run 
of rock-stones. Two years later, a run of burr-stones was 
added, and the place became known as Cox's Mills. A 
bridge was built across the river at this place in 1828. In 
183G, the wooden mill first erected for a grist-mill was re- 
placed by the stone mill which was destroyed by fire in 
1869. At the present time (1877) it is being built up 
again. In 1845, Gardner Cos erected a starch-factory, 
using potatoes, which produced about thirty tons annually. 
In 1858 it was changed to a corn-starch factory, and so 
continued for three years, and was burned in 1872. In 
1852 a large gang-saw mill was built at this place, which 
had fifty saws, but was built of such dimensions as to re- 
ceive double that number. A woolen-factory, furniture- 
factory, wagon-fiictory, and machine-shop have had an ex- 
istence at this place, and of all the numerous shops, mills, 
and factories once carried on in this village, none now re- 
main except the grist- and saw-mills. The dam built in 
1819 is still standing. 

EAST PIERREPONT, ELLSWORTH P. O., 

better known as Cox's Mills, but now called Ha-na-wa 
Falls, is a small village on the Raquette river, in the north- 
east part of the town. The village is mostly on the east 
side of tlie river. Gardner Cox, the proprietor, built the 
first frame dwelling on this side of the river in 1819. He 
built his stone house and present residence in 1838, about 
which time he laid out his land into village lots. Cybele 
Kelsey and Martin Welch were the first merchants, and had 
an ashcry, and also built a starch-factory. The first tavern 
was erected about 1835, and was kept by Sidney Lanphear. 
The first postmaster was John P. Dimick, in 1832. The 
present postmaster is Jacob II. Miles. The valuable water- 
power at this place, with the mills and factories of Mr. 
Cox, made this a thrifty and growing place. At the end of 
fifty years Mr. Cox sold out and retired from business. 
Owing to the feeble efforts of those into whose hands the 
property passed the work languished, and an air of decay 
has settled upon the place. The village now contains 1 
Union church, 1 store and post-office, 1 grist-mill, 1 saw-mill. 



and the usual number of mechanic shops. Schools have 
existed here since 1822. In 184(5 a large .school-house was 
erected with reference to its being used as a place of worship. 

PIERREPONT CENTRE, 

a hamlet situated at the intersection of the Canton and 
Colton road with the St. Lawrence turn]iike, is nine miles 
from Canton and ten from I'otsdam, and contains 3 stores, 1 
blacksmith-shop, 1 cheese-factory, 1 cheese-box and butter- 
tub factory, and 1 saw-mill. The town-house is located 
here, and is used by the Free-will Baptist society for their 
place of worship. Chauncey Thomas was the first black- 
smith hero, and built the first frame house at the Centre. 
Benj. Squire was the first merchant, Dorus Leonard the 
first caipenter, Andrew A. Crampton the first postmaster, 
and held the office for twenty-four years. B. P. Hubbard 
is the present postmaster. 

The Central cheese-factory at Pierrepont Centre is owned 
by A. B. Hamilton. During the season, a little over six 
months, the fiictory has used the milk of 400 cows and made 
1817 cheeses, weighing in all about 54 tons. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



IIEZEKIAH B. PIERREPONT. 

The town of Pierrepont received its name from Heze- 
kiah B. Pierrepont, who was largely interested in lands in 
Macomb's purchase, including most of this town. Mr. 
Pierrepont was born at New Haven, Conn., Nov. 3, 1768. 
He entered college, but, preferring a business life to a pro- 
fessional one, he left without graduating. In order to gain 
a knowledge of business he entered the office of his uncle, 
Isaac Beers, who was an importer of books, and remained 
there until 1790, when he accepted an appointment in the 
custom-house at New York. The next year he became the 
agent of a firm in Philadelphia, where he amassed consid- 
erable wealth, and in 1793 he formed a partnership with 
Wm. Leffingwell and established in business in New York. 
In 1802 he married Anna Maria Constable. From his 
connection with her father, Wm. Constable, he became in- 
terested in lands in northern New York, and by various 
purcha.ses acquired title to half a million acres. His first 
purchase was Pierrepont, in 1806, and from that time until 
his death, in 1838, his time was occupied in settling and 
improving his lands. 



MOSES LEONARD 

was born in Canton, St. Lawrence County, April 14, 1805, 
where he resided with his parents till lie was twelve years 
old, when his father removed to Pierrepont, where he re- 
sided for two years, when his father, with his youngest 
children, Moses among them, removed to Gill, Mass., and 
resided there six years, when they returned to Pierrepont 
and permanently settled. 

The son, Moses, the subject of this biography, at the 
early age ol twenty years began the life of a hunter 




GARDiNER COX 



is the oldest son of Benjamin Cox, and was born in Barnard, 
Windsor Co., Vt., April 15, 1794. His early life was 
passed on liis father's farm, a large share of the labor of 
which devolved on him as soon as he was able to bear the 
burden. This limited his school days to such intervals as 
when he could be spared from the farm, and his early edu- 
cation consequently was somewhat nej^lected. Nevertheless 
he was persistent in his efforts to secure an education, and 
was, in a measure, successful. When nineteen years old, 
the prospects and advantages of the county of St. Lawrence 
attracted his attention, and he resolved to make a visit to 
that country. This purpose was strengthened by the en- 
couragement given him by .some family connections who 
had settled in that county in 18(10. Accordingly, his 
parents having yielded consent, he left the parental roof on 
March 3, 1813, for St. Lawrence County, where he spent 
the summer of that year. But his experience that season 
convinced him more than ever of the need of a more liberal 
education, and he determined to return to hi.s father's home, 
" and, if possible, qualify himself at some public school to 
engage in such business enterprises as would be in unison 
with his mental and physical energies." But the second 
war of the revolution was upon the country at this time, 
and his patriotism would not permit him to see the liberties 
of his native land endangered. He joined a battalion of 
"Green Mountain Boys," and came to the rescue of his 
countrymen on the frontier. He participated in tiie battle 
of Plattsbnrg, and served with credit elsewhere. The 
government appreciated his services, and gave him a warrant 
for one linndred and sixty acres of land. Peace having 
been declared, he entered the grammar school at Randoljih, 
Vt., and prosecuted his studies in tliat institutiim zealously 
fin' a year, paying particular attention to tlie higher mathe- 
matics. He then again returned to St. Lawrence County, 
where he engaged in teaching, and afterwards in the mer- 
cantile business at Ogden.sburg as storekeeper for a Utica 
C(jm])any. But his active nature demanded a more stirring 
occupation, and in tlie winter of 1817 he purcliased a water- 
power and privileges on the west bank of the Ra(|uette 
river, in the town of Piern-pont, with a jiurpose to engage 
in manufacturing. The lollowing sjiring he cleared his 
land and improved his inillsite, and in ISIO, in company 



with his brother, erected a dam of wood across the stream 
which remains to this day (1877). A saw-mill was soon 
got into operation, and shortly after the partnership with 
his brother dissolved. Li 1822 he erected a grist-mill, and 
soon after a factory for the manufacture of wagons and 
carriages. At a later day he erected a building and supplied 
it with machinery for the manufacture of woolen fabrics. 
His aptitude for the mechanic arts was so strongly developed 
by this work that he was able to devise and construct the most 
of the machinery himself, as well as more intricate ma- 
chinery at subsequent times. It has been his pardonable 
boast "that he kei}t the whole of the mill machinery 
working properly for fifty years. In 1845 he began the 
manufacture of potato-starch, and in 1857 erected a corn- 
starch factory. His first efforts to manufacture this article 
were unsuccessful, but continued experiments revealed the 
secret, and for several years he manufactured it profitably. 
The rebellion coming on, the factory was closed and the 
work abandoned. Age having diminished the power of 
Mr. Cox to such an extent that he found it burdensome to 
attend to his manufacturing interests, he sold them that he 
might be able to take more comfort in his declining years; 
and thus he lives near the scene of his former active life, 
the weight of eighty-four years upon his head, waiting for 
the sumnums " to come up higher." In his religious belief 
Mr. Cox holds to the great atonement instituted by God, as 
extending with sufficient redeeming force to all creatures 
bearing the human form, and that (jod's presence is spirit- 
ually manliest unto all who believe and confess him, afford- 
ing happiness in this life, as well as peace in the life to 
come. 

In politics, Mr. Cox is a firm believer in the principles of 
government, including the equality of man in its fullest 
sense, which are enunciated in the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and has affiliated with the party which, according 
to his idea, more nearly represented these views. But he 
abominates the practices of demagogues, and has held aloof 
from political conventions as at present conducted, taking 
no more active interest in pi)litics than to attend to his duties 
as a voter. Mr. Cox is a man universally esteemed, and 
is one of the most industrious and useful citizens of the 
county. 




RCSIOEHCi ANU GHLtsr 



M, A.3 . HAMliiJ.i , , -. ,T,¥i /-ON;, 6( LawUCMCl 




\ '*? 




C.ff Packard. 



Mrs C. R. Packard. 



^^^^^^^^^^P^^^^^Kv 








Res ».Dairv Farm or CR. PACKARD, P(£/?R£PONr, 5t. Uwftfwct Co, N.y 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



309 



I 



and tnippcr, and fioni that time to the present, excepting a 
few years when incapacitated by sickness, he has been en- 
gaged in hunting and trapping game, and is probably able 
to count up more scalps of wild animals as trophies than 
any man now living in tjie State. 

Mr. Leonard has kept no record of the number of the 
different wild animals he has shot or trapped, but, from the 
most reliable data, thinks he has killed 300 wolves, over 
100 bears, 44 panthers, from. 1200 to 1500 deer, and of fur- 
bearing animals, like otter, foxes, martin, etc., avast number. 

Mr. Leonard, now nearly seventy-two years old, still re- 
tains his passion for the wild woods, and has spent nearly 
two months of the present fall (1877) in the forest, hunt- 
ing deer and catching small animals for their skins ; but 
he claims that in his case the infirmities of age and the 
scarcity of game keep in exact ratio. 

Mr. Leonard was frequently engaged in exciting encounters 
with wild beasts. Notably among them was his encounter 
with a large bear. Going one day in the forest, armed only 
with a light axe and accompanied by his dog, he saw di- 
rectly in his way a large black bear. He told his dog to 
" go" for him, expecting that when Bruin was attacked by 
the dog he would take to a tree, when his brother, who 
would soon be within call, would come with his rifle and 
dispatch him. The dog attacked vigorously, and was soon 
seen in the huge jaws of the bear. Mr. Leonard, seeing 
his favorite dog being killed, ran to the rescue. On his 
approaching too near to his bearship, who had put the dog 
" hors du combat," he turned to attack the hunter, who 
met the attack with such well-directed blows upon his head 
with the axe, cutting off one of the bear's ears in so doing, 
that Bruin turned to escape, and was pursued for a long 
distance by the hunter with uplifted axe. 

Mr. Leonard, while relating this adventure to a gentle- 
man residing in Lewis county, in this State, several months 
after its occurrence, was told that a monster bear had lately 
been killed in that county having large scars upon the 
head, made with an axe, and one ear cut off. Mr. Leonard 
was satisfied that Bruin had his mark ; he did not claim it, 
however. 



CHARLES R. PACKARD. 

Abisha Packard, father of the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Massachusetts, April 10, 17C1. At the age of fif- 
teen he entered the Revolutionary army, and served all 
through the struggle for independence. At the close of the 
war he .settled in Charlotte, Vt., where he married Rebecca 
Preston, Dec. 29, 1793, and where he resided, accumulated 
a large property, and raised a family of six sons and three 
daughters. He moved to New York State in 1819, set- 
tling in Madrid, where he resided until his death, July 2, 
1836, aged seventy-five. 

Charles R. Packard was born in Charlotte, Vt., Dec. 18, 
1814. At the age of five he moved with his parents to 
Madrid, N. Y., where he was married to Laura M. Powers, 
Oct. 11, 1836. She was born Dec. 1, 1814, at Parishville, 
N. Y. ; moved with her parents to Watertown, and subse- 
quently to Canton, where she resided until her marriage. 

Mrs. Packard's father, Simon Powers, was born in New 



Hampshire, Nov. 25, 1781, and married Melinda Sisco. He 
lived six years in St. Alban's, Vt., and then moved to Brock- 
ville, Canada, where he resided until the War of 1812, 
when he fled to New York rather than be compelled to 
fight against his own people. He settled in Canton, but at 
the close of the war moved to Parishville, where he followed 
his trade, that of a mason. He subsequently removed to 
Muscatine, Iowa, where he died, Oct. 1, 1855. 

Charles R. Packard remained at Madrid until 1842, 
when he removed to Pierrcpont, and has since resided 
there. He has a family of six children, of whom two 
daughters and one son only are now living. His eldest 
son died at the age of two years. His second son, George, 
enlisted in Company G, 142d Regiment N. Y. State Vols., 
August 29, 1861. He was wounded and taken prisoner at 
Drury's Bluff, May 16, 1864 ; sent to Libby prison, where 
he died May 28, 1864. The third son died at the age of 
six years. 

Mr. Packard, the subject of this sketch, has always been 
identified with the Republican party. His father was a 
Whig until the organization of the Republican party, and 
co-operated with it up to the time of his decease. 




tsjs^s^^ 



rlioto. by N. L. Stone, Potsdam. 

F. A. Morrison, of the town of Pierrejwnt, was born in 
Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., February 3, 1841 , his parents 
being John A. Morrison, of Denmark, and Laura E. Stone, 
his wife, of Watson, in the same county. His father was 
by trade a carpenter, but spent the greater portion of his 
life in farming, and died at the age of sixty-two years, in 
Rodman, Ji>ffcr.son county, in the year 1867. His mother 
is still living at an advanced age. At the age of fourteen he 
commenced attending school at the academy in Lowville, 
and at the age of sixteen commenced teaching common 
school. In the year 1858 his parents moved to Jefferson 



310 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



county, and in 18G0, at the age of nineteen, he entered 
wliat was then the only normal school in the State, at 
Albany, where, after an attendance of two years, he gradu- 
ated one of the first in his cla.ss, at the age of twenty-one 
years. Returning to the home of his parents in Jefferson 
county, filled witii plans of usefulness in the calling he had 
chosen, and with bright anticipations of success in the work 
before him, he found the people of the whole country there- 
abouts aroused with an enthusiastic desire to fill up the 
armies of the Union and their (|Uota under the third call of 
the president for throe hundred thousand men. 

In these sentiments, which pervaded the minds of the 
patriotic citizens of the Empire State, the subject of this 
sketch fully sympathized ; and, prompted by them, he en- 
tered the army as a private in Co. A. of the 10th N. Y. H. 
Artillery, in the month of August, 1862, this being one of 
the largest and best regiments that left the State. Here his 
intelligence and faithful discharge of duty soon gained for 
him the confidence and respect of the officers of the regi- 
ment, and caused his promotion to corporal and sergeant, 
the command in the mean time being stationed in the de- 
fenses about Washington. In the summer of 1863, to- 
gether with many others of the regiment, he Was prostrated 
with an attack of fever, combined with an affection of the 
lung.s, from which he has never fully recovered, brought on 
by exposure on duty. To enable him to be in less active 
service than that of his company, he was detached from it 
as an instructor in heavy artillery and infaTitry tactics to 
troops arriving in Washington from the western States. 
Not being satisfied to remain long in this life of inactivity, 
lie applied for examination before a military board sitting 
in Washington, and was commissioned a captain in the 41st 
U. S. colored troops, and sent at once to the field with the 
Army of the Potomac, where he participated in nearly all 
the sanguinary fighting of that army during the year 1864 
before Petersburg, Va. His regiment joined in the pursuit 
of Lee after the evacuation of Richmond, and was present 
at the final surrender of that army at Appomattox Court- 
Hou.se, Va. The regiment then joined the expedition of 
General Sheridan to Louisiana and Texas, and was stationed 
for several months on the banks of the Rio Grande, at 
Brownsville, Texas, viewing while there, with ill-concealed 
interest, the struggle between the native Mexicans and their 
would bo emperor, Maximilian. Returning to his father's 
residence in December, 1865, after an absence of nearly 
three and a half years, the soldier commenced again the 
life of a private citizen, as a farmer in Rodman, Jefferson 
county. 

In February, 1867, he was united in marriage with Julia 
R. Goodenough, daughter of A. A. Goodenougli, now of 
Parishville Centre, in this county. Capt. Morrison came to 
this county in the fall of 1868, and became interested in 
the manufacture of cheese in the only factory then in the 
town of Pierrepout, which was built by Mr. Goodenough, 
his wife's father. He has been the maker of the cheese in 
the Pierrepont factory every year since 1869, and has ac- 
quired the reputation of one of the best cheese-makers in 
the county. He has become the principal owner of the 
factory, and has also a fine farm of sixty acres adjoining 
the factory. 



BENJAMIN BUTTERFIELD. 

The subject of our present sketch, Benjamin Butterfield, 
is one " to the manor born" not only of St. Lawrence 
County, but of the town of Pierrepont, where he yet re- 
sides. His parents, Ephraim and M jhitable (Liwis) But- 
terfield, were married in their native State of Vermont 
in 1804, whence, shortly afterwards, they emigrated and 
settled in Clinton Co., N. Y., where they remained until 
after the war of 1812, in which the elder Butterfield was 
an active participant, both in actual service and as a minute- 
man on the border, subject to orders during the entire period 
of hostilities. In 1815 the family removed into St. Law- 
rence County, and settled in Pierrepont, locating on the 
old homestead (now occupied by a son, Horace Butterfield) 
in 1816 or 1817. On this farm the senior Butterfield 
burned the first charcoal used in the furnaces at Canton, 
the same being transported to the village with an ox-team 
under the management of the eldest son. It is testified 
of the senior Butterfield that he was possessed of a strong 
individuality and a friendly disposition, and ruled his family 
justly, without coercive measures, his children yielding 
obedience to his authority with pleasure. In his parental 
government he was ably ;issisted by his worthy helpmeet, 
the mother, whose kindness and benevolence won the 
hearts of her children, wliose love and admiration of her 
gentleness and goodness followed and guarded her faltering 
steps down to the "bourne from whence no traveler re- 
turns," and her memory still remains with them — a sweet 
and holy thing. 

The father died at the age of sixty-one years in 1847, 
and the mother at eighty-nine years in 1874. There were 
eleven children born to this worthy couple, all of whom 
are now living, save one who died in infancy. Of the nine 
living sons, all are farmers except the oldest one, who is a 
mechanic. Five sons, and the only daughter, Mrs. N. C. 
Howard, of Canton, reside in St. Lawrence County ; and 
four sons have their homes in the west. 

Benjamin Butterfield was the tenth child of this femily, 
and was born on the old homestead, Dec. 30, 1827, where 
.he resided until he was twenty-five years of age, conducting 
the same, after his father's death, in connection with a 
brother. He received in his youth such educational ad- 
vantages as were accorded by the common schools of those 
days, making good use of the same for the busine-ss of his 
life. 

On May 11, 1852, he was united in marriage with Mrs. 
Lucy E. Proctor, also a native of Pierrepont, and in the 
following February purchased one hundred and fifty acres 
of his present homestead, to which he has since added fifty 
acres. Of the first purchase some eighty or ninety acres 
were cleared, but all of the improvements since then have 
been added by Mr. Butterfield, and the whole farm paid 
for as the result of his own industry, judicious manage- 
ment, and skillful cultivation, in which he has been aided 
by his admirable helpmeet, his principal business having 
been dairying. He has been generally successful in his 
business career, and with his family is now enjoying a 
competency of worldly wealth as the legitimate reward of 
his intelligent and well-directed efforts. 





a BUTTERriELD. 



{ Photos, sr NX Srowr./'orsoAM) 



Mrs B BUTTERriELD. 



^t:-:^ & 



to.*] 




ffts. Of eErjJAMIN SUTT£Rr/ELO,/. n,. 




Krih^-RT MARKWICK'.fT'nss'rS'L-JWffEvcE CoJY. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



311 



Politically, Mr. Butterfield is a Republican, having been 
connected with that party since its inception. He has 
never held official positions of any particular moment from 
choice, yet has not been unmindful of the obligations rest- 
ing upon the private citizen ; and has kept him.self abreast 
of the times in his acquaintance with public affairs, and 
ever ready to advance the moral and material interests of 
the community to the extent of his ability. 

In religious sentiment ho holds to the general restoration 
of all mankind to holiness and happiness, basing his belief 
on actual investigation of what -seem to him good proofs of 
that view. These views were also those of his father and 
mother, whose lives of usefulness were guided by the prin- 
ciples of their faith. 

Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Butterfield, all of whom are now inmates thereof, save one 
who died in infancy, viz., Olive R., Isadore E., Mahlon 
(deceased), Myron and Minnie (twins), and Lucy I. 

Mrs. Butterfield's parents, Benjamin and Olive (Perrin) 
Plumley, were natives of Vermont, and settled in Potsdam 
in 1811, and removed to Pierrepont in 1825, where their 
daughter Lucy was born in 1831. They died in 18G1, 
the mother in August, and the father waiting only till 
November, when he too followed the loved one gone before. 
They wei'e active members of the Presbyterian church, and 
passed their last days with their daughter pleasantly and 
serenely. 

A view of Mr. Butterfield's pleasant home, and portraits 
of himself and wife, adorn another page of our work, in 
connection with the history of Pierrepont. 



EZRA LOBDELL 



was born in Essex county. New York, Jan. 21, 1821, where 
he lived until he was twelve years old. He then removed 
with his parents, Lucius and Abigail Lobdell, to the town 
of Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and settled near 
where Mr. Lobdell now resides. Mr. Lobdell purchased 
the farm he now occupies in 1852, which was at that time 
what might be called an unbroken wilderness ; but by per- 
severance and industry he has succeeded in putting it under 
a good state of cultivation, and has good improvements in 
the way of buildings, etc. 



Mr. Lobdell commenced life under rather di-scouraging 
circumstances, he being obliged to resort to hunting to gain 
a livelihood. From that pursuit alone he managed, with 
the assistance of his wife, to pay for one hundred acres of 
land. 

Mr. Lobdell married for his first wife Lucy Ann Daniels, 
of Pierrepont. About three years subsequently she died, 
and Mr. L. one year later was married to his present wife. 
Miss Ann Slatthews, of Russell, St. Lawrence County, who 
was the youngest of eleven children ; her parents, James and 
Esther Matthews, were of Irish descent, but were born in 
the State of Vermont, and removed to the town of Russell 
about the year 1808. The result of this union is four 
children, two boys and two girls. 



APPLETON C. HOWARD. 

The subject of this sketch was born in St. Alban's, Vt., 
Oct. 21, 1814, where he lived until he was about twenty 
years of age, when he engaged with one of the line 
steamers on Lake Champlain. He followed this business 
for about fifteen years. a.s chief engineer. In 1839 he was 
married to Leonora Loomis, of Milton, Vt., and immediately 
after moved to Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and 
settled near their present home, a view of which appears 
on another page of this work. 

The result of this union was three children, one son and 
two daughters, of whom two are now living, Moro L. and 
Alida L. Moro L. is now managing the farm, the present 
improvements of which indicate that he is a most thorough 
agriculturist. 

Appleton C, the subject of this sketch, was of English 
descent, and was regarded by all who knew him as a man 
of integrity, and up to the time of his death (which oc- 
curred on the farm now occupied by his family, Feb. 13, 
1861) was held in very high esteem by a large circle of 
friends. 

Politically he was identified with the Republican party, 
and he was ever ready to lend a helping hand towards pro- 
moting the general welfare of the community where he 
lived. He was a generous supporter of school and church 
interests. jMrs. Howard is also of English descent; she is 
still living, enjoying good health, surrounded by many 
friends, and is a very estimable lady. 



R O S S I E. 



RossiE was formed fioiu Russell, Jan. 27, 1813. The 
following nicuioranduui, in relation to the organization of 
this town, is taken from the records of the town of Russell : 

" At a special meeting of the freeholders and other in- 
habitants of the town of Russell, assembled on Tuesday, the 
first day of January, 1811, at the dwelling-house of Moses 
A. Bunncl, in said Russell, voted to grant the request of 
Benjamin Pike, in behalf of the inhabitants living in that 
part of Russell called Soraerville, that they be set off from 
Russell and annexed to the town of Gouverneur." 

As originally formed it embraced townships 1, 2, and 
7, or Hammond, Somorville, and Kilkenny, of tract No. 3. 
Fowler and Hammond have since been taken off, and the 
line between Rossie and Hammond was altered Feb. 7, 
1844. 

The town derives its name from Rossie ca.stle in Scot- 
land, which was owned by the husband of David Parish's 
sister. Her name was Rossie, but she was usually called 
Rosa. It lies upon the southwest border of the county, 
and contains 23,367 acres. Its surface is level in the 
eastern part, but is broken in the west by ledges of gneiss, 
limestone, and sandstone. It is much cut up by the streams 
which cross it, and its business is considerably affected 
thereby. The Oswegatchie crosses the town twice in the 
central part, forming the oxbow a little south of the line 
in Jefferson county. Indian river and Gra.s.se creek flow 
through the north and west parts, and the central part is 
also crossed by Yellow lake and a small stream which con- 
nects it with the Oswegatchie. 

The earliest settlement in this town was commenced in 
1807, by Joseph Teall, of Fairfield, and Reuben Streeter, 
of Salisbury, Herkimer county, who had contracted of 
Lewis R. Morris, the nephew of Gouverneur Morris, a 
tract lying between the Oswegatchie and the south line of 
Gouverneur, extending to the county line. Mr. David 
Parish, Dec. 2, 1808, purchased the town, the money going 
to G-. Morris and J. D. Le Ray, who held the title pre- 
viously. The land records show the following purcha.ses 
under date of Oct. 1, 180C, at which time these men came 
into the town and selected lands. Thej- were mostly from 
Herkimer county : Ambrose Simons, Oliver Malterner, 
Amos Kceney, Jr., Samuel Bonfy, Silvius Waters, Joshua 
Stearns, Jerome Walde, George W. Pike, Benjamin Pike, 
Jr., Ebenezor Bemis, David Sliepard. The first improve- 
ment was made by Reuben Streeter, in 1807, on a farm 
about half a mile east of the present village of Wegatchie. 
In 1808 he commenced the erection of a mill on the 
Oswegatchie. 

In the spring of 1811 the following families were living 
on the Teall and Streeter tract, besides those already named : 
312 



David Freeman, James Streeter, .Joseph Teall, Diamond 
Wheeler, Eli Winchell, Simeon Stevens, John and Wheaton 
Wilcox, and Daniel Wilcox (single). The first school in 
the town was taught about a mile west of Somerville by a 
Mr. Maynard. 

The following additional names of families appear upon 
the first assessment-roll, some of whom resided in the 
portions now Fowler and Hammond : Lemuel Arnold, 
Jeduthun Baker, James Barnes, Horatio G. Berthrong 
(first innkeeper at Ros.sie), Samuel B. Brown, Truman 
Bristol, Joseph Desbrow, James Haile, Samuel Hendrix, 
Jedediah Kingsley, Alexander Osburne, Ebenezer Parker, 
Richard Towusend, Joseph Teall, Jr., Elias Teall, Alvin 
Wright. 

STATISTICS OF 1850. 

Total number of acres wild land, 90,575 ; tax-payers, 37 
(some of them non-residents); cleared, 4991 acres; total 
value, $183,754; value of buildings in the three town- 
ships, $2990. 

On receiving news of the War of 1812 the inhabitants 
of the southern part of Rossie erected a block-hou.se on the 
road between Somerville and Wegatchie, about half a mile 
from the latter place, for mutual protection. Thither the 
inhabitants were accustomed to repair to spend their nights 
on occasions of public alarm, which were very frequent and 
as often groundless. The sight of an Indian, however in- 
nocent his intentions, was sufficient to originate an alarm, 
which lost nothing by pa.ssing from mouth to mouth, and 
stories are related which reflect little credit upon the cour- 
ajre of certain of the settlers. This block-house was well 
built of hewn timbers, twenty-four by thirty feet, and stood 
till about 1840. It was, however, used only in 1812. A 
similar one was built of round logs near a small stream a 
few rods northeast of the present village of Somerville. It 
was only used a few nights. 

During the summer of 1812 the mill built by Mr. 
Streeter was burned in the night-time. It was at first 
reported to have been done by the Indians, but is believed 
to have been the work of a man who lived in the edge of 
Gouverneur, who wanted a pretext for quitting the country. 
He fled to New York, and was not pursued or apprehended. 
The mill was immediately rebuilt by Mr. Parish, and 
owned by him until sold to Mr. James Howard, about the 
year 1817. 

It was his wish to have the settlement at his mills called 
Caledonia, and this it has in some measure retained, al- 
though it has since been known by the various names of 
Howard's Mills, Church's Mills, and Wegatchie. The 
latter name was given it upon the establishment of a post- 
office, in 1849. It was intended at one time that Cale- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



.313 



donia sliould be tliu iiaiiie of the town. The first settlement 
at tho R(j.s.sie injii-wovks was commenced by men sent by 
iNIr. D. Palish, late in the summer of 181(t, to erect mills 
and make arrangements for settling lands. These early 
settlers found traces which indicated that the English or 
French had at some time contemplated the erection of some 
station at Ro.ssie. It being at the head of a navigation of 
twenty-seven miles towards Fort Stanwix rendered it im- 
portant. A Durham boat, laden with stone, was found 
sunk in the river, with every appearance of having been a 
long time submerged, and an excavation, apparently for a 
cellar, existed upon the site of the stone store at liossie. 

The stone store at Ogdensburg being inclosed and uearly 
finished, Mr. D. \V. Church, who had superinteuded its 
erection, with seven men, one of whom was accompanied 
by his wife to cook for the party, proceeded, in a Canadian 
bateau, with shanty furniture and tools, to the head of 
navigation on Indian river, and landed at sunset upon an 
island near where the foundry now is, and spreading their sail 
upon poles for a tent for the married pair, and their blankets 
on the rocks under the canopy of heaven for themselves, 
they spent the fir.st night. During the following day they 
erected a commodious hut, with two rooms, near where the 
saw-mill now is, and by winter a saw-mill was erected and 
in operation. In December the camp was broken up and 
abandoned until .spring. During the winter parties were 
engaged in getting out timber, which subsequently was 
employed in buildings then being erected at Ogdensburg, 
and in the frame of the " Genesee Packet," built soon after 
at that port. 

During the summer of 1811 the lumber business was 
prosecuted with vigor, and in the following winter the 
bridge at the foot of the Big Hill was built. The furnace 
was commenced in the summer of 1813, under the imme- 
diate direction of Mr. James Howard, and from this period 
the settlement exhibited much life and spirit, under the 
enterprising direction of Mr. Parish, its proprietor. A 
road through to Oxbow had been laid out in the fall of 
1810, and was cut and cleared the following summer. It 
was subsequently made a turnpike under the name of the 
Ogdensburg turnpike. The first male child born in town 
was William Rossie Williams, March 31, 1814. 

Rossie furnace was the first blast-furnace erected in 
northern New York. It was built in the summer of 1813, 
and got into operation in 1815. The Caledonia iron mine, 
one mile and a half east of Somerville, began to be wrought 
at about the same time or the year before. The ore wiis 
first sent to Albany for trial. When first erected the fur- 
nace consisted of two stacks, but only one of these was 
ever got into operation. They were about thirty-two feet 
square at the base, and of the same height. The agent 
employed by Mr. Parish to build and run this furnace was 
William Bcmbo, an Englishman of great experience in this 
business, but unacquainted with the ores and fuel used in 
this country. The result was that no iron could be made, 
and after spending large sums in experimenting, and in 
building a costi}' mansion for permanent residence, he aban- 
doned tho attempt in discouragement, and returned to 
England. 

At this juncture, Mr. Parish met with parties from New 
40 



England, who guessed that the thing could be dune, and he 
accordingly oflFered to Me.ssrs. Keith, Marvin c*c Sykes the 
free use of the furnace and coal, with the privilege of usiuii 
the best of the ore upon the premises, and all they could 
make in three months, if they would make a trial. The 
result was that the.se men realized a large profit, and not 
the least difficulty was found in getting iron of a good 
quality and in the greatest abundance. 

From this time the furnace was run by S. Fullers & Co., 
for about three years, on a contract which was to have run 
five years, but Mr. George Parish having an opportunity of 
leasing it for a long term, bought the contract and lea.sed 
it to Robert R. Burr, of New Jersey, who ran it two or 
three years, and left about 1827. It then lay idle about 
ten years. A forge was erected in 1816, which was subse- 
quently burned. The first furnace was what is technically 
called a quarter-furnace, with one tewel, or pipe, for air. 
A part of the time previous to 1826 bog ore was used. 
The principal supply has been from the Caledonia mine in 
Rossie, the Keenc and Wicks mines in Antwerp, and a 
small opening adjoining the Kearney mine. 

This furnace has been several times burnt and rebuilt. 
On the 12th day of May, 1837, it was again got in opera- 
tion by Mr. Parish. A stack thirty-two feet square and 
forty-six feet high was built during that year, which stood 
until 18-14, when the present stack, which is forty feet 
square, forty-six feet high, and nine feet diameter within, 
and capable of making eleven tons per day with a hot blast, 
was erected. It is technically called a three-quarter furnace, 
and has three tewels, or air-pipes. The hot blast was intro- 
duced in 1838, by Mr. Alger, the patentee. 

From 110 to 120 bushels of charcoal are required to 
make a ton of iron with the hot blast, and 200 with the 
cold blast. The following table will exhibit to tho.se ac- 
(juainted with the iron trade an accurate idea of the opera- 
tions of the furnace, and the average yield of the iron ores 
of northern New York, from which a comparison can be 
drawn with the results of other furnaces and different ores. 

The table exhibits the number of tons and pounds of 
ore consumed, the tons and pounds of pig-iron made, and 
the percentage of yield of each blast since 1837. 



Ore. 



Iron. 



Iron. 



Tons. 


lbs. 


Tons. 


lbs. 


Per ct. 


Tons. 


lbs. 


Tons. 


lbs. 


Tor ci. 


1088 


708 


490 


367 


45.04 


1310 


815 


608 


365 


40.41 


66G 


825 


382 


.i56 


57.36 


3630 


11 


1687 


485 


46,48 


i:!28 


902 


746 


136 


56.16 


5297 


231 


2568 


892 


48,48 


I2,il 


104S 


741 


1222 


50.25 


5398 


1700 


2724 


1794 


56.05 


]J80 


1098 


847 


1747 


53.62 


1706 


1950 


Sol 


1667 


49.88 


1245 


.•i54 


758 


827 


60.90 


1770 


320 


839 


1556 


48.00 


2078 


717 


1113 


568 


53.56 


2044 


1960 


1075 


800 


51.00 


574 


708 


2.89 


1560 


50.45 


3135 




1572 


1434 


50.05 


1281 


162 


616 


769 


50.06 


2173 


1031 


1089 


708 


50.12 


618 


810 


275 


1125 


44.56 


4012 


1825 


934 


1000 


48.21 


;i580 


990 


1698 


1297 


47.44 


2185 


1851 


1258 


1210 


45.20 


1782 


1725 


908 


1570 


50.97 













The last blast at this furnace ended Oct. 14, 1867. Since 
that time the works have remained idle. 



IRON MINES. 



The iron mines in this town, situated a mile and a quarter 
east of Somerville, began to be worked in the fall of 1812, 
and have been continued most of the time since. The 
amount is inexhaustible, and the yield about fitly per cent. 



3U 



lllSTOKl' OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tlio fir.st oi'c tliat w;is tiikcu to Rossie furnace was not 
soitod, and a lait;e aiiiouiit of red stone was carried for 
smcllniu, which was one of tlie principal causes of the first 
failures in getting iron. Afterwards a hirge quantity of 
middling quality was thrown away, and none but the best 
was taken. From one to three dollars per ton has been 
paid for drawing ore thirtoou miles to the furnace, and this 
business, done mostly in winter by sleigiis, has enabled great 
numbers to pay for their lands with their surplus labor. 
Tlie Caledonia mine, belonging to the Pari-sh estate, and the 
one that has been principally wrought, was estimated to 
have furnished 100,000 tons of ore previous to 1852. 

In 1805, the mines were purcha.sed by a New York com- 
pany. They have been under the supervision of Mr. 
Ciiarles R. Westbrook. Since this company took posses- 
sion, the mines have been thoroughly c(|uipped with the 
most improvL-d machinery, including engines, pumps, dia- 
mond- and air-drills, etc. Nearly all of the present buildings 
have been erected, and a branch railroad track, connecting 
the iron bi^ds with the Home, Watertown and Ogdensburg 
railroad, has been built. 

The mines have, until recently, been worked with profit, 
but. owing to the recent depression in the iron market, little 
has been done during the past season (1877), although the 
mines have been kept in working order. 

The supply of iron has been shown to be inexhaustible. 

The mills at Rossie were erected in 1845-46, and a large 
foundry upon the opposite side of the falls in 1848-49. 

A large amount of railroad castings has been made here, 
and the property of chilling, which this iron possesses to a 
high degree when made with a blast of cold air, renders it 
peculiarly adapted for those purposes which require hai-dness 
combined with streuglh. 

That portion of the town of Rossie lying between the 
Oswegatchie and the Indian rivers is usually denominated 
the ■' Scotch Settlement," from the fact that nearly every 
inhabitant within these limits is of Scotch descent. The 
first of this settlement was begun in 1818 by ten families, 
who emigrated from Scotland in that year, by way of Quebec 
and the St. Lawrence river. 

They were as follows : Robert Ormiston, James Dickson, 
William Facluiey, James Fairbairn, Corlan McLaser, Don- 
ald McCarrie, Thomas Elliot, James Hendenson, James 
Douglas, and Andrew Dodds. Their destination was un- 
certain ; a portion designed locating in Delaware county, 
but as they were proceeding up the river in a Durham boat 
they stopped a short time in Prescott, where they were visited 
by an agent of David Parish, and induced to cross to Og- 
densburg, with their families. The latter were liber.ally 
provided for in the village, while the men went to view the 
lands, then newly surveyed, in Rossie. It is said that they 
passed up through the valleys, and across the richest por- 
tions, and that the existence of hills and ledges of rock 
was not known until after they had located their farms 
and commenced clearings. To assist the emigrants, Mr. 
Parish caused ten acres to be cleared for each, supplied 
each family with a cow, seed-wheat, and provisions for the 
first year, besides building a comfortable log house on each 
farm, and furnished an ox-team to every two of the settlers. 
For these they were to pay when they had got fairly settled 



and were in a condition to earn .something from their farms; 
but prices were then very high, and the debt ran up faster 
than the means of payment, at the depreciated prices which 
followed, could cancel. 

This .settlement was increased the following year by new 
emigrants from Scotland, but to these the facilities extended 
to the first were not oifered. In the mean time .some of 
the former became disheartened by the burden of debts, 
which conistantly increased', and some thought of giving up 
their location and beginning anew elsewhere. To avoid 
this, and to place them in a condition more favorable and 
equal, Mr. Parish assembled these inhabitants at Rossie 
village, in the winter of 1823-24, and, after ascertaining 
the indebtedness of each, reduced the whole to a common 
level by canceling all above five hundred dollars. This 
measure met with general approbation, and his tenants re- 
turned home with renewed courage. Most of the farms in 
this portion of the town are at present occupied by descend- 
ants of the original settlers. 

In 181!) the following families settled: James Lockey, 
David Storie, William Laidlaw, Robert Clark, Andrew 
Culbert-son, John Henderson, Andrew Flemming, John 
Dodds, James Hobkirk, John Tait, and James Ormiston. 
Elizabeth Fachney, the daughter of William Fachney, born 
January 13, 1819, is believed to have been the first white 
child born in this portion of the town. In 1820, John 
McRobbie, Thomas TurnbuU and brothers, Michael, Adam, 
Andrew, and William. Scotch settlers continued to arrive 
until 1832. Roads had been made through the central 
part of the town before these Scotch emigrants arrived, 
and small beginnings made in one or two places. 

ROSSIE LEAD MINES. 

The celebrity which has been given to the Rossie lead 
mines will add interest to their history. The Indians of 
St. Regis have a tradition that their ancestors knew of the 
existence of lead not far from the jjresent mines, but the 
precise locality is not known. The natives were accus- 
tomed to smelt their lead by casting the ore upon a fire 
built upon a pie^e of bark or wood, and pouring the metal, 
when melted, into a groove in the sand. The bar was then 
cut into small pieces, and rolled into balls between flat 
stones. A quantity of pure galena was found upon the 
bank of the Oswegatchie, in the village of Ogdensburg 
(evidently the cache, of some Indian), many years before 
the discovery of the mines. 

It is said that lead was first discovered at Rossie among 
the ashes of a log-heap, but its precise locality was not then 
known. Arthur Bacon, of Rossie, is reported to have dis- 
covered galena among the earth at the roots of an upturned 
tree, some time before particular attention was directed to 
the subject. The Victoria vein was subsequently discovered 
by a daughter of Joel Jepson. 

In December, 1835, Mr. Parish entered into a contract 
with Mr. B. T. Nash, who professed to search for lead. 
By virtue of this contract, fifty cents per ton was to be paid 
for iron ore and seventy-five cents per ton for lead ore, 
should mines be discovered, all the- lead ore to be- smelted 
in Rossie. The loa.se was to continue for ten years. A 
company had been formed previous to the drawing up of 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



:!15 



this contract, (.•onsisting of R. T. Nash, Joseph Rarber, 
Zadoc Day, Josepli Disbrow, and one other, for the purpose 
of mineral explorations, and Indian traditions led them to 
the Rossie district. Mr. Nash soon after sold the rij;ht to 
J. C. Bush. Two companies were incorporated by the 
legislature, May 12, 1837, for the working of the mines. 
The charters of these two companies were alike in date, 
limitation, powers, and privileges. They were to continue 
until Jan. 1, 18-17 ; capital of each, $24,000, to be divided 
into 960 shares of $25 each. The company holding the 
eastern division of the Coal Hill vein was styled the " Ro.s- 
sie Lead-Mining Company," and David C. Judson, James 
Averill, Krastus Vilas, Peter C. Oakley, and Roylas Vilas 
were its first directors. The western division of the same 
vein was held by the " Rossie Galena Company," of which 
John C. Bush, Rliss T. Nash, Elias G. Drake, Silvester 
Gilbert, and David C. Judson were the first directors. 

From an examination made at the time, it was inferred 
that the ore contained no silver, or, at least, that the quan- 
tity was too small to denote its presence by the tests em- 
ployed. The lead ashes were found to consist of the car- 
bonate and sulphate of lead and the carbonate of lime, in 
variable proportions, formed by the action of the atmosphere. 
Work was commenced upon the western section in 183(i, 
but systematic operations were not commenced until Jan. 
1, 1837, at which time the eastern company also commenced 
operations. 

An immense number of laborers were employed, and the 
business was carried on prosperously for a considerable 
time, notwithstanding the entire inexperience of the man- 
agers and miners, and the enormous expenditures for the 
erection of smelting-houses and machinery, which were 
afterwards found to be inefficient. Wages of laborers and 
prices for provisions were very high, and the whole opera- 
tion was conducted without regitrd to economy ; but, with 
all these drawbacks, the companies made large dividends, 
and stock rose to extravagant prices. The ore was prin- 
cipally smelted by Messrs. Moss & Knapp, at a furnace on 
Indian river, about one mile from the mines, at $25 per 
ton, with a clause in the contract giving them all over 
sixty-eight per cent. A reverberatory furnace was erected 
at the mines, but this was found to waste more lead than 
it yielded. The Victoria and Union veins were worked for 
a short time by Jlr. Parish. A " working" was commenced 
by him on the Robinson or Indian river vein, where ore 
was found upon the surface, and about three hundred 
pounds of lead were taken out directly over a cavity in the 
granite, which, upon blasting to the solid vein, proved to 
be fifteen feet in depth. A shaft was sunk to the depth of 
seventy-six feet, which yielded 1100 pounds of lead; cost, 
$1000. In the branch of the Union vein two shafts were 
sunk, the western fifty-five and the eastern fifty feet in 
depth. A statement made by Mr. Charles L. Lum, who 
kept the books of Moss & Knapp, shows that the product 
of the furnace was in all 3,250,690 pounds, or 1625 tons, 
of metallic lead, the average yield of the ore being 67 per 
cent., or lOi tons per fathom. Both of these companies 
discontinued working about 1840, and numbers of persons 
lost large sums from the depreciation of stock. The.se lead 
mines having been discontinued more than ten years, and 



having reverted to Mr. Parish during the summer of 1852, 
a portion of the premises were leased by Mr. R. P. Rem- 
ington for ten years, with a privilege of ten years longer, 
with one-twelfth royalty, and a company, styled the " Great 
Northern Lead Company," was incorporated, under a gen- 
eral act, Sept. 8, 1852, for a term of fifty years, for the 
purpose of working mines of lead and other ores in St. 
Lawrence County. Capital fixed at $500,000, in shares 
of SIO each. The first directors were James C. Forsyth, 
Ernest Tiedler, P. Strachan, John F. Sanford, S. T. Jones, 
Silas M. Stihvell, Charles G. Myers, R. P. Remington, and 
James G. Hopkins. 

This company erected a Cornish engine of sixty-horse 
power, with improved and very perfect machinery. They 
imported a large number of practical miners from Corn- 
wall, England, and work was carried on quite extensively 
for about three years, when it was discontinued, as they 
declared themselves unable to pay the royalty demanded 
by Mr. Parish. In 1861 the works were lea.sed by Mr. J. 
B. Morgan, and were carried on by him until 1868, since 
which time they have remained idle. 

Mr. Charles Westbrook, while prospecting for lead in 
the vicinity of Rossie village, in 1865, discovered .several 
veins of lead ore, in one of which he removed with a stick 
over four hundred pounds of galena. Mr. Parish after- 
wards caused a shaft to be sunk to the depth of a few feet, 
when it was found that the vein contained but little lead, 
and work was discontinued. 

INCIDENTS. 

An incident occurred during the earlier workings of the 
mines, that well-nigh resulted in blood.shed. During the 
spring of 1837, nearly five hundred Irish laborers were 
employed in and about the mines, who may be supposed to 
have been actuated by the peculiar prejudices common to- 
the lower classes of that people. On the evening preceding 
" St. Patrick's day in the morning," some mischievous per- 
sons had suspended by the neck an effigy in Irish costume, 
before a house occupied by laborers as a boarding-house, 
and affixed a label, " St. Patrick," and a wish that this 
might be the fate of every Irishman. This had its natural 
effect, and the indignation towards the authors of this act 
knew no bounds. Those living near the place accused 
others from a neighboring locality of doing it, and mutual 
accusations led to threats of vengeance, and the whole 
crowd had armed themselves with such weapons as chanced 
to fall in their way, and were with the greatest difficulty 
dissuaded from acts of violence. The overseers, in order 
to appease them, offered large rewards for the offenders. 
Had the latter been discovered, nothing would have saved 
them from a violent death. This gave origin to a feud, 
which continued for a long time, and the laborers in the 
smelting-house, in some way, became obnoxious to the Irish, 
as the supposed authors of the insult. Being in constant 
apprehension of an attack, the smelters provided means for 
throwing melted lead from their furnace, and hot water 
from the boilers of the engine, and the knowledge of these 
precautions is said to have saved them from an attack. 
Some time after this, two of the Irish laborers were directed 
to drill a hole for a blast in the immediate vicinity of the 



31 G 



HISTORY OV ST. LAWllENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



.smolting-hou.se, for the |iui-|iiisi! of foi-iiiiiiii- :i new channel 
for the water. Strict ciriicrs were i;ivcn not to charge the 
hole in theab.senco of the liireman ; but this was disregarded, 
and the drilled hole and a crevice in the rock were heavily 
chargid with powder. A third one emptied the most of 
another keg into the seam, and hastily filling it up with sand, 
applied a match. 'J'hc blast took eifect with tremendous 
energy, casting vast quantities of rock into the air, and 
jarring tlie ground to a great distance. A shower of these 
projectiles, falling upon the roof of the smelting-house, 
perforated it in many places, but fortunately the boiler es- 
caped, and no one was injured by the terrible explosion. 
All suspicions parties were forthwith discharged, and the 
immediate authors of this infamous act having fled, the 
quarrel was ended. 

While workmen were engaged in repairing the old plank- 
rnad, about three miles south of Rossie village, in 1850, 
they discovered human bones, which had evidently been 
buried many years. Various Indian relics have been found 
within the town, and several teeth, supposed to be those of 
the mastodon, were found near Sprague's Corners, in 1875. 

In March, 1840, Henry Rodgers, who was at work in the 
Victoria mine, was killed by the falling of a ma.ss of ice, 
which had become detached from the shaft above. 

YELLOW LAKE 
is a long, narrow sheet of water, extending nearly across 
the centre of the town. It derives its name from the cir- 
cumstance of its being covered with the blossoms of the 
pond-lily when first discovered. 

ROSSIE VILLAGE, 

situated at the head of navigation on Indian river, which 
affords a good water-power, and in a fine grazing country, 
seven miles north of Ox Bow (Jefferson Co.), is a village of 
about 400 inhabitants, and contains two churches, a hotel, 
four stores, two blacksmith-shops, three shoe-shops, one 
wagon-shop, an extensive stone grist-mill, with five run of 
stones, one saw-mill, and a half-blast furnace, owned by the 
Ros.sie iron company, of New York, which has facilities for 
manufacturing sixteen tons of pig-iron per day, and con- 
nected with which is a large machine-shop and foundry, with 
facilities for doing any kind of ca.sting and machine-work, 
neither of which are now in operation. 

SOMERVILLE P. 0., 

situated in the southeastern part of the town, two miles 
from Keene's Station, on theR., W. & 0. R. R., contains 
two churches, a store, hotel, shoe-shop, wagon-shop, two 
blacksmith-shops, and about 150 inhabitants. Near the 
village is a cheese-factory, capable of making about thirty- 
six tons of cheese per year. 

SPRAGUE'S CORNERS (^SHINGLE CREEK P. 0.) 

is situated in the southeastern corner of the town, near 
Keene's Station, on the Rome, Watcrtown and Ogdensburg 
railroad, and contains two churches, two wagon- and two 
blacksmith-, one paint- and one cooper-shops. The county 
line divides the village about equally, — one-half lying in 
this, and one-half in Jefferson county. There are several 
extensive iron mines in the vicinity. 



KEENE'S STATION, 

on the Rome, Watcrtown and (Jgdeusburg railroad, on the 
line of Jefferson county, is chiefly noted for its iron mines. 
The White Marble lime-works, located on the old plank- 
road, about three miles north of Ox Bow, manufacture 
about seven thousand bushels of lime per year. This lime 
is said to be of a very superior quality, and held in high 
repute for making a hard finish. 

WEGATCHIE. 

On the Oswegatchie river, two and one-half miles from 
Somerville, is the village of Wegatchie, containing two 
stores, a hotel, a wagon- and two blacksmith-shops, a grist- 
mill, a spoke-factory, a woolen factory, two saw-mills, one of 
which was built by Daniel Church (contains a saw-mill, 
shingle-mill, and cheese-box-factory), and is capable of saw- 
ing five hundred tbousand feet of lumber, and manufactur- 
ing one thousand cheese-boxes and two hundred thousand 
shingles per year ; the other, owned by Thomas Turnbull, 
also comprises a shingle-mill, and is capable of manufac- 
turing six thousand feet of lumber and twenty thousand 
shingles per day. 

SUPERVISORS. 

1814, Reuben Streeter ; 1815, Theodosius 0. Fowler; 
1816-18, Reuben Streeter; 1822-24, Lewis Franklin; 
1829, Reuben Streeter; 1822-24, Lewis Franklin; 1825, 
Ebenezer Marvin; 1826-27, James Howard; 1828, Wil- 
liam Brown; 1829, Reuben Streeter; 1830-32, S. Pratt; 
1833-34, William Skinner; 1835, S. Pratt; 1836-38, 
Robert Clark; 1839-40, Martin Thatcher ; 1843-44, Wil- 
liam B. Bostwick; 1845-46, S. Pratt; 1847-48, Henry 
V. R. Willmot ; 1849, Zaccheus Gates; 1850, Adam Turn- 
bull ; 1851-52, Zaccheus Gates. Mr. Gates died in April, 
1852, and S. Pratt was elected in his place ; 1853-54, Solo- 
mon Pratt ; 1855, R. R. Sherman ; 1856-57, L. W. Bald- 
win ; 1858, William B. Bostwick ; 1859-63, James H. 
Church; 1864-66, Thonjas A. Turnbull ; 1867-69, David 
McFalls ; 1870-74, Thomas A. Turnbull ; 1875-77, A. E. 
Helmer. 

POSTMASTERS. 

Shingle Creek Post-OJjice. — The following persons have 
held the office of postmaster at this place: Daniel Wilcox, 
Alexander Wright, George F. Steele, Eben Gillett, A. M. 
Vedder, and L. G. Draper. 

Somerville Post- Office. — Solomon Pratt, Martin Thatcher, 
Ward P. Lewis, H. R. Albro, Chauncey B. Fell, Lyman 
Merriman, Gilbert Wait, Hiram Hall, Charles Wilt, Isaac 
Stacy. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Slade, formerly of Rossie village, was the first prac- 
ticing physician within the town. He located at this place 
at an early day, and continued in practice until 1851, when 
he removed to Florida, where he died. 

Dr. D. McFalls was a pupil of Dr. Slade, of Rossie ; 
afterwards graduated at the medical school .at Boston. 
Commenced practice 1852, at Rossie. Entered the service 
in 1862, as surgeon of the 97th Regiment. At the close of 
the war lie returned to Rossie village, where he continued 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



31T 



in practice at that place until 1873, when he removed to 
(xouverneur. 

Dr. P. R. McMonagle located in the villaj^e of Rnssie in 
the spring of 1801, and remained until the s^pring of 1865, 
when he removed to Ogdensburg. 

Dr. L. M. Giffiu attended lectures at the Rush medical 
college of Chicago. Graduated at that institution in the 
spring of 1875, and located in the village of Rossie, where 
he has since been in practice. 

Dr. E. O. Cook located at the village of Sprague's Cor- 
ners in 1860, and has since continued in practice at that 
place. 

Dr. V. B. Hough, now of Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., 
graduated at the Cincinnati medical college in 184G; 
located at the village of Somerville, where he continued in 
practice until 1852. 

OROANIZATIONS. 

7V/e Keene Cornet Band, at Sprague's Corners, was or- 
ganized in 1875, under the leadership of Mr. J. V. Baker, 
and consists of twelve pieces. 

Rossie Lodge, No. 766, /. 0. of G. T., was organized in 
December, 1868, with twenty-one members. 

Somerville Loclc/e, No. 431 , 7. 0. of G. T.. was organized 
Oct. 17, 1867, with thirty-six members. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

THE FIRST U.MVERSALIST CFIURCII OF SOMERVILLE. 

The Universalist society of Somerville was organized 
Aug. 20, 1842, with Lyman Mcrriman, Alva Weeks, and 
William Ayers, trustees. In 1846 they erected a church 
at a cost of about $1500. The first pastor was the Rev. 
G. C. Swan. Since its organization the church has been 
su|iplied occasionally by the pastors of neighboring churches. 
The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Prazier, who icsides at 
Hailsborough. Services are held every second Sunday. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHLRCH 

of Somerville was incorporated Dec. 16, 1845, with Hiram 
Hall, Orin Freeman, John Johnson, Freedom Freeman, 
Augustus Preston, and A. C. Van Dycke, trustees. The 
church edifice was erected in 1846. The succession of 
pastors has been as follows: Rev. Messrs. A. E. Munson, 
A. A. Blackman, B. S. Wright, Silas Slater, P. M. Crouley, 
C. C. Lymes, Josiah Zimmerman, C. E. Beebe, Zehil Aus- 
tin, Lewis Whitcomb, M. D. Kinney, Silas Ball, D. Simonds, 
G. P. Kenney, Ralph Pierce, A. Blackman, A. C. Brooks, 

Boyd, A. L. Smith, and 0. F. Nichols. The church 

has at present a membenship of 20 pi-rsons. 



ST. Patrick's chdrch (catholic) 
was organized with 25 families in 1852, in which year 
their church edifice was erected at a cost of about S2000. 
It will seat about 200 persons. The first pastor was the 
Rev. Michael Clark. The society consists at present of 80 
families. The property is valued at 8250(1. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ROSSIE, 

at Rossie village, was organized with eighteen members, in 
October, 1855, by George Lockie and R. H. King. Their 
house of worship wa.s erected in 185G, at a cost of $1600. 
It will seat 250 persons. The first pastor was the Rev. 
John McGregor. The society numbers 40 members. The 
church property is valued at $2000. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

at Rossie village, was organized with 17 members in 1S68j 
by Rev. Lemuel Clark. The first pastor was Rev. 0. F. 

Nichols. The society consists of about 30 members. 

We are under obligations to the following gentleuien for 
information furnished : Messrs. Charles R. Westbrook & 
Son, of Ogdensburg, Michael Dodds and David Depont, of 
Rossie, P. M. Crouley, of Somerville, Richard Bonfi, of 
Keene's Station, Mr. Thomas TurnbuU, of Wegatchie, and 
many others. 



BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCH. 

WILLIAM MARKWICK 

was born in the parish of Hoo, near Hastings, England, 
July, 1803. At the age of sixteen he started for America, 
without a friend or acquaintance on board the ship or in 
this country. He remained two years in New York, when 
he engaged in the service of George Parish, of Ogdensburg. 
with whom he remained two and a half years. He then 
married Mary, daughter of James Ormiston, one of the 
first settlers in what is known as the Scotch Settlement in 
Rossie. He at once took up land in the then unbroken forest 
adjoining Ormiston's. where he continued to reside until his 
death, and where, by persevering industry, he acquired a 
competence. 

He was honest, generous, and public-spirited. He held 
important offices in town, and was for thirty-five years a 
member of the Presbyterian church of 0.x Bow, and many 
years a teacher in the Sabbath-school. He enjoyed the re- 
spect and confidence of all who knew him. He died 
Dec. 10, 1873. His farm, with some additions, is still owned 
and occupied by his son Robert. 



HOPKINTON. 



HoPKlNTON was erected a separate town from Massena 
March 2, 1805, aud included the townships of Islinn;ton, 
Catharineville, and a portion of Chesterfield. Subsequently 
all the remainder of Masseiia, in the second tract, was 
annexed to Hopkintou, extendinjj; its bound.s to the southern 
county line, and having a width which gave it an area 
larn'e enough for a county. The formation of the towns of 
Lawrence, Parishville, and Colton has restricted these 
bounds to one tier of five town.ships, — numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 
15, — along the east county line to its southern boundary, 
excepting the greater portion of ("athariiieville, which still 
belongs to Hopkinton, and which gives the town its greatest 
width in the north. Tiie area thus comprised contains 
178,968 acres, of which but a limited portion is susceptible 
of cultivation, nearly all the fertile lauds being found in 
townships 14 and 15, in a strip extending along the east 
St. Regis river, from east to west, and having a width not 
exceeding five miles. But these lands are not excelled in 
the county for location and fertility : and there are many 
excellent ftirms on this belt. The surface of the town is 
elevated, and ascends from the St. Regis river, southward, 
until it attains a mountainous condition. A fine growth of 
hard wood covered it in the northern part, with a supply of 
pine, hemlock, and cedar in limited quantities. In the 
southern part the last-named varieties abound almost exclu- 
sively. The soil varies from a loam of great richness to a 
light sand, and the products are corresponding, although 
the whole is well adapted to grazing, and many of the 
inhabitants are engaged in dairying. The culture of the 
hop and the putiitoalso receives attention. The remoteness 
from market renders lumbering unprofitable. 

Hopkinton is well watered by the east and west branches 
of St. Regis river aud its tributary brooks, of which Lyd, 
named in honor of 'Sirs. Lydia Hopkins, is the largest. 
The St. Regis flows through dense forests, and $10,000 has 
been appropriated by the legislature to improve the log navi- 
gation of the stream. In the unsettled parts of the town 
are a number of lakes, the chief ones being Trout, Amber, 
Jordan, Tupper, and Massawappie. The latter is the head 
of Grasse river, and a reservoir has been constructed near 
the outlet of the lake, which iujproves tlu> wati'r privileges 
along the stream. The State appropriated $30,000 to 
effect this purpose. At Tupper's lake is a small quantity 
of fertile land and a small settlement. 

The town was named in compliment to Judge Roswell 
Ho£kin.s, of Vergennes, Vermont, who, having purchased 
a part of Islington, made the first settlement in May, 1802. 
Judge Hopkins was born in Amenia, New York, in iNIuy, 
1757, and having become a citizen of Vermont, served that 
State in various official trusts in his adopted State, serving 
in the legislature from 1810 to 1813. He was a man of 
318 



strong traits of character, and an active ]iroiiiritor of the 
welfare of his town. 

Judge Hopkins was accompanied from Vermont by his 
son Benjamin W.. and by Joel and Samuel Goodell, Jared 
Dewey, and Eliphalet Brush, from Washington Co., N. Y. 
These six came by way of Malone, and selected lands in 
the vicinity of Hopkinton village. The first tree felled in 
town was on Joel Goodell's land, by Jared Dewey, who 
broke the axe in the operation. Having made arrange- 
ments for the clearing of a small tract of land, Judge Hop- 
kiTis returned to Vermont in June, crossing the St. Regis 
river while it was swollen by heavy rains. His horse was 
partly overthrown by the violence of the current, and his 
portmanteau, containing in one end his provisions for the 
journey, and several hundred dollars in specie in the other, 
was swept down stream and lost. The remainder of the 
party applied themselves to the work of clearing and im- 
proving their lands, and also returned to their old homes 
in the fall. During their summer's residence, they had to 
go ten miles to get wa-shing done, and to market at Corn- 
wall, Canada. In March, 1803, Judge Hopkins and his 
sons Roswell D., Benjamin W., Isaac R., George, and 
James G., and wife and two daughters, and Abraham 
Sheldon, Eli and Asahel Si|uier, each with his family, 
moved into the town. In December uf that year Mrs. 
Sheldon gave birth to a son, the first child born in the 
town, who was named Hiram, aud who died at the age of 
sixteen. The same season, and in 1804 and 1805, the 
settlement was augmented by Thomas Remington, Gains 
Sheldon, Reuben Post, Eliakim Seeley, Henry McLaugh- 
lin, Thaddeus Laughlin, Horace Train, Jasper Armstrong, 
Seth Abbott, and Amasa Blanchard, with a family uf twelve 
children, all but one of whom lived to be mure than fifty 
years of age. 

The immigration was so large the following years that in 
1807 there were 48 voters in the town, and in May, when 
the first death occurred, there were 20 infants who had 
been born in the town. Among tho.se who came at an 
early day may be mentioned Stephen Langworthy, Gideon 
Sprague, Jonas Harwood, Caleb Wright, Pliineas Durfey, 
Nathaniel Rudd, Joseph Merrill, Aaron Warner, Herman 
Gray, John I'orry, Daniel Hoard, James Trussel, Jacob 

; Phelps, John Thomas, Ira Collins, Elisha Risden, William 
Miller, Artemas Kent, Hosea Brooks, Jonah Sanford, David 
Henderson, and John Henderson. 

' The life of these settlers was accompanied with tiie 
u.sual hardships, not the least of which were the jirivations 
resulting from the severe season of ISIG, when snow and 
frost occurred every month in the year, and nothing could 
be grown except grass and oats. Flour, which had been 
plenty the year before, now sold at $22 per barrel. The 






' •' •■ i f'hV '' *' »■ ('WOTOS er W 1 4T0NE. POTSDAM.) 







ffts/DENcr of ffOVAL LAWRENCE, /o/fr J/scK.soN.Sr Ik; 






MrsAchsaGoodell. 



1 



.^j.^jjlj^jffllWW,W».jil'^IV»,!t-.VW^ 




Res. or MRS. ACHSA GOQDLLl , Hui t.m: 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



H19 



wants of the settlers were greatly relieved by the abundance 
of j^anio, a better idea of which can be convoyed by detail- 
ing the exploits of that famous Nimrod, Thomas Mackand. 
His accounts show that at the time of his death, in 1849, 
he had killed 2550 deer, 210 bears, 77 panthers, and 214 
wolves ; and it was no uncommon thing for a hunter to kill 
from 5 to 25 deer per season. 

In this connection the following account of the early set- 
tlements by Elisha Risden, himself a pioneer and one of 
the first surveyors, will be read with interest : 

■• The first settlers canic by w:iy of French Mills to .St. Regis, and 
thence up the river to Stockhi>lin and to their destination. Previous 
to ISti.^) the main road from the east passed through Chateaugay to 
Malone, to Stockholm, and thence to Potsdam and beyond. A road 
had been opened on the western side of the St. Regis river between 
Islington and Stockholm, and another road from Islington, leading 
northeast, crossed the St. Regis river and intersected the road from 
Malone to Stockholm half a mile west of Deer river. These reads 
were l.iid down with little regularity along the most favorable ground, 
were without bridges and causeways, and mostly impassable, e.\cept 
when bridged by the ice in the winter. In March, 1805, there were no 
s'tllements between Islington and Deer river, nor between Deer river 
and Stockholm. Between Deer river and Malone a few scattered be- 
ginnings had been made. At the date above mentioned, several fam- 
ilies moving into the county had reached Deer river, where they were 
obliged to encamp, as the tee had broken up and the river was im- 
passable for teams. Hearing the condition of these families. Dr. 
Pettibone, of Stockholm, sent a message to Uoswell Hopkins, Esq., 
of Islington, inviting the young men of that settlement to meet those 
from Stockholm at the river and erect a bridge. The request was im- 
mediately circulated, and, although at ten o'clock at night, they mus- 
tered their forces and started on the expedition. The St. Regis river 
had tirst to be crossed, as the ice bridge had been broken up, and 
this was effected by wading on horseback at midnight and with in- 
finite peril the rapid and swollen river. The night was dark and 
cloudy. There were but three horses to transport the party of nine 
men, which was at length effected at six times crossing, and the com- 
pany met that from Stockholm at the appointed place early in the 
morning, and at once proceeded to plan and execute a good and sub- 
stantial log bridge, — the first one across Deer river, — at a point about 
one hundred rods below the present village of Lawrenceville. The 
party from Islington on their return home reached the St, Regis 
several hours sooner than the time appointed for the horses to be 
sent to meet them, and as the river had subsided soin<-what, one or 
two of the comi)any cut each of them a pole to support themselves 
against the current, and with their boots and axes slung to their hacks 
forded the river by wading. The horses were sent to transport tho 
remainder, and the whole })arty returned without accident. From 
Deer river to Islington was S^ miles by tho ford and 15 by .Stock- 
holm. From Esquire Hopkins' to the ford IJ miles. Mr. Hopkins 
was remarkably attentive in a.'^sisting settlers to cross this ford, and 
kept a watch to give notice when team? arrived, and tho young men 
could go down with two yoke of oxen and a strong sled, cross over to 
them, fasten their sleighs with withes and ropes to tho top of the sled, 
and so recross. In crossing the empty sled would float, and the fer- 
rymen were obliged to wade by its side and work with all their 
might to keep it from floating down stream. The sleighs were light- 
ened of their contents, hoisted with levers and skids on to the sled, 
bound fast, reloaded, and crossed over, Difliculty was often experi- 
enced in keeping the load upright, and tho screams of the women and 
children as their craft veered and floundered along the angry stream 
formed a picture strikingly eharaeteristio of priuiitivo times and 
known only to pioneers. In April of this year the sleighing ceased, 
but people continued to arrive on horseback and on foot, who were 
often disappointed at the difficulties in crossing, and in several in- 
stances travelers coming to Islington at'ter reaching the ford retraced 
their steps, and proceeded to their destination by tho very circuitous 
route of .Stockholm. To obviate these difficulties a foot-bridgo was 
built at the ferry, which, although rude and temporary, was very ac- 
ceptable. The ford way road is now oceujned by cultivated fields, 
and its route exists only in the recolleeti<uis of a few remaining 
pioneer settlors." 



THE WAR OF 1812 

followed so closely upon the settlement of the town that any 
reminiscence concerning its people will here find appropri- 
ate place. The following account appeared in Dr, Hough's 
History, published in 1852 : 

" On the last of February, 1811, after the British party had returned 
from their incursion to Malone, and had arrived at French Mills, they 
learned from a citizen-spy, who acted as their guide, that a large 
amount of flour belonging to the United States army was stored in a 
barn in tho village of Hopkinton, and that there was no guard at that 
place to protect it. Upon this they detached Major De Ileirne, of the 
British regular service, with Lieut, Charlton, the second in command, 
and about thirty soldiers, who proceeded in sleighs, by way of Moira 
corners, to Hopkinton, twenty-seven miles from French Mills, and 
arrived at that place early in the morning before the inhabitants 
were up. They first posted sentinels at the door of every house, and 
proceeded to search for arms in every place where they might be sus- 
pected to be found, and succeeded in obtaining .about twenty stand, 
which had been distributed among the inhabitants. It is said that 
several muskets were saved by being hastily laid in a bod, which 
had been occupied but a few moments previous, and thus eluded the 
search that was made for them. Their case has been described by 
the poet: 

" ' 'Tis odd, not one of all these seekere ttiouglit, 

.\nd Beenis to nie almost a sort of blunder, 

Of looking in the bed as well as under' 

" They found some three hundred barrels of flour stored in a barn 
owned by Judge Hopkins, and occupied by Dr. Sprague, but having 
no teams for conveying away more than half of that quantity, they 
began to destroy tho remainder, but, being dissuaded by the inhabit- 
ants, they desisted, and distributed the remainder among the citizens. 
During the brief sojourn of this party, they conducted themselves 
with strict propriety, and sacredly respected private property of every 
kind, using or receiving nothing for which they did not offer com- 
pensation. No parole was required of the inhabitants. Upon the 
passage of the detachment of the American army through Hopkinton 
on their way from French Mills to Sacket's Harbor, but a very short 
time previously, the officers in command were importuned by Judge 
Hopkins and others fur the privilege of carrying the military sup- 
plies in their village farther west to a place of greater safety, dread- 
ing the very event which soon after happened. They ofl'ered to take 
their pay from the flour, at such prices as would be just and equitable, 
but no one ajipeared to feel himself authorized to order the removal, 
and it was not eft'ected. The surrounding country would have readily 
furnished volunteers suflicient for this duty, and gladly undertaken 
it, had they been allowed the privilege." 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The act providing for the organization of Hopkinton 
fixed the place of holding the first town-meeting at the 
house of Eliakim Seeley, March 4, 1806, when RoswcU 
Hopkins was elected supervisor; Henry McLaughlin, clerk; 
Amasa Blanchard, Ja.«per Armstrong, Reuben Post, asses- 
sors; Amasa Blanchard, Seth Abbott, overseers of the 
poor; Abraham Sheldon, constable and collector; A. Shel- 
don, R. Post, 11, McLaughlin, commissioners of highways; 
Eli Squier, Oliver Sheldon, A. Blanchard, fence-viewers ; 
Oliver Sheldon, pound-keeper. 

The succession of supervisors ha.s been as follows : 



1806— -R. Hopkins. 
1807— B. W. Hopkins. 
1808— Henry McLaughlin. 
1809— R. Hopkins. 
1810— B. W. Hopkins, 
1811-19— Isaac R. Hopkins. 
1820-22— Thaddeus Laughlin. 
182,1-26— Jonah Sanford, 
1827-29— Isaac R. Hopkins. 
1830-32— Joseph Durfey, 



1833- 1. K, Hopkins. 
1834-35— T. Laughlin. 
1836— Phineas Durfey. 
1837— Eliakim Seeley. 
1838— T. Laughlin. 
1839— I. R. Hopkins. 
1840-41- Clark S. Chittenden. 
1842-44— Elias Post, 
1845 — Gideon Sprague, 
1846-47— Clark S. Chittenden, 



320 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1S48-4!)— E. Tost. 
1850-51— C. .S. Chittenden. 
I8.i2-53— .Tosfjih H. Durley. 
18.i4— Clark S. Chittenden. 
1855 — Rosvvell Ilupkins. 
1 S5G-57 — Y. P. Sjirague. 
1S58-5'J— (.'alcb Wright. 
1860-Gl— Davi.l V. Ilcnder.sun. 



1882-6a— George S. Wright. 
1804— E. R. Sheldon. 
18l>5-66— David V. Henderson. 
1867-68— Frank Kellogg. 
1869-73- Jonah .Sant'orJ. 
1874-75— David F. lU-ndiTson. 
1876-77 — Jonah Sanford. 

V. 0. Chittenden, town clerk. 



THE TOW.V RECORDS 

contain much interesting matter, from which tlie following: 
readable excerpts are made : 

1806. — Aniasa Blanchard, Henry McLau<,'lilin, and 
Koswell Hupkins were appointed a committee to decide 
upon a lawful fence, and reported that such a fence must be 
five feet high, and the spaces must not exceed six inches. 

1808. — Henry McLaughlin, Auiasa Blanchard, and Seth 
Abbott appointed to prescribt! rules for regulating the 
manner in which inoculation for the smallpox shall be ad- 
ministered in town. Sixty dollars voted to buy a set of 
statute laws aud blank books. At an adjourned meeting in 
March $100 voted for destroying wolve.s, $5 Ijounty oiFered ; 
$250 voted for the poor. 

1809. — One hundred dollars for the poor, and various 
sums, often larger, in following yeans. Wolf bounty, $5. 

1810. — Ten dollars was offered for every wolf killed in 
town. Similar amounts were paid in 1811, '17, '19, '20, 
and '24, and $5 the latter year for every whelp capable of 
doing mischief. 

1811. — One hundred dollars was voted for the destruc- 
tion of wolves, and $5 was " to be paid out of the above 
sum for each wolf-scalp capable of doing mischief." The 
same bounty was offered in 1812, '13, '14, '15, '25. 

1812. — "Voted that all ox-sleds owned in this town 
shall be four feet wide ; and that any inhabitant of this 
town who shall be seen using an ox-sled on the public high- 
ways less than four feet wide after the 1st of January, 1813, 
shall be subject to a line of $2.00 for each offense, to be re- 
covered with cost of suit by any person prosecuting the 
same to effect." It was further provided that any money 
arising from fines should pass into the hands of the super- 
visor, who was to distribute it among the school districts. 
Tiiere is no record of the distribution of such moneys, and 
the simple enactment of the law probably .secured universal 
acquiescence. 

1817. — Fifty dollars was voted to pay T. Meacham for 
killing two panthers. 

1818. — Ten dollars bounty voted for every catamount 
destroyed in town. 

1819. — Twenty dollars panther bounty, and $1 fox 
bounty voted; in 1820, $15 was paid for panther, and in 
1821, $2 for old and $1 for young foxes. 

1820. — The local legislation had a wider range, embracing 
smaller animals in the list for whose destruction bounties 
were to be paid. The mischief a squirrel was supposed to 
be capable of doing was set at six cents, and $1 per hun- 
dred was paid for the destruction of mice. Tt is said that 
$25 was paid as bounty money for the latter. This year, 
also, J. Gould, riiauncy D. TlKJiuas, Samuel Wilson, and 
Henry C. Green were complimented by being elected hoff 
constabks. Fifteen years later the responsibility of this 



important office was restricted to throe persons, whose names 
are to history unknown. 

The citizens of tlie town, in common with those of other 
towns, were strongly intere.sted in the prosecution of the 
late civil war. A special meeting was called Dec. 15, 1863, 
to consider the best means to raise volunteers, when, upon 
the recommendation of a committee, composed of D. F. Hen- 
derson, Jonah Sanford, Milo Adams, RoswcU Hopkins, and 
Franklin Kellogg, the supervisor and town clerk were au- 
thorized to issue certificates of §300 for each volunteer re- 
quired from the town, and that a tax of $6500 be levied. 
The subsequent calls for men caused special meetings to be 
hold, when similar action was taken to fill the quotas ; and 
at the annual meeting in 1865, K. S. Chittenden, F. C. 
Sprague, and D. F. Henderson were appointed a military 
committee to make final settlement aud disposition of the 
funds remaining unpaid. 

ROADS AND OTHER TOWN INTERESTS. 

A commendable interest in the location and improvement 
of roads was early manifested. At the town-meeting in 1806 
two districts were formed, wliich were placed in charge of 
Henry McLaughlin and EVi Squier, as over.seers. The first 
official record of a road survey is dated April 24, 1806, and 
gives the minutes of the road located .south from Lyd brook 
to Mechanic lots, so called. B. W. Hopkins was the sur- 
veyor. 

In 1810 a special meeting was held in June, when it 
was decided that the $500 appropriated to bridges at the 
annual meeting should be given to the St. Lawrence turn- 
pike company, on condition that the town be benefited by 
the location of the road on a certain route ; and a special 
meeting was held in 1811 to petition the legislature to tax 
the town to aid the Northwest Bay road. The legislature 
was also petitioned to authorize a lottery whereby the sum 
of $10,000 might be raised to repair this road. In 1827 
the Port Kent road was located to Hopkinton, and was, for 
many years, one of the principal thoroughfares. The road 
districts have been increased to thirty, and the highways 
of the town are in a fair condition. Telegraphic commu- 
nication is afforded at Hopkinton and Fort Jackson by the 
Montreal company, over a line extending from North Law- 
rence to Canton. 

The town made provision for the interment of its dead 
May 11, 1811, a special meeting having been called for this 
purpose. Two hundred dollars was voted to clear and fence 
a ground north of the village of Hopkinton, which is yet 
the principal cemetery in the town, and is well kept at its 
expense. 

In 1841 the town made an appropriation for the repair 
of the stone church, which secured its use for public meet- 
ings and town purposes. This was used until 1870, when 
steps were taken to build a town-hall. In 1871 an im- 
posing brick edifice was completed, at a cost of $4093.12. 
It is well arranged, has a spacious gallery and frescoed 
walls, making it one of the finest halls in the county. 

Ill the matter of schools the jieople of Hopkinton have 
made a good record. In 1814, B. W. Hopkins, Amasa 
Blanchard, and Samuel Eastman were appointed commis- 
sioners, who formed several districts. In 1819 three times 



I 





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W^^'^i^fS^f^!^:^^-^^^'- 



—rfT=rrr:xstpr^nrTrr:^r^. 



•-iMhyifcVii.sBiKs^w^iMt.'tj;'^;;,^^,:. 




Res. OF JOEL WITHEf?£LL,fORT jACK50N,Srl>i whence Count/, New Yohk . 




(H£ HOPKINS RESIDENCE, HOPKiNIOiS, NY. 



»«*' i.-'*^-'-''"** 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



321 



I 



the amount of money granted by the State was raised by a 
direct tax, and in 1857 it was voted tliat the legislature 
appropriate $50,000 to endow St. Lawrence university. 

There are at present 13 frame, 1 brick, and 1 stone 
school-houses in the town, valued at $7009. Five male and 
27 female teachers were employed during the school year 
187G-77, and paid $1953.78. Four hundred and ninety- 
seven scholars attended the schools, and the total expendi- 
tures for the year were $4112.06. 

The pleasant little village of 

HOPKINTON 

is situated on an elevated plain, on Lyd brook, a mile .south 
of St. Regis river. The associations of pioneer life cluster 
around the place, having from the first been the centre of 
the town's interests, and containing its hall and offices. 
The water-power of the place limits its manufactures, and 
consequently its growtli. there being scarcely two hundred 
inhabitants. Among the flimilies that first settled here, 
and whose representatives yet remain, were the Hopkins', 
Laughlins, Sheldons, Sprague-s, Chittendens, and others, 
who came from New England, and brought with them the 
ideiis peculiar to that .section. Hence the village has its 
commons, wide, tree-planted streets, spacious door-yards, 
and large lots, affording every resident a goodly portion of 
nature's heritage, and a combination of the best features of 
rural and village life. 

A grist-mill, erected on Lyd brook, in 1803, by Ro.swell 
Hopkins, was one of the first improvements. Several years 
later, Mr. Hopkins caused a long race to be dug along the 
brook, which gave him greater power for a new stone mill 
which he erected farther up the stream. This was used 
many years, but not having ample power the mill was 
allowed to go down. In the vicinity of the village were a 
number of saw-mills, which have also passed away, excepting 
the old Roberts' mill, which is .still operated by B. Collins. 
George McNeal has a shingle-mill on the brook, and P. 
Harper, J. Squier, and others have saw- and shingle-mills 
on the west St. Regis. At the village is a starch-factory, 
first started in 1858, and rebuilt in 1802, which is operated 
by D. L. Merrill & Son. In 1874 the Hopkinton Union 
factory was built on Merrill brook, by a company, and has 
been successfully operated ever since. Jonah Sanlbrd owns 
and operates a factory in the western part of the town, which 
was built about 1855. The capacity of these factories va- 
ries from 12,000 to 15,000 bushels. At the village is a 
tannery by R. S. Eastman, and a butter-tub factory by Cor- 
nelius Kingston. There were also, formerly, clothing-works 
by Truman H. Lyon, and a trip-hammer by a Mr. Frost. 
The place has at present the usual number of mechanic 
shops. 

B. W. Hopkins was the first to engage in trade, having 
but a small store; other merchants followed, remaining but 
a short period. The Chittendens established a business at 
an early day, which has been conducted by father and sons 
ever since, V. A. Chittenden liaviiig been engaged in trade 
since 1857. In 1807 a fine stone block was erected for 
the accommodation of their trade. 

The first tavern was kept by Tliaddeus Laughlin, in a 
double log house, south of the green. A frame building 
41 



was soon built for the business, which he continued forty 
years. Since 1842 the present hotel has been in use, 
Thomas L. Howe having been a landlord many years. At 
present A. Clark is the host. 

The post-office was established Nov. 3, 1807. with Thad- 
deus Laughlin po.stmaster. For more than thirty years he 
held this office, his successors being C. S. and K. S. CliK- 
tenden, the latter having had the office for the last twelve 
years. The first mail service was from Plattsburg ; the 
present is daily from North Lawrence. 

The first settled phjsician was Dr. Stephen Langworthy, ^ 
being among the early settlers. Dr. Gideon Sprague came 
next, from Addison Co., Vt., in 1811, and practiced until 
his death, in 1859, when his son, F. P. Sprague, succeeded 
him. Other practitioners were Doctors O. J. Hutchins, 
F. A. Cutler, and David F. Dayton, the present physician. 
James A. Sheldon has been a practicing dentist for many 
years. 

A social library was formed in 1810, having 45 mem- 
bers, who had contributed a fund to secure a number of 
excellent books. The first trustees were Roswell Hopkins, 
Amasa Blanchard, Henry McLaughlin, Reuben Post, Seth 
Abbott, Stephen Langworthy, Jasper Arni.strong, and 
Benjamin W. Hopkins. After several years the library 
was discontinued. 

Fanny Chitman taught one of the early schools, in a 
los; house, which was attended by pupils from the Hop- 
kins, Laughlin, Sheldon, and Goodell families. The pres- 
ent house is a fine two-story edifice, erected in 1869, at a 
cost of $3000. 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HOPKINTON 

was formed July 6, 1808, of five males and six females, by 
the Rev. John W. Church, a missionary. Services were 
held in the school-house, and on the 30th of September, 
1814, a society was formed, with Amasa Blanchard, Reu- 
ben Post, and Isaac R. Hopkins, trustees. These united 
with the Baptist .society in building a stone house for public 
worship in 1815, and in December of that year Rev. Hiram 
S. Johnson was ordained the fir.st pastor. The succession 
in that office since then has been Revs. Roswell Pettibone, 
J. Butler, Charles Bowles, P. Montague, J. A. Northrop, 
E. Wood, Simeon Gilbert, J. W. Grush, H. H. Waite, 
and E. J. Beach, the present pastor. The aggregate mem- 
bership of the church has been very large, and at present 
there are 104 members. The official board is composed of 
J. A. Bru.sh, J. A. Harran, and George Smith, trustees; 
and John Sheldon, R. II. Laughlin, and George iSmitb, 
deacons. In 1827 a church edifice was erected by Dr. 
Gideon Sprague, Aaron Warner, and Artemas Kent, as a 
building committee, which in 1873 was thoroughly re- 
paired at a cost of $5000. It is now one of the neatest 
houses in that section. A Sunday-school was organized at 
an early day, of which George Smith is superintendent. 
It has 105 members and a library of 150 volumes. 

A Baptist Socikty was also formed at this place, 
which united with the above in building a house of wor- 
ship in 1815. The interests of this body were transferred 
to Nicholville in 1843, and its history is detailed in that 
connection. 



322 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Holy Cuoss Roman Catholic Church was 
formed in 1877, and a frame edifice, 3G by (JO feet, was 
begun that year, the corner-stone liaving been laid July 4, 
1877. 

FORT JACKSON 

i» a small manufiicturirig village on both banks of the cast 
branch of >St. Rcgi.^ river, a mile north of Hopkiiitou. 
Tlie location for a village is exceedingly favorable, being 
elevated and well drained, and the rivci' here has a narrow, 
rock-bound channel, with ample fall, affording .splendid' 
power. This has been well utilized, but admits of further 
improvement. There are, also, c|uarrics of excellent build- 
ing-stone, from which blocks of uniform shape and con- 
venient size can be takon. This valuable material closely 
resembles the famous Potsdam sandstone, and for some 
purposes is esteemed superior to that rock. The stone also 
appears in very fine ledges in the north bank of the river, 
where it is dammed, and its wall-like appearance is like a 
line of fortifications. This likeness, coupled with the fact 
that the place was first improved in 1824, when " Old 
Hickory" was prominently engaging the attention of his 
admirers, suggested the name, which was accordingly be- 
stowed. 

Settlement was made in this vicinity nearly as early as 
in any portion of the town, Samuel Eastman coming in 
1803, and Noah Post about the same time. At a later 
period F. Kellogg, John Witherell, F. Davis, R. Lawrence, 
C. Sheldon, and Samuel Crook settled here, and became 
identified with the place ; but its growth as a village dates 
from 1824, when Isaac R. Hopkins erected a saw-mill, 
which, after many years, was destroyed by fire ; but was 
rebuilt, and is yet operated by the Hopkins heirs. A 
woolen-factory was subsequently operated by Hyde & Ly- 
man and others, which was replaced by a grist-mill, put up 
by Francis Davis about 1855. Upon its being burned, the 
present structure, a fine frame, with three run of stones, 
was erected, and is operated by T. W. Davis. A starch- 
factory, with a working capacity of 300 bushels of potatoes 
per day, is operated by Lawrence & Davis. A shingle-mill 
of great capacity, and employing a number of hands, was 
built by George Wells, in 1870 ; and a butter-tub factory, 
producing considerable work, by Samuel Cook, in 1873. 
There are besides five or six mechanic shops. 

The first to engage in trade were Kellogg & Wright, 
who opened a store in 1847. In 1872, Kellogg erected a 
fine business house, in which is a store. Here the post-office 
was eslablished April 11, 1873, with Frank Kellogg post- 
master. Since March, 1877, the office has been held by 
F. N. Kellogg. A daily mail is supplied from North 
Lawrence. 

The physician of the place is Doctor Dygert, who located 
in 1874. 

A handsome school-house was completed in the fall of 
1877, at a cost of S2500, by Joel Witherell, F. Kellogg, 
and Royal Lawrence as a building committee. Il is a frame, 
40 feet square, with a Mansard roof, surmuunted by a 
cupola containing a 300pound bell. The house will be 
heated by a hot-air furnace, and has accommodations for 
100 pupils. 



THE FORT .lACK.SON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

became a separate charge in May, 1845, although a .society 
had been formed in the town of Ilopkinton December 30, 
1839, with Josiah Smith, Martin Corey, Hiram B. Sheldon, 
Rufus Aldcn, Philip Mosher, Albert Sheldon, Bradley 
Adams, John Daniels, and John L. Ransom, trustees. In 
1844 a fine stone church was erected, which still serves as 
a house of worship. Rev. Josiah Arnold was the first 
pastor. The present membership is GO, having Rev. S. 
Short as pastor, and the church property is estimated at 
$3000. The board of trustees in 1877 was composed of 
A.sa Miller, Charles Austin, S. Ma.son, L. K. Over, William 
Eastman, C. Sheldon, C. W. Garvin, A. Sheldon, and 
Willard Krapp. 

A Sunday-school, superintended by William Shales, is 
attended by 50 scholars. 

THE FORT JACKSO.N FREE-WILL B.\PTIST CHURCH 

was organized in 1844, by Elders John Sweat and William 
Whitfield, with IG members. In 1847 a commodious 
church was erected, which was dedicated January 2, 1848, 
by Elder John W. Lewis. Elder John Sweat was the first 
pastor, maintaining this relation 14 years. The last pastor 
was Elder Charles Kurlin, who died on his charge in June, 
1877. The church numbers 69 members, and the official 
board consists of Edwin Phelps, Erastus Reeves, and Carlos 
Chittenden, trustees. The house has recently been placed 
in good repair, and with the parsonage is worth $3500. 

A Sabbatb-scliool having 85 members is under the super- 
intendence of Milton Reeves. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




JOEL GOODELL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hartford, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., Jan. G, 1781. His parents were farmers, 
and raised a family of seven children. The pioneer schools 



I 



I 



♦ 




c:^&^AA? yt^z/^f- 



FRANKLIN E. KELLOGG, 
/^ son of Daniel and Mary Kellogg, was born in Shoreham, 
Vt., Feb. 14, 1816. His father was a black.smith and also 
a farmer, and Franklin was thus reared. About 1833 he 
settled in Rochester, N. Y., and worked at blacksmithing. 
Went back to Cornwall, Vt., and worked at the same busi- 
ness, and May 24, 1838, he married Miss Pamiclia Sanford, 
of Cornwall, Vt. She was born in Cornwall, Vt., Jan. 17, 
1819. They lived about one year in Shoreham, Vt., and 
then came to Hopkinton, and settled at Fort Jackson. 
Since coming here Mr. Kellogg has been engaged in black- 
smithing, and for the past thirty-two years w;is engaged in 
the mercantile business. His business increased year by 
year, until at the time of his death he was doing an exten- 



sive business. They have had nine children, six of whom 
are still living. In politics Mr. Kellogg affiliated with the 
Republican party since its organization. He held various 
offices of trust and honor in his town, such as assessor, com- 
missioner; was elected in 1851 as justice of the peace, and 
continued to hold it until 1874. He was elected as super- 
visor of this town in 1867^ and served two years. By his 
genial disposition he won a large circle of friends. He was 
an advocate of good schools, and did his part in promoting 
the best interest of his town and village. He was a liberal 
supporter of the gospel in his vicinity. Afler a brief ill- 
ness of six days, in which he suffijred severely from an at- 
tack of pneumonia, he passed away, having lived respected, 
and died regretted by all those who knew him. 




HON. JONAH SANFORD. 



The father of this distinguished citizen of St. Lawrence County 
was Hon. Benjamin Sanford, who was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 
1756, and removed to Cornwall, Vt., in 1784. He was throughout 
his life a prominent citizen of that town, and two or three times rep- 
resented it in the State legislature. He married Sarah Marsh, by 
whom he was the father of thirteen children. 

Jonah Sanford, the third of these, was born in Cornwall, on Nov. 
30, 17110. His educational advantages were very meagre, but he was 
a youth of unbounded energy, and early displayed that remarkable 
force of character for which he was afterwards distinguished. On 
March li, 1811, he was married to Miss Abigail Greene, daughter of 
the Rev. Henry Greene, then of Cornwall, but subsequently of Par- 
ishville, in this county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sanford became the parents of ten children, — Calista, 
Ozia, Cordelia, and Abigail, who died in youth ; Henry, now of Nich- 
olville (who was a lieutenant in the 92d New York Volunteers, and 
had four sons in the war for the Union) ; Pamelia, wife of Hon, 
Erasmus D. Brooks, formerly of Parishville, now of Potsdam ; Jonah, 
a resident of Hopkinton ; Silas, a citizen of Rochester : Cclestia, wife 
of V. T. Priest, of Helena City, Montana; and RoUin, who volunteered 
in the 7th New York Heavy Artillery, was taken prisoner in the 
campaign of the Wilderness (18G4), and gave his life for his country 
in .^udersonville prison. 

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Sanford loft Cornwall in search of a 
suitable piece of woodland whereof to make a home. After some 
difficulty he selected a tract in Hojikinton, and began the task of 
making a farm in the forest with his wonted energy. In 1S13 he 
returned to Cornwall to remove his family from the danger of Indian 
massacre. While there he volunteered as a soldier, and took part in 
the battle of Plattsburg. iu September, 1814. The same fall he re- 
turned tu Hopkinton and renewed his arduous task of clearing and 
building him a home, amid difficulties and privations, yet with an 
heroic will and untiring industry. 

Ere long he purehaseil a few law books, and set himself to master 
them in the evenings, after working all day on the farm. Possessing 
a keen, analytical mind, an energy that seemed absolutely boundles-s, 
and great readiness in debate, he became one of the most successful 
practitioners in the county, ami for several years devoted his entire 
time to his legal business. 

He was also a most ardent politician, being a ze.alous champion of 
the Democratic party, which advanced him to many positions of 
trust, — justice of the peace, sui)ervi30r, member of the legislature in 
1829-30, member of Congress during the unexpired term of Silas 



Wright, from Dec. 6, 1830, to March 3, 1S31, judge of the court of 
common pleas, and member of the constitutional convention of 1846. 
In 1827 he was appointed a commissioner to lay out and build the 
Port Kent road through a wilderness of fifty miles. He discharged 
the duties of all these positions with strict integrity, and with the 
same zeal which he manifested in everything else he undertook. Mr. 
Sanford was also active in military affairs, rising to the rank of brig- 
adier-general of the militia, in which position he succeeded Silas 
Wright. 

We ])ause from delineating his public career to note that his wife, 
Mrs. Abigail Sanford, a kind-hearted, Christian woman, beloved by 
all who knew her, died on Dec. 15, 1842. In 1845, Mr. Sanford was 
married to Miss Harriet E. Barney, an accomplished lady of Jeffer- 
son county, who still survives him. The children of this marriage 
are Simeon, who resides on the old homestead in Hopkinton, and 
Harriet, wife of Samuel E. Eastman, of the same town. 

With the reorganization of parties on the slavery questiim, Jlr. San- 
ford became as ardent a Republican as he had been a Democrat, and 
on the breaking out of the war for the Union his patriotism was 
all aflame. He proved it, too, in a way which perhaps had not a 
parallel in the country. In the fall of 1861, at the age of seventy- 
one, he set to work to raise the 92d Regiment of New York Volun- 
teers, and prosecuted it with such vigor that on the first <lay of Feb- 
ruary, 1862, it left Potsdam for the scat of war with Col. Sanford at 
its head. He accompanied it to the banks of the James river, but 
age and ill health compelled him reluctantly to abandon the field. 
He survived this extraordinary effort somewhat over five years, dying 
on Dec. 25, 1867. 

The tireless energy, inflexible purpose, and overflowing vigor of 
Mr. Sanford's nature has been sufficiently shown by this brief narra- 
tion of facts, so that it would be superfluous to enlarge upon it. He 
was a man of noble figure and commanding presence, a fluent and 
forcible speaker, a great student. Being of large size and giant 
physical power, his endurance was wonderful. His will was indomi- 
table, and once entered upon a task nothing could swerve him from 
his purpose. He was fearless and tireless in whatever he engaged. 

He was a man of strict integrity and of a very social disposition, 
courting the society of young men, over whom he exercised a great 
influence. He was the intimate friend of Gov. Wright, Judge I'ine, 
Judge Allen, Preston King, and many other eminent men of the 
county and Slate. Taken all in all, Jonah Sanford was one of the 
most remarkable men of St. Lawrence County, and his example and 
worth will be long remembered by its citizens. 




,*"'" 



Jonah Sauvot^u 




RES. OF HON. JONAH SANTORD, Hopkinton. New Vow. 





'^^^^L^ ■ C" , C^ ro<f'7^r>-z.-^^^''-^^ — (Z^t^a-n^, c^^, (2pa^-^^->^2.<x^^'z^ 




HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



323 



afforded him little opportunity to secure an education, but 
proper home training assisted him to acquire a general 
knowledge of the common branches. In company with his 
father, in May, 1802, he came to Hopkinton, and located 
on a fiirm, a part of a purchase of 300 acres. He lived to 
be the eldest of six that came with him. Ho was mar- 
ried, Feb. 7, 1804, to Lydia nonderson. A family of ten 
children were born, eight of whom lived to be grown men 
and women. He succeeded by industry in securing a com- 
petency, and bequeathed to the family an honored name and 
a provision for their future. He died Oct. 21, 1809. Lydia 
Goodell, the third child of the family, was born Oct. 29, 1808, 
and was married, Dec. 3, 1829, to Rev. Silas Pratt, a native 
of Essex Co., N. Y. 

Mr. Pratt has been a minister in the Baptist church 
since he was eighteen years of age, and has been stationed 
at Og'lensburg, Canton, Potsdam, and has successfully 
served his church at the many places where stationed in 
St. Lawrence County. He is a graduate of Hamilton theo- 
logical seminary. Five children have been born to them, 
viz., S. J. Pratt, A. B., J. W., Mrs. D. F. Henderson, Mrs. 
E. D. Sanford. Two sons are practicing attorneys. Mrs. 
Pratt gratefully remembers her father, and deems it just 
that he should be represented on the pages of the history 
of his county. 

JOHN GOODELL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Hop- 
kinton, Sept. 22, 1 80C. He was the second child of a family 
of ten cliildren. By attending the common schools of the 
town he sccnred an education that enabled him to success- 
fully transact the duties of an active citizen. 

His father carefully trained him to habits of industry 
and economy, and a fair competency was .secured when 
death called him away. He was a worthy and respected 
citizen, with an unblemished reputation. At the age of 
forty-three he married Miss Achsa Smith, daughter of 
Joseph and Phebe Smith, residents of Concord, N. H. 
Mrs. Goodell's mother was born April 22, 1783, and is .still 
living at this date. Joseph Smith was born in Massachu- 
setts, 1784, and died Feb. 7, 1806. After a lingering 
sickness, Mr. Goodell passed away July IG, 1874. Previous 
to his death he made ample provision for his wife and 
family of one daughter, adjusting all accounts and giving 
wise counsel for the future use of the fortune willed them. 
His wife resides in one of the most pleasant homes in 
Hopkinton, and deems it just that he should be remem- 
bered in the pages of his county's history. Elsewhere will 
be found portraits, and view of the home where Mrs. 
Goodell now resides. 



JONAH SANFORD. 
Hon. Jonah Sanford is a grandson of Hon. Benjamin 
Sanford, of Cornwall, Vt., and a son of the late Judge 
Jonah Sanford, of Hopkinton, a sketch of who.sc remark- 
able career apjiears in this work. He was born in Hop- 
kinton, Oct. 24, 1821. He attended school in the winters 
only of his boyhood, and completed his education in the 
St. Lawrence academy, at Potsdam, N. Y. On arriving at 



majority he spent the first four years following as superin- 
tendent of his father's farm. 

Feb. 17, 1847, he married Clarinda, daughter of Elisha 
Risdon, of Hopkinton, one of the earliest settlers of the 
town, a man of sterling integrity and unimpeachable char- 
acter, and for many years a general land-agent. Li this 
marriage he was most fortunate. Mrs. Sanford is an ex- 
ceedingly industrious woman, a kind-hearted, Christian 
mother, and generous friend of the poor and lowly. The 
children of this marriage are Carlton E., a practicing lawyer 
at Potsdam ; Silas H., of Hopkinton ; Alice C, wife of 
Lester C. Shcpard, of Nicholville ; and Herbert J., of 
Hopkinton. Soon after his marriage he moved upon a 
small form on the turnpike road, .south of the old home- 
stead, where he labored with such indefatigable industry 
that he was soon able to purchase a larger property adjoin- 
ing the old homestead, where he has since resided, and to 
which he has added extensively. 

He also turned his attention to speculation and manu- 
facturing, and, by the aid of good judgment and manage- 
ment, has succeeded in accumulating a competence. In 
politics he was a Democrat up to the organization of the 
Republican party, to which he early united and has stead- 
fastly adhered. He takes an active interest in all matters of 
a public nature, and his townsmen have often called him to 
positions of trust. In 1862 he was appointed assistant 
assessor of internal revenue, which po.sition he held till the 
consolidation of the system in 1872. As assessor he was 
prompt and vigilant in the discharge of his duties, and 
received hearty testimonials from the United States assessor. 

In August, 1862, he was appointed enrolling officer by 
the governor for his town. In 1867 some eighty enter- 
prising and well-to-do farmers of the towns of Lawrence, 
Hopkinton, Parishville, and Dickinson established a union 
store at Nicholville, N. Y., and Mr. Sanford became its 
first and still is its president. He was first elected super- 
visor of his town in 1868, and was annually thereafter for 
five years, when he declined to take a renomination. He 
is the first and only man who has held this position for 
more than two terms in succession. 

In 1873 he was elected to the legislature from the third 
assembly district of this county, and again in 1874 by an 
increased majority of over five hundred votes. During 
both terms he was a member of the committee on agricul- 
ture and federal relations. 

As a legislator he was faithful and upright, and gained 
distinction in his efforts for economy in public expendi- 
tures. In 1876 he was again elected supervisor, and now 
holds that position. At the board of supervisors he has 
won an honorable position, and takes a leading part in its 
deliberations ; is now chairman of a .sjiecial committee to 
provide employment for pereons convicted of crimes less 
than a felony, and confined in county jail. Mr. Sanford 
is a man of great natural force, industrious beyond the 
power of most men, and tenacious in his purposes. He 
has a clear, active mind, a sound judgment, and the happy 
faculty of " striking when the iron is hot." He is fond of 
society, a good neighbor, and upright in all his business 
relations, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his 
townsmen. 



324 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CAPTAIN WM. E. EASTMAN, 

sou of Samuel and Sally Ea.stnian, was born in Ilojikinfon, 
Dec. IG, 1812. lie is the jounj^est in a family often eliil- 
Jren, all of whom lived to be men and women. His father 
w.i.s a native of Ilojikinton, N. II., and was born in 1769. 
His mother was a native of Beverly, Ma.ss. Samuel removed 
to Lincoln, Vt., and from there to Hopkinton. Feb. 24, 1808, 
bears the date of his first deed of lots Nos. 5 and 6, of one 
hundred acres each, in consideration of five hundred dollar.*. 
The farm is now owned by his son, Wm. E. Samuel East- 
man continued to live on his farm till his death, which oc- 
curred in May, 1852, aged eighty-three. In politics he was 
a Democrat. Oct. 7, 1849, Mrs. Eastman died. 

The subject of this sketch, Wm. E. Eastman, was reared 
on a farm, and has always followed it in connection with 
dealing in cattle, butter, and cheese. He had a common- 
school education. He was married to Bliss Susan M. Covey, 
a native of Cornwall, Canada, Oct. 1, 1824. Her parents 
were from New England, and removed to Canada about 
1815, and settled in Hopkinton in the fall of 1817, and 
lived here till their death. Martin Covey died in August, 
1842, and Mrs. Thankful Covey died in May, 1872. Mrs. 
Eastman has always lived in this town, save the first ten 
months of her life. Captain Eastman and wife have had ten 
children ; three only are living. 

In politics Captain Eastman has always affiliated with the 
Democratic party. He has held the otfice of assessor. When 
a young man he held the position of ensign of an indepen- 
dent rifle company, and was promoted to tiie position of 
captain, continuing to hold that position for several years. 

He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church, of Fort Jackson. Captain Eastman has 
been one of the most liberal men of that society, always 
doing his part in all matters of benevolence. He is a strong 
advocate of good schools. He is an advocate of temperance, 
and his own family are strictly so. The captain was the 
home boy, and his parents lived with him till their death. 
A fine view of the " old home," and portraits of himself and 
wife, may be seen in another part of this work. 

Captain Eastman's farm has passed into his sons hands, 
making the third generation upon the same farm. His son's 
uame is Samuel E., born Auu:. 29, 1849. 



ELIAS POST, 

son of Reuben and Esther Post, was born in Dorset, \ t., 
Sept. 20, 1798 ; he was reared on a farm, and has always 
followed it up to the present time. His father came to this 
town about 18(T4, and the family came the year following, 
and located at the village of Hopkinton, and lived there 
till- about 1812, when the family settled on the farm now 
occupied by the subject of this sketch and owned by his 
son, Truman E. Mr. Post was married to Miss Charlotte 
Merrill, of Georgia, Vt., by whom five children have been 
born, four of whom are living. Mr. Post has been the 
owner of a large tract of land, but his farm properly con- 
tained one hundred and si.\ty acres. In politics, Mr. Post 
was a Democrat till the organization of the Republican 
party, since which time he has been a Republican. He 



has always favored good schools and cliurches, as is shown 
by the fact that he gave his children as good advantages 
for an education as liis means would permit. He and his 
wife are now well advanced in years, but have the satisfac- 
tion of reviewing the past with no apprehension of the 
future. 

To their only .son, Truman, they have given the charge 
of the farm, who inserts this biography and view of the old 
home and portraits of his parents, that their names may be 
handed down to generations yet unborn. Mr. Elias Post 
has held nearly all the ofiices in his town, having been 
supervisor seven years, and having been elected to every 
other office in town. 

Truman E., oidy son of I']lias and Charlotte Post, was 
born in Hopkinton, and on the farm he now owns, Feb. 21, 
1834. He has always been on the farm with his parents, 
save when he attended school at Potsdam. He married 
Miss Harriet J. French, of Potsdam, daughter of Ira T. 
French, Feb. 9, 1859. She was born in Potsdam, Feb. 
24, 18.38. They have one daughter, Charlotte J., who was 
born May 31, 18G1. 



JOEL WITHERELL, 



•son of John and Clarissa Witherell, was born in Hancock, 
Vt., July 10, 1812 ; his parents were natives of Mas.sachu- 
setts, and removed to Vermont when they had nine children. 
He was a farmer and followed it through life. November 
25, 1825, the family came to Hopkinton; the father came 
the spring before ; the old people continued to live here till 
their death. Mrs. C. Witherell died in the .spring of 1843, 
and Mr. Witherell died in the spring of 181)7. The subject of 
this sketch was reared on the farm. He worked out by the 
month from the time he was eleven till lie was twenty-eight, 
commencing to work for four dollars a month, and the most 
he ever received was fifteen dollars, and it was considered 
big wages. He worked for Joseph H. Chittenden, of Or- 
well, Vt., eight years ; he paid for his present fine farm by 
working by the month. He also worked for T. H. Laugh- 
lin's father four years. He purchased this farm in October, 
1843. He married Miss Lucy R. Bond, of Orwell, Vt., 
Oct. 2, 1837. She was bora Oct. 2G, 1818, in Orwell, 
Vt. They had two children ; one daughter, Martha M., 
wife of A. E. McEwen, of Lawrence, is now living. Mrs. 
Witherell died Nov. 15, 1854. Mr. Witherell married 
Miss Clara Bond, sister of his first wife, Jan. 4, 185G. She 
was born in Orwell, Vt , May 30, 1821, and died May 17, 
1863. Mr. W. married for his third wife Mrs. Eliza Bar- 
ton, widow of A. S. Barton, of Charlotte, Vt., Sept. 13, 
1SG3. Mrs. Witherell has had six children by Iior first 
husband. One son, Guy C. Barton, a very prominent man 
of Nebraska, is the only one now living. 

Mr. Witherell has made about all the improvements on 
his present farm, a view of which, and portraits of himself 
and present wife above, may be seen in another part of this 
work. In politics, a Republican since the organization of 
the party, and before that time a Whig. He has held 
various offices of trust and honor in his town. He and his 
wife arc members of the Congregational church at Hopkin- 



* 



I 





J-^y l^f-^^^K^X}^ 



lA^-...l;i:i.J 



JACOB AND WILLIAM S. PHELPS. 



This family was primarily of Welsh origin, went to Eng- 
lanii, and from that place emigrated to America, and settled 
at Durchcster, Mass., in 1630. Two brothers came, William 
and George, and this family descended from William. He 
had six children, five sons and one danghter. He removed 
to Windsor, Conn., in 1635, and died there at an advanced 
age. There are six generations intervening between the first 
William and the present William Phelps. All of the family 
lived either in Massachusetts or Connecticut till about 
1788, when the grandfather, Elnathan Phelps, a Baptist 
minister, settled in Orwell, Vt. He was the first settled minis- 
ter of that place. He was born in 1734, and died in Pownal, 
Vt , in 1813. He had twelve children, nine of whom lived to 
be men and women grown, of which Jacob was the young- 
est son. Jacob was born in Pittsfield, Mass., July 12, 1780. 
When but eight years old he removed with his father to 
Orwell, Vt. He married Miss Lucy Webster, of Orville, 
Vt., May 1, 1803. She is the daughter of Elder Samuel 
Web.ster, and was born Nov. 11, 1784, and removed to Or- 
well when but fourteen years of age. Her fiither was a 
Baptist minister, and took the place of Elder Elnathan 
Phelps. He died at the age of sixty-five, in Middlebury, 
New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Phelps have had seven children, all 
born in Orwell, Vt. Five of them lived to be men and 
women, namely : Alanson W., William S., Lucy W., Lu- 
cinda M., and Edwin 0. IMr. Phelps was a farmer, came to 
Ilopkinton. and settled on the farm now owned by his son, 
William S., in 1821, and upon which his widow now re- 
.sides. In politics a stanch Whig and Republican; held 
various offices of trust and honor in his town, was greatly 



esteemed by his neighbors, reared his family to industry, 
set them an example for honesty and frugality, left a record 
worthy of imitation for his posterity, and died April 2, 
18G4. His widow, now ninety-three, is hale and hearty, 
memory good, and is the smartest old lady of her years we 
ever saw. She recounts the scenes of the past with interest, 
has still a motherly care for her children, grandchildren, 
and great-grandchildren. She has living three children, 
thirty-six grandchildren, and a large number of great-grand- 
children. Mr. Phelps and wife were in their younger days 
members of the Baptist church at Orville, Vt. . 

William S., son of Jacob and Lucy, was born in Orwell, 
Vt., Jan. 26, 1806 ; came with his parents to Hopkinton, 
June 14, 1821. Married Miss Laura Palmer, of Canton, 
Jan. 4, 1830. She was the daughter of Elder Richard S. 
Palmer, who was the first settled Baptist minister in St. 
Lawrence County. Mrs. Phelps was born March 30, 1811, 
in Lincoln, Vt., and removed to this county in 1815 with 
her parents. She was the mother of fifteen children, six 
of whom are living, namely : Caroline M., Paulina S., Emeline 
E., Sarah M., Orville A., and Lillie L. One, Cordelia A., 
the oldest, lived to be married, and had two children, and 
died in 1805. 

Mr. Phelps is one of the largest farmers in the town, having 
over 700 acres of land. In politics Mr. Phelps is a Repub- 
lican ; he has held some of the offices in his town. In early 
life he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. 
Mrs. Phelps died suddenly, July 26, 1877, leaving the 
family and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Mr. 
I'helps takes this ojiportunity to identify his parents and 
himself and wife upon the pages of our county history. 



I 




^ 




'^^K J^ 



)Wrs. tAUffA Phelps. 




ntS. or WM. S. PHELPS. HOPKINTON. New York 




I 



I 



Hesiolnce. of T.H.LAUGHUN, Hopkinjon, New York, 



( BUILT IN la:*.) 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



325 



ton. Mr. W. is one of the substantial men and citizens of 
Ilopkinton, always doing his part in the support of schools 
and churches. Mr. W. ciimmcncod life a very poor boy. By 
industry and economy he has won for himself not only a 
good property and a plea.sant and happy lionic, but many 
warm friends. 



ROYAL LAWRENCE, 

son of James and Anna Lawrence, was born in Bridport, 
Addison Co., Vt., Jan. 11, 1818. His parents were natives 
of New England; they had seven children, of which Royal 
is the fifth. Royal left home at the age of fourteen, 
and began to make for himself a fortune by working by 
the month for fifteen years. About 1835 he came to St. 
Lawrence County, and located in Stockholm, and continued 
to reside there till May, 1807, when he removed to Hop- 
kiiiton, and settled at Fort Jackson, on his present beauti- 
ful home. 

His farm in Stockholm contained about three hundred 
and fifty acres. This was sold, and he now owns ninety acres. 
For the past nine years he has been engaged in the starch 
business with Philo Davis, of Hopkinton He married 
Miss Mary E. P^lliott, of Esses Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1857. 
She was born July 15, 1838. They have had one daughter, 
Libbie M., who lived to be nine months old. She was born 
Nov. 9, 1859, and died Aug. 4, 18C0. They have reared 
another girl, Lizzie, who is married to Henry P. Grow. 

In politics, Mr. Lawrence is of the liberal order, not ad- 
hering strictly to any particular party. He has held various 
offices in this town, also in Stockholm. 

Mr. Lawrence is one of the advocates of good seliools, 
and strongly favored the building of their fine school-house. 
A fine view of Mr. Lawrence's home, and portraits of him- 
self and wife, arc given in another jiart of this work. 



ISAAC R. HOPKINS, 

the fourth child of Hon. Roswell Hopkins, the early pro- 
prietor of the town of Hopkinton, was born in Vergennes, 
Vt., Jan. 28, 1788. When but a boy he came with his 
father's family to reside in Hopkinton, but at the age of 
seventeen he returned to Vermont for his education, and 
was a student in Vermont university, under the care of 
President Saunders. He possessed a decided taste for books, 
and reading was his principal entertainment, and to the day 
of his death he was in the daily habit of reading a few 
pages of Virgil's .^Eneid. He was married March 14, 1813, 
to Miss Sophia Woodbridge, daughter of Hon. E. Wood- 
bridge, of Vergennes, Vt. He died very suddenly of apo- 
plexy, March 12, 1853, leaving four sons and one daughter 
to mourn his lo.ss. The old homestead is now owned and 
occupied by Col. Roswell Hopkins, his eldest son. His 
funeral services were conducted by the late Rev. Roswell 
Pettibonc, of Canton, March 15, and were attended by a 
great crowd of sorrowing peojile. Judge; Ilojikins held 
many official positions of trust and importance both in the 
town and in St. Lawrence County, and his death was 
lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends. 



E. WOODBRIDGE HOPKINS, 

second son of Hon. I.saac R. Hopkins, was born Dec. 17, 
1820, in Hopkinton, and was educated there, with the ex- 
ception of a few terms at St. Lawrence academy. At the 
early age of sixteen years he went to reside as clerk with 
Messrs. H. & E. M. Thomas, merchants, of Ogdensburg, 
where he remained until his twenty-first year. In 184G lie 
was married to Mi.ss Jlarion Allen, and went into the for- 
warding and commission business with jMr. Hooker, of 
Sacket's Harbor, where he remained until 1849. lie then 
went with his brother. Dr. Frank W. Hopkins, and a large 
party of friends to California, and remained there until his 
death, which occurred under very painful circumstances to 
his friends. He was thrown from his horse, Sept. 5, 1802, 
and so internally injured that the skill of surgeon and phy- 
sician was of no avail. He lingered in great pain and suf- 
fering until Sunday, Sept. 7, when he calmly breathed his 
life away, and his spirit took its flight to God who gave it. 
The internal injuries he received were precisely the same 
as killed his grandfather, Hon. Roswell Hojikins, iti 1829. 
The news of Mr. Hopkins' death east gloom and sadness 
over many hearts in California, in St. Lawrence County, 
and in Sacket's Harbor. He was a faithful friend, and few 
" knew him but to love, or named him but to praise." 



T. H. LAUGHLIN. 

The subject of this sketch is of Scotch-Irish origin. His ■51 
grandfiither, Henry McLaughlin, was born at Lisburn, Ire- 
land, Dec. 20, 1758, came to America during or before the 
Revolutionary War, married and settled in Williamstown, 
Mass., Sept. 13, 1779, and removed to Dorset, Vt., where 
Thaddeus Laughlin, the father of T. H., was born, Sept. 13, 
1782. Henry McLaughlin died Feb. 7, 1813, in Middle- 
bury, Vt. He was a farmer, besides keeping a hotel ; was 
a prominent man, and held various offices of trust and 
honor. His wife, Mary Dunton, was born in Williamstown, 
Mass., Nov. 9, 1702, and died in Middlcbury, Vt., Feb. 14, 
1813, just one week after her'husband's death. They had 
one son, Thaddeus. 

The family removed from Dorset, Vt., to Bristol, and 
from there to Hopkinton, in 1804, where they continued 
to live till their death. 

Thaddeus married Hannah Kent, of Doreet, Vt., Jan. 
17, 1805. She was born March 30, 1783, and settled here 
in 1805. They had six children, five of whom lived to be 
men and women. Mr. Laughlin held various offices of 
trust in Hopkinton from its organization as a town, in 
1800, to the close of his life. He was elected the first 
postmaster of this town in 1808, and continued to hold it 
for about thirty con.sccutive years. He was a f;irmcr, and 
reared his children to industry and economy. He died 
June 22, 1840. His wife died March 18, 1832. 

Thaddeus II. was born in Hopkinton, April 20, 1808. 
He was reared on a farm, and had a common-school educa- 
tion. He married Miss Maria M. Hopkins, of Pauton, 
Vt., February, 1833. She died June 22, 1803. Mr. 
Laughlin was married to his present wife May 10, 1805. 
Her name was Caroline A. Sprague, daughter of Dr. Gideon 
Sprague, of Hopkinton. 



326 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



DR. 11. D. LA UGH LIN, 

of O^'ileiLsburij;, was born in Ilojikiiiton, Sept. 17, 1800, 
received an academic education, and studied medicine with 
Drs. Spraguc, of Hopkmton, and Allen, of Middlebury, 
Vt. He commenced practice in Ilopkinton with Dr. 
Spraguc, and continued seven years. He then removed to 
Ogdensburg, and continued in practice there for more than 
thirty-five years. lie was otie of the most eminent physi- 
cians in the county, and won by his genial disposition and 
friendly manners a large host of friends. 

He held the oflice of sujiervisor of Ogdcnsburg for one 
term. In jiolitics he affiliated with the Democratic party. 
He married Miss Harriet Sawyer, of Parishville. They 
had one son, wlio died Juno 18, 1805, and was buried in 
the cemetery at Ogdcnsburg. 



CLARK S. CHITTENDEN. 

Among tlie many men who left liappy homes in New 
England and came licre to better their conditions, and to 
lay the ILmndations of all that we see to-day in the way of 
improvement, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. 
He is of Welsh and English origin, and is the fourth son 
of Solomon and Susannah Chittenden, and was born in 
Benson, Vt., May 16, 1803. His early advantages for an 
education were confined to the common school mostly, but 
by reading and reflection lie has acquired a good practical 
education. He was on a farm till he was sixteen years old, 
when lie commenced to learn the tanning and currying 
trade, at which lie worked four summers, and attended 
school winters. In April, 1823, he settled in Ilopkinton, 
on tlie place he now occupies, and where he has since con- 
tinued to reside. He commenced life very poor, not having 
a dollar, but with a determination to succeed. He got 
trusted for some goods in New York, came here and started 
a little store, buying a little larger stock each time. As 
emigration poured in, his business increased. He continued 
in trade about forty years, having made his business a 



great success. He retired from business, and gave it to 
his sons, K. S. and V. A., who are now doing a prosperous 
business. 

He wa.s married, Jan. 8, 1828, to Miss Julia A. Sheldon, 
a native of this town. Siie was born May 27, 1808. Her 
father, Abram Sheldon, was a native of Pawlet, Vt., and 
was one of the very earliest settlers in thi.s town, and died 
when Mrs. Ciiittenden was about one year old. Jlrs. Shel- 
don was born in Pawlet, Vt., and was the first wliite lady 
ever settled in town. Mr. Chittenden has had five chil- 
dren ; two only, K. S. and V. A., are living. Mr. Chit- 
tenden lias been a life-long Whig and Republican, easting 
his first vote for Henry Clay and his hist vote for President 
Hayes. He never gave much time to politics, yet he has 
been called upon to fill various offices of trust and honor 
in his town, having held the office of justice of the peace 
for forty-three consecutive years, and is one to-day. He 
was postmaster for sixteen years, supervisor of his town for 
six years, and has been a member of the State legislature 
for two years, iu 1859 and 1800. In these various positions 
he discharged the duties of the office faithfully and to the 
general satisfaction of his constituents. In 1827 he and 
his wife united with the Congregational church at Ilopkin- 
ton, and have ever since contributed of their means to its 
support. He has always been in favor of good schools. 
He and his wife have walked life's journey together for 
nearly fifty years, having experienced the dark side of life 
as well as the bright side. Mr. Chittenden gave up the 
charge of his business in 1861 to his sons, K. S. and V. A. 

King S. was born in Ilopkinton, Feb. 26, 1833, married 
Miss Sarah E. Hopkins, of Potsdam, Oct. 9, 1859. He 
has always been identified with his father in business, either 
on the farm or in the store. Varick A. was born in Ilop- 
kinton, Feb. 0, 1838; married Miss Charlotte A. Risden, 
of Hopkinton, by whom he has three children. She died 
Feb. 18, 1860. He married Miss Laura A. Lawrence, of 
Ogdcnsburg, Sept. 11, 1873, by whom two children have 
been born, one of whom is living. He, as well as his 
brother, is identified with their father iu business. 



-s-^^aos^^- 



PAEISHVILLE. 



Parishville was formed from Hopkinton March 18, 
1814, and at first embraced the towns of Cookham, No. 13 ; 
the west third of Catharineville, No. 14; Matildavale, No. 
10 ; Wick, No. 11 ; Granshue, No. 7 ; Harcwood, No. 4 ; and 
Sherwood, No. 1. Towns 1, 4. 7, and 10 were taken ofF 
April 12, 1843, and formed into the town of Colton. In 
1851, three lots or sections lying in the southwest corner 
of the town were taken and annexed to Colton. 

The .surface in the north part is rolling, with good soil 
for farming ; in the south it is hilly and sandy. It lies east 
of the centre of the county, and is watered by the St. Regis 
river and tributaries on the east, and by the Raquette river 



and its tributaries on the west. The town is named from 
David and George Parish, who, on December 2, 1808, bought 
tlie town of J. D. Le Ray de Chaumont, who purchased of 
the heirs of William Constable July 24, 1804. The popu- 
lation of the town in 1835 was 1657; 1840, 2250; 1845, 
2090; 1850,2132; 1855,2114; 1860,2296; 1865,2319; 
1870, 2241 ; 1875, 2043. The town of Wick, which is an- 
nexed, is mostly owned by the estate of Dr. Samuel W. 
Moore, of New York, who married a daughter of William 
Constable. 9830 acres are owned by residents, of which 
about 3000 acres are improved. Non-residents own 15,456 
acres. The business of the inhabitants is chiefly lumbering. 




'7k - 





EI.U'IIALET BRUSH. 



Photo, by N. L. Stone, Potsdam. 
JASON C. BRUSH. 



KLIPIIALET AND JASON C. CRUSH. 



Aiiioiis^ the very earliest settlers of this town may be 
montioiied the Inrush family, of whom Eliphalet is one of 
the two brothers. The subject of this sketch was the eldest 
son and child of Elkanah and Alatheah Brushy and was 
born in Bennington, Vt , Nov. 12, 1781. His parents were 
natives of Connecticut, and they were of Scotch origin. 
Mr. E. Brush is the oldest of a family of nine children, 
all of whom lived to be men and women grown, and 
the youngest was more than forty years old before there 
was a death in the family. Mr. Brush was reared on the 
farm, and always followed it for a living. At the age of 
eighteen he taught school and followed it for several win- 
ters. When about five years of age, he, in company with 
his parents, removed to Vergennes, Vt., and continued to 
live there till he came to the town of Hopkinton, in June, 
1802, in company with lloswell Hopkins and several others, 
and located on the farm now owned by his son, Jason. 
His farm contained about 100 acres, and this he paid for 
by working for Jlr. Hopkins by the month till the land was 
paid for. For the two or three winters following his date 
of settlement here, he returned to Vermont and taught 
school winters, and returned in the spring tullowing. The 
second time he came he brought a cow for Mr. Hopkins, 
and the third time he brought in an ox-team and a cart, 
they being the first of the kind ever in town. He struck 
the first blow on his farm, chopped, and cleared it. 

He married Miss Linda Pier, of Vergennes, Feb. 22, 
1810. Her native place was New Haven, Vt. She was 
born May 21, 1790. As a result of this marriage six chil- 
dren were born, three of whom are still living. In the 
spring of 1810 they settled on the farm, where they reared 
their children. Mrs. Brush returned to Vermont on horse- 
back, that being the best way to travel in those early days. 



In politics ho was a stanch Whig, and when the Republi- 
can party was organized he joined it. He voted at every 
election for sixty-five consecutive years, commencing in 
1807, casting his last vote for General Grant in 1872. He 
was a Friend, or Quaker, in early life, and later joined the 
Congregational church at Hopkinton. He held various 
ofiSces of trust and honor in his town for several years. 
Mrs. Brush was one of the early members of the Congie- 
gational church at Hopkinton. She died Sept. 1.5, 1802, 
and Mr. Brush died Jan. 11, 1873, and were buried in the 
cemetery at Hopkinton. 

Jason C. Brush, son of Kliphalet and Linda Brush, was 
born in Hopkinton, Jan. 21, 1822. He is third cliiid in a 
family of six children. He was reared on the farm he now 
owns, and has always lived here, save two years. 

He married Mi.ss Olivia Cbitteiidon, daughter of C. S. 
and Julia Chittenden, of Hopkinton, Jan. 1, 185(!. She 
was born Nov. 8, 1830; they had one daughter, Ella 0. 
Mrs. Brush died Sept. 7, 1858. Mr. Brush married the 
second time lo Miss Annie E. Ayers, of Lawrence, Nov. 
6, 1862. She was born Oct. 27, 1841 ; two children were 
born, namely, Charles H. and Grace L. Mr. Brush took 
care of his parents and tenderly cared for their every want, 
and they lived to be, " father about ninety, and mother 
seventy two." Mr. Brush has always been identified with 
either the Whig or llepublican parties, and was present at 
the first Republican meeting ever held in the county, at the 
call of Presldn King, of Ogdensburg. 

He and his wife are members of the Congregational 
church at Hopkinton. Mr. Brush is livijig on the " old 
home," a view of which, and portraits of himself and father, 
may be seen above, and on the opposite page. 




"^f. 



C^Z^*^-vi^~ 



ARTEMAS KENT. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Moses and Abi- 
gail Kent, and was born in Dorset, Vt., Aug. 31, 1787. 
His parents were of New England origin, and reared their 
children on the farm. Arteinas Kent came to ITopkiiiton 
in 1808, and settled on the place where he resided until his 
death. His occupation was farming. He married Miss 
Sarah Weed, of Hinosburg, Vt., in December, 1818. She 
was born in October, 1799. As a result of said marriage 
ten children were born, eight of whom are still living. Mrs. 
Kent was a member of the Congregational church at IIop- 



kinton. She died April 21, 1842. Mr. Kent married Mrs. 
Rhoda Winslow, widow of Dr. M. Winslow, of Grand 
Rapids, Mich., in 1845. She died June 28, 1875. 

In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican. He 
has been justice of the peace, and held some minor offices 
in his town. He was a member of the Congregational 
church at Hopkinton. He was in favor of good schools, 
and did what he could to encourage the young to attend 
school. He lived to be an old gentleman of ninety years, 
save ten days. He lived respected, and died regretted. 

This brief biography and portrait above are given by liis 
children, in memory of their aged father. 





( Photos, Br klstone. PoTsoAu.ny.) 



Dr. Francis Fafker. 



Mrs. Sarah Parker. 



jD:Eb. :PI^.^ITOIS :p^e.k::e3:r. 



Among the early pioneer physicians of this county 
may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He was a 
native of Clarendon, Vermont, and born there July 14, 
1790. His advantages for an education were very limited ; 
but by study and reflection, combioed with an untiring 
desire for knowledge, he became well versed in his pro- 
fession. He studied medicine with Dr. Ford, of Cornwall, 
Vermont, and received a diploma from the State medical 
society of Vermont, in September, 1815. He was a sur- 
geon in the war of 1812, and was present at the battle of 
Plattsburg. 

He married Miss Sarah Parker (no relation), of Gran- 
ville, Vermont, October 10, 1815. She was born in He- 
bron, New Hampshire, March 27, 1787. They reared five 
children, all of whom arc living. He lived in Peru, 
Clinton county. New York, for two or three years, and 
then removed to this town in July, 1819, and continued 
his practice as long as he lived. At that time he was com- 
pelled to ride on horseback, as there were no well-defined 



roads and the country was sparsely settled. While riding 
one time along through the woods in this town, his horse 
suddenly stopped, when all at once he saw just before him 
a bear sitting up ; he waited a little, the bear passed along, 
and he went on his way. His professional neighbors were 
Drs. Robert and John McChesney, of Potsdam, Gideon 
Sprague, of Hopkinton, Baker and Clark, of Canton, and 
Smith and Sherman, of Ogdensburg. He was a friend of 
education, and the poor found in him a true friend by 
taking them in and ministering to their necessities. In 
religion he held to the Universalist faith. His faithful 
wife endured all the privations incident to a pioneer life, 
reared her family in the way of right, and was always 
found willing to aid in any good enterprise. She, too, 
cherished the faith of the Universalist. 

In politics Dr. Parker was a stanch Whig, and when 
the Republican party was organized he joined it. He died 
May 14, 1858, and Mrs. Parker died May 13, 1871, and 
both lie side by side in the cemetery at Parishvillc. 



t^V" 



V 






Photo, by Stone, rotsdani. 




(fi^^^,.^ L-^^ ^.fl-.^ 



JOSEPH BRUSH, 

second son of Elkanali and Alathcah Brush, was born in 
Bennington, Vt., Sept. U), 1783. He is one of the brothers 
spoken of in the biography of Eliphalet Brush. Removed 
to Vergcnnes when but three years of age, wa.'i reared on a 
farm, and always followed it through hi.s active years. He 
came to Hopkinton in April, 1808, and lived with his brother 
Eliphalet a year. He then worked by the month for two 
years for Mr. Hopkins. He was a soldier in the War of 
1812, and was married to Miss Clarissa Sheldon, of Hopkin- 
ton, in the spring of 1814. She was born in Pawlet, Vt., 
in 1782. They had two children, namely, Jo.seph A. and 
George H. Mr. Brush settled on his farm in 1814, and 
has continued to live there ever since. There were five 
brothers of'theui, and after seventy-one years' .separation, in 
which they never were all together at the same time and 
place, met, June 10, 1870, at the homes of Eliphalet and 
Joseph Brush, the youngest of them being 77 and the 
oldest 89, and the sum of their ages aggregated 413. Mr. 
Brusli was a large farmer, and chopped and cleared his 
home farm. He and his wife were members of the Con- 
gregatiiinal church at Ilopkiuton. In politics a Whig and 
Republican, casting his first vote for president in 1804, 
aiui his last one for President Hayes in 1870. He is now 
114 years old, and living on his " old home." For an old 
man, he has good healtii. Mrs. iJrusli ilied Oct. (i, 1868, 
anil was buriccl in the cemetery at l[ci|ikiiili)u. 



JOSEPH A. BRUSH. 

Among the enterprising men and farmers of Hopkiuldu 
is the subject of this sketch. ' He is the son of Joseph and 
Clarissa Bru.sh, and was born in Hopkinton, Jlay 10, 1810. 
His parents were natives of Vermont, and settled in this 
county in 1808. Mr. Joseph A. was reared on the farm, 
and early learned those principles which are ever necessary 
to .success. He continued to work for his father till he was 
twenty-five years of age. His early advantages for an edu- 
cation were confined to the common school, and when about 
eighteen he attended the Potsdam academy for two terms. 
He married Miss Adeline Wright, daughter of Caleb and Ros- 
alinda Wright, Sept. 12, 1842. Her parents were natives 
of Weybridge, Vt. Mr. Caleb Wright settled in this town 
before 1808, and worked by the month ; went back to Ver- 
mont ; married and brought back bis wife about 181], and 
settled in llniikinton, where Adeline was born Feb. 5, 1818. 
Mr. Brush and wife commenced farming for themselves on 
the farm now owned by Henderson & Brush ; lived there 
for nine years, and theu settled on his present farm Jan. 1, 
1852. Jlr. Brush has Ijuilt all the buildings on his present 
farm, a view of which may be seen in another part of this 
work. 

In polities Mr. Brush lias been a life-long Whig and 
Republican. Early in life !Mr. Brush and wife became 
members of the Congregational church at Hopkinton, and 
ever since have done their part in nniintaining the ministry 
and the various benevolent institutions of the church. He 
is al.'<o a friend of education, and is ever ready to assist in 
building up the educational interest of his community. Mr. 
Brush and wife arc pleasantly situated in life, and are sur- 
rounded by all the comforts of a happy home. 




C^^€'2^^^^^<:^e^ -^&7r-'^>-^^^'<^ 



PARKER CONVERSE, 

tlie son of Josiah and Polly Converse, was born in Middle- 
sex, Vt., Sept. 1!). 1799. His father was a native of New 
Hampshire, and his motlier of Vermont. They had twelve 
children, all of whom lived to maturity. Mr. Converse was 
reared on the farm, and has continued to follow it to the 
present time, and his efforts have been crowned with suc- 
cess. 

He settled in Stockholm March 14, 1822 or 1823. 
When he commenced there all ho had was forty-seven cents 
in mnney, a yoke of steers, a eow, a colt, and seven sheep. 
Willi this he bciian on twenty-five acres, and has kept 
adding little by little, till (o-day there is in his family more 
than five hundred acres. 

He removed to Hopkinton in lS:i5, and settled on his 



present farm, on which he has made ail the improvements. 
He married Miss Emma Fuller, April 14, 1822. She had 
six children, four of whom are living. She died about 1835. 
He married Susan Western, of New York, September, 
1837, by whom nine children were born, six of whom are 
living. She died May 31, ISCl, and he married >Irs. 
Martha Benham, of Rutland, Vt., Sept. 18, 1861, with 
wliom he is still living. 

In politics a Democrat, easting liis first vote for General 
Jackson, and last for Samuel J. Tildcn. He is not a mem- 
ber of any church, but favors the TJnivcrsalist. He has 
been and is very fond of luinting, and for the past twenty- 
eight years lias spent a little time each year in that aniu.se- 
ment. He delights in recounting the scenes through which 
he has pa.s,sed. 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



327 



The first settlement was made under tlie direction of 
Daniel Hoard, as agent for Mr. David Paiisli. lie and liis 
brother, Silvias Hoard, natives of Springfield, Vt., had 
been brought to the notice of Mr. Parish by General Lewis 
R. Morris, of Springfield, and both brothers were employed as 
agents; David at I'aiishville, and Silvias at Antwerp. Par- 
ishville was surveyed by Joseph Crary in the fall of 1809. 
Mr. Hoard that fiiU also surveyed and cut a road from the 
Potsdam line to the site of Parishville village, which is 
known as the Luke Brown road, or Potsdam turnpike. 

Mr. Hoard returned to Vermont for the winter, and came 
again, in April, 1810, in company with Luke Brown, Isaac 
Tower, and Hartwell Shuttuek, from Springfield, Vt., and 
Levi Sawyer, from Massachusetts. They were employed 
during the summer in clearing lands, and during the season 
chopped about seventy acres, and cleared forty on the site of 
the village. A Mr. Whitmore and wife came into town this 
summer to board the men engaged in clearing lands, this 
woman being the first who came into the town to reside. 
Towards spring this fiimily removed to other parts. During 
the summer and fall of 1810 a saw-mill was built and set 
in operation by two brothers named Barnes, from Oneida 
county, and was used during the winter. 

March 31, 1811, Luke Brown and family moved into 
town and settled about two and a half miles from the Pots- 
dam line, on a farm he had previously purchased (^September 
1, 1810), and commenced improvements upon it. This 
was the first permanent family in Parishville. The first 
entry on the survey-book of David Parish is Luke Brown, 
100 acres, on lots IC, 17, 22, town 13. The first birth in the 
town of Parishville was in the family of Luke Brown, in 
the spring of 1812. Parish Brown is living in Allegan 
Co., 3Iicbigaii. 

Those who located their land in the year 1810, and 
moved in during the year 1811, are as follows: Richard 
Newton, 90 acres, in southeast corner of lot 3, town 14. 
George A. Flower, 41 acres, in northeast corner of lot 3G, 
town 13 ; he died in 1876, aged eighty-seven. His son 
& lives on the homestead. Joel Hawkins, on lots 42 and 50, 
« town 13, afterwards owned by Graton Brand. llouben 

Thomas came in from Claremont, N. H., and settled on lot 
34, town 13, on 117 acres. Abijah Abbott, the first town 
clerk, came in Nov. 1, 181 1, and located 3j acres on lot 0, 
■ town 14. Otis Daggett located his land March 1, 1811, 
on lot 4, town 14, taking 79 acres, but did not move in 
then. Foster Brovvncll came in May 1, 1811, and made 
choice of land on lot 4, town 14. He died in 1875, at the 
age of eighty years. His sons own the homestead, but live 
at Potsdam Junction. John Brownell moved in at the same 
time, and settled on lots 4 and G, town 14. Elisha Brooks 
chose his farm Nov. 1, 1810, but did not move in at that 
time. He took 92 acres on lot 51, town 13, which was 
afterwards the W. Stone farm. Nathan Whittomore, Sept. 
21, 1810, located 100 acres in the southeast corner of lot 
42, town lis, but did not move in till after 1811. Harry 
Train located 102 acres, Oct. 25, 1810. Chester Rockwell, 
100 acres in the northeast corner of lot 3, town 14. This 
last was the first farm surveyed in the town, the date of 
survey being Aug. 28, 1810. Simeon Tupper located Aug. 
1, 1811, 15G acres on lot 10, town 13. During the year 



1812, the turnpike from Plattsburg to the Black river 
settleuients was cut through the town, and during this sea- 
son the town received large accessions of inhabitants, many 
of whom fled from Ogdensburg, and other places on the St. 
Lawrence, from the danger they afiprehended from the war. 
This morbid growth gave business and life to the settlement, 
which has never since been e({ualed ; and for a time the 
village and surrounding country increased in population and 
improvements, as if by magic. In 1812, James Brown 
came in and chose land on lot 29, town 13. He afterwards 
moved into Colton, and then to Oregon. Daniel Hoard, 
the agent, took up, Sept. 21, 1810, 181 acres, in southea.st 
corner of lot 3G, town 13 ; and Sept. 24 located 200 
acres on lots 9 and 11, town 14. A portion of this farm 
is now owned by Rollin S. Green. March 1, 1813, Abel 
Brown and family moved in and settled on lot 34, town 13, 
taking GG acres; Nov. 1, he took IG acres more; he died 
about 183G. Rufus De Land made his choice March 1, 

1813, taking 50 acres on lot 22, town 13 ; in 1815 he bought 
54 acres on lots 42 and 50, town 13. Three men located 
laud Sept. 1, 1813, — Peter Mayhew 169 acres on lot 10; 
Joseph Thomas 100 acres on lot 6 ; and Stephen Paddock 
took a small farm of 41 acres on lot 10, all in town 14. 
Ira and Oliver Raymond chose their land Nov. 1, 1813, 
and in town 13, the first taking 52 acres on lots 22, 23, the 
last on lot IG, 75 acres. Jonathan M. Derby took up 80 
acres on lot 43, town 13. Oliver Forbes, March 1, 1814, 
located 59 acres on lots 42 and 50, town 13. Joel Daniels 
moved in April 1, 1814, and selected 79 acres on lot 41, 
on south bank of the river, and west of the brook, in town 

13. Joel Button, April 19, 1814, moved on lots 43 and 
51, town 13, where he took up 50 acres. Moses Sellick, 
April 1, 1814, settled on lot 16, and took up 75 acres, all 
in town 13. Silas and Francis Tupper together took up, 
Oct. 1, 1840, 140 acres, and in 1815 Francis Tupper 
bought 25 acres more. Joseph Brownell, on lot 6, town 

14, selected 5G acres which was afterwards owned by Sam- 
uel Hoit. Peter B. Gilbert located on the Ogdensburg 
turnpike, on lot 29, town 13, taking 92 acres, and April 1, 

1818, he bought 79 acres more. Frank Pnest took up 
land in towns 13 and 14, on lots 51 and 5, taking 118 acres, 
April 1, 1815. Wm. Miller Nov. 1, 1815, 100 acres after- 
wards owned by Daniel P. Rose. Isaac Russell, a pioneer 
of April 1, 1816, settled on lot 28, town 13, on 130 acres, 
and went back to Vermont after provisions to live on. His 
daughter, Mrs. E. W. Blo.ss, is living on the homestead. 
Jacob Rosovelt took 105 acres on lots 28 and 29, town 13, 
June 1, 181G. Salmon Frost, a pioneer of 1817, and still 
living on the fiirm which he cut out of the wilderness, 
settled on 79 acres on lots 21 and 22, town 13, Aug. 18, 

1819. Daniel P. Rose became a pioneer on lot 4, town 
14, taking 102} acres. A son, lion. Parker W. Ro.se, ha.s 
served this county as member of as.sembly and as a super- 
visor of his town for eight years. He now owns tlie home- 
stead. James Scott, Jr., settled on the old turnpike, Jlarch 
10, 1817, on lots 7 and 8, town 13, 103 acres. It was 
afterwards the property of J. F. Willis. John Iloit came 
in Oct. 1, 1815, and settled on 99 acres. He was super- 
visor in 1838-39. Samuel Hoit came in JIarch 1, 1820, 
and settled on lot C, town 14. D. S. Stevens owns the 



328 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK, 



f'iirm wliirh lie l»inij:lit in Is;!."). Giistavus A. Wakefield, 
luiw living in (lie villnjrc, Idoatcil Ajiril 1, 1S20, 75 acres 
on lot 35, town 13. Seyniour Flinvcr located near the 
Stockholm line, on lot 2, town 14, on 103 acres. Nathan 
Chri.sty was a pioneer on lot 22. Mrs. Christy is still livirij^. 
Or-sanms Sellick .settled on lots 22 and 23, Oct. 2, 1S22. 
Tlu^ land is now a jiart of the farm of Allen Whi]i[ile, 
which he purchased in 1837. David Parish carried on a 
farm and erected on it a large brick barn. The farm is 
now owned by Nelson Croueli. 

TOWN RECORDS. 

The first town-meeting wa.s held at the house of Thomas 
C. Colburn, April 5, 1S14. Daniel W. Church was elected 
supervisor; Abijah Abbott town clerk; Ste[)lien Goodman, 
Ira Ransom, Daniel Rockwell, assessors; Ephraim Smith, 
collector ; Jonathan M. Derby, Stephen Paddock, poor- 
masters ; Abel Brown, Peter Mayhew, Elisha Brooks, com- 
missioners of highways ; Ephraim Smith, Mathew Wallace, 
constables; Peter Mayhew, Abel Brown, EILsha Brooks, 
fence-viewers ; Foster Brownell, Peter Mayhew, Abel Brown, 
overseers of highways; Russell Foot, pound-keeper. 

Supervisor. — Daniel W. Church, 1814; Abijah Abbott, 
1815; Daniel Hoard, 1816-21; William Allen, 1822; 
Daniel Hoard, 1823 ; William Allen, 1824-31 ; John Brow- 
nell, 1832-34; William Allen, 1835-37; John Hoyt, 
1838, 1839 ; John Brownell, 1840, 1841 ; Ethan H. Pease, 
1842-44; Sylvanus B. Merrill, 1845-47; Era.smus D. 
Brooks, 1848, 1849; Nathan ChrLsty, 1850, 1851; Wil- 
liam F. Gurley, 1852, 1853; E. D. Brooks, 1854, 1855; 
Parker W. Rose, 1850-58; Austin Willis, 1859, 1860; 
Elam Marsii, 1861-63; Allen Whipple, 1864-09; P. W. 
Rose, 1870-74; Edward H. Abram, 1875, 1876. 

Present Town Officers. — E. H. Abram, supervisor ; L. 
B. Bloss, town clerk; N. W. Jefler.son, justice ; Alvin 
Austed, commissioner of highways ; V. R. Gates, assessor; 
8. K. Flanders, overseer of poor ; A. Estes, R. W. Barrows, 
Silas Westcott, constables ; Alfred Judd, constable and col- 
lector; Rollin S. Green, George Riggs, Loander Perkins, 
town auditors ; commissioner of excise, 0. J. Cook ; in- 
spectors of election district No. 1 , H. N. Flower, A. N. Clark, 
J. Thomas; district No. 2, S. Benson, C. Kcenan, A. Spear ; 
district No. 3, II. W. Brown, James Garlougli, P. I. Nelson. 

Notes from the Town Records. — 1814-16, $5 for wolves 
and panthers, with half this for the young of these animals. 
1818, $10 offered for jianthers. 1820, $15 offered for pan- 
thei-s, killed in town, to be proved by producing the head, 
with the skin and ears thereon, and by making oath to the 
same. 50 cents bounty for foxes and 25 cents for young 
foxes. 1821, S15 bouixty ofTered for old panthers, and $7.50 
for their young ; $1 fox bounty, and half that sum for their 
young. 1S26. Voted in favor of a division of county, and 
formation of a new one. 1827, this action again taken, and 
William Allen and Daniel Hamlin were appointed a com- 
mittee to represent the wishes of the town in a petition to 
the legislature. 1846, §600 voted to build or furnisli a 
town-house in the village of Parishville, to be rai.sed in tlie 
years 1847-48, and appointed William Allen, D. S. Stevens, 
and E. D. Brooks a committee to petition the legislature 
lor the powers necessary for raising the tax. This measure 



was not carried into efTect. 1850. The town voted against re- 
viving the distinction b(-twecn the town ami county poor. 

At the annual town meeting held in the town-hall Feb- 
ruary 9, 1804, resolutions of respect and esteem were 
passed in remembrance of Captain Luther Priest, as a 
worthy and jiatriotic citizen, and to perpetuate the remem- 
brance of his patriotism and services. The resolutions were 
directed to be entered upon the records of the town. Luther 
Priest was b(jrn March .'ll , 1 82 1 , at I'arishville, N. Y. Com- 
missioned captain of Company E, lOOtli Regiment, N. Y. 
State volunteer infantry. Aug. 15. 1802. Died of disease 
contracted in the service at Martin.sburgh, Virginia, March 
14, 1803. 

PARISHVILLE VILLAGE 

was surveyed and platted by Sewell Raymond in 1812. It 
is situated on the St. Regis river, and contains three churchea 
(Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyteiian), three geiieral stores, 
one drug and grocery store, one hardware-store, one book- 
store, post-office and town-clerk's office, one furniture-store, 
one harness-shop, one hotel, one grist-mill, two saw-mills, one 
cave-spout factory, one butter-tub ftictory, one tannery, one 
.starch factory, three blacksmith-shops, one wagon-shop, and 
one boat-building shop. Population about 350. The river at 
this point falls about 125 feet within one mile, and affords a 
considerable amount of water-power. A short distance below 
the bridge on Main street, the channel is pressed into a narrow 
gorge scarcely ten feet wide, worn in the primitive rock. This 
gorge is about twenty-five orthirty feet in length, and through 
it the river with its dark and turbulent waters rushes to a 
broad basin below. In 1811 the first grist-mill was built for 
Mr. Parish, by Daniel W. Church, and a distillery was erected 
the same season, but was not put in operation till the spring 
of 1812. During the summer of 1812, a large three-story 
hip-roofed building, with a two-story back addition, was 
erected by Mr. Church, for the proprietor of the town, for 
a tavern stand, costing $14,000. This hotel was burned 
in August, 1875. The destruction of this old landmark 
was a great loss to the village. '' Its like they ne'er will 
see again." A forge was built and run at an early day at 
this place. In 1813 this prosperity continued, and exten- 
sive buildings and improvements were undertaken. During 
this season a building was erected by Mr. Pari.sh for public 
purposes, and which has since been usually known as the 
academy, for which use it was originally designed. It was 
used as a town-hall, school-house, and place for public and 
religious meetings. It was burned May 17, 1854. 

THE FIRST SCHOOL 

was taught by Miss Harriet Bronson in the summer of 1813, 
in the barn of Daniel Hoard. The barn is still .standing, 
and is owned by Mr. Rollin S. Greene. A school-house 
was erected very soon aflcr. Dr. Francis Parker, who 
came from Peru, Clinton county, in July, 1819, was the 
first physician in town. He was a native of Vermont. D. 
W. Church, the first supervisor of this town, was tlie pio- 
neer millwright and an early surveyor. He was born in 
Brattleboro', Vermont, May 10, 1772, and came into this 
county with Stillnian Foote, of Canton, in 18(11, and for 
many years wa.s actively engaged in erecting mills in various 






y 




(J (PHoros ar N,L STONE. Potsdam ) 



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BfRpgWHlSII 



.Ji:* 



fft5. or DAVID DAGGETT, PAmSHViuc, NiviYoffK. 








D.S.Stevens. 



Mrs.d.S.Stlvzns. 



( fHOTO.-t BY N.L.STONC.forSD«M ) 





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' «v^' •' 




ANSEL S. SMITH, 

son of Ansel, Sr., and Mehitable Smith, was born in Geor- 
gia, Vt., Oct. 3, 1813. His early advantages for an edu- 
cation were very limited. His mother died when he was 
but nine days old, and when but nine mouths old he was 
given to an uncle, who brought him up on a farm till he 
was about fifteen or sixteen, and then he was engaged by 
Mr. Parish, doing principally cooper work. About the 
age of nineteen he commenced attending the academy at 
Potsdam, and continued for several terms. When he was 
about twenty-two he commenced teaching in the town of 
Potsdam. He continued to teach winters, and worked at 
surveying during the summer. He married Jli.ss Susan Z. 
Shepard, of Potsdam, Jan. 23, 1840. She was born in 
Waddington, St. Lawrence County, April 21, 1818. Her 
parents were natives of Plainfield, Conn., and settled in 
this county about 1814. As a result of this union, five 
children were born, four of whom are still living. 

In politics, a Republican from the first organization of 
the party. He held the office of justice of the peace for 
many years, was notary public for some tiini', and was school 
commissioner for a number of years. But his principal 
business was surveying, which he followed through life, 



and at the same time was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness for a number of years. He was emphatically what 
may be termed a self-made man, independent in thought 
and action; always had an opinion of his own, and was 
never afraid to express himself; came to conclusions slowly, 
but seldom changed them ; had a strong constitution natu- 
rally, but by undue exposure fell a victim to that dread 
disease consumption. 

In religion Mr. Smith cherished the faith of the Uni- 
versalist, and died, trusting in his Saviour, December 16, 
1874, and was buried in the cemetery at Parishville. His 
widow is still living in the old home with her daughter, 
Mrs. H. M. Daggart. Mr. Smith was one of the leading 
men of his town, and was referred to in matters of dispute. 
He had a very good idea of law, and was often called upon 
to discharge the duties of a lawyer, though lie did not ]iro- 
fess to be one. He possessed a large heart, aud great sym- 
pathy for the poor. He was a friend to education, and 
always did what he could in that direction. 

He was an agent for a number of years of life and fire 
insurance companies. His date of settlement in this county 
was about 1815, being brought here by his uncle. This 
short sketch and portrait of Mr. Smith is inserted by Mi-s. 
Smith in memory of liini and for their children. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



329 



parts of the county. He did considerable building and 
millwright work for Mr. Parish. Mr. Church bought vil- 
lage lotis 2 and 4 on Elizabeth street, April 1, 1813, which 
were subsequently .sold to Dr. F. Parker. Abijah Abbott, 
first clerk of the town, bought lot G ; Otis Daggett, lot 4 ; 
John Thomas, lot 9, all on Catharine street. Mathew 
Wallace bought near the village, Oct. 1, 1811, 122 acres, 
and afterwards moved to Canton ; Steph. Paddock bought 
village lot No. 5, Elizabeth street ; Zina Thomas, village lot 
G, John street, and No. o, Elizabeth street. Thomas C. 
Colburn, the first inn-keeper, 13 acres. J. and J. Hoit, 
Jan. 1, 1820, paid $25 for water privilege for clothier shop. 
Among the present manufactories of the place, aside from 
the flouring-mill, tannery, and starch-factory, may be men- 
tioned the saw- and lumber-mill and eave-spout factory of 
Messrs. S. K. Flanders & Sons. They use each year 500,000 
feet of logs, and turn out 400,000 feet of lumber and 
300.000 feet of eave-spouts, linear measure. Their factory 
is 130 feet long by 30 feet wide, and they employ eight 
men. Simeon L. Clark has a butter-tub factory using 
250,000 feet of spruce and ash lumber, and turning out 
40,000 tubs annually. He employs nine men. 

PARISHVILLE CENTRE 

is a hamlet four miles west of Parishville village. It con- 
tains one church (Methodist), a store and post-ofiice, one 
blacksmith-shop, and a cheese-factory. The brick house 
now owned by J. Covey was built in 1833 by Hiram 
Parker. 

RELIGIOUS. 
Meetings were held as early as 1812—13, and subse- 
(|uently by traveling preachers, but the first stated ministry 
was established by the Methodist-s in July, 1818, at the 
house of Mr. Luke Brown. Baptist meetings were first 
held by an Elder Johnson, from Jeflerson county. 

THE CONGEEGATIONAL CHURCH 
was formed Aug. 7, 1823, by a council consisting of the 
Rev. Jlessrs. M. Parmelee, of Stockholm, Ilev. Oliver East- 
man, of Parishville, Mr. Constant Southworth, licentiate of 
Canton, R. Pettibone, licentiate of Hopkintou, Mr. Henry 
Winchester, delegate from Madrid, and Deacon Samuel P. 
Reynolds, of Potsdam. It organized with eleven members. 
C. Ea-stman, Moses Ordway, Tertius Reynolds, Wm. K. 
Talbot, Bli.ss Burnap, George P. Everest, Milton Bradley, 
Enos Wood, and Bliss Burnap have been employed as pas- 
tors. A stone church was built in 1834 at a cost of $3000. 
It was burned in 1854, and a new church edifice has been 
erected. The society was incorporated April 23, 1827, with 
Niram Rockwell, James Hardy, and George A. Flower, 
trustees. The present pastor is Rev. Edward W. Fisher. 
The church and Sunday-sfihool are in a prosperous condition. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, 

situated in the southwest part of the town, was organized 
Sept. 4, 1859, by Rev. Benj. Bundy, first pastor. The 
church edifice was erected in 1859, and cost !52000. 

A BAPTIST CHURCH 

was formed in October, 1823, at Lower Falls, and consisted 
of about thirteen members. April 5, 1831, a society was 
42 



formed in Parishville village, and incorporated with Graton 
Brand, Seymour Flower, and David Burdit, tru.stees. They 
built a commodious church, costing about $2000, which 
was burned in 1854. Elder Culver was the first pastor, 
and since then Rev. Messrs. Solomon Johnson,— — Rhodes, 

B. N. Leach, J. H. Greene, Graton Brand, L. T. Ford, 0. 
W. Moxley, L. S. Baker, J. G. Goodall, H. E. W. Palmer, 

C. Bailey, C. Coon have been settled over the church. 
Rev. W. N. Thomas is the present pastor. After their 
church was destroyed they erected a new edifice, and in 
1870 a parsonage was purchased, and both were repaired in 
1874 at a cost of $500. Present value of the property is 
about .^4000. Rev. 0. W. Moxley commenced his services 
with this church in May, 1840, and continued until 1844, 
when he moved to Madrid, and labored with the Baptist 
church there until 1848, when he returned to Parishville, 
where he continued until death closed his labors. He was 
longer with this church than any other minister since its 
organization. A Sunday-school is connected with the 
church, P. W. Rose being superintendent. Number of 
scholars, 40 ; teachers, 6 ; library, 200 volumes. Present 
membership of church, about 112. In 1854 a fire, origi- 
nating in a brush-heap upon a farm about a mile south of 
the village, communicated with the intervening woods under 
the influence of a strong south wind which prevailed at the 
time, and spread rapidly in the direction of the village. 
The Baptist church was soon in flames. Great exertion 
was made to save the church and prevent the spreading of 
the fire, but in vain. In a short time the Baptist and Con- 
gregational churches, the academy, and the sheds attached 
to both churches were on fire, and all were burned to the 
ground. 

THE FIRST METHODIST CLASS 

was organized in 1818, under the pastorate of Rev. Ezra 
Healey. The first meetings were held in the log house of 
Luke Brown. A society was organized March 10, 1828, 
and during this year built the first church edifice erected in 
this town, in the vicinity of Parishville Centre. It is re- 
lated that Bishop Hedding ofiiciated at the dedication of 
this church, and in later years Bishop George preached in 
it. It is said that this society was likewise favored this 
year (1828) with an extensive revival of religion under the 
pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Paddock. The society was 
reorganized Aug. 23, 1833, and again Oct. 2G, 184G. 
After the latter organization the old church edifice was 
removed from Cemetery Hill to the village, and repaired and 
refitted at a cost of $1000. At the last reorganization, in 
1846, the following trustees were elected : Dyer L. Merrill, 
Rev. J. Austin, Geo. White, Rev. Horace A. Warner, and 
Nathan Lockwood. This meeting resolved to organize a 
legal society under the title of " The Parishville Village 
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch." Previous to 
this, in 1832, a Protestant Methodist society was formed 
from the Methodist Episcopal church, and retained its 
organization until 1843, when it was absorbed by the Wes- 
leyan Methodist organization and took the latter name. 
In addition to the clergymen already mentioned the society 
has enjoyed the services of the Revs. Royal Stratton, A. F. 
Bigelow, Jos. Livingston, Wm. Jones, W. II. Blanchard, 
J. De Liume, Oscar Mott, D. B. White, D. W. Thomas, 



330 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Alex. Bramloy, G. W. Gibson, W. H. Hawkins, W. R. 
Holms, W. C. Lent, C. H. Rrown, Samuel Short, and W. 
E. Reynolds. In 1859-()0, the present parsonage was built 
by the earnest labors of Rev. D. R. White, and under the 
pastorate of Rev. W. H. Hawkins the present commodious 
house of worship was dedicated in 1867. The present 
pastor is Rev. And. W. Baird ; present membership, 78. 
The Sunday-school numbers, officers and teachers, IG; 
scholars, 130; library, 200 volumes ; Charles Green, su- 
perintendent. 

AMBER LODGE, NO. 395, F. AND A. M., 

was organized with seven niemliers, Juiie 25, 1856, and at 
present has -M) members. Its first officers were Levit Hatch, 
W. M.; S. J. Lincoln, S. W. ; E. C. Culver, J. W. Its 
present oiBcers are A. A. McDonald, W. M. ; F. V, Clark, S. 
W. ; B. F. Simonds, J. W. ; Miio Adams, Treas. ; A. N. 
Clark, Sec. ; R. W. Barrows, S. D. ; 0. J. Pelsue, J. I). ; 
A. Rasy, Tyler. 

A VILLAIN AND HIS DEEDS. 

An affair occurred in this town in the fall of 1812, 
which created much excitement at the time. A desjaerate 

character by the name of B , living in the edge of 

Stockholm, had been charged with a crime which carried 
him to jail in Ogdensburg, in the month of June of that 
year. While undergoing his trial, and afterwards, he 
threatened vengeance against the neighborhood where the 
crime was committed, and against a Mrs. Miller in partic- 
ular, who had been the principal witness against him. 
Shortly after his imprisonment he succeeded in breaking 
jail, and was not seen for some time till early in the morn- 
ing on Monday, October 23, he was seen to cross the bridge 
over Raquette river, near the line of Pierrepont. On the 
Wednesday morning following, Mrs. Miller was left by her 
husband in the act of rising from bed while he went some 
distance from home to get fire at a neighbor's. On his 
return she was not in the house, and her shoes and parts of 
her clothing being left, he supposed that she was not far 
distant. Nothing more was .seen of her, and her absence 
during the day became a subject of anxiety, which increased 
till the whole country, far and near, was rallied, and a gen- 
eral search begun which continued several days, and at 
length given up in despair fif finding any trace of the 
absent one. 

On Friday night several houses and barns in the vicinity 
were burned, evidently by an incendiary, and on Saturday 
morning following the jail-bird was .seen to recross the bridge 

vt' Rai(uette river. Suspicion rested on B , who was 

followed up and arrested at Carthage, having in his posses- 
sion a stolen rifle. Nothing but suspicion resting upon 
him in relation to the abduction and arson, he was tried for 
the theft, and .sent to the State's pri.son, where he died. 
In the following spring, a woman's head was found some 
distance from a headless body in the woods about three 
miles above the village of Parishville, which were identified 
as those of Mrs. Miller, who in all probability had been 
brutally murdered from a fiendish revenge by the ruffian 
who had afterwards set fire to his own house, and another 
which sheltered his wife and children. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

W. W. BLOSS. 

[an .\UTOBIOOIlAPnY.] 

I was burn in Grantham, N. H., Nov. 29, 1808. My 
parents were Samuel and Achsah Bloss. When I was 
three years old we removed to Irasburg, Vt., where I con- 
tinued to reside with my parents till the death of my 
mother, Aug. 24, 1818, when I was bound out to a well- 
to-do fanner, named Kittredge, in Danville, Vt., and was 
to serve him faithfully ten months in each year during 




my minority; the other two months ho was to send me 
to the district school, and at twenty-one to give me one 
hundred dollars' worth of grain or stock. Up to this time 
I had attended school not more than twelve months all 
told. At the close of my two months' school I had been 
through every rule in " Adams' Arithmetic," but my 
knowledge of arithmetic was as yet very superficial. Feel- 
ing desirous to study grammar, an obstacle arose which to 
me looked formidable, — I had no book, or money to buy 
one, and my time belonged to my master. He refiLsed 
to get one, saying it would do me no good. I then ob- 
tained leave to pick blackberries on rainy days, which I 
did, and sold to ladies in the village for four cents per quart, 
and, with the money thus obtained, purchased a copy of 
" Murray's English Grammar" for 75 cents. The follow- 
ing winter I began its study, and, in order to keep up with 
my class in other branches, was under the necessity of get- 
ting my grammar lesson at home evenings. Candles were 
too expensive an indulgence, therefore I was forced to get 
my lessons by the light of the kitchen tire, which shone 
from beneath the firestick lying upon the andirons. Thus 
I spent two winters, nuiking four months devoted to the 
study of grammar at a district school. At the age of 



» 





Samuel Willis. 



(Fhoios av HL Ston£ . roisoau ,HY) 



Mrs. Samuel Willis 






Samuel K". Flanders. 



Mrs. Samuel K.Flandirs. 



Samuel K. Flanders, 



the subject of this sketch, son of Moses and Ruth Flan- 
ders, was born in Dorchester, Grafton county. New Hamp- 
shire, on the 18th day of March, 1815. He was brought 
up and worked on his father's farm, and received a com- 
mon school education. In March, 1833, when eighteen 
years of age, his father emigrated with his family to Fort 
Covington, Franklin county. New York, and settled on a 
farm which he carried on until 1840, in which year he 
died. April 6, 1836, Mr. Flanders was united in marriage 
with Miss Zipporah Trowbridge, of Bombay, Franklin 
county, and continued to reside on the homestead for six 
years, when he purchased a farm on which he lived until 
1853. His mother lived with him up to 1851, when she 
died. At the solicitation of his brother David, then living 
in Parishville village, he moved with his family to this 
place, and bought a half interest of his brother in his fac- 
tory for manufacturing hay-rakes, clothes-frames, and broom 
and fork handles. At the time of their moving in, there 
were no houses to rent. But the hotel, which then belonged 
to George Parish, being without a tenant, he was induced 
to take it, and thus became landlord of the St. Regis hotel ; 
continuing in this business for eighteen months, he still 
continued to carry on the business with his brother, but at 
the expiration of a partnership of two years he purchased 
his brother's interest and carried on the business. During 
this year, 1855, his factory and contents, including twenty- 
fhree thousand rakes, were .burned. He immediately set 
about erecting a new factory, which was a building of sixty 



by eighty feet in size, and occupied the site of Clark's 
butter-tub factory. Having, carried on this business suc- 
cessfully for two years, in 1857 he bought the water-power 
above his factory and erected a custom saw-mill, which he 
carried on a few years and then began the making of eave- 
spouts. At the commencement of the War of the Rebellion, 
Moses J. Flanders, the second son, enlisted in Company D, 
Scott's 900, United States Volunteer Cavalry, and served 
to the end of the war. Henry J. Flanders, the third son, 
enlisted in Company E, 106th Regiment New York Volun- 
teer Infantry, and participated in many battles during the 
war. Mr. Flanders, not wishing to be outdone in patriotism 
by his sons, left his business with his eldest son, Edwin H. 
Flanders, and enlisted and served in the 6th New York 
Heavy Artillery. After the close of the war, Mr. Flanders 
associated his sons, Edwin H., Moses J., Henry J., and 
Charles P. Flanders, with him in the business, and bought 
the water-power and erected the present saw-mill and eave- 
spout factory. 

Mrs. Zipporah Flanders, daughter of Rufus and Lydia 
Tracy Trowbridge, was born October 22, 1813, in the town 
of Shelburn, Chittenden county, Vermont; her father lived 
on a farm, and ended his days on the homestead in 1822. 
The family remained on the farm until they moved, in 
1833, to Fort Covington, Franklin county, New York. 
Mrs. Flanders' mother died in Bangor, Franklin county, in 
1856. Mr. and Mrs. Flanders are identified with the 
Methodist Episcopal church in Parishville. 




XJ\ 




Mrs.E.W.Bldss 



£. W. Bloss. 



|"Ss*^Kfj^: 



■ ' .-i;AJM"-; ,,'f.--,.^K. 



.*.W^'.^-!V,-',-'--,->.: 










/7£S. or A.E. BLOSS, rAHI5HVILLL ,Niw York 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



:^H1 



\ 



eighteen I began to think that I could do better than to 
stay with my master, and oifected a compromise with him, 
whereby the bond was given up and I was free. I left 
him Dec. 6, 1826, and Feb. 24, 1827, left Danville, in com- 
pany with a neiglibor named Bowers, who was then removing 
with his flimily to Parishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. I 
agreed to drive his ox-team and sled, loaded with household 
furniture, for the payment of my personal expenses. We 
arrived in ParLshvillo March 6, being eleven days on the road. 
Soon after arriving here I engaged work on a farm for six 
months, at twelve dollars per month, grain pay (no money 
to be had for labor), and worked my time out, but lost one- 
half of my wages. During the summer, in the absence of 
a clergyman, I used to read sermons to large congregations 
on the Sabbath in the old red school-house at Parishville 
Centre. Li August I contracted for fifty acres of wild land, 
at four dollars per acre, being a part of mile square No. 10. 

I went to school at the old St. Lawrence academy in Pots- 
dam, and remained there till the l.st day of December. I was 
then examined by the regular board of inspectors, received 
my license, and commenced school Dec. 3, 1827, being then 
nineteen years old. Taught this school eight months, and 
at its close was hired by the trustees in Parishville village 
to teach their school for one year, closing April 10, 1830, 
and averaging forty pupils per day. The remainder of the 
summer I worked on my land, and built a log house upon 
it. The 1st of September I went back to Vermont, and on 
the 19th was married to Bliss Pamelia Lovewell, who, like 
myself, was an orphan, having lost both her parents at the 
tender age of ten years. We began housekeeping on our 
own lot Oct. 25, 1830, under trying circumstances. Our 
house was only partly finished ; there were no stoves here 
then, and we suffered much with cold and smoke. Not a 
vestige of road for one mile east and two miles west, and no 
neighbor in sight. Here we spent the first winter of our 
married life, and again taught the Centre school. At the 
close of this school I heard of a jilace in Canada where they 
wanted an American teacher, and went to a place called 
Treadweli Seignory, in the township of L'Orignal, Ontario, 
Canada, on the Ottawa river, sixty-five miles above Mon- 
treal. Engaged the school, returned home, took my wife 
and a few articles of convenience, and started on my way 
back by way of St. Regis. In a few days we arrived safely 
at the place of our destination, weary and much worn in 
consequence of the badness of the roads and riding in a com- 
mon lumber-wagon. Here we remained for four consecutive 
years, and taught the same school during the entire time. 
In June, 1835, we returned to our home in Parishville, 
and went to housekeeping directly. Having saved money 
enough to finish paying for our land, built a barn, and with 
the surplus left I now began in earnest to clear up the farm. 

In the spring I was elected one of the board of inspectors 
of common schools, which position I held till 1842. When 
the ofiice of town superintendent was created, in 1853, 
was elected to that office for two years, and re-elected in 
1855, which position T held till the (iffice of school com- 
missioner superseded that of town superintendent. In the 
winter of 1856 I taught school in the district where T first 
taught in 1827. nuiking in all thirty-two terms of three 
months each. 1 was al.so for five successive years one of 



the assessors of the town, and in 1859 was elected school 
commissioner for the 3d district to fill a vacancy, was re- 
elected in 1800, holding the office over four years. I now 
hold, and have for a good many years, a State license to 
teach a common school anywhere in the State. Our fiirm 
consists of 100 acres, 100 cleared, with good fences and sub- 
stantial buildings, all paid for. Five years ago I divided 
my real estate between my two daughters (all the children 
we have). Maria H., the eldest, married Mr. W. W. 
Spear nineteen years ago ; Zelia S. was married to Mr. J. 
A. Kelly nine years since. We are living at home on the 
old place with the last-named daughter and her husband. 

In religion, I am a IMethodist ; in jiolities, was an Old- 
Line Whig. At the formation of the Republican party, in 
1856, I cast my lot with them. Have voted at every presi- 
dential election since I was twenty-one years old. 



DAVID DAGGART, 

son of Henry and Parmelia Daggart, was born in Cornwall, 
Vt., Aug. 9, 1809. His father was a native of Attle- 
borough, Mass., and his mother of Cornwall, Vt. They 
were farmers by occupation, and reared seven children to 
manhood, of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth. 
His parents came to this county in C)ctober, 1817, and 
settled in Stockholm, where they lived for many years. 
Mrs. Daggart died there, April 6, 1850, and Mr. Daggart 
lived with the subject of this sketch in this town for 
the last six years of his life. He died July 7, 1862, aged 
seventy-four. 

Mr. David Daggart was reared on the farm and followed 
it till he was twenty-two years old ; then he commenced as 
clerk in a store, and followed it for three years, getting sixty 
dollars for the first year's work, and one hundred dollars for 
the second. He has been engaged most of the time since 
in that business, and in 1866 he gave up his business to his 
son, Herbert M., who is now doing a safe business. He 
married Miss Meribah C. Greene, of Cornwall, Vt., Jan. 2, 
1838. Mrs. Daggart's father was a native of Wallingford, 
Vt., and was born there Dec. 20, 1790, and her mother was 
born in Cornwall, Vt., Aug. 24, 1794. They came to this 
county in 1817, and settled in Hopkinton. Mr. Greene 
died in this town Aug. 19, 1873, and Mrs. Greene died Aug. 
12, 1837. Mr. David Daggart and wife have reared four 
children, namely : Clarinda G., Henry L., Mary Emorette, 
and Herbert M., all of whom are living. 

In polities, Mr. Daggart was first a Whig and then a 
Republican, upon the organization of that party. He has 
been a justice of the peace for twenty years in this town. 
He and his wife are now living in Parishville, in a good 
two-story house, a view of wliich, and portraits of himself 
and wife, may be seen in another part of this work. They 
are surrounded bj' the comforts of a happy home, and enjoy 
the love and aft'ection of their children. 

This brief sketch, view of home, and portraits are given 
by their children in memory of their parents. 

Herbert M. took his father's business at the age of twenty, 
and has followed it ever since with untiring energy, and to- 
day enjoys the confidence of his fellow-townsmen to an 
unusual degree, and is doing a prosperous business. 



332 



HISTORY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




Pboto. by N. L. Stone, Pot? Jam 



/W-^-^A^ 



HON. PARKER W. ROSE.* 
No man in the assembly bears a greater reputation for 
sturdy lionesty, and those qualities which denote the 
statesman and patriot, than Parker W. Rose. His coun- 
tenance, seamed and marked by rugged angularity, is an 
unerring index to the clear brain and keen intellect which 
it masks, and though he is not given to bold flights of 
eloquence, his voice is always raised when occasion requires 
in behalf of sound public policy and honest legislation. 
He is the especial champion of economy in the public 
service, and no measure which contemplates a needless or 
wanton expenditure of the public funds can hope to escape 
either his vigilance or his earnest protest. 

Mr. Rose was born in Stockholm, St. Lawrence County, 
March 29, 1812, and is conse(juently about sixty-five years 
of age; but he comes of a hardy .stock, and physically and 
mentally he is as vigorous as the average of men at forty- 
five. His father, Daniel P. Rose, was born in Coventry, 
and is of English ancestry. Mr. Rose's educational oppor- 
tunities in early youth were somewhat limited, being mainly 
what could be procured in the common school during the 
winter season ; but he was more than ordinarily studious, and 
when this was finally supplemented by a brief term at the 
St. Lawrence academy, he was abundantly competent to fill 
the position of a teacher in a district school, and spent 
several years in that capacity ; teaching was not to his liking, 
however, and he soon reliuquish(!d it. Shortly after attaining 
his majority he engaged in the pursuit in which much of 
his youth was passed, that of farming ; and to this, in later 
years, he added that of manufacturing. All his business 
afl'airs have been managed with prudence and sagacity, so 



•From ■' Life Sketches," by Win. U. MoElroy and Alex. MoUridc. 



that he possesses a comfortable competence as the reward of 
well-directed and honest industry. 

Mr. Rose has been an earnest and consistent member of 
the Baptist church since his youth, having made a public 
confession and consecration at the age of fourteen. During 
a period of nearly forty years he was superintendent of the 
Baptist Sabbath-school at Parishville. He wa.s married to 
Cynthia Putnam in November, 1837. She died in Feb- 
ruary, 1852, while he was a member of assembly, when 
he was married in April, 1853, to Mi.ss Julianna Beecber, 
who died August 25, 1877. Mr. Rose has frequently 
filled positions of a public nature. During six years he 
was a member of the St. Lawrence County board of super- 
visors, acting one year as its chairman. In 1852 he was 
a member of assembly, serving on the committee of griev- 
ances. He was re-elected next year, when he was made 
chairman of the committee on internal afl'airs, and also 
acted as chairman of the Democratic caucus. In 1872 he 
was returned under difierent political auspices, having 
joined the Republican party at its formation in 1854; pre- 
vious to that year he acted with the Fi-ee-Soil wing of the 
Democratic party. During the last session, Mr. Rose was 
chairman of the committee on grievances, and the sub- 
committee of the whole, and a member of the committee on 
federal relations. So entirely satisfactory was his course 
that he was renominated in the fall of 1872, and beat his 
opponent, Horace Bicknell, a " Liberal," by the very large 
majority of 2120. He was chairman of the sub-committee 
of the whole, and a member of the committee on expendi- 
tures of the executive department. We can simply add, that 
Mr. Rose has maintained a reputation for political and genera] 
integrity and rectitude that has won him the universal re- 
spect and esteem of liis constituents and the people at large. 




RES OF P. W. ROSE, PARISHVILLZ, New York 





FknM Ris. or P. W. ffOSE, PARISHVILl^, 



I 




n 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



333 




Photo, by Stone, Potsdsm. 



,^4^^(^ -^^C'M^ 



Allen Whipple, the fifth son of Jamts and Sylvina ( II:ill ) 
Whi]iplo, and grandson of Benjamin Whipple, of Providence, 
R. I., was born in the town of Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt., 
Jan. 26, 1807. His father was a fanner, and died when 
Allen was twelve years old. His early life was spent upon 
the farm and in going to school in the common country school 
of his boyhood days. After he had attained his majority he 
learned the trade of cabinet-maker, which he combined after- 
wards with that of carpenter and joiner, and followed up to 
January, 1832, when he came into the town of Parish ville 
bringing with him $90 in money, a lior.se and sleigh worth 
$75, and a chest of tools, and followed his trade of building 
and carpentering for two years ; tlien going to Painesville, 
Ohio, where he lived two years, working at his trade, and 
helping to build the old Geauga county bank building. In 
the spring of 1836 he returned to Parishville and purchased 
the farm on which he now lives. Went to Vermont to visit his 
mother, and returned to Parishville in the .spring of 1837. 
October 3, of that year, he was united in marriage to 
Elmira E. Brown, second dauj^hter of Luke Brown, the 



first permanent settler in the town. Their first residence 
was in a log house which stood on his farm, and which he 
replaced with a substantial frame dwelling in 1840. A 
daughter was born to them Sept. 6, 1839, and named 
Carolina A. She was married Nov. 13, 1856, to Mcrritt 
Wheeler ; they live on a farm in the town of Potsdam. 
Mrs. Whipple died Oct. 15, 1861. Mr. Whipple married 
his present wife, Mrs. Nancy Myrick Oliver, May 2, 18t)3. 
She had by her first husband three children, of whom oidy 
one is living, ason, Edward P. Oliver, a merchant living 
in Chesaning, Michigan. In civil life 3Ir. Whipple has 
honorably filled nearly every office in his town. He has 
been justice of the peace for twelve years, being elected in 
1842. He has served as supervisor during .sis years. Mr. 
Whipple has passed an active life, and is well rewarded with 
an abundance of this world's goods. He owns one of the 
finest farms in the town, and has the esteem of his friends 
and acquaintances. He has been strictly temperate in his 
habits, has never used t«bacco in any form, and has never 
played any game for money. 



334 



lllSTOUV: OF ST. LAWUKNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



DEACON GEO. A. FLOWER. 

Tlie subject of tlii.s sketch wns boni in Ma.ssneliusctts. 
Oct. 4, 1788. lie was reared a farmer, wliicli occupatidii 
he followed through life. At the age of live his father 
died, and left the care of a family of three ehildreu (of 
whom the subject of this sketch is the oldestj to his mother. 
At the age of four he went to live with an uncle at Eliza- 
beth, Essex Co., N. Y. When twelve years of age his 
mother re-married, and he then lived with them in Corn- 
wall, Vt., till he was twenty-one. Then he came to this 
county in the fall of 1809, in company with others, and 
selected the farm where he continued to live through life. 
He went to Vermont four times on foot. He married, in 
Vermont, Miss Hannah Kingsley, February, 1811, by whom 
four children were born. She died July 28, 1822. He 
married again, Feb. 18, 1823, Miss Charlotte Kelsey, of 
Whiting, Vt., by whom four children were born. Mrs. 
C. Flower was born in Connecticut, July 17, 1800, and 
died May 10, 1870. 

Deacon Flower commonccd life a poor boy, but by in- 
dustry and economy, assisted by his faithful wives, he be- 
came one of the substantial farmers of this town. Soon 
after marrying his second wife he made a profession of re- 
ligion, and united with the First Congregational church of 
Parishville, and for a large portion of this time he served 
as deacon acceptably up to the day of his death. He was 
a very liberal man in the support of the church and society, 
and ever ready to aid in any good enterprise. He was a 
strong temperance man, being one of the first to sign the 
pledge. In politics a Whig and Republican. At one time 
he was captain in the State militia. He bought and paid 
for about 200 acres. He gave two of his children a college 
education, outlived all of them but two, and died July 25, 
1876. He lived respected and died regretted by a large 
circle of friends. This brief .sketch is given by his son, 
H. N., in memory of one whom he holds ever dear, and is 
also the owner of the old hom(«tead. 



DAVID S. STEPHENS. 

Among the many old representative families whose his- 
tories and representation embellish the pages of our work, 
none are more pleasantly situated in regard to a fine home 
than he of whom we write. He is of Scotch origin. His 
father, David, was a native of Wind.sor, Connecticut, and 
mother, Mary, near by, or at Windsor also ; they were 
farmers, and reared seven children, namely, Sarah, David 
S., John, Betsey, Henry, William, and Alvirah, all of whom 
lived to be men and women. The father lived in Penfield, 
N. 11., where all the children were born, and there he died. 
Mrs. Stephens died in Morristown, Vt. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Penfield, N. H., Jan. 27, 1800 ; 
he was reared on a farm, and remained at home till he was 
twenty-one. He then worked out by the month for some 
four years for about tcTi (hillars, that being one dollar more 
than liic avcragi^ of hands ri'icivcd. lie then settled at 
Munistiiwii. \'l., iiu a r.iiiii nC sunii' diu.' humhvil acres, on 
wiiicli he stayed for soini' si.v years, during wliich time he 
married Mi.ss Calisla Chattuck, of Sheldon, Vt., April 8, 



1827, with whom he lived two and a half years. She died 
in November, 1821*. Soon after he sold his farm in Ver- 
mont and engaged in peddling tin. and then all kinds of 
notions; he also engaged others to work for him at the 
same business. He married Miss Demis F. Berry, of 
Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., Jan. 15, 1834. Mrs. Stephens' 
father, Ebenezer Berry, was a native of Kent, Ct., and 
mother, of Lester, Vt. ; they were among the early settlers 
of Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., cleared up a good farm, 
reared a very large family, and he died there March 15, 
1837, and mother, Mercy, died there Feb. 10, 18G2. Mrs. 
Stephens was born in Malone, March 21, 1812. The 
result of this union was four children, one son and three 
daughters, namely, Demis Y., David B., Celestia A., and 
Helen E., all of whom are living. Mr. Stephens and wife 
came to this county and settled on the farm they now own 
in August, 1830. llis fir.st purchase was about one hun- 
dred acres at seven dollars per acre, and since then has 
added to it till he has two hundred and twelve acres in the 
home farm, and about one hundred and ten acres more in 
different parts of the county. ISIr. Stephens was burnt out 
in 1870, and since then has put up one of the best and 
most substantial houses in the town, and has fine out-buiid- 
ings, as may be seen by a view in another part of this work. 
In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and while he 
holds to no particular religious creed, he cherishes the faith 
of the Universalist. He has always been in favor of good 
schools, as is shown by the fact that he has given his chil- 
dren good advantages for an education. He is now an old 
man of seventy-seven, living in a fine brick house, sur- 
rounded by the comforts of a happy home, llis only son, 
David B., is living with his parents. He married Miss 
Addic A. Church, of South Canton, Sept. 26, 1866; they 
have one sou, Clinton C. Stephens. 



EDWIN W. BLOSS, 

son of Samuel and Achsah Bloss, was born in Plain- 
field, N. H,, Sept. 30, 1806. His father was a native of 
Dulton, N. H., and his mother of Plaiufield, N. H. They 
reared nineteen children, he having been married twice. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and for 
the greater part of his life has followed it. He came to 
Parishville, and settled on his present fivrm in February, 
1838. He has built all the buildings on his farm, — a view 
of which may be seen in another part of this work. 

He married Miss Mercy A. Russell, of this town, Jan. 8, 
1840. She was born July 30, 1820. Her parents are 
natives of Foster, 11. I., and settled in this town in 1816. 
Mr. Bloss and wife have had three children, namely, Albro 
E., Orra E., and Ida A., the last of whom is dead. 
Albro E. is the home boy, and the one who sees that his 
parents are identified in this work. 

Mr. Bloss has always been either a Whig or Republican 
in politics. Before giving any land away to his children, 
ho owned about three hundred and eighty acres free of 
ineuniliranee. and got this himself by industry and fru- 
gality, lie is now seventy-one yeai's of age, and is living 
with his son A. E. 




(Photos Br H L Stone, Fotsdam.H Y j 




£,c^-^ 



Mrs GA rLow£f?. 




fftSIOENCE OF H.W. FLOVvErf 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



:$:;5 



SAMUEL WILLLS, 

son iif Samuel and Hannah WillLs, was bdni in Hanover, 
N. H., Sept. 7, 1814. His parents were uf New Eni;;land 
birth, were farmers, and reared seven ehildron to manhood, 
of whom the subject of this sketch is the fiftli. Mr. Willis 
followed farming for a business through life with success, 
owning at one time nearly three hundred acres, and at the 
time of his death about two hundred acres. He married 
Mi,ss Mary Gould, of Lyme, N. H., Nov. 7, 1837. She 
was born May 4, 1814. Her father, Peter Gould, was a 
native of Montpelier, Vt., and her mother, Seba Warren, 
of New Hampshire. Mr. Willis was the father of seven 



children, namely: Ellen, an inlanf, Jo.sephine, West Gould, 
Rosalette, Oriana, and Lunetta, all of whom were born on 
the " old iioniestead" now occupied by Mrs. Willis ami 
family. Nov. 8, 1838, Mr. Willis and wife came to this tnwn, 
and lived for two years with an uncle, and in May, 1840, 
settled on the farm where he lived till his death, wliich 
occurred March 9, 1877. In politics, he was a Republican. 
Wftst Gould, an only son, was educated for the ministry 
of the Free-Will Baptist persuasion, having graduated at 
the St. Lawrence academy at Potsdam, and at the theo- 
logical academy at Lewistown, Maine. He preached during 
the time of his getting his education, and was a .settled 
pastor for ouly six months when he died. May 29, 1875. 



--< m- 4 - qjOC'^"<^*^o^ 



GOUVERNEUK. 



The town of Gouverneur lies in the extreme south- 
western corner of that tract known as the Ten Townships, 
which were laid off under the act of May 5, 1786, and sold 
at public vendue in New Y'ork city, July 10, 1787. It is 
joined by the town.s of De Kalb, Herinon, Fowler, Rossie, 
and IMacomb, — the last named of which was originally 
comprised within its limits, and now forms its northwestern 
boundary. In portions of the town its surface may be 
termed rolling, while in other places it is but a succession 
of rough hills and limestone ledges, particularly in those 
parts lying near the border of Macomb. Thi.s, like all the 
contiguous portions of the county, was originally covered 
with heavy forests of hemlock, spruce, beech, oak, and 
maple, interspersed with pine. 

The only stream of any importance is the Oswegatchie 
river, which passes through the town for a distance of about 
twenty miles, in a course so devious as to embrace every 
point of the compass, entering from Fowler, then passing 
in a southwesterly direction into Rossie, then returning to 
Gouverneur, and, after traversing the town lengthwise, 
making its exit into De Kalb. No tributary worthy of 
mention joins it in Gouverneur. Beaver creek, a small 
stream which forms three-fourths of the boundary between 
this town and Macomb, falls into the river many miles be- 
low, in the town of Oswegatchie. 

The township of Cambray, afterwards the town of Gouv- 
erneur, was purchased at the sale above mentioned by Alex- 
ander Macomb, and to him patented by the State, Dec. 17, 
1787. From Macomb, through a number of successive 
owners, to the proprietorship of Gouverneur Morris, whose 
first deed was from William Constable (20,000 acres), Nov. 
17, 1798, and whose la.st was from David B. Ogden, July 
1, 1808. 

THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

The earliest settlement in the township was made under 
the leadership of Dr. Richard Townsend, then of Hartford, 
Wa.shington county, N. Y. Six years after the first pur- 
chase by Mr. Morris, he entered into an agreement with l>r. 



Townsend by which the latter was to remove his residence 
to the wilds of Cambray, and there to act as the proprietor's 
agent in securing immigration, and in effecting sales of 
land. In pursuance of this agreement, the doctor set out 
on foot in the summer of 1805 to visit the lands in ques- 
tion, — being accompanied by Willard Smith, Isaac Austin, 
Pardon Babcock, John Aldon, Ambi Higby, and Morris 
Mead, his neighbors and ac(juaintances in Washington 
county and prospective purchasers. From the head of 
Lake Geoi-ge they struck boldly into the wilderness, with 
but three days' provisions and a compass, which they relied 
on to bring them to their place of destination. Instead of 
three days they were seven upon the journey, but they were 
fortunate in laying their course, for they emerged from the 
woods into the Smith settlement in De Kalb. From there 
they proceeded towards the southwest, striking the Oswe- 
gatchie upon its right bank, above the natural dam. 
After a brief examination of the vicinity they passed down 
and crossed the stream near the present line of Rossie, 
whence, by way of the Indian and Black rivers, they re- 
turned to their homes, from which they had been absent 
only about three weeks. 

In the fall of the same year the leader, with several of 
his party, including Willard Smith and Isaac Austin, 
started on hoiseback to return by way of Black river to 
Cambray, but were compelled, on account of impassable 
roads, to leave their animals at Boon's settlement. From 
this place they proceeded on foot, crossed Indian river, 
passed Lee's tavern ou the St;ite road, aud reached the 
Oswe2;atchie about the middle of October, when all the 
woods along its banks were blazing in the hues oi' Indian 
summer. They continued up the stream until they readied 
the little islands at the present site of Gouverneur village, 
where they crossed upon logs, and, being pleased with the 
location, halted to select lands for settlement. The services 
of a surveyor* were procured, and several tracts were laid 



» Cnloiu'l KJsal:, "f Wiul.linglon. 



336 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



off, iipnii wliicli tlicy iiuide some ediiiiiieiu-eiiioiit of clearing, 
iiiid then rotuniod lioinu, to prepare for eiiiigration liither. 

About tbe 1st of February, 1806, their party, consisting 
of William .Smith, Pardon Babeoek, Isaac Austin, and 
Eleazer Nichols, and their families, set out from Hartford 
for their new home in Cambray. Mrs. Austin, who had for 
many years been bedridden by rca.wn of rluMiniatisui, was 
carried the entire distance in a crib. They drove four yoke 
of oxeu and seven cows, and brought a good supply of 
salted meats, beans, and other stores. In due time they 
reached Indian river bridge (now Antwerp village), where 
the women and children were left at the log house which 
Gershom Matoon had just opened as a tavern. They, how- 
ever, remained here only a few days, until some kind of 
shelter could be made ready for them at tlie new settlement. 
Smith and Aldrieh first built a shanty together near the 
present residence of James Maddock. Babcock settled 
on what was afterwards known as the Joel Keyes place. 
Isaac Austin located within the present limits of the village 
corporation of Gouverneur. 

On the 31st of March following the settlement was in- 
creased by the arrival of Isaac M orga n and wife from 
Orange Co., Vt. Dr. Townsend came soon after, though 
lie did not bring his family until February, 1807. He 
proceeded at once to lay off the lands in the neighborhood 
into farms, employing for this purpose a surveyor from 
Brownsville, named John Simons. During that season and 
the winter of 1806-7 the population of Cambray was 
swelled by the arrival of Daniel Austin, Lsrael Porter, 
Rufus Washburn, Benjamin Smith, and Stephen Smith, 
with their families. Dr. John Spencer, from Windsor, 
Conn., arrived in April, 1807, and was the first practicing 
[)hysician in Cambray.* 

Colburn Barrell and Roswell Wilder arrived in 1807. 
Joel Wilder, James Parker, Jolni Parker, Ephraim Case, 
Jonathan S. Colton, William Cleghorn, Henry Welch, 
Jeremiah Merithew, Jesse Dewey, and Stephen Patterson, 
James Thompson, James Haile, and Jonathan Paine came 
in 1808 ; and among those who came in the following year 
were Timothy Sheldon, Reuben Nobles, Wm. W. Rhodes, 
Richard Kimball, and Capt. Rockwell Barnes, a millwright 
and a carpenter, and a man of enterprise, who did much to 
advance the prosperity of the town. 

In July, 1806, there arrived two missionaries from Con- 
necticut, who held the first religious meeting, at the house 
of Isaac Austin. These were afterwards continued with 
considerable regularity at the same place, the preaching 
being sometimes by a Methodist preacher named Heath, 
from Rich's settlement, but oftener by Stephen Patterson, 
who lived in the neighborhood. These meetings, although 
first held under Methodist preachers, were in no sense de- 
nominational, but participated in by all the settlers, of what- 
ever views, who were anxious to enjoy here the privilege 
of divine worship to which they had been accustomed in 
the homes they had recently left. The first birth in the 
township Wiis that of Allen Smith,! ^'O" "^ Willard Smith. 
The first death occurred in January, 18U7, being that of 

* Dr. Townsend, althougli an educated and well-qualified physi- 
cian, never itraclieed lii.s prufussion except in cases of emergency, 
t Born May S, 1S06; died March 9, 1871. 



Emily, an infant daughter of Israel Porter. A Mrs. Mar- 
tin died soon after, and the third death was that of Steiihen 
Patterson, who was killiil in 1810 by the caving in of a well 
in which he was at work. The first marriage was of Medad 
Cole with a daughter of Stephen Patterson. 

The settlers were awake to the importance of opening 
communication with the outside world, and during the fir.st 
summer a road was cut tlirough by voluntary labor U> the 
Rich settlement in De Kalb, and soon after the route to 
Antwerp was made practicable. Probably these improve- 
ments had their eflcct in stimulating settlements, for from 
about that time lands were purchased and clearings made 
with much greater rapidity. In the year 1809 a clearing 
of 80 acres was made at the natural dam by Joseph Bolton, 
for the proprietor, and a saw-mill and grist-mill were erected 
there by Isaac Austin for Mr. Morris. These were for 
many years known as Morris' mills, and were a great ac- 
quisition to the settlers, who had before been obliged to 
go to Cooper's falls for the grinding of their grain, and for 
whatever lumber they found necessary. In five years from 
the time of Dr. Townsend's first exploration the population 
of the township had so much increased as to contain about 
75 voters.J They had long been weary of their connection 
with the town of Oswegatchie, and anxious to sever it. 
They accordingly took steps to that end, wliich proved 
successful. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

On April 5, 1810, Cambray was detached from Oswe- 
gatchie and erected into the town of Gouverneur,§ the name 
being given in honor of the proprietor, Mr. Morris. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Dr. 
John Spencer, March 5, 1811, and resulted in the election 
of the following officers : Richard Townsend, supervisor ; 
Amos Comly, town clerk ; Rufus Washburn, Isaac Morgan, 
Pardon Babcock, assessors; Amos Comly, Benj. Smith, 
Ephraim Case, commissioners of highways ; Jonathan S. 
Colton, Israel Porter, overseers of the poor; Barnabas 
Wood, constable and collector. Ephraim Case, Rufus 
Washburn. Pardon Babcock, Jonathan S. Colton, and Ben- 
jamin Smitli were appointed a committee " to superintend 
the destruction of noxious weeds," and were to be allowed 
$1 per day for that service. It was also voted " that hoggs 
and sheep be kept close the year round ; that rams in par- 
tiodar shall be kept up from the 25th day of August until 
tlie 5th day of December," and " that a pound bo built on 
Isaac Austin's farm, and that the inhabitants meet early on 
Saturday morning, the 16th inst., for the purpo.se of build- 
ing said pound." Further, it was voted " that the town 
clerk be allowed $10 for his services over and above what 
the law provides ;" that Isaac Austin, Esq., be allowed $6, 
John Spencer $6, and Isaac Morgan, $7, for former ser- 
vices ; and " that the next annual meeting be held at the 
house of John Brown, at the east end of the bridge." 

t Hough says that at the erection of the town it contained 22:i in- 
habitants, of whom but 30 possessed the qualitioations of .senatorial 
voters; but this is evidently a mistake, as in the election held in 
Gouverneur in the month following, the lirst town-mieting, the num- 
ber of votes cast for senator was 37. 

^ The town was reduced t-o its present limits, by the erection of 
Maeomb. .\pril 30. 1811. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



337 



Tlie following arc the names of those who have filled the 
office of supervi.sor of Gouverneur, and the dates of their 
election; Richard Townsond, 1811 to 1814; John Brown, 
1815 to 1819; Israel Porter, 1820-21; Aaron Atwood, 
1822 to and includin- 182G; Harvey U. Smith, 1827 to 
1835 inclusive, also in 1837; Almond Z. Madison, 1836 
and 1838; William E. Sterling, 1839, '40, '41, and '43; 
Peter Van Buren, 1842, '44-45 ; George S. Winslow, 1846 
to 1849 ; Charles Anthony, 1850, '51, '52 ; Milton Barney, 
in 1853, '57, '58, '59 ; 0. G. Barniim, 1855 ; Charles S. 
Cone, 1856; John Pooler, Jr., 1860 to 1865 inclusive; 
Robert Ormiston, 1855 to 1871 inclusive; and Newton 
Aldrich, 1872 to the present time. Other officers of the 
town for 1877 are James W. Ormiston, town clerk; S. B. 
Van Duzee, D. A. Johnson, George Lockie, and George 
M. Gleason, justices of the peace ; Jatues Clark, Jr., 
assessor; Alanson Thrall, collector; Ja.son Smith, Myron 
Cushman, overseers of the poor; Lewis J. Haile, highway 
commissioner; Charles Anthony, A. K. Jepson, and E. W. 
Abbott, town auditors. 

GOUVERNEUR VILLAGE. 

The commencement of this village was marked liy the con- 
struction of a bridge across the Osw(>gatchie, the first pub- 
lie improvement in the town.ship. At first the crossing of 
the river at this point had been effected by m ^ans of trees 
fi^lled from either shore to the island, but this proved to be 
not only inadequate and inconvenient but unsafe ; and so, as 
the inhabitants of Cambray could hope for no aid in such 
a matter from their town of Oswegatchie, they raised by 
subscription the sum of $500, with which a tolerably good 
bridge was erected in 1808, by Isaac Kendall.* The loca- 
tion of this was just below the present iron bridge. 

In the same year the first jjublic-house was opened, by 
Israel Porter, on the west side of the river. The point is 
still known as the Porter place. Another event occurring in 
that year, and of considerable interest to the settlers, was a 
three weeks' visit by Gouverneur Morris, during which time 
he was the guest of Isaac Austin. In nearly every summer 
from this time until his death, in 1816, he made short 
visits to his lands and settlers in Cambray. 

The first merchant in the township was John Brown, 
who, in 1809, opened a store at the east end of the bridge, 
near the river-bank and on the south side of the highway. 
Up to this time, and especially after the opening of Porter's 
inn, the west side of the river had been the more important 
point, but Brown's store changed all this and established 
the location of the village. After a time another merchant 
established here, and this was Moses Rowley. 

On the opening of the War of 1812 the people here, as 
in many of the villages and towns near the frontier, being 
panic-stricken in the fear of Indian incursions, erected a 
large and strong block-house, with an inclosing stockade, as 
a refuge and defense in case of attack. It stood in the 
road (now Clinton street), at a point near the present resi- 
dence of F. M. Holbrook. A watch by day, and sentinels 
by night, were maintained for a time ; but, as no attack or 



*Thi3 bridge atooil until IS20, wlirn u lu-w oiw was liiiilt in its 
place by James Parker, at a cost of $1000. 

43 



alarm came, the precaution was soon omitted, and the iien]ile 
returned to their vocations in pursuance of the advice of 
Isaac Austin, who told them that if they devoted their time 
to garrison duty, they would soon stand face to face with 
an enemy worse than the Indian, namely, starvation ! The 
block-house was soon after sold and the material put into 
the dam and other structures in the village. 

When rumors came of an expected attack on Ogdens- 
burg, there were many here who volunteered for its defense ; 
among whom were Isaac Austin, Stephen Mitchell, Stephen 
Patter.son, Jr., Silas Spencer, and William Fanning. All 
of these returned safely, but Panning died afterwards from 
the eft'ects of the exposure. Spencer was much compli- 
mented for having repulsed, single-handed, a .squad of the 
enemy who, upon one occa.sion, endeavored to effect a land- 
ing at Ogdensburg. 

The fiist utilization of the water-power at the village was 
by William Downs, who, on Feb. 1, 1814, purchased from 
Dr. Townsend, as the proprietor's agent, a lot 38 by 24 feet 
in size, " on the easterly island," with the privilege to erect 
a dam and to use sufficient water from the river for the pro- 
pulsion of carding and fulling machinery ; with the condi- 
tion that such machinery should be put in operation at a 
time sufficiently early to work the fleeces of that year's 
clipping. The dam was built, and the carding and fulling 
equipment made ready within the time stipulated. This 
was operated as a clothieiy for many years. After Downs 
it came into possession of Eli Robinson, and then of Syl- 
vanus Cone, who rebuilt it for the same use ; then it was 
owned by Isaac P. Fisher, and by him converted into a 
wood-working establishment. It was destroyed by fire in 
1853, during the proprietorship of Mr. Fisher, who then 
erected in its place the fine-grist-mill afterwards owned by 
Burt & Co., and now by S. Graves. 

The first saw-mill in the village was built on the west side, 
in 1815, by Israel Porter, Rockwell Barnes, Raymond Aus- 
tin, and Benjamin Smith, each having a quarter-interest. 
After them it passed through the hands of many different 
proprietors. In 1840 it was owned by Almeron Thomas, 
who furnished from it the lumber for the present seminary. 
In 1853 it was destroyed by fire, during the proprietorship 
of John Fosgate, and was by him rebuilt. It was after- 
wards purchased and remodeled by Bidwell & Baldwio, and 
passed from them to the present proprietors, Starbuck, 
McCarthy & Co. 

Tbe first grist-mill erected was by Israel Porter, about 
1820. This .stood on the west side of the river, and w;ts 
equipped with two fun of rock-stones from Antwerp. The 
mill was burned in 1825, rebuilt by Mr. Porter, and operated 
by him until his death in 1836, after which it was owned by 
Almeron Thomas, then by John Fosgate. It was again 
burnt in 1853, and rebuilt by Mr. Fosgate, who owned it 
until his death. It was then purchased by Edwin G. 
Dodge, and is now run by E. G. Dodge & Co. 

Notwithstanding the check to immigration caused by the 
war, the village contained in 1816 about two hundred in- 
habitants, and from that time the increase was much more 
rapid, particularly for several years after 1820. As regards 
the moral condition of the place, we find it mentioned, in a 
published historical narrative relating to those times, that 



338 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tlie finii roliuioiis priiKi|il('s of tlie fii.st comers had so far 
pervaded tlio eoiiiimuiity as to create a noticeable supeiiority 
in tliis particular over many other settlements; but, on the 
other hand, the Rev. N. G. Conklin, referrini;; to the same 
subject in a sermon preached in Gouvcrncur village July 
2, 1876, says,— 

'* As is liable in new settlements, the general state of morals was 
very low. We are told by lliose who yet remember those early times, 
that the weekly e.\hibitiuns of the multitude gathered at the village 
on n Saturdiiy afternoon furnished sights and sounds fearful to wit- 
ness and to hear; tliat profanity and drunkenness, with brawling and 
fighting, seemed to eharaeterizc the masses on these occasions; that 
the Saturday night was made hideous in the extreme j and that often 
these orgies were continued unto the dawning of God's hallowed day 
of rest. We do not wonder, therefore, that Mr. Finney, in his me- 
moirs, says this was 'a place of great wickedness.'" 

The time referred to was 1825 and the years preceding 
it. As impartial h'storians, we give both statements. 

In the years 1824 and 1829 there arrived and settled in 
(lOuverneur two men whose names must always occupy 
chief places in her ainials, these being respectively Harvey 
D. Smitli and Edwin Dodge. The following in reference 
to the coming of Judge Dodge is from Mr. Smith's own 
pen : '■ In the year 1829, Edwin Dudge came as agent 
of the Morris estate, by which most of the lands were owned. 
The liberal and forbearing policy which he adopted as agent, 
and subsecpiently as owner of considerable portions of the 
lands, encouraged purchasers, and induced the location of 
a highly respectable class of immigrant.s from the east, and 
from Scotland." During the many years of their lives in 
Gouverneur, these gentlemen enjoyed in the highest degree 
the respect and confidence of their fellow-townsmen. Mr. 
Smitli died Sept. 28, 1864. The death of Judge Dodge 
occurred Nov. 15, 1877. 

THE POST-OFFICE. 

Dr. F. B. Hough, in his '.' History of St. Lawrence and 
Franklin Counties," gives the date of the establishment of 
the Gouverneur post-office as Aug. 3, 1824, with Moses 
Rowley as first postmaster. This date is perhaps correct 
as regards the official recognition of the office by the depart- 
ment, but it is certain that Gouverneur enjoyed postal 
focilities as early as 1816, and that Dr. Richard Townsend 
was the acting, if not the actual pastmaster, and that he 
continued so to act until the appointment of Mr. Rowley 
at the time above named. The mails were transported 
weekly on horseback, and the first mail messenger was John 
Otis, of Denmark, who recently died in that town at an ad- 
vanced age. Another of the early messengers, and probably 
the successor of Otis, was Levi Holt. The office was then 
kept at Dr. Townsend's hou.se, where is now the residence 
of F. M. Ilolbrook. The office under Mr. Rowley was 
kept at his store. His successor was Edwin Dodge, who 
held from about 1830 to 1849. Since that time the 
incumbents of the office have been as follows ; Chauii- 
cey Dodge, 1849-1853; Charles Anthony, 1853-1855 
(resigned) ; William H. Bowne, 1855-1861 ; S. B. Van 
Duzee, 1861-1865 ; George B. Winslow, 18(55 to the present 
tim^-. 

OObVERNEUll WESLEVA.N SEMIXARV. 

The pioji'ct of an aeadeiiiical school in Gouverneur was 
first agitated in the year 1826. Tile brick sehool-iiou.se. 



then in tin- process of erection in the village, had been de- 
signed as a one-story structure for the u.so of the common 
school only; but the propositimi was now made to add a 
second story, to be occu|iied by a school of higher grade, 
the funds for the purpose to be raised by subscription. 

At a meeting of the principal citizens, held March 31, 
1826, the plan a.ssnnied definite shape. Subscriptions were 
to be asked, and the amount so raised was to be divided 
into shares of ten dollars each ; the shareholders to consti- 
tute an association in whicli wms to be vested the ownership 
of the upper story of the building and the control of the 
school. In pursuance of this plan, $540 was raised and 
divided into fifty-four ef|Ual shares. The association met, 
and decided that its affairs should be conducted by three 
trustees, elected annually on the first Tuesday of October; 
and it was also resolved that the new school should be 
named " The Gouverneur Union Academy." 

It was not until the following year that the building was 

completed and the school opened under charge of Mr. 

Ruger, the first principal, who not long after was succeeded 
by a Mr. Morgan. 

On the 5th of April, 1828, an act was passed by the 
legislature incorporating this academy under the designation 
of " The Gouverneur High School. ' and naming John 
Spencer, Aaron Rowley, David Barrell, Harvey D. Smith, 
Josiah Waid, Alba Smith, Almond Z. Madison, Joel Keyes, 
and Robert Conant as the first board of trustees. The 
authorized capital stock was 120,000, divided into 2000 
equal shares. In the fall of 1828 the charge of the school 
was assumed by Isaac Green, who was to receive as remu- 
neration all the proceeds of tuitions, and was granted the use 
of the school-room free during the first term. 

In response to a formal application made by the trustees, 
February 19, 1829, the regents of the university granted 
to the high school a participation in the benefits of the 
literature fund. About this time it became apparent that 
more room would be necessary for the requirements of the 
school, atid the project of erecting a new academy building 
began to be discussed. Subscriptions for this purpose, 
amounting to $2755, having been obtained about the 1st of 
September, 1830, it was resolved to commence the building 
upon a lot purchased of James Averell, and by him con- 
veyed by deed to the trustees, March 14, 1831. This was 
the easterly end of the present public park ; the frontage 
of the lot on the main street being ninety feet. The I'unds 
already secured being insufficient to complete the building, 
the shareholders in the second story of the brick school- 
house, namely, H. D. Smith, A. Z. Madison, A. M. Rowley, 
Charles D. Goodrich, David Barrell, Josiah Waid, Edward 
Maddock, Wolcott Griffin, John Spencer, and Miles Turner, 
conveyed their shares to the trustees of the high school, 
with the agreement that the latter should sell the property 
and devote the proceeds to the erection of the new academy, 
and that the said shareholders should receive a like amount 
of the .stock authorized by act of 1828. At this time, too. 
Mr. Joseph IIo]ikins, a graduate of Hamilton and a teacher 
in the institution at Potsdam, proposed to the trustees to 
bubsciibe $800, on condition that the building should be 
erected after a certain design of his own, and that he should 
be employed to ttike charge of the school. His design was 




BANKING OFFICE of A . GODARD (S.CO. GouvfRNfUR.N.r 




! 




2 
O 



It 

o 





\ 




J 



IIISTOKV OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



339 



b 



rejected, but it was arranged that he sliimld tiave charge of 
the school, receiving as remuneratiun all the tuition money, 
in addition to the amount annually received from the regents. 
Under this modification his subscription was reduced to 
$400. In 1832 the trustees petitioned for aid to the amount 
of $1000 from the literature fund, which was denied. 

The academy was a brick editieo, constructed on a plan 
somewhat modified from one proposed by Philip Kearney, 
Esq. It consisted of a main building with wings on two 
opposite sides; thi former being 30 by 40 feet upon the 
ground, and two stories in height, and the wings being 
each 28 feet square and of two stories. Tiio building faced 
westwardly, down the park. It was not completed ready 
for occupancy until April, 1834, when the school was 
opened in it with Mr. Hopkins as principal, under the 
arrangement above mentioned. His assistant teachers were 
Almond Z. Madison and Mary A. Hopkins. Mr. Hopkins 
continued at the head of the school for about three years, 
and resigned in March, 1837, at which time arrangements 
were made with the Black River conference of the Methodist 
Episcopal church to take the hi,gh school under its patronage 
and control. The trustees, Messrs. Lewis B. Parsons, Syl- 
vanus Cone, Charles Goodrich, H. D. Smith, and Ira A. 
Van Duzee, agreed with the conference that lliO shares, or 
more, of the stock should be conveyed to authorized persons 
in trust for the Methodist denomination, on the conditions 
" that a good classical school shall be opened in a reason- 
able time, and continued in the academy building for at 
least three years, with not less than three competent 
teachers ;" and that " if after three years said school be so 
run down as that tuition shall be suspended for more than 
three months at a time," excepting vacations, interruptions 
for repairs, etc., and that " whenever persons of the Method- 
ist Episcopal connection shall by original subscriptions or 
purchases obtain the control or ownership of the stock of 
said high-school corporation, exclusive of the stock hereby 
transferred," then, in either of these cases, the stock should 
revert to its former owners. And a further condition was 
that if at any time the Methodists should fail to sustain 
the school, and by that means forfeit the transferred stock, 
then the institution should be returned to the former pro- 
prietors free of incumbrance. And in pursuance of this 
agreement, on the 29th of March, 1837, 103 shares were 
transferred to John Loveys, William C. Mason, Jesse T. 
Peck, Charles W. Leet, and Reuben Reynolds, ministers 
acting for the conference. The persons who made over the 
stock, and the number of shares transferred by each, were 
as follows: Harvey L). Smith, 15 shares; L. B. Parsons, 
20 .shares ; Joseph Hopkins, 30 shares; Hiram Murdock, 
8 shares; John Spencer, 14 shares; Sylvanus Cone, 3 
shares; William E. Sterling, 5 shares, Eiiward Maddoek, 
2 shares; Raymond Austin, 1 share; and Charles Good- 
rich, 5 shares. In July, 1840, the Methodists had, by 
subscriptions among their own people, obtained and become 
owners of a majority of the high-school stock, exclusive of 
the shares transferred as above mentioned. 

The first principal of the high school under the Methodi.st 
regime was Rev. Jesse T. Peck,* who continued in charge 

« Elected bishuii of iW Mftlio.li.st l4iisco|)!>l uliun-h in 1872. 



up to December, 1840, and under whom the school pros- 
pered until the great calamity which overtook it in the total 
destruction of the academy building by fire, at midnight 
on the 1st of January, 183;». It was insured for SISOO 
in the Jeft'erson County Mutual conijiany, and for $500 in 
a New York company The former was repudiated and 
lost, the latter was collected. This, with $2000 in sub 
scriptions (the greater portioti of which was not yet due), 
comprised all the resources of the institution, while its 
debts amounted to $4000. In this gloomy state of affairs 
the town instructed the trustees to petition the legislature 
for a loan of $2000, to be refunded to the treasury within 
four years by tax upon the town. The}' did so, and the 
petition was granted at the next session. Besides this, new 
subscriptions were procured, and the work of rebuilding 
was commenced upon a lot lying in the southeast corner of 
the De Kalb and Fowler roads (now Main and Grove streets, 
respectively), fronting 225 feet on the former, and 182 feet 
on the latter, and purchased of Wolcott Griffin, May 6, 
1839. The building committee were Edwin Dodge, Harvey 
D. Smith, William E. Sterling, and Jesse T. Peck. The 
house ( the same stone building which is still occupied by 
the seminary) was completed at a cost exceeding $5500, 
the original estimate having been $4000. During its 
erection the school had not been suspended, but had con- 
tinued in temporary quarters. On the 25th of April, 1840, 
the name of the institution was changed, by act of legisla- 
ture, to " Gouverueur Wesleyan seminary," as at present. 

In December, 1840, Rev. J. T. Peck was succeeded as 
principal by Rev. Loren L. Knox, who was in turn suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Anson W. Cummings, in July, 1842. Rev. 
J. W. Armstrong"!" assumed charge as principal in July, 
1844. Under him the success of the institution was re- 
markable. His successor was Prof Wm. W. Clark, who 
became principal in the summer of 1850. By an act 
passed in 1851, an appropriation of $2000 was made from 
the general fund of the State for the benefit of the semi- 
nary, by which all incumbrances were removed, and the 
institution placed on a sound financial footing. 

The principals who followed Prof. Clark during the 
Methodist management were Rev. E. C. Bruce, 1853 to 
18G0, under whom the school enjoyed no small degree of 
prosperity; Rev. A. Roe, 1860-1860; and Rev. G. G. 
Dains, from ISGO until the close of the Methodist manage- 
ment. 

At the April session of the conference in 1869, that 
body resolved to withdraw its special patronage from the 
seminary, and to transfer it to the school at Antwerp. 
Upon this abandonment of the school by the Methodists 
the town met, and voted to issue its bonds to the amount of 
$20,000 for the benefit of the seminary, and to insure its 
continuance in Gouverneur village. The law authorizing 
the issuance of these bonds was passed April 23, 1869, 
and it also authorized an increase of the capital stock of the 
seminary to $50,000. To carry into effect the provisions 
of the act a commission was appointed, consisting of Charles 
Anthony, E. H. Neary, Edwin Dodge, William H. Bowne, 



f Now principal of the New York State normal scliool at Fre- 
donia. 



340 



HISTORY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



Charles (1. Eddy, George Lockie, and Peleg Clianiboilaiii. 
Four tliousand dollars of the principal of tlic bonds was 
used for rojiairinji; the buildings, purchasin<r adjacent prop- 
erly, and other iuijirovenients. The remaining $10,(100 is, 
by siibse<|ucnt legislation, to remain, and the interest on 
that sum (which is raised yearly liy tax on the town) to be 
applied to ])ay the current exj)eiises of the institution. 

The stockholders' annual meeting, held Se{)tember G, 
1869, was rather a stormy one. Rev. L. Clark, for the con- 
feren(;e, offered votes on the 103 .shares of stock transferred 
by Harvey D. Smitli and others in 1837. These votes were 
rejected. He also offered votes on other 300 shares for the 
conference, which were objected to, but afterwards received. 
The supervisor of Gouverneur, Mr. Oruiiston, offered votes 
on 2000 shares, which were received, notwithstanding the 
strong objections of Rev. Mr. Clark. The whole number 
of shares voted on was 2489, and the following persons 
were elected trustees, viz. : Hon. Edwin Dodge, Isaac Star- 
buck, Hezekiah S. Randall, Stephen B. Van Duzee, Gris- 
wold E. Burt, William A. Paul, George M. Gleason, Ed- 
ward H. Neary, Francis M. Holbrook. 

On January 29, 1870, Rev. Mr. Dains' resignation was 
accepted, to take effect at the end of his year's engagement, 
and on the 13th of June, 1870, Prof M. H. Fitts was 
elected principal. He remained for five years, and was suc- 
ceeded in the summer of 1876 by Prof. Hiram W. Hunt, 
M.A., who is still in charge. The present board of trus- 
tees is composed of Hon. Edwin Dodge,* Dexter A. John- 
son, Hon. Newton Aldrich, Hon. George M. Gleason, Hon. 
E. H. Neary, Hon. David McFalls, G. S. Conger, Dr. J. 
B. Carpenter, S. M. Parker. 

The number of students at the end of the scholastic year 
of 1876-77 was 165, being 92 ladies and 73 gentlemen. 
The name given to the seminary at the commencement of 
the Methodist regime is now a misnomer, and will probably 
soon be changed. 

At the request of several gentlemen we give the list 
(taken from the earliest catalogue now known to be in exist- 
ence) of the male students of the seminary for the year 
ending Dec. 25, 1833. f Loren R. Austin, David Austin, 
Erastus Barnes, Erwin S. Barnes, Almond C. Barrell, 
Francis M. Beardslee; James C. Brayton, Alfred A. Bray- 
ton, Edwin M. Brayton, Wilna ; William A. Brown, Rich- 
ville ; Deeius Bullock, Coburg, U. C. ; Harvey Clark ; 
Walter Clark, Watertown ; Erastus Cole, Henry C. Cone ; 
Freeman Conant, Fowler; Egbert E. Colton, Charles S. 
Cone, Lewis Colton, Noah B. Dewey; Harvey Ea.ston, 
Lowville ; Henry L. Foster, Harvey Foster, Antwerp ; 
Ezekiel Fosgate, Jr., Nelson T. Foster; Charles Graves, 
Charles Gillet, Ox Bow ; John A. Goodrich ; Whitfield 
M. Goodrich, Champion ; Henry ( !oodrich. Fowler ; Charles 
R. Goodrich, Daniel 0. Goodrich, Amos H. Haile, Andrew 
Haile ; James Haile, Fairfield ; Amos A. Haile. Fowler ; 
Ezekiel Hawloy ; Clinton Ha.stings, James II. Ilazletou, 
Simeon Hazleton, Jr., Fowler; Gustavus Hopkins, Rut- 
land ; Charles Hudson ; Asa W. Ingalls, Rodman ; Martin 



■^" Noiv deceas^cil. 

t The place of resiilenec, when not otherwise given, is unilerstiioil 
to be Gouverneur. 



Johnson; Daniel Jones, Philadelphia; Lucius M. Kcyes, 
Royal P. Keyes ; Henry C. Kcnyon, Rome; John King, 
Ebenezer D. King, Benjamin F. Leavitt ; Caleb Lyon, Jr., 
Lyonsdale ; James H. >h\dison, John R. Madison; John 
Marvin, Watertown ; Reuben Maconiber, Philadelphia ; 
Thaddeus Murdock, Townshead, Vt. ; Henry M. Murdock, 
Philo Parsons, Lewis Parsons, Augustus S. Parker, Charles 
Parsons, Cornelius A. Parker, Origen D. Parker, Levi Par- 
sons, George Parsons ; Monsieur Volney Parker, Antwerp ; 
Bradley Phillips, Jephthah Porter, Alson C. Poste, Her- 
man Poste, Aaron Rhodes ; Daniel Ryan ; John .J. Run- 
dell, Do Kalb ; Ran.som M. Sawyer, Charles Sawyer, Elijah 
Streeter, James H. Smith, Edwin Smith, Charles B. Shel- 
don, Henry Sheldon, Benjamin Smith, Orin Smith, Isaac 
P. Smith, Bradford J. Smith, Benjamin Smith (2d), Avery 
J. Smith, Ilulbert Smith, Edward W. Smith, Eli N. Skin- 
ner, Laban T. Skinner ; Lorenzo Thrall, Kingsboro' ; Emery 
0. Thompson, Calvin Townson ; Jesse H. Tyler, Rutland ; 
John F. Vary, Elbert M. Vary, William S. Van Duzee, 
William D. Van Duzee ; David Wagar, Western W. Wagar, 
Le Ray ; John M. Waid. And the following additional 
names from the next succeeding catalogue, commencing 
Jan. 1, 1834: Charles Anthony, Le Ray; Rockwell W. 
Barnes, Edwin Bond ; George D. Bell, Heuvelton ; Thomas 
N. Benedict, Eli R. Colton, Henry C. Cone, Rutland ; Tru- 
man Conant, Fowler ; William Cummings, Sacket's Harbor ; 
James M. Dow; Eliphalet S. Earll, Edwards; William H. 
Ebblie, Lowville; Luke Ely, Loraine; Harvey Foster, 
Henry L. Foster, Antwerp ; Thomas N. Foster, Isaac Fos- 
ter ; George Fowler, Ox Bow ; A. N. Gray. J. W. Gray, 
Bladrid ; George D. Goodale, Rutland ; C. S. Grainger, 
Le Ray ; Mason W. Haile, Nathan W. Haven, Manning 
Haven, Isaac A. Holbrook, Charles M. Hyer; Isaac C. 
Haven, Pamelia ; John Heald, Antwerp ; Benjamin Jewitt, 
Sacket's Harbor ; Roswell B. Johnson, Alden King, Vol- 
ney Kimball, Rutland ; Daniel B. Lawton, Fowler; John 
A. Leavitt, Samuel Sabin Murdock ; John INIitchell, Fowler ; 
John Marvin, James T. Peden, Horatio Peden, Watertown ; 
M. V. Parker, Antwerp; Albert Rice, Densmoro • Rice, 
James M. Smith, Charles Smith, Reuel K. Smith ; M. 
Starks, Watertown; William Skinner, Adams; Edwin 
Shepherd, Canton ; James E. Thompson, East Poultney, 
Vt. ; Henry Townsend, Sylvester Townson, Barent Van 
Buren; Albert White. Edwards; Eliphalet P. Williams, 
Russell. 

Many of these have gone to a better land, but a goodly 
number remain ; and these will, perhaps, be glad to scan 
once more the familiar roll, and to re-awaken memories of 
the happy and hopeful days which they passed at the gray 
old seminary. 

VILLAGE INCORPORATION. 

On the 8th of August, 1850, it was ordered by a court 
of sessions for the county of St. Ijawrence, then sitting at 
Canton, that a certain described tract of land, estimated at 
651 acres, lying upon the Oswegatchie river, in the town 
of Gouverneur, " be an incorporated village by the name of 
' the village of Gouverneur,' if the electors thereof shall 
assent thereto, as provided by the act for the incorj)oration 
of vilhiges, passed Dee. 7, 1847;" and James Sherwin, 
Rodney Smith, and John W. Overacker were designated as 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWEENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



341 



inspectors of an election, which they were directed to notify 
and hold for the purpose of ascertainint; the minds of said 
electors upon the matter in ijuestion, in accordance with the 
re(iiiirements of the act referred to. 

In pursuance of this order, an election was held on the 
7th of September following, at Goodrich's town-hall in 
Gouverneur, which resulted in the ratification of the in- 
corporation by a vote of 30 to 4. These proceedings were 
certified by Judge Edwin Dodge as having been legally car- 
ried out, and were recorded in the county clerk's oflBce 
Sept. 11,1850. 

The first corporation election was held in the village on 
the 12th of the succeeding month, and resulted in the choice 
of the following oflacers : Trustees, N. D. Arnot, Edwin 
Dodge, Peter Van Buren, S. B. Van Duzee, and J. P. 
Smith (Mr. Arnot being elected president by the board at 
its first meeting) ; Assessors, H. Schermerhorn, Richard 
Parsons, and 0. G. Barnum ; Clerk. Chauncey Dodge; 
Collector, Zebina Smith ; Treasurer, H. D. Smith. 

During the seventeen succeeding years the office of presi- 
dent was filled by the following gentlemen : Peter Van 
Buren, 1851; John Fosgate, 1852; Richard Parsons, 
1853-55 ; Charles S. Cone, 185G ; Whitfield M. Goodrich, 
1857; James D. Easton, 1858; Gilbert L. Van Namee, 
1859-60; Charles Anthony, 1861 ; Charles A. Van Duzee, 
1861-62; Charles E. Clark, 1864-66; and J. B. Preston, 
in 1867. 

On April 29, 1868, the legislature of New York passed 
'' an act to incorporate the village of Gouverneur, in the 
county of St. Lawrence, and to repeal its present charter." 
The act describes certain boundaries, embracing the village 
tract on both sides of the Oswegatchie river, '' and the 
inhabitants residing therein are hereby declared to be a 
body politic and municipal corporation, and shall hereafter 
be known in law by the corporate name of Gouverneur 
VILLAGE," etc. 

The first election under this act was held May 5, 1868. 
The officers elected at this meeting were : President, Wm. 
H. Bowne; Trustees, Charles A. Van Duzee, Charles W. 
Burt, John Killmer, and (Jyrus H. Russell. Since that 
tinit! the following-named persons have been elected to the 
office of president of the village, viz. : W. H. Bowne, 1869- 
70 ; S. B, Stinson, 1871 ; Edwin G. Dodge, 1872 to 1876, 
inclusive; and William Whitney, in 1877. The trustees 
for 1877 are William R. Fosgate, A. K. Jepson, James H. 
Dickson, and Sylvanus B. Stinson ; Clerk of the corpora- 
tion, C. J. Cushman. 

RAIUIOAD, STAGE-LINES, ETC. 

The Potsdam and Watertown railroad (now the R., W. 
& 0. R. R., which traverses nearly the entire length of the 
town) was opened to this village in 185(i, the date of the 
arrival of the first train from Watertown being Sept. 12, in 
that year. From this time until Feb. 6, 1857, Gouver- 
neur continued to be the northern tenninus, and during 
this period the stage-line made it.< connection iiere for Og- 
densburg, but after this its connection was made at De 
Kalb junction, and Gouverneur saw it no more. 

These stages had jiassed through tht; village constantly 
lor liiirty years, tiie line having been estaliiished in 1827, 



by Reuben Nott, of Somerville. Several other proprietors 
succeeded, the last of these having been Jeremiah and Isaac 
Baldwin, of Ogdensburg. The stage-house in Gouverneur 
was Van Buren's hotel. 

PUBLIC-HOUSES. 

The first tavern, as already mentioned, was that of Israel 
Porter, built in 1808. It was first a small log structure, 
but afterwards a frame building larger than the original 
was added to it. Then the log portion was demolished, 
and a second frame was added to the first. The Porter 
tavern was for many years the only one in the place. The 
building is still in existence, the property of Hon. E. H. 
Neary. As early as May, 1811, six persons were licensed 
as innkeepers in the town, viz. : Israel Porter, Wm. Cleg- 
horn, Rufus Washburn, Abraham Lewis, John Wilson, and 
Truman Bristol ; but these, excepting the first, were farm- 
houses, located away from the village, and were hai'dly to 
be rated as hotels. 

On the main street, near the east end of the bridge, is 
the building (now the residence of Mrs. Van Buren) once 
known as the brick hotel. A part of this was built, about 
1818, by John Brown, the first merchant, as his residence. 
This was purchased, in 1822, by Dr. John Spencer, who 
enlarged and opened it as a hotel. It was afterwards pur- 
chased and kept by Moses Rowley ; then sold on execution 
to James Averell, by whom it was rented to Peter Van 
Buren, who kept it as a hotel until 1848, when it was par- 
tially destroyed by fire. It was then purchassed by Mr. 
Van Buren, who rebuilt it as a private dwelling. 

The Spencer House, on the main street, in the east part 
of the village, was commenced in 1828, completed in 1829, 
and opened as a public-house in the spring of 1S30 by Dr. 
John Spencer, who kept it for fourteen years, and was suc- 
ceeded by his son, Col. J. M. Spencer, the present proprie- 
tor. Dr. Spencer died in this house Oct. 6, 1855. 

The Fosgate House, on the west side of the river, was 
first opened by Henry Hudson about 1845. The building, 
originally the dwelling of ('aleb Morgan, had been enlarged 
by Hudson for the purpose. His successor was John Fos- 
gate, by whom and his family the house was kept until 
after the opening of the railroad. 

The Van Buren House was built by Peter Van Buren in 
1849, immediately after the burning of his brick hotel. 
The east end of the building was formed by a two-story 
dwelling-house, purchased from Benjamin H. Smith. Mr. 
Van Buren was one of the most popular and successful of 
landlords. The house continued under his management 
until 1869, the year preceding his death. He was suc- 
ceeded by his son, J. B. Van Buren, the present proprietor. 

The Fuller House, at the northwest corner of Main and 
Park streets, was built by C. T. Fuller, and opened, in 1876, 
by Daniel Peck, the present proprietor. 

WATER-WORKS — FIRE DEPARTMENT — FIRES. 

The Gouverneur water- works were commenced Aug. 1, 
1867, by an association or joint-stock company, these being 
the same persons who were incorporated as " The Gouverneur 
Water-works Company,' April 17, 1868, by chap. 243 of 
the laws of that year. The directors named in the act were 



342 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRKNUE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Charles Anthony, Au^ustii.s K. Niirtun, Edwin Dodge, Pctei- 
Van Buien, S. B. Van Duzoe, Ljman Litchfield, and 
Charles E. Clark. The eajiital stoek was $20,000, in shares 
of $100 eaeh. 

The works were constructed on the Holly principle ; the 
motive-power being furnished by means of a water-wheel 
located on the island in the river, below the bridge. The 
machinery and pumps were made b}' the Holly manufactu- 
ring company, and the first pipes were laid by the Jersey 
City pipe company. The company has laid about one mile 
of pipe, and put in 10 hydrants. The officers for 1877 
are : President, W. A. Boardman ; Secretary and Treasu- 
rer, Charles Anthony; Superintendent, C. A. Van Duzee ; 
Directors, Edwin Dodge, S. B. Van Duzee, Charles An- 
thony, A. K. Jepson, W. A. Boardman, S. B. Stinson, and 
A. E. Norton. 

Gouverneur hose company. No. 1, was organized by act 
of legislature, passed April 29, 1808. It was equipped 
with hose-carriage, hose, hooks, ladders, etc., and did good 
service at the various fires in the village, but was disbanded 
in November, 1877. 

The experience of Gouverneur village has been rather 
more .severe tluiu that of most villages in the matter of 
fires, from the burning of the old academy, Jan. 1, 1839, 
until the present time. Probably the most disastrous of 
these were three conflagrations which have occurred within 
the past three years. The earliest of these was on Jan. 13, 
1875, when six stores on Jlain street were burned, includ- 
ing the corner where the Fuller House now stands. The 
loss on this occasion was 130,000. On the 1st of May, 
1877, seven stores on Main street, where Van Namee's 
block now is, were destroyed by fire with a loss of $30,000. 
The brick block at the corner of Church and William 
streets, owned by Willet Bowne, C. H. Bowne, S. B. Van 
Duzee, Jacob Bechhold, C. A. Van Duzee, and Lewis Eck- 
man, was consumed by fire Oct. 7, 1877. This was one of 
the finest business blocks in the county of St. Lawrence. 
The working of rebuilding commenced at once, and the ex- 
ternal portion of the structure is now (Dec. 20) already 
completed. The block is in every particular equal to the 
one which was destroyed. An exhibition-hall, second to 
none in the county, is embraced in the building. 

THE PRESS 

is represented by the Times and Herald, weekly newspapers, 
the detailed history of which, ami other newspapers pre- 
viously published in the village, appear in connection with 
the general history of the press of tiie county, elsewhere in 
our work. 

MASONIC. 

GoHver new Lodge, F. mid A. M. No. 217, was organized 
June 9, A.D. 1851 ; Benjamin F. Skinner, W. M. ; Josiah 
Waid, S. W. ; William Holmes, J. W. The original 
record having been destroyed by fire, the full list of first 
officers cannot be given. 

The present membership is 110; place of meeting. Ma- 
sonic hall, Van Duzee & Bowne's block, Gouverneur vilhige. 
The officers for 1877 are John McCarly, W. M. ; E. ^r. 
llerrick, S. W. ; S. A. Ackerman, J. W. ; Antim Meyeur, 
Treas. ; E. H. Drake, Sec. ; D. C. Drake, S. D. ; Henry 



Rogers, J. D. ; George Draper, S. M. S. ; James Nelson, 
J. M. S. ; G. G. Dains, Chaplain ; William Fosgate, Mar- 
shal ; M. F. Dimmock, Tyler. 

Gouverneur Chapter, R. A. M. — Organized under dis- 
pensation, November, A.D. 1808. First officers: George 
B. Win.slow, H. P. ; A. E. Norton, K. ; William H. 
Bowne, Scribe ; J. A. Waid, Treas. ; A. S. Rhodes, Sec. 
Number of original members, 10. 

The officers for 1877 arc John Webb, Jr., H. P.; John 
JI. Reynolds, King; Wallace H. Foster, Scribe; S. B. 
Stinson, Treas. ; E. H. Drake, Sec. ; G. G. Dains, Chaplain ; 
J. S. Spencer, Jr., C. of H. ; George B. Winslow, P. S. ; 
W. Frank Fosgate, R. A. C. ; John McCarty, M. 3 V. ; 
James W. Ormiston, M. 2 V. ; Henry Rogers, M. 1 V. ; 
M. F. Dimmock, Tylor. Place of meeting. Van Duzee & 
Bowne's block. 

A lodge existed here before 1828, and went down in the 
anti-Ma.sonic excitement of that time. 

BANKS. 

The private banking-house of Charles Anthony & Co. 
was established Oct. 1, 18G(). Proprietors, Charles An- 
thony, James G. Averell, and William J. Averell. Cashier, 
H. Sudds. Banking-rooms, Main street, corner of Park. 

The banking-house of A. Godard & Co. was established 
in 1874. Tlie firm consists of Abel Godard and Hiram 
Herring. Cashier, A. J. Holbrook. Banking-rooms, oppo- 
site the park. 

THE ITBLIC PARK 

is a long and nearly triangular tract of ground lying be- 
tween Church, Grove, and Main streets, and opposite the 
principal business places of the village. It is the property 
of the seminary and of the Messrs. Averell, of Ogdensburg, 
the former owning the eastern and the latter the western 
portion ; but it is the intention of both to donate the 
property to the village, and this has in efi'ect already been 
done. At a meeting of the trustees of the seminary, June 
3, 1873, in was " Resolved, That all that part of the lot of 
land owned by the seminary, and fenced and used as a pub- 
lic park, be and the same is conveyed to the village of 
Gouverneur to be used as a public park, and for no other 
purpose. " But this was understood to be on condition that 
the Messrs. Averell should give a like conveyance, which 
they are prepared to do, and meanwhile the ground is in 
possession of the village for the purpose specified. It was 
originally a sandy, desolate spot, but was made attractive 
by fencing and planting trees, and more recently by the 
putting in of fountains. To the late Peter \'an Buren, 
more than to any other person, were the people of Gouver- 
neur indebted for the embellishment of their park by the 
planting and nourishing of its shade-trees. 

MILLS AND .MANlFAin-ORIES. 

Besides the saw- and grist-mills already mentioned Gou- 
verneur contains several manufacturing establishments, 
which we notice severally, as follows : 

The furniture-manufactory of S. B. Van Duzee & Co., 
near the east end of the bridge, stands on a site which was 
first occupied by a trip-hammer shop, built by Joel Keyes 
about 1827 for the manufacture of tools and for general 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



343 



black.'imittiing. About 1848 it was destroyed by fire, after 
which tlie proprietors sold the site to Asa Hunt, and from 
him it passed to Mr. Van Diizee, who built the present 
works in 1850. 

Adjoining the above is the sash- and blind-factory and 
planing -mill of Richard Grinnell. The first erection on 
this site was that of a saw-mill and wood-working shop by 
Captain Rockwell Barnes about 182!t. It passed to the 
possession of Milton Bainey, who carried it on as a chair- 
fiictory until its destruction by fire about 1840. He then 
built the present works for the same business, but they 
were afterwards changed to their present use by Isaac P. 
Foster, from whom they passed to Grinnell. 

The foundry and machine-shop of J. S. & A. Corbin 

was built and put in operation by Hill before 1850. 

It has since been owned and carried on by 0. S. Hill, Fox 
& Rich, Litchfield & Moore, Litchfield & Corbin, and the 
present owners. 

On the west side of the river below the bridge is the 
tannery of Wni. P. Herring & Co., which produces about 
25,00(1 sides of leather yearly, and employs from seven to 
ten men. This is the lineal successor of a tannery built on 
the same site about 1841 by Hendrick Schermerhorn, who 
continued it for about seven years, when it was burnt. It 
was rebuilt, and purchased by Newell Havens in 1851. 
Freedom Freeman purchased it about 1853, and in a short 
time it passed to Charles E. Clark. It was again burned 
about 18G5, and rebuilt by Mr. Clark, who sold it to the 
present proprietors. Under them it was again destroyed 
by fire, and has recently been rebuilt as it now stands. 

Among the similar establishments which have existed here, 
but are now gone, may be mentioned as follows : The old 
tannery (the first in the place), built by Allen Goodrich on 
the west side of the river, was run for many years by him- 
self and his brother Thomas. This died a natural death. 
Another tannery was built about 1828 by Benjamin H. 
Smith in the north part of the village, near where the 
creek enters the river from the east. This also died out. 

On the west side of the river, adjoining the Fo.sgate mill, 
a wagon-shop, propelled by water-power, was built by 
Newell Havens in 1835, was burnt in 1836, rebuilt, bought 
by W. E. Sterling, who made it a cooperage-shop, and it 
was again burnt with the saw- and grist-mill in 1853. It 
was not rebuilt. At the spot where the water-house now 

stands was a wagon-thill manulactory, built by Marsh, 

and afterwards owned by Allen & Easton. It was burnt 
during their occupancy, and the spot then remained vacant 
until the erection of the water-works. Another wagon- 
thill shop, with steam-power, was run for a time on the 
west side of the river. 

The mercantile changes in the village since the days of 
John Brown and Moses Rowley have been far too numer 
ous to trace. The number of stores is now twentj--two, of 
an average grade, which cannot be excelled in any place of 
equal size in this or other counties. The population 
of Gouverneur village, by the ccn.sus of 1875, was 1812. 

NATURAL DAM. 
This is a small lumbering village on the right bank of the 
Oswegatchir. 1 ', miles below the curporation of (iouverneur. 



The name was given from the fact that at this point nature 
threw across the stream a wall of solid rock, tight, perfect, 
and regular in shape, and better for mill purpo.ses than 
could have been formed by man. It was here that the 
proprietor caused to be erected the first saw-mill and grist- 
mill in the town, and it was here that he believed the prin- 
cipal village would grow up. The place was long known as 
iMorris' Mills. A stone house devoid of all symmetry, and of 
everything that makes a house attractive, but solid and 
massive in the extreme, was built here by his direction at 
a very early day for the occupancy of his agent,* and for 
the accommodation of himself whenever he should visit the 
settlement. This ancient and ungainly structure still stands 
there, gray and gloomy. The .saw-mill and grist-mill con- 
tinued to run until the latter became dilapidated and was 
demolished, and the former was destroyed by fire. The site 
then remained vacant until about 1838, when Captain 
Rockwell Barnes purcha.sed it with some land adjoining, 
and erected a saw-mill, dwelling-house, barn, store-house, 
and a bridge. He never realized any advantage from the 
enterprise, and after him the property was purchased by 
P. M. Beardslee, of Gouverneur, and by him sold in 18t)6 
to Messrs. Weston, Dean & Aldrich, who, in 1867, com- 
menced the erection of their present estcn,«ive mills. The 
main mill is 64 by 115 feet, and its capacity is 1,500,000 
feet of lumber per month. They have also a planing-mill 
45 by 90 feet with two machines, a clapboard-mill, and a 
shingle-mill ; the capacity of the latter being 22.000 shin- 
gles per day. Twenty-five thousand laths and pickets are 
turned out daily. 

The company own tracts of timber land, aggregating 
forty-five thousand acres, from which are furnished the 
logs to supply this vast manufacture ; and a railway track 
1 4 miles in length has been constructed, to connect their 
mills within the line of the R., W. & 0. R. R. Their 
operations at this point employ about 100 men on an aver- 
age, and these, with their families, form the greater portion 
of the village population, which, by the last census, num- 
bered 265. There are about 30 dwellings, exclusive of 
shanties, which latter are also quite numerous. 

The" Mineral Attrition Mill" is an establishment located 
on the river, a half-mile below the lumber-mills, and en- 
gaged in the grinding of talc. The proprietors are D. Min- 
thorn, B. P. Sharp, Thomas Girvan, and A. C. Smith, of 
New York city. The buildings and power were first put 
in and used by D. Minthorn and others, in the grinding and 
manufacture of mineral paint. The talc business was com- 
menced here about the 1st of November, 1876, and has 
proved successful. The mill now runs night and day, and 
produces about ten tons of the manufactured article daily. 
It is sold chiefly to paper-manufacturers. The raw material 
is brought from beds in Fowler, H miles beyond Little 
York, but the company have also beds nearer to the mill, in 
Gouverneur. 

OTHER SETTLKMENTS IN THE TOWN. 
Little Bow Corners is a hamlet of ten dwellings, clustered 
around the road-crossing about a half-mile from " Little 

5 Roger Miulilock. who succeeileil Dr. Towiiscnd as iigent about the 

time 1)1' Uu' jirojirietor's dcuth. (H^'upicd this lioiisc. 



344 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Bow" in tlu! Oswc'^alcliie. The first settlor at this place 
was Bonjaniin Siiiitli, who canic in April, ISOU, with a 
wifo and three sons, — Jason, Anion, and Calvin, — and who 
durinir all his subsequent Hf'c was known as " Benjamin 
Smith, of tiic Bow,' to distinguish him from anotlier oi' 
the same name in the town. His brothers Rufu.s and 
Stephen also settled near him in 1807. lie soon built a 
sawmill on a small creek flowing into the river, and thi.s 
remained in his possession until worn out. A store and an 
ashery were commenced hereby Moses Rowley before 1820, 
and this passed into possession of Isaac Bolton, who kept 
it for .some years, after which it was finally closed. Another 
store was kept there by R. K. Smith fur about two years, 
and then abandoned. The annual town-meetings in 1818 
and 1821 were held at Little Bow, and there were those 
who considered the place as a rival of Gouverneur. The 
place is less important now than a half-century ago. 

Olds' Mills is a cluster of about eight dwellings on the 
river, in the northwest part of the town. About 1825, 
Aaron Carrington settled here, and built a saw-mill, which 
was burned about ten years later while owned by Hiram 
Drake. It was rebuilt by Asa Hunt. Still later it was re- 
built or remodeled by R. K. Smith ; then it pasised to 
Stephen Johnson, who sold it to Jason Smith, a son of 
Benjamin of the Bow. During his time of occupancy the 
place was known as Smith's Mills. From Mr. Smith it 
pa.ssed to William Sudds, then to Benjamin Olds, the pres- 
ent proprietor. A small grocery, first opened by Jason 
Smith, has been kept up until recently, but is now closed. 
A tannery was also started there by John Brown many 
years ago, but was long since abandoned. 

North Gouyerneur is an agricultuial neighborhood in the 
northeast part of the town. The first settlement here was 
made about 1830, by Noah Hamblin. The next settler 
was J. D. OIney, and the third Levi Northrup. A short 
distance northwest of this place is the " Clinton lead mine,'' 
a deposit discovered some years ago by Nehemiah Wash- 
burn, and then supposed to be valuable, a supposition since 
disproved by the operations of a company who pureh;ised 
and worked it for a short time. There is no probability of 
its reopening. 

RELIGIOUS. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The organization of this church dates i'rom Feb. 18, 
1811. The number of original members was eighteen. Jona- 
than Paine Wiis appointed deacon, and soon after was licensed 
to pnach, and ordained the first pastor of this church, 
which joined the association at its first session in Stock- 
holm in 1812. During the pastorate of Mr. Paine, which 
continued until March, 181G, only eleven were added to 
the church, but in one year from the November succeeding 
his retirement sixty-one were added, mostly by baptism. 
From 181 G to 1825 the church had no settled pastor, but 
was supplied a great portion of the time by Elders Amasa 
Brown, Solomon Johnston, Elisha Morgan, and licentiates 
Jonathan Wade, Noah Barrell, and David Wilcox, and in 
this period 102 were added to its membershi]). 

During the first eievcMi years of the cimriirs existence 
the worshipers met sometimes in private houses, some- 



times in the large frame barn of Isaac Austin, in the north 
jiart of Gouverneur village, on the premises now occupied 
by Adain Killmer, but most frequently in the frame school- 
liou.se which occupied a part of the present site of the brick 
block of Van Duzcc and Bowne. But in 1822 their first 
church edifice was built, and was so far advanced as to be 
occupied for their services in the late autumn of that year. 
In 1825, Elder Noah Barrell was settled as their pastor, 
and remained two years, during which time 111 were added 
to the numbers of the church. It is recorded that at one 
time baptisms were made on nineteen successive Sabbaths, 
and twice on week-days in the same period. In May, 
1828, Elder J. W. Sawyer became pastor, and continued 
for five years. Trouble came to the church during this 
pa.storato, arising chiefly from the anti-Masonic exeitement 
of those times. Several were expelled, and these united in 
a conference, styled the " Conference brethren," who held 
separate meetings, but eventually returned to the church 
after the glow of the excitement had cooled. In May, 
1833, Mr. Sawyer left, and the desk was then supplied for 
nine months by Elder Wilkie. Elder C. Havens became 
pastor in June, 1834, and remained three years, during 
which time 73 were added to the roll of membership. He 
was succeeded by Elder W. E. Locke, who remained till 
Jan. 1, 1839. In May of that year N. Broughton came to 
their service, in which he remained two years, first as licen- 
tiate, and afterwards as an ordained minister. Thirty-six 
additions were made during his time. He was succeeded 
by Elder Samuel Pomeroy, May 1, 1841. During this 
pastorate 74 were added to the roll, and a number were dis- 
missed to form the North Gouverneur church. The first par- 
sonage was also built at this time. In March, 1846, Elder 
J. N. Webb became pastor, and remained two years, which 
were not years of concord, though the church received 76 
additional members, including 19 from the North Gouver- 
neur church, which had disbanded. October 1, 1848, El- 
der J. W. Sawyer, their pastor of twenty years before, again 
assumed charge, and during his pastorate their pre.sent house 
of worship was erected and dedicated. He resigned in 
April, 1851, and in the following October his brother. 
Elder Conant Sawyer, became pastor, and remained till 
Dec. 12, 1852. 

In May, 1853, H. A. Morgan, a student of Hamilton, 
came as a supply, and on June 2 was ordained their pastor. 
His successor was Elder O. W. Babcock, in September, 
1855. In 1859, members were dismissed to reorganize the 
church of North Gouverneur. Elder Babcock closed his 
pastorate in May, 1802, and was followed by Elder George A. 
Ames, who remained till June, 1864. Elder J. W. Daniels 
assumed charge in the following October, and left in Octo- 
ber, 1867. He was succeeded by Elder J. B. Child, Feb- 
ruary, 1868. He resigned in the fall of 1871, and the 
church was served by supplies till April, 1872, wheu J. W. 
Putnam became pastor. He continued in charge until 
July, 1 874, and during his pastorate the present parsonage 
was erected. Elder E. P. Weed became pastor in Septem- 
ber, 1874, and resigned in October, 1876. In January, 
1S77, the charge was assumed by Rev. II. C. Townly, the 
|n-eseiit pastor. A Sabbath-school hits been maintained by 
this eluireh lor mure than half a century. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



345 



The church at North Gouveniour, which was formed 
during the pastorate of Elder Samuel Pomeroy, and which, 
having disintegrated soon after, was reorganized in 1859, 
has now recently disbanded, and its members worship with 
tlie church at Gouverneur village, though occasional services 
are still held in the school-house at North Gouverneur. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

This organization, first known as the First Presbyterian 
or Congregational church of Gouverneur, was formed May 
24, 1817, by Rev. Nathaniel Dutton, of Champion, in Jef- 
lerson county. Tiie original members were fourteen in 
number, viz. : Wm. Cleghorn, Jonathan S. Colton, Elijah 
Hough, Jr., William Colton, Betsey Colton, and Hannah 
Colton, all from the church at Champion, and Daniel Sears, 
Horatio J. Cleveland, Isaac Smith, Dorothy Sackett, Cyn- 
thia Sears, Cynthia Cleveland, Abigail Smith, and Betsey 
Spencer, received on profession of faitli. On Sabbath-day, 
July 27, 1817, the first sacraments were administered by 
Rev. Sir. Dutton, on which occasion ten members were 
added to the church on profession of faith, bringing their 
numbers to a total of twenty-four. One hundred and fifty 
more were added before 1827, making one hundred and 
seventy-four received in the first ten years of the church's 
existence. 

The legal organization of the society as a body corporate 
was effected April 1.3, 1820 ; the Rev. Oliver Ayers, of 
Oneida county, being present, and the proceedings of the 
meeting being only verified on oath before Judge Thomas 
Davis, April 19. The trustees were John Spencer, Richard 
Kimball, William Cleghorn, William Colton, Rockwell 
Barnes, and James Parker. A house of worsliip was at 
once commenced, and was inclosed and in a manner made 
fit for occupancy during that year, though unplastered and 
without heating apparatus of any kind. Prior to this, the 
worshipers had met in the school-house, in private dwellings, 
or, as they often did in summer-time, in barns. These 
meetings were not held at stated times, but only whenever 
a friendly minister or missionary chanced to pass that way, 
as Rev. N. Dutton, Rev. Ruel Kimball, of Leydcn, Rev. 
Winchester, Rev. Isaac Clinton, and others, who occa- 
sionally ministered to them during this period. On the 
13th of January, 1821, however, soon after they occupied 
their first rude edifice, their first pastor, the Rev. James 
Murdook, came to them, and largely through liLs efibrts the 
house of worship, commenced in 1820, was completed in 
1824 ; a fair and convenient meeting-houso, at a total cost 
of fourteen hundred dollars. Twenty years later a new 
church, their present place of worship, was built, and was 
dedicated Aug. 29, 1844. It has since been enlarged and 
refitted, the s&ssion-room improved and modernized, and a 
parsonage built. All these were paid for as they went 
along, and the society is free from debt. Rev. James 
Murdock* remained until 1825, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Richard C. Hand 1825 to 1832. Since his time the pul- 
pit has been filled by the following ministers, namely, Rev. 
Jonathan Hovey (supply), 1833-34; Rev. John Bucknell 
(supply), about six months; Rev. Robert F. Lawrence 

* Died at Crown Point, New York, 1841, aged eighty-si.\ years. 

44 



(supply), 1835-37; Rev. Simeon Bicknell, pastor, 1838- 
42; Rev. John Orr (supply), continued about two years; 
Rev. Baruch B. Beckwith, pastor, 184.3-66 ; and the 
present pastor. Rev. N. J. Conklin, who came in March, 
1866. 

In 1863, during the pastorate of Mr. Beckwith, the 
church emerged from it.s former condition of " Presby- 
terian or Congregational"' organization, and became wholly 
Presbyterian. A board of elders was chosen, consisting 
of George Rodger, Melville H. Thrall, Samuel Wright, 
James Brodie, Simeon L. Parmelce, Joseph Howes, and 
George Lockie, who were ordained on the 17th of May, 
1863. 

A division occurred in this church in 1842-43, which 
resulted in the secession of certain members, and the forma- 
tion of the Second Congregational church of Gouverneur, 
and its incorporation as such in Jlarch, 1843. The trustees 
were John Leach, M. W. Smith, and Rockwell Barnes. 
After many years of misfortune and struggle, it was dis- 
banded, and most of the members returned to the parent 
church. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

In the record book of this church it is written that, " As 
early as 1828 the Methodist people had preaching some- 
where in the town of Gouverneur, but the place of their 
meetings is not known. Rev. Benjamin Dighton is reported 
to have been the first preacher." 

The first organization was effected in the year 1832. 
The original members were " Isaac Smith and wife, Joseph 
Smith and wife, Moses Kenyon and wife, and a few others." 
Not long after, Dr. E. L. Beardsley and wife joined the 
organization. Of all those first members Dr. Beardsley is 
the sole survivor. The first services were held in private 
houses; very often at that of Richard Townsend, on Johns- 
town street, and these services were frequently conducted by 
Godfrey W. Barney as preacher. From the commence- 
ment of 1833 until about the close of 1835, services were 
held in the brick school-house, now the residence of Dr. 
JlcFalls. The first preacher in this building was the Rev. 
Lyndon King, who was also the first ordained pastor of the 
society. From the school-house the congregation's place 
of worship was removed to the chapel of the seminary, and 
the meeting's continued to be held in that building for about 
three years, until its destruction by tire Jan. 1, 1839. The 
brick school-house was then reoccupied. 

Upon the rebuilding of the seminary it became the head- 
quarters of the Jlethodi.st society, and was used as their 
place of worship until 1862, when, during the pastorate of 
Rev. Francis A. O'Farrell, the church edifice, which had 
been owned and used by the Second Congregationalists, 
was purchased by the trustees for 81000. This remained 
their place of worship for more than seven years, and was 
then sold and removed to give place to their present church 
building, the corner-stone of which was laid May 13, 1870. 
It was completed at a total cost of §13,500 (exclusive of 
site), and was dedicated, free of debt, Feb. 9, 1871. The 
society has also a fine parsonage-property adjoining the 
church, on Park street. The present board of trustees of 
the society consists of Isaac Starbuck, William Whitney, 



346 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



J. W. Stacy, 11. S. Raiulnll, and K. W. Abbott. The 
prcsoiit iiionilii'rslii|i of tbi> churcli is about HIIO. The 
pa.stors of thi.s church have been as follows : Rev. Lyndon 
King, 1832-33; George C. WoodrufF and James Erwin, 
1834; John Walhice and John W. Seet, 1835; Reuben 
Reynolds, 183t)-37 ; Hiram Shei)herd, 1839; Loren L. 
Adkins and Ora Squires, 1840 ; Harvey Chapin, 1841 ; 
John W. Armstronir, 1842 ; Jesse Penfield, 1843; Lorenzo 
D. Stebbins, 1844; John N. Brown and A. E. Munson, 
1845; Benjamin S. Wright, 1846-47; Herbert Graves, 
1848; Silas Slater, 184it and 1851; Hiram Woodruff, 
1850; Jackson C. Vandcrcook, 1852 ; Benjamin Paddock, 
1853-54 ; Allen Castle, 1855-56 ; Enos E. Kellogg, 1857- 
58; Thomas Riehey, 1859; Josiah Zimmerman, 1860; 
Francis A. O'Farrell, 1861-62; Benjamin E. Whipple, 
1863; D. Simmons, 1864-65; Anson T. Copeland, 1866- 
67 ; Charles W. Brooks, 1868, '69, '70; John T. Hewett, 
1871-72; Ward W. Hunt, 1873, '74, '75; and Rev. C. 
W. Parsons, from 1876 to the present time. Auxiliary to 
the church is a Sabbath school, numbering about 350 
scholars, under the supei-intendency of Mr. William Whit- 
ney. 

TRINITY CHURCH (EPISCOPAL). 

The first Episcopalian religious service in Gouverneur was 
held in the Presbyterian church, by Rev. Wilbur F. Pad- 
dock, in the summer of 1862; and on the 16th of April, 
1866, the church was incorporated, with Benjamin F. 
Skinner and Aaron B. Catting as wardens. The ve.stry- 
men were William H. Bowne, John S. Honeycomb, James 
D. Easton, A. E. Worton, A. M. Barney, A. S. Egert, 
G. E. Burt, and Thomas Jones. Their first rector was 
Rev. Jedediah Winslow, whose successors in the sacred 
office have been Revs. Edward DoUoway, John H. Bab- 
cock, W. M. Ogden, Thomas W. Barry, and Herbert C. 
Miller, the present rector. 

The chapel of the seminary was their usual place of 
worship until the completion of their present church. The 
corner-stone was laid in September, 1866, and the edifice 
was dedicated fi-ee of debt July 29, 1869. It is well lo- 
cated, at the corner of Park street and Trinity avenue, 
upon a lot donated by J. G. & W. Averell. The cost of 
the building was about $7500. In connection with the 
church is a flourishing Sabbath-school, under the superin- 
tendence of A. B. Cutting. 

CHURCH OF ST. JAMES THE GREATER (cATHOLIc). 

In 1850 there were about 25 Catholic worshipers in 
Gouverneur, for whom services were occasionally licld by 
Rev. Father Mackay, of Ogdensburg, and after him by 
Fathers Clark and Zonaque. The erection of a church 
being contemplatod, in 1856 a lot, located on South street, 
was purchased of Judge Dodge. This was afterwards ex- 
changed for a lot and building on Park street, during the 
ministry of Father O'Driscoll. This building (formerly 
the Methodist edifice) was dedicated December 22, 1874, 
and was destroyed by the great fire of January 13, 1875. 
An insurance of $1000 was collected, and a new church, 
their present house of worship, was erected in 1875. and 
dedicated by Bishop Wadham on the 25th of November 
in that year. Its whole cost was $400(1. The priest now 



in charge is Rev. Thomas J. Kellehcr, who succeeded 

FatluT O'Driscoll. The present mcmliership embraces 
about 40 families. 

UNIVERSALIST ORUANIZATIONS. 

The First Universalist society of Gouverneur and Fowler 
was organized January 26, 1832. The original subscribers 
to the constitution were Israel Porter and 25 others. Mr. 
Porter was also one of the six trustees. Among their 
earliest preachers was Rev. Langworthy. 

The First Universalist society of Gouverneur and Hailes- 
borough was formed in Gouverneur village, January 27 
1849, with 18 members, who subscribed to the constitution. 
Rev. C. Dodge was their minister in 1850, giving one- 
fourth of liis time to service in Gouverneur. No Univer- 
salist society exists here at the present time. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest burial-ground in Gouverneur was laid out 
upon a spot in the rear of the present Presbyterian church 
in the village. The land was donated by Gouverneur Mor- 
ris. From an article of agreement executed by him Sept. 
10, 1808, we copy the following: "Whereas, the inhabit- 
ants of Cambray have requested a grant of two acres of 
land for a burying-ground, and have solicited a part of lot 
No. 85" (here follows the description ), " I do hereby devote 
the above place to the Burial of the Dead, and will execute 
a grant therefor to the town when incorporated." The re- 
quest made by the citizens, as recited, was hastened by the 
then recent death of Israel Porter's little daughter Emily, 
who had been laid to rest there alone among the hemlocks. 
The next interment was that of Mrs. Martin, and this was 
followed by that of Stephen Patterson. Five soldiers, who 
died in Gouverneur during the War of 1812, were also 
among the early interments. As the years rolled on the old 
grave-yard grew populous, and at last the time came when 
the growth of the village demanded its abandonment and re- 
moval. A project was formed to establish a new cemetery 
on the Isaac Austin farm, but the proposition to remove 
thither the remains from the old burying-place met with 
.such determined opposition that it was abandoned, and the 
ancient grave-yard remained undisturbed until after the es- 
tablishment of the new and beautiful cemetery across the 
river. 

The burial-ground at Little Bow corners is the second in 

point of age. The first interment within it was that of 

Foster, whose residence had been upon the P. Kearney farm. 
The .second burial was that of Robert Crawford (2d). The 
later burials there have been numerous. 

There is also a small interment^ground at North Gouv- 
erneur, commenced at a much later date than those above 
mentioned. 

The Rivei-side Cemetery is a consecrated ground lying 
in a bend of the river, on its western bank, partially within 
the village corporation. The " Gouverneur cemetery asso- 
ciation," under whose direction the ground was laid out, 
was incorporated under the general act, June 24, 1857, with 
the following oflicers : President, Rev. B. B. Beckwith ; 
Vice-President, Charles Anthony ; Treiisurer, Stephen B. 
A'an Duzee ; Secretarj', Cornelius A. Parker ; Trustees, Rev. 




PROF. W. F. SUDDS. 



The subject of this sketch was born in London, England, 
in 1842, and at the age of seven came with hi.s parents to 
this country, settling on a farm in the northwest part of 
the town of Gouverneur. From early childhood he mani- 
fested great love for music ; but circumstances forbade his 
securing competent instruction until the breaking out of 
the late war, and his enlistment in a regimental band, fortu- 
nately cjuartered in or near some large city, during nearly 
the entire term of his enlistment. He was thus, to some 
extent, afforded the long-desired opportunity. He was 
afterwards a pujiil at the Boston Conservatory of Music, 
studying organ- and piano-playing under Eugene Thayer, 
and harmony, composition, and violin-playing under the 
celebrated Julius Eichberg, who .seemed to consider him 



unusually gifted, and gave him much encouragement, es- 
pecially in musical composition. 

He has now for a number of years been located at Gou- 
verneur as a dealer in organs and pianos, teacher of organ, 
piano, violin, and vocal music. His influence towards the 
improvement of the public musical taste is apparent in 
their hearty support of the well-known Gouverneur choral 
union, a society formed for the study of the best musical 
literature, and of which he is the conductor. 

The success of Professor Sudds as a teacher is, to say the 
least, remarkable, his cla.ss usually numbering upwards of 
thirty pupils ; while his compositions for the piano and organ 
may be found in nearly every musical home throughout the 
country. 





y^ iT 



EMORY W. ABBOTT 



was born at Hopkinton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 26, 
1S19, the only son of Jonathan Bebee and Duraxa Eussell 
Abbott. His father dying when he was but five years old, 
he was early thrown upon his own resources for support. 
He received but the simplest rudiments of education, and 
at the age of sixteen went into the store of Justus Rickit, 
in Fowler, as a clerk, at a salary of fifty dollars per year 
and board. Marrying Hannah S., youngest daughter of 
his employer, in 1839, he continued in business with Mr. 
Rickit until his death, in February, 1842. He continued 
the mercantile business, in connection with farming, until 
1867. He held almost every office pf responsibility and 
trust in the town ; was justice of the peace for many years, 
represented the town as supervisor several years before 1860, 
and from 1860 to 1864 inclusive was chairman of the 
board. He represented the first assembly district of St. 
Lawrence County in the legislature for the years 1856 and 
1857. During the war he took an active interest in mili- 
tary matters, and it was owing to his efi"orts, in a great 
measure, that the town of Fowler and the county of St. 
Lawrence supplied its full ([uota of troops on every occasion. 
Always duly interested iu public affairs, he has been a rep- 
resentative man in the community in which he has lived. 



He moved to Gouverneur in 1871, and has since been 
engaged iu the manufacture of woolen goods at Hailes- 
borough, N. Y., with his two elder sons. He has three 
sons, J. Henry, Justus Bray ton, and Vasco P. 

Jonathan Henry, born in 1840, was married to Harriet 
R., daughter of Silas Phillips. They have three children, 
viz., E. W. (2d), Morton P., and Arthur. 

Justus B., born in 1842, was married to Frances A., 
daughter of Abner Wight, in 1864. They also have three 
children, viz., Abner S., Lester H., and Wight V. 

Vasco P., born 1847, married in 1872 to Annie E., 
daughter of S. M. Farmer. No children living. 

Henry and Brayton, afler receiving a good academic 
education, went into the mercantile business, and, ;is before 
stated, are now engaged in manufacturing with their 
father. 

Vasco P., having graduated at Lawrence university, 
taking the degree of B.A., in 1867 took a course in the 
law department of Union univei-sity, where he graduated 
in 1868 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, was ad- 
mitted to the bar on his twenty-first birthday, and has been 
practicing law since 1871 at Gouverueur. He was elected 
speciid county judge of St. Lawrence County in 1875. 





( Ptforoa.BY Caho i SM(rw, GOWflRNWR ) 



V PA BBOTT 



Or OS Fakmer 



Geosvenor S. Farmer, M.S., M.D., the subject of this 
sketch, was bom in Fowler, St. Lawrence County, New 
York, January 6, 1850. He was the son of Francis 
Farmer, a native of Herkimer county. New York. His 
grandfather was of New England birth, and of English 
descent. 

About the year 1840, Francis Farmer removed to St. 
Lawrence County, New York, and there continued the vo- 
cation to which he had been educated, — that of a farmer. 
He soon after married Louisa M. Homer, a native of 
Fowler, in that county, and about this time purchased a 
farm adjoining the bijthplace of his wife. Six children 
were bom to them, of which the subject of this sketch was 
the second. 

In early youth Grosvenor assisted on the farm and im- 
proved the advantages of a district school. He was a 
student at the Gouverneur Wesleyan seminary in 1863 
and 1864. In 1865, his father having removed his family 
to Canton, he attended the Canton academy ; and it was 
about this time that he conceived the idea of going to 
college, and of leading a professional life. Having applied 
himself closely for that purpose, he entered St. Lawrence 
university in 1867, and was granted a diploma from that 
institution in 1871. His whole time was now given to the 
study of medicine and surgery. He was a student of Dr. 
M. M. Gardner, one of the most reputable physicians of 
Utica. After attending the New York Homoeopathic 
medical college in 1873 and 1874, he passed a successful 



examination before the examining board of that institution, 
and before the censors of the city of New York, and 
graduated with honors. He is now practicing his profes- 
sion in Gouverneur, New York, where he has a lucrative 
and growing practice. He married Meriam L. Conkey, of 
Canton, New York, on January 5, 1876. 

It is not the object of this brief sketch to eulogize the 
subject. It is common, however, for a young practitioner 
in an obscure village to make the attainments of his pro- 
fessional brethren in the immediate vicinity his standard of 
excellence. This is not the case with the subject of this 
sketch ; he looks beyond the horizon of his neighborhood 
in order to learn the discoveries of the most distinguished 
men in his profession. One of the most prominent traits 
of his character is his sympathy for those who are afflicted. 
To his patients his attentions are delicate and tender. 
Another trait is his spirit of wise enterprise. He is not 
a schemer, not in any sense a visionary ; but as he is not 
content with the knowledge which he possesses, so he 
is ready to forward any scheme for the improvement of 
others. The active and fatiguing labors of his profession 
do not prevent him from entering with spirit into political 
and other interests which agitate the public mind. 

In daily life he manifests in his deportment unaffected 
simplicity of manners and affability of disposition appro- 
priate to his early station in society. He thus not only 
enjoys the reputation of a skillful physician, but that of an 
honored and highly-respected citizen. 






/Oa-''^^L'U-tA_^ 



9r it<^^^-^y^7r-^/fcUl ^ S.//^^^- 






Hiram W. Hunt, the subject of this sketch, was born in Stan- 
bridge, Missisquoi, P. Q. His father, Marshall Hunt, was a native 
of Bristol, England, and emigrated to Canada when about eighteen 
years of age, and being well educated, he adopted the profession 
of teaching, which he followed, with some interruptions, to the 
close of his life. In his new home he married Lydia Gibbs, 
daughter of Isaac Gibbs, a soldier of the Kevolution, who, after 
assisting to obtain the independence of the United States, re- 
moved to Canada. It may be here worthy of remark that a sister 
of Isaac Gibbs, a Mrs. Sproules, was among the early settlers of 
Lisbon, in this county, where a son of hers now resides. Of this 
marriage three children now remain, of whom the subject of this 
sketch is the second. His father dying when he was quite young, 
he was very early in life thrown upon his own resources, and to 
this is probably due some of the most prominent traits of his 
character, — his self-reliance, his hatred of oppression and wrong 
in any or all of its forms, and his sympathy with every good word 
and work. 

After the death of his father he lived with a farmer for sonie 
two or three years, where he labored, doing the work which usually 
falls to the lot of a boy around "the busy farm." Feeling that 
he was not adapted to this kind of work, he was apprenticed to a 
harness-maker, where he remained until he became a tolerably 
skillful workman. During this timo he had no opportunities for 
attending school, but being a good reader (for he has been often 
heard to say that he could not remember the time when he learned 
to read), he made good use of all the books which fell into his hands, 
and each one only stimulated his already earnest desire to grow in 
knowledge. 

Soon after this he went to Groton, Middlesex county, Massachu- 
setts. Here he labored and attended school alternately until he 
was sufficiently advanced to assume the rble of a teacher. Here 
he taught his first school, and laid the foundation of that clas- 



sical learning which he has since pursued with so much distinc- 
tion. He now began to cherish an earnest desire for a liberal 
education, but seeing no immediate opportunity of accomplishing 
his object, he removed to Argyle, Washington county. New York. 
Here he again pursued his studies with unremitting zeal ; but his 
progress in his studies was not so rapid as he desired, and he cama 
to Fulton, Oswego county, and became a pupil in Falley seminary. 
Here he finished his preparatory collegiate, and entered Genesee 
college in 1864, and graduated in 1869. While in college he was 
known as a painstaking and earnest student, especially in his special 
department of classical studies. In 1872 he received the degree of 
A.M. from Syracuse university, and became enrolled among the 
alumni of that young and prosperous university. 

In May, 1876, he was appointed principal of Gouverneur Wes- 
leyan seminary, and has since been at the head of this old and 
influential institution. His ability as a teacher is abundantly 
attested by the success of the institution since it has been in his 
charge, and under his administration the school seems in a fair 
way to resume her former influence among the educational institu- 
tions of northern New York. 

Katk S. E. Hunt, daughter of the late William Ewart, of 
Groveland, Livingston county, was raised and educated almost 
entirely in her native county. In early life she evinced none of 
that fondness for study which formed so marked a feature of her 
husband's character; but, being instructed and encouraged by a 
judicious mother, made creditable progre.'ss. In June, 1800, she 
graduated at Genesee Wesleyan seminary, Lima, and afterward, 
desiring a more thorough knowledge of the science of teaching, 
entered Oswego normal school. Since leaving school she has 
been almost constantly employed in teaching, and is now precep- 
tress of Gouverneur Wesleyan seminary, of which her husband 
is principal. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



347 



B. B. Beckwith, Hon. Edwin Dodge, Erwin S. Barnes, S. B. 
Van Duzee, Charles Anthony, Cornelius A. Parker, 
Thomas M. Thayer, John Bolton, Milton Barney, William 
H. Bowne, Harvey D. Smith, and Richard Parsons. 

The land selected by the association was a tract of 36 
acres,* originally a part of the farm of Pardon Babcock, 
but at that time owned by Harvey D. Smith, from whom 
it was purchased for S1500. The laying out, grading, and 
adornment of the ground was placed under the superin- 
tendency of Benjamin F. Hathaway, of Flushing, L. I. 
The first interment was that of J. Bradford Smith, Aug. 
24, 1857, and the cemetery was solemnly consecrated June 
23, 1858. The remains from the old burial-ground in the 
village, over 700 in number, were transferred to the ceme- 
tery at the expen.so of the town, under the supervision of 
T. M. Thayer, for the town, and S. B. Van Duzee, on the 
part of the association. Such of these as were not identified 
or not claimed by friends were buried in a plat of 4 acres, 
which is owned by the town, within the cemetery inclosure, 
purchased with tlie proceeds of the sale of the old grave- 
yard, and kept as a place of free burial. No trace of the 
little child, who was the first occupant of the old ground, 
was discovered in the general disinterment. The number 
of burials within the cemetery is now about 1200. The 
financial affairs of the association have been well managed, 
and are now in an excellent condition, their reserve now 
amounting to about $5000. The ofiicers of the association 
for 1877 are as follows: President, Hon. Edwin Dodge; 
Vice-President, Charles Anthony ; Treasurer and Secretary, 
Wm. H. Bowne ; Trustees, Thomas M. Thayer, James 
Brodie, 0. G. Barnum, A. K. Jepson, Edwin Dodge, 
Charles Anthony, A. E. Norton, F. M. Holbrook, Wm. H. 
Bowne, S. B. Van Duzee, George Parker, and James D. 
Easton. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The first school in Gouverneur was commenced in the 
fall of 1808, in a cabin which had been used by the work- 
men engaged in the construction of the bridge at the vil- 
lage, and vacated by them at the completion of their work. 
The teacher employed was Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah 
Sackett. In 1809 a log school-house, 12 by 16 feet in size, 
was built near the present site of the Presbyterian church, 
and here a school was opened in the fall of that year, by 
Silas Brooks, of Antwerp, who, at the end of a week, relin- 
quished his charge, on account of a .severe attack of home- 
sickness. The rod was then assumed by iVIiss Sackett, who 
taught the remainder of the term. Among the earliest 
teachers was Sylvanus McMasters, who taught in a vacant 
shop owned by Pardon Babcock. In 1811 a log school- 
house was built on the west side of the bridge, on or near 
the spot afterwards occupied by Fo.sgate's hotel. In this, 
the first teacher was John C. Rich, of De Kalb. The first 
frame school-house was erected in 1815, on a spot now par- 
tially or wholly covered by the brick block of Van Duzee 
& Bowne, aiul in this Richard Kimball taught the first 
term, which is still well remembered by some of the older 
citizens. The brick school-house — still standing on the 



* About three acres of land, were afterwards purchased of John 
FosKate, luul aiMi-d to the north end of the uemeterv ■'rounds. 



south side of the park — was erected in 1826, as mentioned 
in the history of the seminary. 

The town at present contains 19 entire school districts, 
in each of which a school is taught by one or more licensed 
teachers. The school in district No. 1 (Gouverneur vil- 
lage) comprehends a primary, an intermediate, and a higher 
department, and employs 1 male and 3 female teachers. 
No. 12 (also embracing a part of the village) employs 2 
teachers, both female. The time taught during the school 
year ending Sept. 30, 1877, was 39 weeks in district No. 1, 
32 weeks in No. 12, 31 weeks in No. 10, 30 weeks each in 
Nos. 7 and 17, 29 weeks in No. 8, and 28 weeks in each of 
the other districts. The whole number of children of school 
age in the town was 1268, and the total average daily at- 
tendance 506.10. The amount of public school money 
apportioned to the town was $2763.13 ; amount raised by 
tax, $3495.05; total, $6428.19. The amount paid for 
teachers' wages was $5117.52. The teachers' salaries vary 
from $3.50 per week to $800 per year ; this latter amount 
being paid to the male teacher in district No. 1. The total 
value of school-houses and sites is $17,825. District No. 1 
has an excellent house, erected in 1870, at a cost of $5000 
for building and lot. 

AGRICULTURE. 

In its agriculture, Gouverneur differs very little from 
contiguous portions of this and Jefferson counties. But 
little wheat is raised, and still less Indian corn, while the 
production of fruit is scarcely thought of But everywhere, 
along the streams and between the sterile ridges, are lands 
which, while they resist the plow, yield the richest of 
pasturage ; and so the farmers, with an intelligent eye to 
their true interests, have become graziers and dairymen. 
In this town, which in the last census showed a population 
of 3830, there are nearly an equal number of milch cows. 
About one-seventh of the product of these is devoted to 
the manufacture of butter by hand process, and the re- 
mainder is made into cheese at the factories. 

The cheese-factories in Gouverneur are now six in num- 
ber, as follows : 

The " Gillette factory," located in the village, near the 
southeast corner of the corporation, commenced by A. G. 
Gillette, in 1869, and now operated by W. W. Hall, has a 
patronage of 900 cows. 

The " Cream of the Valley factory," at North Gouv- 
erneur, established in 1870, by Elias Kelsey, and now 
owned by Joseph McAllaster, of Gouverneur village, takes 
the milk of 500 cows. 

The " Little Bow factory," at Little Bow Corners, is 
supported by about 500 cows. This was commenced about 
1867, by S. W. Crandall. The present proprietor is E. L. 
Bailey. 

" The Pleasant Valley factory," in the northwest part of 
the town, at Smith's mills, was put in operation in 1875, 
by Conroy & Krake, and is now carried on by Mr. Krake 
alone. Its patronage is about 400 cows. 

The " South Gouverneur factory," one and a half miles 
west of the village, on the Somerville road, takes the milk 
of 400 cows. This was built and put in operation in 1875, 
by C. W. Overacker, the present owner. 



348 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



On tin; south side of tho O.swogiitcliU', near the Roek 
Ishinil bridge, is tlie Rock Island factory, established in 
1875, by Caleb Thornton, the present proprietor. It works 
the product of about 300 cow.s. 

" The (Jouverneur Agricultural and Mechanical society" 
was incorporated under act of legislature Jan. 29, 1859. 
The first officers were, — President, Henry H. Haile ; Vice- 
Presidents, George Rodger, Milton Barney, David Day 
(2d), William B. Rich, Benjamin F. Skinner, Milton G. 
Norton ; Treasurer, Augustus E. Norton ; Directore, David 
Hill, Edward Hartley, F. M. Beardslec, S. B. Van Duzee, 
John Pooler, Jr., George Lockie ; Secretary, George Parker. 
Their first fair was held in the following autumn, in Gouv- 
erneur village, on grounds located in the northwest corner 
of Main street and Rock Island road, which the society 
leased for a term of five years, from Charles Anthony, Esq. 
Their present ground is a tract of twenty acres, lying on 
the northern boundary of the corporation, which was pur- 
chased in 1866, from Benjamin H. Smith, at §125 per 
acre, by a number of public-spirited citizens, who made up 
the necessary amount, in ten shares of f 250 each ; giving 
the society the option to purchase the tract within a stated 
time, at the jirioe paid, with interest. This has since been 
done. 

The first fair upon these grounds was held Sept. 12, 13, 
and 14, 1866. A half-mile track has been constructed, 
with grand stand, judges' stand, etc., and commodious 
buildings have been erected, consisting of a floral hall, dairy 
hall, and accommodations for more than three hundred 
head of stock. The officers of the society for 1877 are as 
follows : President, Hon. George M. Gleason ; Vice-Presi- 
dents, Newton Aldrich, William Herring, James Clark, Jr., 
Francis Hilts, William E. Bacon, A. C. Pennock, A. F. 
Gates, H. White, Jr., Robert Markwick, L. Bresee, George 
Smith, David Gregor ; Directors, John Rodger, F. H. 
Smith, George H. Carswell, S. F. Hartley, C. C. Carpenter, 
A. Corbin, Jr. ; Treasurer, James H. Dickson ; Secretary, 
George B. Winslow. 

Gouverneur Grange, No. 303, Patrons of Husbandry, 
was established March 27, 1875, with twenty-nine charter 
members. The first officers were S. F. Hartley, Master ; 
George S. Pareons, Overseer ; Thomas ISIiller, Lecturer ; 
A. J. Borland, Steward ; 0. E. Van Buren, Assistant 
Steward ; Charles H. Smith, Chaplain ; James Brown (2d), 
Treasurer ; Lott Hall, Secretary ; William J. Hilts, Gate- 
keeper. The officers of the grange for 1877 are, — Horace 
White, Blaster: C. A. Hilts, Overseer; George Carswell, 
Lecturer ; Byron Babeock, Aissistaut Steward ; Edward 
Fuller, Gate-keeper ; Thomas A. Richardson, Steward ; 
Reuben Jones, Chaplain ; John Miller, Treasurer ; D. C. 
Drake, Secretary. The grange rooms are in Egert's block, 
in (iouverneur village. The present membership is 116. 

We are under obligations to the following persons : 

Hon. Charles Anthony, Hon. E. W. Abbott, Hon. G. M. 
Gleason, Revs. N. J. Conklin, H. C. Townley, C. W. Parsons, 
and Thoma.s J. Kelleher, Col. James M. Spencer, E. S. 
Barnes, Es(|., S. B. Van Duzee, Es(|., George B. Win.slow, 
Esq., William H. Bowne, Esq., Newell Havens, Jason 
Smith, Thomxs M. Thayer, Esq., Walter W. Hall, Prof D. 
Minlhorn, F. E. Merritt, and II. G. Reynolds. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

FRANCIS M. HOLBROOK 

was liorn in Gouverneur, July 20, 1823, the sixth child of 
Henry B. and Rebecca Holbrook. His father was burn 
Aug. 21, 1788, in Keene, N. II. He came to Gouverneur 
in 1806 with Isaac A. Austin, and married his daughter, 
Rebecca, in 1810. By this marriage there were eleven 
children, six sons and five daughters, all of whom reached 
adult age except one, who died when two years old. Since 
1855 one son and three daughters have died. Those liv- 
ing are Mrs. Levi N. Smith, of Gouverneur; Daniel, Ro- 
chester, N. Y.; Charles G. and John F., Hastings, 3Iich.; 
Mrs. Dr. James Piper, Unadalla, Mich. ; and the subject of 
this .sketch. 

In 1813, Mr. Holbrook bought the farm, then all woods, 
now owned by Amasa Corbin, Sr. The family lived there 
till 1828, when the farm was sold, and another bought at 
Little Bow Corners, which was owned and occupied there- 
after in the family, father and son, till 1863, when it was 
sold to Mr. Bailey. 

The subject of this sketch worked on the farm with his 
father, attending school in the winter. He taught school 
winters from the age of 18 to 25. He married June 29, 
1846, Arlina M. Raymond, daughter of James and Mary 
Raymond, of Edwards, St. Lawrence County. Mrs. Hol- 
brook was born in Edwards, April 4, 1831. Her flither 
was among the first settlers, and one of the leading men of 
Edwards township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Holbrook have had six children, viz. : 
Byron D., born Oct. 15, 1847, died at Edwards, Jan. 26, 
1848; Mary Eugenie, born Jan. 10, 1850, died at San 
Francisco, Cal., Aug. 29, 1875. The latttr was married 
April 19, 1871, to N. D. Arnot, Jr., leaving one son, Ray- 
mond Holbrook, two years old, the only grandchild. Of 
Mrs. Arnot, a correspondent of the Gouvenieiir Times says, 
" She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence and 
refinement of character, which, with her genial and lovely 
temperament, made her a most pleasing companion, and 
endeared her very strongly to a large circle of friends and 
relatives. We can truly say Gouverneur never parted with 
a brighter ornament, nor one more fully appreciated and 
beloved." 

Fanny Maria, born Dec. 19, 1853, living at home; 
Henry B., born Jan. 24, 1856, died at Gouverneur, Sept. 
9, 1862 ; James R., born March 19. 1861, died at Gouver- 
neur, April 9, 1862 ; Bertha Arlina, born Jan. 24, 1865, 
living at home. 

For one year after marriage, Mr. Holbrook remained on 
the homestead farm, then purchased and moved on to a 
farm near Richville, and remained one year. In 1850 
moved back to the homostoad farm, having purchased it. 
Carried it on till 1863, when he moved to the village of 
Gouverneur. His present place of residence is one of 
the old ■' landmarks' of the village, being at least the 
second place occupied. For the past twenty years Mr. 
Holbrook has been engaged as produce dealer, the leading 
man during that time and at present in that business. He 
has made it a success. 





EEOiT. ID. j^. vjoxinsrsonsr. 



Hon. Dexter A. Johnson was born February 6, 1847, 
at Grand Rapids, Michigan, the only son of Daniel D. 
and Caroline M. Johnson. When a year old his parents 
removed to Rossie, St. Lawrence County, where he lived 
up to the year 1864. In the above year his parents 
removed to Grouvemeur, where he attended and graduated 
at the Gouvemeur Wesleyan seminary in 1868. In the 
fall of the same year he was successful in a competitive 
examination held at Ogdensburg for a State scholarship in 
Cornell university. He entered the sophomore class of the 
university in the winter of 1868, remaining there one 
term. 

In the spring of 1869 he entered the law office of 
Charles Anthony, Esq., and was admitted to the bar at 



Ballston, Saratoga county, New York, in the fall of the 
same year, and has continued in the practice of law, first 
in connection with Charles Anthony, then by himself, 
since that time. For six years last past he has served as 
justice of the peace. 

In the fall of the present year (1877), he received the 
Republican nomination for the oflSoe of surrogate of St. 
Lawrence County, and was elected, receiving almost the 
unanimous vote of his own town of Gouvemeur. 

Mr. Johnson was married October 15, 1871, to Harriet 
A. Herring, daughter of William Herring, of Gouvemeur. 
They have two children, a son, Wm. D., and a daughter, 
May Bell ; the former bom November 14, 1874, the latter 
May 1, 1876. 





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'--Of- 




rRANCIS M.HOLBROOK 



MRsTRANCIS ft.fiOLBftOOK. 






Mrs EuGENiL Arnot^ 

(DAUQHlm or F. M.HOiaffOOH.J 



Ray H AsNor. 

fOBANDCMIlD or K » IIOIBUVOK } 





r*HNIC M HOLSHOOK 



.BERTIE A. fiOLBROOK 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



349 



In politics he is a Republican. He united with the 
Baptist church in Gouvcrneur in 1836, and ha.s been and 
is still one oi' the most active and influential meuibers of 
that society. 

A sketch of Mr. llolbmok's residence appears on another 
pajje of this work. 



MILTON G. NORTON 

was born in Lanesborough, Berkshire Co., Mass., Dec. 7, 
1804r, the .second son of Gideon and Lucy Norton. His 
eldest brother, Daniel C, was killed at the age of twelve, 
being run over by a loaded sled. His father died March 
4, 182(1, and thereafter, at the age of twenty-two, the care 
of the family and conduct of the farm devolved on him. 

In 1835 he moved to Gouvcrneur, and settled on the 
farm which he had previously purchased, and which he has 
worked and occupied to the present time. 

He married, Feb. 29, 1830, Marrilla E. Foster, the eldest 
daughter of John and Su.san Foster, of Hancock, Berkshire 
Co., Mass. Mrs. Norton had two brothers and three sisters, 
one of whom, Mrs. Amasa Corbin, is a resident of Gouv- 
erneur. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have had five children, four 
sons and one daughter, viz. : George Henry, born at Lanes- 
borough, April 27, 1831, now a farmer living in Berlin, 
Erie Co., Ohio ; married to Nancy A. Taitt ; children as 
follows : Herbert Taitt, Frederick Spencer, and IMilton 
James; Melissa Helen, born Oct. 26, 1836, died April 8, 
1838; Albert Marvin, born Jan. 1, 1840, died March 9, 
1841 ; Frederick Harlan, born June 15, 1842, educated 
at Gouvcrneur seminary, graduated at the Albany law 
school, 1863; admitted to the bar the same year, practiced 
law at Washington, D. C., two years; made a three years' 
cruise in the war-steamer Colorado, with rank of lieuten- 
ant, visiting most of the countries of Europe. Upon his 
return he married Matilda Gray, of Pittsburgh, to whom 
two daughters and one son have been born, now settled in 
Oswego, N. Y., in the practice of law ; Milton Foster, born 
Aug. 7, 1850, drowned in Oswegatchie river, at Gouverneur, 
Aug. 10, 1867. 

In politics, Mr. Norton was a Jackson Democrat, but 
joined the Republican party at its organization, and has 
been identified with that party since. 

At an early day Mr. Norton took a great interest in tine 
blooded stock. In 1835 he brought into the county 300 
Merino and Saxon sheep, the first introduced in this section. 
He also dealt in Devonshire cattle for about twelve years, 
and at one of the first town fairs of Gouverneur he ex- 
hibited four yoke of Devons of his own raising. 

Mr. Norton has never been diverted from his chosen oc- 
cupation of a farmer. Possessed of a more than ordinary 
physical constitution, which has been conserved by strict 
temperate habits, with an intelligent applicaticm of the best 
modes of making a farm productive, and in all his under- 
takings seconded by the active co-operation of his wife, 
no one better deserves the success which has crowned his 
efforts. An engraving of his residence will be found on 
another page of this work. 



PROFESSOR J. ANTHONY BASSETT 

was born in Denmark, Lewis Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1850, the 
only child of Julius and Chloe I. Bassett. He prepared 
for college at Lowvillc academy, under A. Judson Barrett ; 
entered the University of Rochester in 1871, and graduated 





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in 1875, taking the full classical course. He came to (!iouv- 
erneur the same year, and engaged as teacher in the Gouv- 
erneur Wesleyan seminary, and at the present time occupies 
the position of professor of natural sciences. Professor Bas- 
sett has bee'^i connected with the academy longer than any 
other of the teachers now connected with it. 



A. E. NORTON 
was born in Lanesborough, Mass., Feb. 20, 1817 ; the 
eighth child of Gideon and Lucy Norton. His great-great- 
grandfather was Charles Norton, a record of whose descend- 
ants was prepared by his youngest brother, Albert B. Norton. 
Of six brothers and four sisters, but two are now living, 
the .subject of this sketch and Milton G. Norton, a farmer, 
living near the village of Gouverneur. When Mr. Norton 
was nine years of age he lost his father, and thereafter 
lived with his eldest brother, with whom he came to Gouv- 
erneur, at the age of seventeen, and settled on the farm still 
owned and occupied by his brother. He worked on the 
firm till he was twenty-one years of age, attending school 
in winters. He taught school four consecutive years, in 
Amsterdam, N. Y. Returning to Gouverneur, he bought 
a firm of two hundred acres, and worked it for five years. 
He then .sold it, and entered upon the business of life and 
fire insurance, which he has followed ever since, represents 
ing the heaviest and best companies in the country. 

Mr. Norton has brought to his business an energy, tact, 
and perseverance rarely equaled, and, as a result, he has 
accumulated a handsome property, which has enabled him 
to surround himself with the comforts of an elegant and 
refined home, and at the same time contribute his c((Hal 
share to all charitable and religious enterprises of the town. 



350 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In politics Mr. Norton lia.s been a life-long Democrat, 
though never an aspirant for public office. He is a promi- 
nent member of the order of Free Masons ; was for many 
years Worshipful Master of the lodge at Gouverneur, and at 
one time High Priest of the chapter. He was married, 
March 2, 1843, to Mary Ann Read, daughter of Wm. C. 
and Lydia Read, of Gouverneur. Mrs. Norton was born in 
Putney, Vt., Oct. 19, 1818, the youngest of five children. 
Her parents removed from Putney to Gouverneur in the fall 
of 1827, and settled on a farm on the Somerville road, in 
Gouverneur. Minnie A., wife of George P. Ormiston, is 
their only child. Jessie, born Nov. 7, 1874, and an infant 
son, born Nov. 25, 1877, are their only grandchildren. 
His son-in law, Mr. Ormiston, has for several years been 
associated with Mr. Norton in the conduct of the business. 



REV. H. C. TOWNLEY 

was born at Westfield, Union Co., N. J., ou Oct. 15, 18:55. 
His father, Isaac Townley, was a descendant of Colonel 
Richard, one of the earliest .settlers of Elizalrethtown, in 
honor of whose wife, Elizabeth Carteret, the borough of 
Elizabeth was named. In colonial times this family acted 
an important part in the settlement and government of New 
Jersey and New York, and their history in their old world 
home reaches back beyond the Norman conquest. His 
mother descended from hardy Scotch Covenanter stock, 
distinguished for strong religious convictions, industry, and 
longevity, — his maternal grandmother dying at the advanced 
age of one hundred and one years and four months. 

The subject of this sketch acquired the rudiments of his 
education in the schools of his native town and in the borough 
of Elizabeth, to which Westfield was originally attached. In 
1854 he was matriculated at the University of Rochester, 
graduating in the class of 1858. After theological study he 
settled, in ISGO, as pastor of the Baptist church at Peekskill, 
Westchester Co., N. Y., and in 1861 married Maggie A., 
third daughter of David S. Higgins, Esq., of Cranford, N. J., 
by whom he has five children, viz. : Gracie, Mamie B., 
Maggie, Adelia Hortense, and Alfred Hudson. 

In 1866 he removed to Massachusetts, serving as pastor, 
successively, the First Baptist church, Woburn ; Second 
Baptist church, Cambridge ; and Charles Street Baptist 
church, Boston, residing at Woburn through the whole 
period. During his residence there he was eight years 
president of the school board, and an active friend of educa- 
tion, in the interest of which his voice and pen were 
frequently engaged. In addition to his professional duties, 
he h;is devoted considerable time to literature, — his readinsr 
having been varied and extensive, both in the classics and 
the vernacular. He has published newspaper articles, 
reviews, papers on education, a few lectures and orations, 
and an occasional sermon. Since 1870 he has been engaged 
in lecturing, as time permitted, and has lectured in the same 
course with Wendell Phillips, Roswell 1). Hitchcock, Dr. 
Willetts, Dr. Fulton, and others of that class. He is a man 
of piiwer in the pulpit, his sermons being carefully prepared, 
clear and logical in style, and earnest in delivery. He came 
to Gouverneur at the beginning of the present year (_1877), 
as pastor of the First Baptist church. 



EDWARD n. NEARY 

was born near El])hin, Ireland, Nov. lU, 1834. He is the 
second son of Edward Neary and Bridget Brabazon, and 
grandson nf Tobias Neary, who lived to the advanced age 
of one liundri'd and nine, and his wife to the age of ninety- 
seven years. His father was a school-teacher and devoted 
his whole life to that occupation, giving special care to the 
education of his children, of whom he had seven. The 
family emigrated in 1847, and within three months after 
landing at Montreal the father and four children died, 
leaving the subject of this sketch, a sister, and mother in 
destitute circumstances. 

They came to the United States in 1848, and he attended 
the public schools and the academy in Ogdensburg; taught 
school several terms ; commenced the study of the law 
under eighteen, and was admitted to the bar on reaching 
his majority. 

He served a full term as deputy county clerk, commenc- 
ing Jan. 1, 1856, taking charge mostly of the legal business 
of the office. At the close of his term, in 1859, he took 
up his residence in Gouverneur for the practice of his pro- 
fession, which he has .since then pursued with untiring 
zeal. 

In 1860 he was appointed special county judge, and was 
elected five terms thereafter to the same office, — thus holding 
it sixteen years in all. He ranks among the first lawyers 
of the county, and his practice extends into adjacent 
counties and to the United States courts. It has been 
varied and extensive, and in its performance, as well as in 
the discharge of his judicial duties, he has displayed a 
thorough knowledge of the law, a sound judgment, and a 
clear sense of right and justice. 

In addition to the performance of his profes.sional and 
judicial duties, he has devoted much time and attention to 
public affairs, especially to the cause of education, being a 
trustee for many years of the Gouverneur Wesleyan .seminary 
and, since the retirement of the late Judge Dodge, president 
of the board. 

He was married Nov. 18, 1861, to Margaret, daughter 
of William and Jane Cochrane, and has now three children 
living, two sons and a daughter. 

Judge Neary is of pure Celtic origin, and is blessed with 
the endurance, vivacity, good judgment, and love of home 
and liberty that characterize his race. He is also true to 
his oath of allegiance, — a thorough American citizen, com- 
prehending and enjoying fully the benefits of our institu- 
tions, which are founded upon merit, not upon the rank of 
birth. 



REV. N. J. CONKLIN. 

Rev. Newton James Conklin, of Gouverneur, N. Y., was 
born at Mt. Morris, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1834. He was the 
third son of James and Anna A. Conklin, whose family 
consisted of twelve children, — eight sons and four daughters, 
— eight of whom are still living. 

He prepared for college at Genesee academy, Genesee, 
N. Y., under Prof James Nichols, late of Rochester, N. Y. 
He entered Lafayette college, Easton, Pa., in 1S57, and 






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Pastor riffsT PBfsBvTfffuM ckuhch. oouvfBNcun.N /. 





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Peter Van Buren was born in Mayfield, Montgomery 
county, New York, November 17, 1803. His father, 
Barrant Van Buren, was a relation of ex-President Van 
Buren, and was at one time a member of the Columbia 
county bar. 

When about sixteen years of age, Mr. Van Buren came 
to Gouverneur, where two elder brothers, Harman and 
Thomas Harvey, had preceded him. He was employed 
aa clerk by Moses Kowley, who was then a leading and 
prominent man in town. Afterwards he was a clerk in 
Hoskins' hotel, at Ogdensburg. He married May 12, 
1831, Maria Cadwell, daughter of James and Hoda Cad- 
well, residents of Lowville, Lewis county. Four children, 
one son and three daughters, were born to them, viz., James 
B., Helen A., Caroline A., and Emeline C. James B. 
succeeds his father as owner and proprietor of the Van 
Buren House. Helen A. married A. M. Utley, of Water- 
town, and died Sept. 16, 1859, leaving three children. Caro- 
line A., widow of H. K. Spencer, lives in Gouverneur. Eme- 
line C, unmarried, lives with her mother at the homestead. 



After marriage, Mr. Van Buren commenced the business 
of his life as a hotel-keeper, which he followed with unre- 
mitting assiduity and success up to a short time previous 
to his death. From 1831 to 1848 he kept the old brick 
hotel (still occupied as a home by his widow) in Gouver- 
neur. In 1848 he built the " Van Buren House," which 
he kept up to within one year of his death. No one in 
northern New York was more favorably or better known. 
He was noted for his extreme order and neatness, and did 
much to dignify and make honorable his business and pro- 
fession. While attending strictly to business, he aided 
liberally in public enterprises, and was ever ready to bear 
his share of public burdens. The park opposite the hotel 
owes its beauty, and, in a great measure, its existence, to his 
enterprise. He planted and watered nearly every tree 
there, and they will long remain a memorial of his fostering 
care. He had strict integrity, purity of character, acted 
well his part in life, and accumulated a handsome property. 
He died May 24, 1870, of chronic diarrhoea, at the resi- 
dence of his daughter, Mrs. Spencer. 







Stephen Brown Van Duzee was born in Hartford, Washington Co., 
N. Y., July 24, 1809. He is the great-grandson of David Van Duzee, a 
native of Holland, who settled near the present city of Hudson on seven 
hundred acres of land which he purchased from the Indiana, but was after- 
wards driven from it " at the point of the bayonet" in the interest of the 
Duke of York, who had acquired title to the land by a grant from the King 
of England. He is the grandson of Abraham Van Duzee, and son of 
James Van Duzee and Abigail Brown, and is one of a family of eleven 
children. 

In 1 837 he married Ruby, daughter of Deacon Jacob and Cy rene Hobart, 
bom in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., and they have had born to them five 
children : 

Cordelia Harriet, bom June 1, 1838 ; died March 27, 1841. Lucy Ann, 
bom January 9, 1840, now the wife of Alexander Turnbull, of Elmira, 
N. Y. Alonzo J., born October 17, 1842; died January 11, 1870. Manly 
Hobart, bora September 18, 1848 ; died October 9, 1801. Henry Clay, born 
July 20, 1852; died August 1, 1852. 

His parents came to Gouverneur in February, 1813, where his early boy- 
hood was spent, and he acquired the rudiments of an education in the 
common school. In September, 1822, he returned to his native place and 
lived with his grandfather and Uncle Brown, and assisted his uncle in the 
cultivation of his farm. 

In April, 1827, he went to Swanton, Vt., andjwas employed as clerk in 
the store of his brother Ira, and cousin, Alfred Brown, for about three years. 

He then commenced to learn a trade, working as a wheelwright. In 
February, 1831, he returned to Gouverneur and learned the joiners' trade 
with his brother Alonio, and at the age of 22 commenced the active busi- 
ness of his life, which has been building and manufacturing furniture, 
employing from ten to thirty men. 

In 1850 he built a large manufacturing establishment, putting in none 
but the most approved machinery ; and the fact that much of the propel- 
ing and other machinery is now in a perfect state and constant use, stand- 
ing just where it was put up, attests the rare good judgment which has 
attended Mr. Van Duzee's efforts through life. 

Personal supervision of business by parties interested is an element of 
success never lost si^ht of by the subject of this sketch, and when his busi- 
ness extended beyond his personal care, he associated with him, as partner 
in the manufacturing department, in February, 1855, his nephew, Charles 
A., son of his brother Alonzo ; and in this instance the right man is in the 
right place, he being a practical mechanic, and attending to the manufac- 
turing department. 

About this time Mr. Van Duzee opened a retail store for the sale of fur- 
niture and builders' supplies; and in 1863 his son, Alonzo J., and Louis 



Eckman, an upholsterer, who had been in the employ of Mr. Van Duzeo 
for several years, were associated as partners; and in 1866 the firm opened 
a furniture store in the city of Watertown, the son having charge of it 
until his death in 1870. In 1865 the nephew, Charles A., became a partner 
in the retail department, and in 1872 Mr. Eckman took charge of the 
details of the finance, thus to a great extent relieving the head of the firm 
from the close attention which he had given to his business for upwards of 
forty years. 

But the energy and courage shown in the beginning of Mr. Van Duzefc's 
active life was recently put to a severe test. On the morning of the 7th of 
October, 1877, the paint- and finishing-shop and store-house of the firm, 
together with Union Hall block, a part of which was the store and busi- 
ness office of the firm, was destroyed by fire. 

This was a fit opportunity for Mr. Van Duzee to withdraw from a long, 
active, and successful business career, and give his impaired health the 
rest and quiet it so much needs. But the welfare of his business associates 
and the public demanded his continuance in the firm, and the liberality 
and promptitude with which he entered upon the task of assisting to rebuild 
such large and substantial structures, at the very near approach of a 
northern winter, is worthy of commendation. After a few days of unavoid- 
able delay the work was commenced, and within thirty working days the 
block, a large store-house, paint- and finishing-shop was enclosed. Messrs. 
Wra. H. A C. H. Bowno are part owners of the block. 

Mr. Van Duzee has ever been a consistent temperance man. For many 
years his workmen were pledged not to use intoxicating drinks, and the 
pledge was kept with rare fidelity, often leading men from intemperance 
to habits of sobriety and prosperity. 

Protection to American industries, hard money, free soil, and free men 
have ever been the basis of his politics. But, while attending to the duties 
of his large business, he has found ample time to give attention and patron- 
age to every enterprise that contributed to the welfare of the public. He 
has been a constant attendant of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal 
supporter of all religious denominations ; and for upwards of thirty years 
has held numerous offices of responsibility ; and to the discharge of the 
duties of each he has brought to bear that energy and fidelity which has 
characterized the prosecution of his private affairs. 

He has arisen to his present position as a leading manufacturer and 
gentleman of ample means, not by the aid of inherited wealth, but by the 
force of industry, prudence, and keen business foresight ; and wo must not 
forget nor overlook the fact that his faithful and loving wife has ever been 
an helpmeet unto her husband, seconding, by her full share of labor and 
economy, to produce the prosperity which has ever attended their united 
and harmonious efforts. 






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C^'CiSc^^y C'//:^. Q^^P7^^?' 



Uarvby Douglas Smith, the youngest son of Nathaniel Smith, Jr., and 
Sarah, his wife, was born in Pawlet, Vt., November 9, 1789. His mother 
dyin;; in his infancy, he was adopted by his maternal grandparents, Domi- 
nie and Mary Douglas, of Shoreham, Vt., and by them carefully and lov- 
ingly brought up, and given all the educational advantages within their 
power. At the age of sixteen he went to Sudbury, Vt., as a cierk for D. 
Layton, a merchant in that town. The two following years he was clerk for 
Thompson k Ashley, merchants, of Pouitney, Vt., at which place, in the 
year 1811, he engaged in meroautilc business upon his own account. 

September 17, 1812, he was married to Harriet Murdock, daughter of 
Rev. James Murdock, of Martinsburgh, N. Y. By this union there were 
three children, Esther M., who married Melville H. Thrall, of Gouverneur, 
N. Y. : James M. Smith, now one of the judges of the superior court of 
the city of Jiuflfalo; and Louisa L. {now deceased), who married Charles 
Anthony, Esq., of (iouverneur. His wife died the I9th of February, 1819, of 
whom he left tlic iollowing record: "She was lovely in mind and person, 
amiable and confiding, pure-minded, useful, faithful, and true. All her 
ways wore ways of pleasantness. Loving and beloved, she lived; peaceful 
and submissive, consoled by the Christian hope, she died; as cheerful and 
quiet in the hour of death, though with full cuusciousness of her state, as in 
any hour of her life." 

January 2, 1822, he married Mary H. Preston, eldest daughter of Rev. 
John B. Preston, of Rupert, Vt., who still survives him. During his resi- 
dence in Pouitney ho held various offices of public trust. He was town 
clerk and justice of the peace for several years; also for two years a mem- 
ber of the Vermont legislature. 

In January, 1824, he removed to (iouverneur, St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., 
and engaged in a general mercantile business which he continued until 
about 1850, and was reasonably successful. His modest, truthful, self-reli- 
ant deportment soon gained for him a place in the hearts of the people of 
his new home. 

Public trusts were soon tendered him, which ho honorably and faithfully 
fulfilled. The office of town clerk he held the greater part of his life. He 
was electctl justice of the peace in IS27, and hold that office by re-eleotion 
until his death, a period of thirty-seven years. In 1S29 he was a member 
of the assembly in this State. He was supervisor of Gouverneur from 
1827 to 1835, and again in 1837. In 1868 he was elected special county 
judge. In 1859 he was elected surrogate of the county of St. Lawrence, 
and served four years in that capacity. He gave his time and means to 
promote the interots of education, and for many years was a trustee of 
the Gouverneur high school and seminary. 

In 1825 he united with the Presbyterian church in Gouverneur, and was 
ever ready, notwithstan<ling secular engagements, to fulfill the duties de- 
volving upon him. As superintendent or teacher, for more than thirty-five 
years he was connected with the Sabbath-schoul, and for nearly the same 



number of years he was deacon and clerk of the church, and one of the • 
trustees of the society. 

llis nature was sensitive and refined, and his affections ardent and endur- 
ing. A man of extensive reading and fine culture, with knowledge minute 
and accurate, and always at command a fund of anecdote and a rich vein 
of humor, these shone and sparkled in him to the last. Great industry 
and dispatch, combined with the strictest integrity, characterized his every 
work, and no trust was neglected. He jjossessed in a remarkable degree 
the confidence of the people. His opinions and advice on public questions 
were sought for and generally followed. Healing divisions in families and 
neighborhood.^ ; hearing the complaints of the poor and dij-tressed ; ever 
ready to succor the friemllcss in their necessities by an unobtrusive charity, 
were amon^ his painstaking duties. He died at his home in (iouvcrneui , 
September 2/^, lSt>4. 



Mary Havkn Smith, the wife of Harvey l>. Smith, was born in Ku])crt, 
Vt., December 10, 1800. 

She was the eldest daughter of the Rev. .lohn B. Preston, pastor of the 
Congrogatirtnal church of Rupert, who died February 21, 1813. 

Her brotb«rs were both clergymen, — tho Kov. John B. Preston, of the 
Presbyterian church, and the Rev. N. 0. Preston, of the Episcopal ehureb. 
They are both deceased. 

Her sisters married clergymen. The youngest, Marie, now ilcccased. was 
the wife of the Rev. Stephen Jtihnson, and one of the early missionaries t" 
Siam. Her- eister, .Tulia, married the Kev. t':'orge S. Wilson, and, after his 
decease, tlie Rev. Abijah Crane. She is still living. 

She was well etiucated, and at an early :i;^'' was jiroficient in teaching. 
She inarried Harvey D. Smith, January 2, 1822. To his three children by 
his former wife she devoted herself with untiring care. She had no children 
of her own, but adopted John Brown Preston (the son of her brother. Rev. 
J. B. Preston), who is now a lawyer in Gouverneur. 

From early life she was deeply iuibuerl with rcligi"us leelings and prin- 
ciples, and was over a consistent Christian woman. She unitetl with the 
Congregational ehureli in Rupert at the age of sixteni. 

After her mnrriiige she was connected with the ehurch in Pouitney, Vt., 
and from 1824 with the Presbyterian church in Gouverneur, N. Y. She 
was interested in all works of charity and benevolence connected with the 
church. Her han<i was ever outstretched to help the poor and needy, giving . 
them not only subbtautial aid, but that rarest and most precious of gifts, 
a tender sympathy. 

A womnn itf rare taste, culture, and refinement; during the greater part 
of her life gathering about her the little girl8 of the village, teaching them 
to sew and make articles of taste and usefulness. Her presence has ever 
been as sunabiue to both old and young. 







|lJH..-f . •Zji.i'WUBaC-IMMM.tailAi > 

1l 




HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



351 



graduated in 1861. He entered Princeton theological 
seminary in 18G1, and graduated in 18(14. 

He was licensed to preach the gospel by the presbytery 
of New Brunswick, N. J., Feb. 3, 1864, and was ordained 
and in.stalled jjastor of the Presbyterian church, Gouverneur, 
N. y., by the presbytery of St. Lawrence, July 19, 1866. 
He officiated as district secretary of the American Tract 
Society, New York, from 1864 to 1866. 

He has been stated clerk of the presbytery of St. Lawrence 



since the reunion in 1870, and i.s now in the twelfth year of 
the present pastorate. 

He married, at Ea.ston, Pa., May 3, 1863, Mary E., 
eldest daughter of Rev. E. Greenwald, D.D., now pastor of 
Trinity Lutheran church, Lancaster, Pa. His family con- 
.sists of three daughters, viz., I'Cmma Greenwald, born April 
18, 1866 ; Anna Conover, born Oct. 12, 1867 ; Mary La- 
vinia, born March 28, 1874. Mr. Conklin's portrait will 
be found on another page of this work. 



D E K A L B, 



This town was formed from Oswegatchie on the 21st of 
February, 1806, and embraced the original township of ten 
miles square, being number 7 of the Ten Towns. Its limits 
have since been decrea.sed to a considerable extent by an- 
nexing, in 1825,* all that part lying northw&st of Beaver 
Creek, to the town of De Peyster, and on the 17th of 
April, 1830, by annexing a strip one mile wide and six 
miles long, lying in the southeast corner, to the town of 
De Peau, afterwards Hernion. 

De Kalb derives its name from a distinguished foreigner 
of Revolutionary memory. The following sketch of him 
is taken from Lossing's " Field Book of the Revolution :" 

"The Baron Dc Kalb, knight of the royal military order of merit, 
was a native of Alsace (a (Jerman Province ceded to Francef ), and 
was educated in the art of war in the French army. He was con- 
nected with the quartermaster-general's department, and his experi- 
ence in the duties of that station rendered his services very valuable 
to the American army. Towards the close of the Seven Years' War 
he was dispatched to the British colonies in America, as a secret 
agent of the French governiuent. He traveled in disguise; yet, on 
one occasion he was so strongly .suspected, that he was arrested as a 
suspicious person. Nothing being found to confirm the suspicion he 
was released, and soon afterward returned to Europe. I>e Kalb came 
to America again in the spring of 1777, with La Fayette anil other 
foreign oflicers, and was one of the party who accompanied the mar- 
quis in his overland journey from South Carolina to Philadelphia. 
Holding the office of brigadier in the French service, and coming 
highly recommended. Congress commissioTied him a major-general on 
the fifteenth of September, 1777. He immediately joined the main 
army under Washington, and was active in the events which preceded 
the encampment of the troops at Valley Forge. He was afterwards 
in command at Elizabethtown and Amboy, in New Jersey, and while 
at Morristown, in the spring of 1780, was placed at the head of the 
Maryland division. With these, and the Continental troops of 
Delaware, he marched southward in April to reinforce General Lin- 
coln, but was too late to afi'ord him aid at Charleston. Gates suc- 
ceeded Lincoln in the command of the southern army, and reached 
De Kalb's canij), on the Deep river, on the 28th of July, 1780. In 
the battle near Camilcn which soon followed, De Kalb, while trying 
to rally the scattered Americans, fell, pierced with eleven wounds. 
He died at Camden three days afterwards, and was buried there. An 
ornamental tree was placed at the head of his grave, and that was 
the only token of its place until a few years since, when the citizens 
of Camden erected over it an elegant marble monument. The corner- 



« March 2-1. 

f Ketroceded by France tu (lermany, together with the jtrovinco of 
Lorraine, subsequent to the War of 187U. 



stone was laid by La Fayette, in 1825. It is upon the green, in front 
of the Presbyterian church, on Do Kalb street. The large base, 
forming two steps, is of granite: the whole monument is about fifteen 
feet in height." 

The township of De Kalb was purchased from Samuel 
Ogden, by Judge William Cooper, of Cooperstown, Otsego 
county, N. Y., — the father of J. Fenimore Cooper, author 
of the " Leather-stocking Tales," etc. 

In May, 1803, Judge Cooper, accompanied by thirty-four 
persons, mostly from the towns of Cooperstown and Rich- 
field, Otsego county, started for his purchase in De Kalb 
for the purpose of forming a settlement. A portion of the 
number, with two wagons, each drawn by a span of horses, 
and a cart drawn by two yoke of oxen, proceeded by way 
of the Black River country and the old State road, to the 
clearing of Abram Vrooman, near the present village of 
Oxbow. On arriving here the road was in such a condition 
that it became necessary to build boats for a part of the 
load, and two log canoes, made under the direction of Jehiel 
Dimick, were lashed together and loaded with a part of the 
freight. This party consisted of the following persons, 
viz. : William Cooper, the proprietor, Salmon Rich, Isaac 
Stacy, Eseck Whipple, Richard Merrill, Elisha Cook, Wil- 
liam Brown, Gardner Brown, William Stone, Asa Ransom, 
Timothy and Elijah Utley, Abner Wright, Andrew McCol- 
lom, Asa Ransom, Jr., James and Elijah Farr, the wife and 
sister-in-law of the latter, Joseph Woodhouse, William 
Woodhouse, Dr. Robert Campbell, Ralph R. Bell, wife, 
sister, and daughter, Elijah Stockwcll, Jehiel Dimick, John 
Hewlett, and William Sloan. Of these, Dimick, Rich, 
Bell, and Hewlett, came down the Oswegatchie river with 
the load, and the remainder along the road towards Ogdens- 
burg. The first night was spent at a deserted shanty, five 
miles from the Oxbow, and in the night the party received 
a great scare by the fall of a large dry birch-tree which they 
had fired to keep oflF the mosquitoes. One of the number 
noticed that it was about to fall, and alarmed the rest by his 
cries. They had barely escaped from the hut when the tree 
fell upon it with a crash. It was consumed, together with 
a portion of their bedding, which they had been unable to 
save. 

On the second night the party arrived at Bristol's, in the 



352 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



present town of De Peyster. Here the women were left, 
and the men proceeded to open a road through to their 
future home. This was effected in eight days, the distance 
being seven or eight miles, and the settlement was finally 
made on the Oswegatchie, just above Cooper's fiiUs. 

Alexander McCi)llom, I'otter Gofl, and Stejiheu Cook, 
who belonged to the original party, came up the Mohawk 
with goods which Judge Cooper had purchased in Albany, 
for the purpose of opening a small store, and with these 
they reached the location in l)e Kalb, by way of Oneida 
lake, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and the Oswegatchie, 
arriving with the other parties on the site of the present 
village of De Kalb, June 12, 1803. On the first day after 
their arrival they put up the body of a house and slept the 
first night without a roof to shelter them. On the second 
day another house was built, and on the third a store, which, 
like the other buildings, was a log structure, roofed with 
bark. GofiF, Campbell, and Andrew McCollom were sur- 
veyors, and several farms were run out. Salmon Rich took 
up 1 1 ,850 acres in the south corner of the town ; Mr. Farr, 
a larger tract in the east ; and Stacy, another large tract near 
the north part. Most of these afterward reverted to Mr. 
Cooper's heirs. Clearings were made in various places, and 
a number of men were set at work preparing timbers, etc., 
for a mill, to be erected at the falls. A canal was blasted 
and one or two houses were built. William Brown made 
a clearing and sowed two acres of winter wheat. Some time 
in 1803 a saw-mill was raised. Potter Goff afterwards sur- 
veyed the entire town into lots and made a map of them, 
which is the basis for all titles at the present time. 

Three families and most of the party remained the first 
winter, during which and the following spring several 
families came in, among which were those of Salmon 
Rich, Isaac Stacey, James Farr, Jonathan Haskins, James 
and Richard Merrill, and Timothy Utley. Sackctt Dodge, 
Dr. J. Sceley, Barton Carver, Seth and Elias Alexander, 
Elijah Pooler, James Burnett, Nathaniel Holt, James 
Cooper, — a brother of the proprietor, — Elisha Grifiin, and 
many others also came. The year 1805 witnessed the 
arrival of Philo Lord, Thomas B. Benedict, Horatio John- 
son, Obadiah Johnson, Jacob Preston, William Cleghorn, 
Daniel Smith and six sons, — Harvey, John, Nathaniel, 
Daniel, Phineas, and Richard ; these latter from Canada. 
Solomon Pratt and many others also settled that year. 

The following is a list of the jurors in the town of 
De Kalb for the month of September, 1806: Joseph 
Anderson, Elias Alexander, Seth Alexander, Ichabod 
Arnold, Isaac Burnham, Thomas B. Benedict (merchant), 
James Burnett, Amos Comly, James Farr, James Farr, Jr., 
Elisha Griffin, Potter Goff, Nathaniel Holt (.shoemaker), 
Levi Holt, Jonathan Haskins, Horatio G. Johnson, Oba- 
diah Johnson, Israel Porter, Solomon Pratt (blacksmith), 
Solomon Rich, Isaac Stacy, Henry Smith, Nathaniel Smith, 
Timothy Utley, Abner Wright, Joseph Woodhouse (car- 
penter), W^illiam Woodhouse, Jo.shua Sweet, — 28. 

In 1807, Thomas B. Benedict and Joseph Woodhouse 
were appointed to take the census of the electors of the 
town of De Kalb. The following is the list given in their 
report of December 2, 1807, and enibiaces, with one ex- 
ception (Nathaniel Holt), the heads of families : 



Joseph Anderson, Ichabod Arnold, Elias Alexander, 
Seth Alexander, Daniel Barker, Ralph R. Bell, Mansfield 
Bristol, Truman Bristol, James Burnett, Lsaac B\irnham, 
Barton Carver, Abraham Cole, Elisha (,'ook, James Cooper, 
William Cleghorn, Abel Cook, David Day, James Farr, 
Elisha Farr, Joseph Fisk, Ei)hraim Fisk, Matthew Grover, 
Elisha Griffin, Potter Goff, Russell Goff, Nathaniel Holt, 
Levi Holt, Philo Hurlbut, John Jackson, David Judson, 
Philo Lord, Abial Lyon (ehairmaker), Richard Merrill, 
James Merrill, Solomon Pratt, Jacob Preston, Samuel 
Phelps, Solomon Rich, Salmon Rich, Joseph Rounds, Wil- 
liam Sloan, Nathaniel Smith, Joshua Sweet, John Seeley, 
M.D., Isaac Stacy, Elijah Stockwell, Marvel Thair, Josiah 
Thornton, Samuel Thatcher, Timothy Utley, William Van 
Booscirk, William Woodhouse, Abner Wright, Eseck 
Whipple,— 54. 

Of these, sixteen were freeholders to the amount of £100 
or upwards, three upwards of £20 and under £100, and 
six renters, paying as high as 40s/ ppr annum. When this 
census was taken, it will be remembered that the town em- 
braced its original limits of ten miles square. 

In 1806 licen.ses were granted by the commissioners of 
excise to Thomas B. Benedict and William Cleghorn, — 
the former for mercantile business, and the latter for hotel- 
keeping. In 1807 the commissioners of excise — Isaac 
Burnham, James Cooper, and Isaac Stacy — issued licenses 
to William Cleghorn, Solomon Pratt, Thomas B. Benedict, 
and Elijah Utley. In 1808, John Ross opened a coopering 
establishment in town, Peter F. Thatcher a chair-shop (at 
De Kalb village), and Abner Wright a wagon-shop. These 
were the first established within the town. In 1809 licenses 
were granted to Jonathan Haskins and Solomon Rich for 
keeping taverns. 

In the year 1810, Gideon Townsley settled at De Kalb 
village as agent for the sale of lands belonging to the Dau- 
beny and Waddell estates. A memorandum made by him 
in 1814 mentions the fact of his having a tannery in full 
operation, by means of which he was " accumulating money 
fast." In his record of settlers and lots occupied by them, 
Mr. Townsley commented upon the characters of those then 
living in town, praising many for their honesty and indus- 
try, calling them "good .settlers, an honor to the town," 
etc., while of others he wrote disparagingly, mentioning 
them as very shiftless and indolent, fond of lounging at 
the tavern in the village, lovers of horse-racing, trading, 
betting, addicted to drinking and carousing, and calling 
them clever, hut of no visible hcnefit as settlers .' In gen- 
eral, however, the town was settled by a remarkably indus- 
trious, intelligent, and frugal class, rendering its advancement 
sure and steady. 

Mr. Towusley's son, E. P. Townsley, now living near 
De Kalb village, beeame agent for the previously-mentioned 
estates on the death of bis father, and it wa.s about thirty 
years before the lands were all closed out, Mr. Townsley pur- 
chasing the residue after the balance had been sold and full 
payments made. His father's papers are in the son's pos- 
session. E. P. Townsley was born at De Kalb village, in 
1813. 

The population of the town of De Kalb in the year 1818 
was 725, and the general land-owners at that time were 





'^^^^ 



N RUNDELL 



Mrs. N. Runoell, 



NATHAN RUNDELL. 



This prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of De 
Kalb was bora in Salisbury, Herkimer county, New York, 
October 3, 1809, the eighth in a family of ten children, of 
whom only three are now living. The father, Abraham 
Rundell, for many years a farmer in Herkimer county, was 
born in Dutchess county, August 29, 1769, and died in De 
Kalb, St. Lawrence County, in 1840, at the age of 71. 
His wife, Pliebe Davison, was born March 6, 1773, and 
died at the residence of her son Nathan, March 23, 1859, 
aged 86. 

Nathan Rundell spent the early years of his life upon the 
old farm in Salisbury, where his education (that of the 
commoa schoo') was obtained. In 1833 he removed with 
his father's family to De Kalb, and on the 29th day of 
August, in that year, was manied to Sarah H. Kcnnan, of 
the same town, but uontinucd to live with his father until 
the death of the latter iu 1840. 



Upon the settlement of the estate, Nathan became pur- 
chaser of the homestead farm of one hundred and ten 
acres, to which he has since added adjoining tracts, and has 
now two hundred and sixty acres, free of incumbrance, with 
fine residence and farm buildings, a view of which, together 
with the portraits of himself and wife, are given herewith. 

In poUtics he acted first with the old Whig party, from 
which he naturally became a Republican, and has always 
continued such. 

He has at various times held town office, though he 
never sought it. In religious sentiment he favors the Con- 
gregationalists, of which church his wife was a member at 
the time of their marriage. 

Their children have been three in number, namely : John 
Milton, born June 7, 1837; Amos, born June 25, 1839 
(died March 28, 1842); ;«id Elizabeth M.,born November 
23, 1840. 







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E.P.TOWNSLEY. MftS.E.r.JoWNSLLY. 

( rhOTos BY Oow, osDfNSBUBcX y. j 



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.• Ti HCE Co., N. y. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



353 



James Cooper, Luther Bradish, Lloyd Daubeny, Henry 
Wuddoll, and Frederick De Peyster. 

De Kalb i.s an interior town, lying west of the centre of 
the county, and contains 49,657 acres. Its surface is much 
broken by low, disconnected ridges of gneiss aud white 
limestone, separated by narrow valleys. The soil is fertile, 
and generally in a good state of cultivation. Considerable 
timber yet abounds, of the varieties common to this region. 
The dairying interests are quite extensive, and numerous 
factories have been erected for the manufacture of cheese. 
The town is watered by the Oswegatchie river, which flows 
in a diagonal course nearly through the centre; Beaver 
creek, wliich forms the boundary between De Kalb and De 
Peyster ; Harrison's creek, flowing across the cast angle ; 
Farr, Boreland, and other smaller creeks and brooks, mostly 
tributary to the Oswegatchie. Osborn's lake, in the western 
part of tlie town, is a small body of water located in the 
midst of a swampy region, and is about half a mile long 
and thirty to forty rods in width. On a small stream near 
it, in the vicinity of Gardner's steam mill, and on a ledge of 
rock several feet above the stream, is a deep hole worn in 
the solid rock, as by the grinding of some compact mass re- 
volving in the water, and this phenomenon has been the 
subject of much conjecture. 

In the southeast part of the town lead ore (galena) has 
been taken out in considerable quantities, the vein contain- 
ing lead, copper, zinc, and silver. The zinc crystals are 
very fine. Pyrites containing thirty-six per cent, of sulphur 
and free from arsenic, and barytes or heavy spar (used in 
mixing paint) are found here, the latter north of the Oswe- 
gatchie. Feldspar, mica, clay, and sand are found in the 
north part, and traces of iron are occasionally seen in dis- 
colored earths in various portions of the town. Near Richville 
station is an extensive lime-kiln, employing a number of 
hands, and manufacturing annually about 30,000 bushels 
of lime of an excellent quality. 

The Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railway traverses 
the town in a diagonal direction, diverging into two lines at 
De Kalb Junction, the main line reaching from thence to 
Ogdensburg, and the Potsdam branch through to Potsdam 
Junction via Canton and Potsdam villages. The road has 
stations at De Kalb Junction and near the Richville cheese- 
factory. A tram-road was at one time built fi-om East De 
Kalb to the mines of the Clifton Iron Company, in the 
town of Clifton, having a length of twenty-four miles, but 
finally relapsed into disuse. It was built about 18G4. 

The Jirst /u'rth in De Kalb was in the family of Jehiel 
Dimick, in 1804, and the second that of Mary Ann Rich, 
daughter of Salmon Rich, born May 16, 1804. The latter 
is now the wife of Harlow Godard, Esq., of Richville. 

The Jirsf death was that of George Cowdry, who was 
drowned by going over the falls in the Oswegatchie, Sept. 
13, 1804, during a freshet. 

The contracting parties to the first marriage were Elisha 
Cook and Letta Willey, the ceremony being performed May 
27, 1804, by Stillman Foote, Esq., of Canton, then the 
nearest magistrate. Alexander McCollom and Olive Sprague 
were married the following day by the same magistrate. 

The following anecdote is taken from Dr. Hough's " His- 
tory of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties" : 
45 



" The early settlers were often annoyed by their horses escaping into 
the woods, and wandering off in the direction of their former homes. 
Several were thus lost, and an incident occurred while in pursuit of 
some of these which is worthy of notice. Late in December, it being 
very cold and the ground covered with snow, two men started in pur- 
suit of some horses, which were tracked to a distance of many miles 
to the southwest, al>out into the present town of Fowler. The pursuit 
led them much farther than anticipated, aud they had not provided 
themselves with provisions sufficient for supporting the hardships of 
their journey, and in returning were oppressed with excessive hun- 
ger, cold, and fatigue. Yielding to these, one of them wished to lie 
down and rest on the ground, a course which the other knew would 
be fatal, and against it he remonstrated in the strongest manner, but 
to no purpose, for the inclination to sleep was irresistible, and argu- 
ments were of no avail with one who lost in emergencies of the 
moment all control of his reasoning powers, ,and all hojte of safety 
by continuing on. He accordingly threw himself upon the ground 
to sleep, but his corap.anion. acting upon the principle that the end 
justifies the moans, provided himself with a green beech twig, of suf- 
ficient length and weight to give it etfect, and with this he aroused 
the sleeper by several severe blows, and thus he eountinued to apply 
the rod as occasion indicated, disregarding the present effect upon the 
temper of his frieiul, until they reached the settlements, both nearly 
exhausted and famished by the hardsliips they had encountered." 

The settlements were occasionally visited by the St. Regis 
and St. Frnngois Indians, who happened to be out on hunt- 
ing expeditions. The Indians were always peaceable, except 
when they became intoxicated. Some time in 1806, a St. 
Regis Indian, named Tom, and his father-in-law, Joe, en- 
gaged in a quarrel over a quart of whisky, in which Joe 
was badly wounded, but finally recovered. Notwithstanding 
the fact that the Indians were all addicted to drink, it was 
noticed that at least one of the number would keep sober 
in order to take care of the guns, knives, and tomahawks 
until the rest finished their debauch. 

Russell Goff, who purchased a farm of his brother, Pot- 
ter Goff, in 1806, was said to be the strongest man in town. 
He was a mason by trade, and also buUt a saw-mill on his 
place (lot 503) as early as 1814. 

Elijah Farr, son of James Farr, built a dam on Parr's 
creek, and erected a carding machine previous to 1814, the 
whole costing about eight hundred dollars. The building 
was sixteen by twenty-four feet, two stories high, and the 
machine was run by an undershot wheel. The water was 
hardly sufficient for the purpose, as the creek nearly dried 
up in the summer, and the enterprise was finally abandoned. 

A saw-mill on the Salmon Rich lot (No. 495), near the 
present vilhige of Richville, was burned in the summer of 

1814, through the carelessness of some of the hands, and a 
new one built by the aid of the settlers in the spring of 

1815. The mill lot, 21 acres, was sold by Rich to Ralph 
R. Thrall in June, 1808, for " a ton of potash and fifty 
dollars worth of sawing after the mill was completed." 
Thrall worked with P. F. Thatcher, the chairmaker at 
De Kalb village. 

THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING 

was directed by the provisions of the statute to be held 
" at the hotel in said town" (De Kalb), and accordingly it 
was convened March 18, 1806, and the following town 
officers elected and sworn in before James Cooper, justice 
of the peace : Supervisor, Isaac Stacy ; Town Clerk, 
Amos Comly ; Assessors, James Burnett, John Seeley. 
Thomas Benedict ; Commisiioners of Highways, Potter 



354 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



GofF, Timothy Utley, Elias Alexander; Ovrrsccrs of the 
Poor, Eseck Wliipplo, Timothy Utley ; Constable and Col- 
lector, Elijali Farr. 

The supervisors of De Kalb from 1807 to 1876 inclusive, 
have been as follows, viz.: 1807-15, Lsaac Burnham ; 
1816-18, Gideon Town.sley ; 1819-20, Elisha Griffin; 
1821-28, Asa Sprague, Jr. ; 1829-30, Jonathan Round; 
1831, Nathaniel Martin; upon his failing to qualify, Ros- 
.wcll White v?as appointed to fill vacancy ; 1832-35, Asa 
Sprague; 1836-39, Soth Alexander; 1840-42, Harlow 
Godard; 1843-45, Asa Sprague; 1846, Dwight Spencer; 
1847-49, Orin M. Fisk ; 1850, Edward H. Hopkins; in 
September, Orin ]\l. Fisk appointed to fill vacancy; 1851- 
56, Orin M. Fisk ; 1857-60, Elias P.Townsley ; 1861-63, 
George D. Hastings; 1864, Henry Thompson ; 1865, Abel 
Godard; 1866, Henry Thompson; 1867-75, Darius A. 
Moore; 1876, Thomas M. Wells. 

The present officers (1877) are, Supervisor, Thomas 
M. Wells ; Town Clerk, Henry Thompson ; Justices of the 
Peace, E. P. Townsley, Harlow Godard ; Commissioner of 
Highways, William Brees ; Assessor, Ira W. Sayer ; Col- 
lector, Asa L. Foster ; Overseers of the Poor, James John- 
son, William Walker; Toion Auditors, George W. Hurd, 
William M. Stacy, Lewis W. Wilson ; Constables, Archi- 
bald Huntress, Israel D. Smith, Nathan B. Dean, Levi A. 
Totnian, Asa L. Foster ; Inspectors of Election, District 
No. 1, Charles Kendrew, E. W. Hellegas, F. M. Townsley; 
District Mo. 2, J. C. Wiser, S. V. R. Hendricks, Calvin 
Barker ; Commissioners of Excise, Isaac Walker, John E. 
Whipple, Abner Brees. 

EARLY ROADS. 

The first road recorded in the town of De Kalb was sur- 
veyed and laid out on the 2Bth of June, 1806, " beginning 
at the State road on Mr. John Jackson's southwest line, 
near Mud lake, thence N. 72° E. 39 oh., E. 65 ch., S. 80 
ch., E. 32 ch., N. 71° E. 150 ch. to Beaver Creek bridge." 
Potter Goff, Timothy Utley, Commissioners. 

Another road was laid July 7, 1806, " from Captain 
Farr's to town line towards Ballybeen road. From village 
to Farr's was laid out in October, 1805, by Salmon Rich 
and Kelsey Thurber, surveyed as follows : " From the corner 
between William Brown and Isaac Stacy, near hotel, S. 28° 
E. 20 ch., S. 47° E. 101 ch., to Captain Farr's, then S. 
60° E. 3 miles and 56 ch., S. 70° E. 77 ch. to town line." 
Potter Goff, Elias Alexander, Commissioners. 

The first road in town was the one cut through in 1803 
from the State road to the site of De Kalb village by the 
settlers who came in at that time, and for some time this 
was the only one, it being sufficient for all purposes until 
the settlers became more scattered. 

MEMORANDA FROM THE TOWN RECORDS. 

1808. Voted, that the weed called tory weed (Cynoglos- 
sum officinale) shall not be allowed to grow on any man's 
improvements or in the roads. Penalty, $1 for every ne- 
glect to destroy it, after ten days' notice. This law pa.s.sed 
annually until 1810. 1809. A penalty of SI for allowing 
Canada thistles to go to seed. Renewed till 1816. 1810. 
$2 oflFered for every wolf scalp. 1813. A committee ap- 



pointed to enforce the destruction of thistles and tory weed, 
or exact the penalty. 1818. The supervisor and town clerk 
a committee to petition for a road to be laid out from Indian 
river to Hamilton (Antwerp to Waddington ). 1820. 8500 
raised for the support of the poor. $10 bounty on wolves 
and panthers. Voted that all the public books in town be 
sent to the town library, and subject to its regulations, but 
not to be taken by persons out of town. 1823. Wolf 
bounty, 85. The avails of the gospel and school lots ap- 
plied to common schools. 1828. Resolved, That it is in- 
expedient to pass any resolution in relation to the county 
buildings. 1849. A special town-meeting called March 27, 
to consider the necessity and propriety of petitioning the 
legislature for a grant to pledge the credit of the town to 
raise money to build a plank-road on the main stage-road, 
through the villages of Richville and De Kalb. The pe- 
tition was not sustained. 

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-65. 

At a special town-meeting, held December 15, 1863, it 
was on motion 

" licaotved, That we raise upon the credit of the town of De Kalb a 
.=iuin sufficient to pay each volunteer who may hereafter enlist, and 
when mustered into the United States service, or any person who 
may have enlisted since the 17th day of October, 1S63, and when 
mustered into said United States service and accredited to the town 
of De Kalb, the sum of $300 to each of the said volunteers until the 
quota of said town of De Kalb is raised under the last call of the 
president for 300,000 men." 

At a special town-meeting, convened February 27, 1864, 
it was 

" Resolved, That the board of town auditors of the town of De Kalb 

be and are hereby authorized to raise on the credit of said town the 
sum of $300 to be paid to each person who may be mustered into the 
service of the United States and accredited to said town as a volun- 
teer therefrom, or to any person who may be drafted and be duly mus- 
tered into said service, and accredited to said town, under the call of 
the president of the date of Feb. 1, 1864; Provided, No more money 
be thus raised by said board than will be necessary in the manner 
aforesaid to fill the quota of .<!aid town under said call." 

At a special meeting, April 5, 1864, it was further 

" ReBolved, That the board of town auditors issue bond or bonds 
of the town of De Kalb to the amount of $300 to each person who 
may have enlisted or re-enlisted and been mustered into the ITnited 
States service since the 17th day of October, 1S63, and properly 
accredited to said town; Provided, Such person or persons shall 
have received no town bounty heretofore from this or any other town, 
until the several quotas of said town be filled under the calls of (he 
President of Oct. 17, 1863, Feb. 1, and March, 1864. 

" Besot red, That if any person who would be entitled to receive the 
$300 as provided in resolution 1st has deserted the United States 
service, said board of town officers are directed and requested not to 
deliver said bonds of $300, or any part thereof, to said deserter." 

A special meeting was held August 17, 1864, after the 
call of the president for 500,000 men, and the board was 
authorized to issue certificates of indebtedness to the amount 
of $600 to each volunteer or substitute. Owing to some 
alleged illegality in these proceedings, and the authorization 
by the county board of supervisors of the payment of a 
county bounty of 8400 each, the provisions made by the 
town board August 17, 1864, were annulled. At a special 
meeting, held on the 30tli of the same month, the board 






MRS, DANIEL 0. STILES. 



DANIEL 0. STILES. 



GCO. W STILES. 



( fHOTOS. BY CAIfO aSMirw, &Ol/VE»N£Uf;.j 




RES. or DANIEL OSTILES, Or K*iB, St L»wkcncc Co N.Y. 





Photos, by Ciirti & Sniitli, Gouvorneur. 



PELAI'lAH STACY. 



MRS. JERUSHA STACY. 



PELATIAH STACY, 



son of Isaac and Abigail Stacy, and the sixth in their 
family of eleven children, was born in Cooperstown, Otsego 
Co., N. Y., May 28, 1792, and came with his father's 
family in ISO-i to De Kalb, where he resided until his 
death. On January 28, 1819, he was married to Miss 
Jerusha Tanner. The result of their union were James A., 
born Feb. 27, 1822, died Nov. 2, 1858; Jerusha, born 
March 2-i, 1824 ; Lydia, born March 20, 182G ; William 
M., born Aug. 13, 1828 ; Isaac W., born Aug. 25, 1830 ; 
John S., born May 13, 1833 ; Erastus W., born April 4, 
1835; Mary A., born Oct. 1, 1837; Elisha, H., born May 
4, 1840; Maria C, born Feb. 14, 1843; Edson E., born 
July 29, 1845, and died in the military service Sept. 29, 
1864; and Charles P., born Oct. 4, 1848. Their golden 
wedding was held in De Kalb, only a few rods from where 
they were united in marriage, and of the twelve children, 
ten were living to meet on this joyous occasion, six fine 
stalwart sons and four worthy daughters. 

With a natural tendency to agricultural pursuits, he com- 
menced life as a farmer, in a country comparatively a wilder- 
ness, and at middle life had achieved abundant success. A 
re.solute, .strong-willed man, of good common sense, sound 
judgment, public-spirited, and active in business, he was for 
half a century prominently identified not only with the agri- 
cultural interests of De Kalb, but with nearly every other 



interest which conduced to the prosperity of the town. 
Naturally public-spirited, he was never backward in render- 
ing assistance to schools, churches, and other public interests, 
and being upright and honest in his dealings, he enjoyed 
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-men. 

An " old-line Whig," and after that a stanch Republican, 
he was the steadfast friend of his country in her darkest 
hour, and, although never an office-seeker or aspirant for 
political preferment, he was always deeply interested in 
everything that pertained to the public good. It is not 
known that he was ever absent from the polls on election or 
town-meeting days from the time of attaining his majority 
till incapacitated by disease and old age. 

In his religious preferences, Mr. Stacy inclined to the 
Presbyterian church, of which he was a life-long sujipcirter, 
and for many years a member. From her early giillidud, 
Mrs. Stacy was also a member of the same church, which 
profession she adorned by active Christian duties. She wa.s 
truly a laborer in the Lord's vineyard. 

Mr. Stacy was the father of twelve children, ten of whom 
arc still living ; and having cared for, educated, and started 
them in life, ho felt that his work wa.s done. With calm- 
ness he awaited the inevitable hour, and, surrounded by 
his family, quietly passed away Feb. 24, 1872. His wife 
survived him, and departed June 30, 1870, aged seventy-si.\. 





UEOROE P. CAIKKIN. 



MRS. SALl.XA J. CAHOON. 



GEOEGE PKIEST CAHOON. 



The subject of tliis skotdi WiW burn in Canton, St. Law- 
rence County, Nov. 2:5, 1 82 J. lie is the third son and 
now sole survivor in the family of four children of Henry 
C. and Laura Sanford Cahoon. 

The parents moved from Vermont to Canton in 1821, 
and, after five years, removed to De Kalb, and settled on a 
farm of one hundred acres, all wild timbered land, which 
he (Henry C.) cleared up himself 

He died in 1870, and Ills wife survived him five 
years. 

George P. Cahoon remained on the farm till the death of 



his father, and then purchased of the heirs the homestead 
ftirm. 

He wa.s married July 3, 1848, to Salina Brown, of Can- 
ton. The result of their union were Amelia C, born De- 
cember 5, 1849, died February 13, 1803 ; ISI orris P., born 
April 27, 1851, died September 14, 1851 ; Dexter G., born 
December 7, 1852 ; and Lcland C, born October 6, 1853. 

George P. Cahoon spent his youth (in the farm, and was 
educated in the common schools of De Kalb. In politics 
he has always affiliated with the Democratic party. In 
religious sentiment ho is a Congregationalist. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. - 



355 



of town auditors was authorized to issue town bonds to the 
amount of $500 each in addition to the county bounty of 
$400 each, until the quota of the town was full, bonds 
payable in one, two, and three years, from March 1, 1865. 
The town was afterwards taxed to pay to individuals the 
amounts donated by them for the payment of volunteer 
bounties. This was owing to a strong feeling among the 
citizens, that those who had advanced so much money 
towards the defense of the government should not go unre- 
quited for their generosity and patriotism. Interest was 
also paid on these, as well as the other bonds. 

At a special meeting, held on the second Tuesday in 
February, 1865, it was 

" Resolved. That the unappropriated money in the hands of the 
recruiting committee of this town, or so much thereof as may be 
necessary, be applied for the payment of the taxes of such persons 
as enlisted in the service of the United States in or during the years 
1861 or 1862, and actually served as soldiers during the present war 
until they were honorably discharged therefrom, or have continued in 
said service by reason of re-enlistment or otherwise ; and also for the 
payment of the taxes of the widows or orphans of such soldiers who 
have died in the service ; or that portion of such tax as shall be the 
result of the vote of said town, by a special town-meeting held in 
said town on the 25th day of January, I860, as said fund was assigned 
to said town for that purpose, and the residue of said money, if any, 
be added to the common-school fund of said town." 

The total amount of bonds issued by the town of De 
Kalb pursuant to resolutions passed December 15, 1863, 
and February 27, 1864, at special meetings, held in said 
town, was $19,300; interest on same, $4075.90; bonds 
issued after the war for the payment of sums loaned for 
war purposes, not including interest, $9931. Total bonds 
issued, $29,231. 

From this statement and a perusal of the roster of soldiers 
in another part of this volume, it will be seen that De Kalb 
was not lacking in a deep-rooted love of country, nor a 
desire to see the institutions of slavery abolished and the 
Union, established by the patriots of the Kevolution, remain 
firm and undivided. 

In De Kalb, " as in some other towns, a large amount of 
poor-money had accumulated, by taxes levied ostensibly for 
the support of the poor, for which there was no use after 
the adoption of the poor-house system. By an act of Febru- 
ary 22, 1830, the overseers of the poor in this town were 
directed to pay a thousand dollars to the trustees of the 
public lots, to be invested for the support of schools. From 
this source, and the sale of the school lot, this town acquired 
a very large fund. Tiie location of the two reserved lots 
was at first not known, and they were sold by Mr. Cooper. 
This afterwards became a subject of difference, and Simeon 
Dewitt, the surveyor-general, was empowered by an act 
passed April 3, 1811, to settle with the legal representatives 
of William Cooper, on such terms as he might deem just 
and reasonable, for any differences-which might have arisen 
between the State and the said Cooper, in consequence of 
any mistakes committed in locating the public lots in Do 
Kalb. In the general law relating to the gospel and school 
lots of these towns, De Kalb was excepted."* 

The schools of De Kalb are in a generally flourishing 

*■ Dr. Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. 



condition, the town containing upwards of twenty districts, 
including a fine graded school at the village of Richville. 
In district No. 23, near Osborne's lake, is yet standing one 
of the primitive log school-houses, in a comparatively good 
state of repair, — the only landmark of the kind in town. 

The oldest cemetery in town was set off for burial pur- 
poses by the first settlers, and was located near De Kalb 
village, on the right bank of the Oswegatchie river. It 
has long been abandoned for burial purposes. 

Thomas B. Benedict, mentioned previously, was the son 
of a clergyman, and was born at Woodbury, Connecticut, 
Oct. 23, 1783. When a young man he came into De Kalb 
with Judge Cooper, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
In 1812 he held a colonel's commission, and had principal 
charge of the military operations at Ogdensburg in the 
summer of that year. During the war he was promoted to 
the rank of brigadier-general. He was a man of much 
ability and trustworthiness, but military experience impaired 
his relish for peaceful pursuits. He died at De Kalb March 
11, 1829. 

Seth Alexander, also one of Judge Cooper's party, be- 
longed to the militia during the War of 1812, and made 
himself famous by a strict conformity to military discipline 
and a rigid obeyance of orders, the latter causing an amusing 
adventure the first time he was placed on guard duty, owing 
to the carelessness of the oflicer in not acquainting him 
with the countersign. The anecdote is fully given in the 
military chapter, to which the reader is referred. 

The first p/iysician who came to De Kalb was Dr. Robert 
Campbell, one of the party who located with Judge Cooper 
in 1803. It is impossible for us to state how long he re- 
mained, or whether he ever practiced here. Following him 
came Dr. John Seoley, an accomplished physician and sur- 
geon, who practiced successfully for many years. At the 
raising of the grist-mill at Cooper's Falls, in the spring of 
1804, Asa Jackson, one of three brothers under whose 
direction the mill was being built, received a severe hurt by 
falling and striking on his head. Dr. Hough's history says 
that Dr. Seeley " performed the operation of trepanning, 
with no other instrument than a steel thimble, which was 
fashioned into an annular saw and fitted on a handle. This 
was the first surgical operation performed in town, and was 
successful." Dr. Seeley died on the 24th of May, 1829. 

DE KALB VILLAGE. 

This place was originally called Cooper's village, in honor 
of the proprietor, who, in 1805, erected a large hotel on 
the hill above the present village. This building was sixty 
feet square and three stories high, with a curb roof, and 
was the first public-house in town. Around it the entire 
business of the village at that day clustered. Its first 
tenant was Isaac Stacy, who was succeeded by William 
Cleghorn, the latter-keeping it a considerable period. The 
hotel finally became greatly decayed and was taken down. 

lu the winter of 1807 a Methodist minister named Bela 
Wills taught at the village the first school in town. 

A post-office was established here as early as 1820, and 
possibly before. Mails were carried on horseback through 
from the Black river country. The first postmaster was prob- 
ably General Thomas B. Benedict. Gideon Townsley held 



350 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the office at difloieiit times, araountinp: to several years in 
tlic aggregate, and after his death his son, Elias P. Towns- 
ley, was postmaster for about four years. Among others 
were Nathaniel Holt, Asa Sprague, Stephen Slosson, John 
Kingsbury, and L. D. Town.sley. The present incumbout 
is John Whipple. This list is given from the recollection 
of an old resident, and may possibly be not entirely accu- 
rate. The office was given the name of De Kalb, which it 
still retains, and the original name of Cooper's village fell 
finally into disuse. 

The village now contains a Presbyterian church, two 
stores, three blacksmith-shops, three wagon-shops, one hotel 
(not regularly carried on as .such, owing to lack of business), 
one shoe-shop, a cheese-factory (built originally for a hotel 
by Nathaniel Holt), operated by J. FI. Landon, and said to 
be one of the best in the county, and a population of 
possibly one hundred and fifty. 

COOPER'S FALLS. 

At this place, located about a mile below De Kalb village. 
Judge Cooper erected a grist-mill, the work being com- 
menced in the spring of ISOi, under the direction of three 
brothers, — Cyrus, Asahel, and Asa Jackson. As has been 
mentioned, Asa Jackson received severe injuries at the 
raising. 

A stock company, known as the Cooper Falls Iron Com- 
pany, afterwards built a furnace at the place, the iron ore 
being obtained at a mine in the town of Hermon, fi-om 
which a large quantity was also shipped to Buffalo. The 
mine was finally abandoned, and consequeutly the manufec- 
ture ceased at the falls. The old grist-mill has also gone 
into disuse, and the water-power at the place is not at 
present utilized. The village contains a small store and a 
few dwellings. 

RICHVILLE P. 0. 

The first settlement at this village was made in March, 
1804, l)y Salmon Rich and Jonathan Haskins, who, " having 
loaded a sleigh with provisions, cooking utensils, and camp 
apparatus, at Cooper's Village, with the assistance of three 
or four hired men drew it by hand up the river on the ice, 
a distance of ten miles, opposite the present village of Rich- 
ville, where they formed a camp and commenced clearing. 
On the approach of warm weather their .slianty got over- 
flowed, and they were driven to another stand. In April a 
small log house was built by Jonathan Haskins near the 
river, and in June following, P. Rich began a clearing at 
the present village, and erected a log house covered with 
bark."* 

Haskins afterwards built a house in which, a few years 
later, Joseph Kneeland taught the first school in the vil- 
lage. Kneeland was killed at the taking of Ogdensburg by 
the British, Feb. 22, 18i:5. 

The first tavern in the village was established about 
1807, with Solomon Pratt as proprietor. Jonathan Has- 
kins received a license in 1809 to keep an inn, and opened 
the second one at the place. About 1819 a building for 
hotel purposes was erected by John C. Rich. This was 



* Dr. Hough's History. 



burned down about 1870, and the present "Godard House" 
erected on the same site by Colonel Abel Godard, — the 
first State senator elected from the town of De Kalb. The 
present proprietor of the "Godard Hou.se'' is H. D. Mallett. 

The village was originally called " Rich's Settlement," 
but the name was changed in 1824 on the establishment of 
a post-office. John C. Rich was appointed the first post- 
master, and held the position about twenty-five years. He 
was a son of Salmon Rich, and brother to Mrs. Harlow 
Godard. Those who have since held the office are Harlow 
Godard, A. B. Lynde, Calvin Barker, H. G. Chandler, 
Russell Johnson, and the present incumbent, Charles R. 
Walker. 

About the year 1810 a grist-mill, the second one in 
town, was erected by Charles Boreland, a mile and a half 
above Richville, on the stream which now bears his name. 
The year previous a saw-mill had been built by Salmon 
Rich. 

The building in which the first school was kept was oc- 
cupied, in 1825, by Stephen Thompson, who moved in that 
year. He was the father of the present town clerk, Henry 
Thompson, of De Kalb village. About 1812 a school was 
taught at the settlement by Richard Merrill. The j)resent 
graded school has three departments, and an attendance of 
over one hundred. For the winter of 1877-78 its super- 
intendent is Prof. Matteson. 

The first store at the settlement was established by James 
Phelps, on the road leading to the present station. He 
was a shoemaker by trade, and worked at that business 
while keeping store. 

'= Richville Lodge, No. 633, F. and A. M.," was in.sti- 
tuted about 1864-66, with a membership of fourteen or 
fifteen. Its present neat hall was dedicated in August, 
1867. The present membership is about sixty, and the 
officers are as follows, viz. : W. M., Horace White ; S. W., 
Harlow Godard ; J. W., S. F. Soams ; Sec, George W. 
Hurd; Treas., E. A. Rich; S. D., William E. Gore; J. D., 
Henry Woods; Tyler, E. P. Griffiths. 

In the spring of 1877 a grist-mill and a saw-mill owned 
by James O'Connor were destroyed by fire, and have not 
yet been rebuilt. The village has at other times suffered 
slight losses by fire. 

In the vicinity of Richville a considerable colony of 
Welsh has settled. The first who located here was James 
Griffiths, who, until about 18.'J0-.51, lived at Rens;selaer 
Falls, and finally settled at Richville. The Welsh living 
here are principally from the south of Wales, and are gen- 
erally farmers. 

Harlow Godard, Esq., moved to the village of Richville 
in 1816, when but twelve years of age. He came from 
Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., and lived with his uncle, Ralph 
Thrall, who had settled several years previously. In 
March, 1834, Mr. Godard was elected to the office of 
justice of the peace, and has recently been elected to a term 
which, when completed, will close the forty-eighth year of 
his services in this capacity. He has been school inspector, 
supervisor, eta, of the town of De Kalb ; has held numerous 
county offices, and twice represented his district in the 
legislature of the State. 

Richville contained in December, 1877. four church or- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



357 



ganizations, with three churches, six stores, two blaeksmith- 
shops, one wagon-shop, one harness-shop, one cooper-shop, 
two shoe-shops, one two-story frame school building, one 
steam tannery, one Masonic lodge, a telegraph oifice, one 
barber-shop, two cabinet-shops, one of whicli has an under- 
taking establishment in connection, one meat market, one 
hotel (the " Godard House"), two lawyers (Joseph George 
and M. Conant), two physicians (Dr. Charles B. Hawley 
and Dr. Morton), and a population of about 500. 

EAST DE KALB P. 0. 
was established in 1853, and Harvey Bartlett appointed 
the first postmaster. He has been followed by Noyes W. 
Smith, John Williams, J. M. Smith, and A. Richards, the 
latter holding the position at present (December, 1877). 
The office* is located two and a half miles southwest of De 
Kalb Junction. 

The first settlers at these corners were Elijah Pooler 
and Chester Dewey, who located here several years before 
there were any others in the immediate neighborhood. 
Thomas and Isa;ic Tanner, John Williams, Freeman Stew- 
art, and a man named Adams located in the winter of 
1810-11. Isaac Tanner's son, Isaac Tanner, Jr., now 
living near De Kalb Junction, was a young man at the 
time, and assisted in driving the stock belonging to the 
several families. Mr. Williams' son, Ira Williams, born 
in the spring of 1811, is now living at P]ast De Kalb, 
within a mile of his birth-place, and says he has always 
been a resident of the town of De Kalb. A part of the 
men mentioned served in the war of 1812-15, among 
them Isaac Tanner and his son. Elisha Griffin, whose 
name appears in a former list, was a colonel of militia 
during the above-mentioned war. 

A hotel was built here at an early date l)y Harvey 
Bartlett, and for a long time carried on by him. Noah 
and James Smith afterwards conducted it, the latter keeping 
this well-known stand for many years. After his death the 
hotel was closed, and is now used for a post-office and 
dwelling. 

RICHVILLE STATION. 

This place consists of a small settlement on the Rome, 
Watertown & Ogdensburg railway, and has all been built 
up since the road was completed. It contains two general 
stores, a cheese-factory, built in the spring of 1863, by 
John W. Barker, and said to have turned out the first 
factory cheese made in St. Lawrence County ,f — -a blacksmith- 
shop, and seven or eight houses. It is distant from the 
village of Richvillc about one and a half miles, the mail 
being carried to the latter place by stage. 

DE KALB JUNCTION P. O. 

This place is located at the junction of the main line of 
the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg railway with the 
Potsdam branch, the latter having been originally the main 
lino. The Ogdensburg extension was completed in August, 
1862, and trains commenced running over it on the 1st of 
September of the same year, since which time the village 



■■-■ Heporteil disoontiiuied .since tliis writing, 
f First clueso made here May 1", 1S63. 



has sprung into existence ; the only building on its site 
previously was a small log house on the southwest side of 
the railroad. 

In the fall of 1802, the first mercantile establishment at 
the place was built by T. M. Craig, who opened a general 
stock of goods in the building now forming the front part 
of the store of G. E. Gibbons. 

About 1865-67, the " Union Hotel" was built, by Patrick 
Green. It is a large frame building, and is at present 
managed by Messrs. Roulston and Burlingame. Two other 
hotels, the " American,'' built by Israel D. Smith, and the 
" Dorsey," built by Patrick Green, have been destroyed by 
fire ; also a boarding-house, two steam saw-mills (belonging 
to Joseph Ray), two dwellings and a barn, the latter three 
buildings being located just outside the village. 

A post-office was established here, and Israel D. Smith 
received the appointment of first postmaster, Jan. 5, 1864. 
Mr. Smith has held the office since, with the exception of 
about eighteen months, during which time T. M. Craig was 
postmaster. This office handles sixteen mails daily, aside 
from the local mail, and before the fast mail train was taken 
off it handled twenty. 

The village contained, at the time it was visited (De- 
cember 4, 1877), three stores, a hotel, a flour- and feed-mill, 
then nearly completed, built by A. C. Hine, one shoe-shop, 
a post-office, two blacksmith-shops, one furniture-store, one 
wagon-shop, a frame school-house, and about 150 inhab- 
itants. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Methodists formed the first religious organization in 
the town of De Kalb, but a legal society was not organized 
by them until Feb. 25, 1839, when the 

FIRST SOCIETY OP THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
IN DE KALB 

was incorporated, with Seth Alexander, Dwight Spencer, 
Obadiah R. Rundell, Orin C. Spencer, Elijah Pooler, Thomas 
Spafford, and John D. Smith, trustees. The church, a 
frame building, which was erected soon after, at East De 
Kalb, is yet standing. Services are held every Sabbath, 
and a Sunday-school is well attended. The membership at 
present is not large. Rev. Mr. Smith is the pastor. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN 
THE TOWN OF DE KALB 

was incorporated Dec. 7, 1818, with Seth Pomeroy, Jo.shua 
Dewey, Isaac Burnham, Elisha Griffin, Isaac Stacy, Jr., 
and Jonathan Haskins, trustees. On the 18th of the same 
month, Gideon Townsley was chosen trustee in place of 
Elisha Griffin, who declined to serve. A missionary society 
in Massachusetts had the previous year sent out mission- 
aries, who succeeded, on August 30, 1817, in forming 
a church. The Rev. James Johnson, then in the service 
of the society, iu 1817, made an appointment to preach in 
the town of Ru.ssell, and at the solicitation of Seth Pomeroy, 
of De Kalb, consented to visit the latter town, which he 
did, and preached on a week-day, and consulted with the 
people on the practicability of forming a church. By his 
recommendation a notice was given that a meeting for con- 



358 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sultation on the subject would be held the " next Lord's 
Day." One of the first founders of the church thus re- 
lates their trials and subsequent orj^'anization ; " The people 
were in general moral, but as to Christian or praying ones, 
I did not know any except a Baptist elder, who preached 
one-half of the time, and a-ii old man and his wife, who 
were Methodists. You (cannot picture to yourself a more 
unlikely place to form a church ; the prospect to me was 
all barren and dry, and I thought there was nothing to form 
a church with unless it was dry trees. It was a time of 
anxiety and prayer to the great Head of the church. The 
day arrived, and there came two elderly men, who were 
many years ago professors of religion, but who had wandered 
a great way from the fold of God. It was affecting to hear 
them give an account of themselves. Their wives were also 
professors, and one of them did indeed pray earnestly that 
God would appear and build up his cause. Just as the 
meeting was opened, a kind providence sent us a minister, — 
the Rev. M. Bunt, from Massena, — who was of great service 
to us, and before the meeting broke up it was evident the 
Lord was there. The Rev. Mr. Johnson came soon after, 
and the subject was pursued till we found in all seven pro- 
fessors and three who gave evidence of piety, — ten in all. 
These, on the last Sabbath in August, 1817, were organized 
into a church, and the Lord's supper was for the first time 
administered."* 

Soon after a revival was held, and about seventy converts 
were made, of whom forty or fifty joined the Methodist 
church, and most of the balance the Baptist. Rev. Mr. 
Johnson was employed about eighteen months, at the end 
of which period he left for Vermont, and his place was 
taken by Rev. Thomas Kennan, who ministered here about 
thirty years, although he was at first hired for three-fourths 
of his time for three years. He was the father of Mrs. 
Ira Williams, of East De Kalb, at which place the church 
is located. A stone house of worship- was erected, which 
is yet standing, although since about 1856 meetings have 
not been held in it. The members attend principally at 
the Presbyterian church at De Kalb village. 

June 15, 1827, the 

" UNITED RELIGIOUS SOCIETY," 

a cemetery organization, was formed at Richville, with Orson 
White, Orson Shead, Josiah Walker, Henry C. Miller, John 
C. Rich, and Marshall Allen, trustees. 

THE UNITED BAPTIST AND METHODIST RELIGIOUS SO- 
CIETY OF RICHVILLE 

was formed March 13, 1836, with Nathan Barker, Harlow 
Godard, John Chase, James Phelps, Danford Johnson, 
and Ru.ssell Johnson, trustees. A church edifice was built 
near the cemetery, principally by the Baptists, and on the 
2d of October, 1837, the 

FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY OF RICHVILLE 

was formed, with Eleazer Dewey, Jacob C. Temple, Jabez 
Bosworth, John C. Rich, Harlow Godard, and Simeon 
Millen, trustees. Mr. Godard has ever since been one of 

* Hough. 



the trustees of this society. After a number of years the 
church-building was demolished, and the present frame 
church erected in its stead. The first Baptist pastor here 
was Rev. Allen Guernsey. Rev. Cyrus M. Booth is at 
present in charge. The membership in December, 1877, 
was about eighty. A flourishing Sabbath-school has been 
kept up for many years. In 187G, about $2500 were paid 
out for repairs on the church, and the society's property 
amounts to several thousand dollars. 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN 
DE KALB 

was formed in December, 1829, and the first trustees were 
Stephen Thompson, Jr., Orson White, and Marshall Allen. 
In 1827-28 a church was formed in Richville, as a branch 
of the First Presbyterian church in De Kalb, which was in 
a year or two changed into a Congregati(jnal one. On the 
11th of February, 1840, the 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY OF RICHVILLE 

was formed, the first trustees being Marshall Allen, Darius 
Wiser, Jonathan Barker, Jo.siah Walker, Orson AVhite, 
and A. V. Chandler. The first pastor was probably Rev. 
Thomas Kennan, while yet the church was Presbyterian in 
denomination. In 1839, the present pastor. Rev. Gorham 
Cross, came to the village, and moved his Aimily in the 
following year. He has been in charge of the congrega- 
tion ever since. During the year 1840 a frame church was 
built, which has since been abandoned and is now used for 
a shop. The present fine frame building, owned by the so- 
ciety, was erected in 1859, at a cost of about $2500. The 
present membership of the church is about sixty. A Sab- 
bath-school flourishes finely, with a membership of about 
seventy. The Methodist Episcopal society owns a fourth 
interest in the church, and has about the same number of 
members as the Congregational, although more scattered. 
Its pastor is Rev. Mr. Dixon. The lot on which the build- 
ing stands was generously donated to the two societies in 
1859, by A. B. Lynde, since deceased. 

THE WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY 

was organized in 1856, by Rev. Thomas D. Rees, a native 
of the southern part of Wales. The original number of 
members was but fifteen or twenty, and meetings were first 
held in the stone house owned by James Jones, standing 
below the village. The present frame church was erected 
in the summer of 1859, by P]benezer GriflSths, at a cost of 
$550. The present membenship of this church is about 
one hundred and twenty-five, and the pastor is Rev. David 
Jones, also from South Wales. A Sabbath-school, which 
is connected with the church, has a respectable member- 
ship and is in a flourishing condition. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT DE KALB VILLAGE. 

A church was built here in 1853, and dedicated in 1854, 
by Rev. James Johnson, who was its first pastor, preaching 
also at East De Kalb. At present the church has no pastor, 
and regular meetings have not been held since 1875. The 
last pastor was Rev. G. Cro.ss, who ministered to the wants 
of this congregation for eleven years, in connection with 





Mrs. Harlow Gooard. 



Hon Harlow Godard. 



In the following condensed narrative of the life of Harlow 
Godard there is found no element of seductive romance, no 
recital of events or circumstances other than auch as may 
occur to any who bring to bear the same traits of capacity, 
honesty, resolution, and temperance by which he has raised 
himself to independence and public honor. His parents 
were Lewis Godard and his wife, Mindwell Thrall, who had 
emigrated from Connecticut, and settled at Leyden, Lewis 
Co., New York, where the subject of this sketch was boru 
April 22, 1804, the fifth in their family of six children, 
and now the sole survivor. Both his father and eld&st 
brother were soldiers in the war of 1812 ; the former, 
holding the commission of lieutenant, was captured at 
Ogdensburg, and thence taken a prisoner to Halifax, where 
he remained in captivity for two years. The brother, Shaler 
Godard, served at Sacket's Harbor, and died 'of wounds 
received in the service. 

In 1816, the boy, Harlow Godard, then twelve years of 
age, came to St. Lawrence County to live in the family of 
an uncle at Richville, then known as Rich's settlement. 
Here he remained for about six years, attending the winter 
terms of the common .school, but laboring for his livelihood 
both winter and summer. Later he attended the academy 
at Potsdam, and afterwards taught in the schools of both 
Richville and Gouverueur. On the first of January, 
1828, he married Miss Mary Ann Rich, of Richville, the 
first female child bom' in the town of De Kalb. To this 
union have been born four children, namely : Maudana, 
born Aug. 4, 1829, married Daniel A. Smith, of Low- 
ville; Louisa, born July 21, 1831, died April 26, 1848, in 
her seventeenth yeiir ; Abel, born June 26, 1835, who, 
during the war of the rebellion, was colonel of the 60th 
N. Y. Vols., and afterwards the first State senator elected 
from De Kalb; Emily, born July 30, 1838, married J. P. 
Wiser, of Gouverueur, and now living in Prescott, Ontario. 



After his marriage, aided by the energy, industry, and 
economy of his estimable wife, Mr. Godard commenced life 
in a log house, upon a partially-cleared farm of twenty-five 
acres, which was paid for, and about sixty acres added to it 
by the fruits of his own hand labor in the six years which 
he remained a farmer. At the end of this time he commenced 
in Richville as a merchant, dealer in real estate, and shipper 
of lumber to Quebec. After about ten years, he relinquished 
his merchandising and lumber operations, and since that 
time has been chiefly engaged in the purchase and sale of 
real estate. He has been uniformly successful in his various 
vocations, and has accumulated from them a large fortune. 

He is a member of the Baptist church of Richville 
and a trustee of the Baptist society, his wife having 
united with that church before their marriage. Politically, 
his earliest affiliations were with the Democrats, and his 
fiirst vote was cast for Andrew Jackson ; but upon the forma- 
tion of the Republican party he became one of its most 
earnest supporters, and has never since swerved from his 
allegiance to its principles. Though never an office-seeker, 
he has been repeatedly called on to fill places of honor and 
preferment. He was elected to the assembly in the years 
1848, '49, '58, and '59, and was a member of the assembly 
committee appointed to examine the accounts of the comp- 
troller, state treasurer, and banking department. Several 
times he has been designated as administrator and appraiser 
of e-states, and by the courts (once by the Supreme Court) 
has been appointed referee for the decision of cases in 
litigation. Of town offices, he has held those of inspector of 
schools, assessor, highway commissioner, loan commissioner, 
supervisor for four years, and elected justice of the peace 
continuously for the extraordinary period of forty-eight 
years, — a compliment such as few have ever received from 
fellow-townsmen, and a proof of their appreciation and esteem 
which is worth more to him than all his ample fortune. 



^1* 




'^i^ *5?^ 



4K|fc- 





Abner Specs. 



f^lRS.ABNCR BRCES. 




Res. or ABNiF BRE.es, d£ kals. st lawrench co., N. Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



359 



Richville. The frame building here and the stone edifice 
at East Do Kalb are still the property of the Presbyterian 
society, and the former is occasionally occupied by the 
Methodists. It was built for a union church, but finally 
became the property of the Presbyterians. 

" KENUREW" METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

is located a few miles below De Kalb village, on the west 
side of the Oswegatchie river. The first class at the 
locality was formed by Thomas Koudrew, Sr., and the 
present frame church built in 1859, at a cost of $1000. It 
will .seat about two hundred persons. The first pastor was 
Rev. W. C. Lent, now attending two charge.s in the town 
of Jjisbon. It has quite a large membership ; its pastor is 
I the same who is in charge at Rensselaer Falls. Meetings 
are held every Sabbath. 

HONORABLE MENTION. 

Among those who have kindly furnished data to the his- 
torian, and aided him in preparing the foregoing article on 
their town, are Mr. Wells, G. E. Gibbons, and others, at De 
Kalb Junction ; Ira Williams and A. Richards, at East De 
Kalb ; E. P. Townsley, Henry Thompson, and others, at De 
Kalb village; E. Grifiith, Harlow Godard, Esq., Rev. G. 
Cross, H. D. Mallett, and others, at Richville, and numer- 
ous persons in other localities, to all of whom are tendered 
the thanks due them. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES RURNETT 

was born in Hampton, Windham Co., Conn., Oct. 17, 1805, 
being the eldest of the ten children of James and Amanda 
Burnett, of whom eight are still living. James Burnett 
the elder was born in Hampton, Sept. 16, 1783, and re- 
moved with his wife and child to De Kalb, St. Lawrence 
Co., in the fall of 1805. The younger James, the subject 
of this sketch, spent the years of his youth upon the farm 
of his father in De Kalb. His education was that of the 
common school, supplemented by three terms at the acad- 
emy, after which he taught for several seasons. 

On JLirch 24, 1828, he was married to Martha Spauld- 
ing, of De Kalb. From this union have been born three 
children, all of whom are living, viz. : Lester, born March 
29, 1829; George, born Oct. 31, 1830 ; and Edwin, born 
April 11, 1832. In religious inclination Mr. Burnett is a 
Congregationalist, though not a member of the church. In 
politics his first afiiliations were with the Whig party, from 
which he became, and has always remained, a consistent 
Republican. Though he has often been solicited to become 
a candidate for oflico, he has never consented to accept any 
other than that of commissioner of schools. The results of 
industry and perseverance may be seen in his career. Com- 
mencing life with only an axe and a cow, he has become the 
owner of a fine farm of two hundred and seventy acres, one- 
half of which he cleared from the original forest with his 
own hands A pictorial illustration of his residence and 
farm buildings is given in another part of this work. 



DANIEL 0. STILES. 

David B. Stiles Wiis born in Newport, Herkimer Co., N. 
Y. Fifty-four years ago he was a farmer in Oneida Co.. 
N. Y. He had married Rebecca Derrino, by whom he 
afterwards became the father of ten children, the eldest of 
whom, Daniel 0. Stiles, the subject of this .sketch, was born 
in Oneida. Oct. 27, 1823. His youth was passed upon his 
father's firm, and he removed with the family from Oneida, 
first to Jeft'orson county, and twelve years later to St. Law- 
rence County, where they settled in the town of De Kalb, 
near the place of his present residence. On the 4th of 
July, 1850, he was married to Eusebia White, of Richville. 
One child only has been born to them, — a son, George W., 
born May 9, 1851, and removed by death Feb. 2, 1864, in 
his thirteenth year. It was a sore affliction, but has been 
borne by them with Christian fortitude and meekness. 

Both are members of the Congregational church, he 
having been a deacon for several years, as well as superin- 
tendent of the Sabbath-school, in which both are efiicient 
teachers. 

He has also held the oflSce of school trustee for five years, 
and is known as an earnest friend of education. Politically 
he is a member of the Republican party. As regards this 
world's goods, he commenced life almost empty-handed 
upon a tract of sixty-three acres of heavy-timbered land, 
purchased on credit, but cleared, paid for, and added to by 
patient industry. The patrimony of his wife also materially 
augmented their estate, which now embraces one hundred 
and eighty acres free of incumbrance, well cultivated, and 
productive. A view of their home, together with the por- 
traits of himself, wife, and son, is shown upon another page. 



ABNER BREES, 



son of Abner Brees, who was born in Virginia in the year 
1784, died February, 1843. His mother's maiden name 
was Polly Sweet. The elder Mr. Brees moved to Coopers- 
town, Otsego Co., N. Y., with his parents when he was 
twelve years of age, and subsequently to Cooper's Falls, St. 
Lawrence Co., when he was twenty-one years old, where he 
purchased a farm of one hundred acres. He remained here 
until Abner, Jr., was two years old, when he purchased the 
adjoining farm, where the latter now resides. The subject 
of this sketch was born in De Kalb, Aug. 11, 1821. He 
was the second son of a family of eight children, three sons 
and five daughters, of whom six are now living, one in 
California, and the residue- in De Kalb. His youth was 
spent on the farm, and he enjoyed the privilege of attend- 
ing the common school, and remained at home until he 
reached his twenty-fifth year. In the first two years on 
the farm, after marriage, he saved one hundi'ed and sixty 
dollars ; in the succeeding two years, five hundred dollars, 
with which he purchased ninety acres of heavily-tim- 
bered land, which he cleared himself, and by subsequent 
purchases has added thereto until he now owns three hun- 
dred and seventy-one acres. An illustration of the home- 
stead, together with portraits of himself and wife, adorn 
our pages elsewhere in this work. He married Matilda C. 
Ayres, of Gouverneur, on Jan. 17. 1847, but never had any 



360 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRKNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



children. The worthy couple adopted a son. He com- 
menced life after marriage with hut fifty dollars, and by in- 
dustry and economy has succeeded in amassing a comfortable 
fortune. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterwards a 
Republican. He has been commissioner of highways in his 
town three years, and overseer of the poor several terms, [n 
religious sentiment he is a Methodist, his wife a Univer- 
salist. In character he is honest and just, charitable and 
liberal, and enjoys a good general reputation in the com- 
munity. 



HON. DARIUS A. MOORE. 

Among the truly representative men of St. Lawrence 
County, whose life and character entitle them to record on 
the pages of our history, the gentleman whose name heads 
this biography deservedly occupies a prominent position. 
'His father, John W. Moore, of Scotch descent, was born in 
Poultney, Vt., in the year 1800 ; his mother, Almira Farr, 
was born in Oswcgatchie, in this county, in the year 1811. 
They were married in 1830, and had six children, — five 
daughters and one son, — born in the order following: 
Martha Ellon, died at the age of two years ; Mary Araerett, 
died at the age of twenty-six years ; Darius Alonzo, living; 
Ellen Rebecca, died at the age of one year ; Mencie Ann, 
living ; Louisa Arabella, died at the age of twenty-six years. 

His father was a merchant, commencing business at 
Ru.ssell, N. Y., soon after his marriage; from there he re- 
moved to Canton, N. Y., continuing in the mercantile busi- 
ness ; afterwards removing to Defiance, Ohio, pursuing his 
former occupation until his death, which occurred in 1842. 

Darius A. Moore was born in Canton, N. Y., April 13, 
1833. He removed with his parentis to Ohio when about 
two years old, and remained there until the death of his 
father, at which time he, at the age of nine years, with his 
motlier and sister, returned to Richville, St. Lawrence Co. 
His mother was again married to Nathan Keyes, of Rich- 
ville, N. Y., which union resulted in four children, as follows : 
Martha E., Dorville A., Amelia A., and Angelia, — all living. 

At the age of sixteen young Moore left his home, having 
previously received a good common-school education, and 
commenced clerking in his uncle's store in the village of De 
Kalb, continuing in his employ for seven years, excepting 
two years, which time he attended the Gouverneur seminary. 
At the exjiiration of this time he commenced business on 
a small scale for him.self at De Kalb, having no capital except 
what little lie had providently saved from his earnings. 
From that time to the present, Mr. Moore has continued in 
the mercantile business, and we cannot refrain from remark- 
ing here, that to his own individual exertions is attributable 
the eminent success that has attended his eflibrts. The good 
fortune that has attended him in all his transactions was 
not in any sense accidental — it was a necessary consequence 
of untiring industry, good management of his interests, and, 
above all, of a firm and uncompromising spirit of personal 
honor and integrity. Hard and persistent labor, diligence, 
punctuality in fulfilling engagements, have been among the 
essential factors of his success. 

On July 1 7, I.S.IO, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with 
Miss Emily Reebe, of De Kalb. She was iiorn in ( Jouverneur, 



Aug. 6, 1834. The r&sult of this marriage has been six chil- 
dren, namely : Frank Willard, born May 31 , 1857; Asa James, 
born July 26, 1858; Willie Alonzo, born Feb. 21, 1861 ; 
Maud Loui.sa, born June 23, 1863; Carrie Emily, born 
Jlay 12, 1865; and Leon Ashton, born May 12, 1872. 
These are all living excepting the latter, who died April 
15, 1874. 

Mr. Moore has been ecjually successful in politics as in 
his commercial operations. On attaining his majority he af- 
filiated with the Democratic party, and cast his first vote 
for Horatio Seymour ; but, soon after the organization of 
the Republican party, he became a Republican, and has 
been a firm .supporter of that party ever since. In 1858 
he was elected towTi clerk of the town of De Kalb, which 
office he filled acceptably for nine consecutive years ; he was 
then elected supervisor of his town, which office he retained 
for nine successive years. He was elected to the assembly 
of the State in 1872, and re-elected in 1873. While in this 
position he was appointed on the committee of banks, 
cliaiitable and religious societies, and was made chairniaii of 
the committee of State charitable institutions, and of en- 
grossed bills. In 1875 he was elected to the senate 
by a majority of 5225, serving on the committees of finance, 
commerce and navigation, and apportionment, and was also 
chairman of the committee on claims and agriculture. In 
these varied and exalted positions he has maintained a rep- 
utation of personal rectitude coequal with that acquired in 
his business life. He gave unqualified satisfaction alike to 
his constituents and to the people at large. Although not 
a professor of religion, he sustains the character of a Chris- 
tian gentleman, and leans towards the doctrines of the 
Congregational church, of which his parents were honored 
members. He is public-spirited in his aims, in his prin- 
ciples just, liberal in enterprises tending to the public good, 
and charitable where aid is deserved. In his domestic life 
he is a kind and afFeetionate husband and father, and has 
shown in his entire career that 

** Good deeds are more than coronets, 
And sterling worth than Norman blood." 

See portrait on opposite page. 



HON. ELIAS P. TOWNSLEY. 

Among the pioneers of De Kalb, St. Lawrence Co., were 
the parents of him of whose life the present sketch is but 
an outline. 

Gideon Townsley was born May 5, 1783, in Rrimfield, 
Hampden county, Massachusetts, whence he emigrated to 
Oneida county. New York, where he met and married, in 
Sangerfield, Feb. 10, 1810, Elvira Page, who was born 
Nov. 24, 1786, in Coventry, Conn. In his youth Mr. 
Town.sley learned the trade of a tanner and currier, and was 
foreman of a large tannery at Cooperstown, N. Y., for several 
years. lie moved into De Kalb the year of his marriage, 
and carried on his trade, also working a farm. For several 
years, also, he kept a public-house, which was widely and 
favorably known as a country hostlery. 

.Mrs. Townsley was first cousin of Harlan Page, the 
eminent divine, and also of William Page, the noted artist. 






(TzrrO 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOFK. 



361 



During the War of 1812, it being deemed unsafe for her 
to remain in Be Kalb from fear of Indian raids, she re- 
turned to Oneida county, making her return home on horse- 
back, accompanied by her brotl\er, Elias Page, and bringing 
in her arms her youngest child (about a year oldj, her 
brother bringing the other, a distance of one hundred and 
twenty-sevoii miles, much of the way a wilderness. 

Mr. Townsley died Feb. 16, 1842, aged fifty-eight years, 
and the wife of his youth, and companion of his toils and 
struggles in the wilderness, survived until June 15, 1852, 
when she too passed to her rest, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. 

Five sons and four daughters were born to them, and four 
of the sons are now living. 

Elias Page Townsley was born in De Kalb, Nov. 8, 1813, 
being the third child and second son of the above-named 
family. He spent his youth at home under his father's 
roof, gaining a good common-school education the mean- 
while. He learned the trade of his father, and carried on 
the business for a few years, running his father's tannery 
for bis own account. 

In 1840 he commenced farming, in company with Elisha 
Griffin, having a limited capital. In 1845 he bought the 
farm and managed it until 1850, when, his wife's health 
failing, he rented it and removed to the village of De Kalb. 
where he has ever since resided. Since 1850 he has given 
bis. attention and time principally to real-estate transactions 
and surveying. In company with D. C. Jud.son, of Ogdens- 
burg, he purchased the lands of the estate of John I. De 
Graff, deceased, in St. Lawrence County, and had the con- 
trol and management of the sales, contract.s, and convey- 
ancing of the business. He also bought the Danbury lands, 
several hundred acres of which had been in his care as agent 
for over twenty-five years. He has also for as long a period 
been the agent of several of the original proprietors of 
land in the county, and by his sound business judgment and 
thrift has gained a handsome competence, which he is now 
enjoying in the midst of an interesting family. 

In politics Mr. Town.sley w;is formerly a member of the 
Whig party, but joined the Republican organization on its 
formation, and has worked for and voted with that party 
to the present time. lie lias held the office of town clerk, 
assessor, and commissioner of highways; has been super- 
visor of the town four years, and postmaster for the same 
number of years, and has been twice elected to the as.5em- 
bly from his district, in 1862 and 1863. He hajj held the 
office of justice of the peace for twenty-five years, and li;is 
just been elected for another term. 

Although not a member of any church, yet he has been 
a trustee of the Presbj'terian society for more than twenty 
years, and has been a liberal supporter of the same. 

Mr. Townsley was married May 14, 1840, at De Kalb, 
to Lora B. H. Griffin, who was born in Hampton, Conn., 
Dec. 27, 1816, and was the adopted daugliter of Col. Elisha 
Griffin. Two sons and two daugliters were the fruits of 
this union, viz. : Clinton G., born Sept. 3, 1811; Henry 
S., born Doc. 23, 1842; Helen T., b..rn Nov. 17, 1846; 
Lora E, born Aug. 17, 1850. Mrs. Townsley died Dec. 
20, 1850. Helen T. married J. E. Kno.x, dry-goods dealer 
in New York city, and resides in Brooklyn. Both sons en- 
46 



listed in the c.ivalry arm of the service in the War of the 
Rebellion, and remained till its close. Clinton rose from the 
ranks to the position of major, was in forty-seven engage- 
ments, liad two horses shot under him, was wounded at 
the battle of Fort Stevens, and received bis promotion as 
major of the 2d battalion, 25th N. Y. Cavalry, on the recom- 
mendation of Generals Sheridan and Merritt. 

Mr. Townsley was again married April 7, 1853, to 
Louisa Ellen Thompson, who was born in Richville, town 
of De Kalb, Feb. 13, 1826. 

Two sons have been born to him by his present wife — 
Clarence Page, in 1854, and Herbert Wilton, in 1856. 
Clarence is now a. cadet at the military academy at West 
Point, having received bis appointment as such in 1877. 
He was one of fifty-five appointees, in a class of one hun- 
dred and twenty-eight, who passed a successful examination 
and were accepted. 

It is needles.s to add any encomium to Mr. Townsley's 
reputation as a man and worthy citizen, as the foregoing 
record amply testifies to his worth, and the estimation in 
which he is held by hi.s fellow-citizens. 

A view of Mr. Townsley's home and surroundings, and 
jwrtraits of himself and his wife, adorn our pages elsewhere. 



JOHN HOCKENS, 

son of John and Dorcas Hockens, was born in England, 
Aug. 7, 1819. His father was born in the same country 
in 1792, and moved to St. Lawrence County and settled in 
De Peyster in 1843. He spent his youth on his father's 
farm, and attended the national schools of his native land, 
afterwards accompanying liis parents to America, and settled 
with them in De Peyster. On Dec. 24, 1850, he married 
Jane Dorman, by whom he had the following children: 
John D., born Oct. 5, 1851, died July 4, 1858 ; David C, 
born Aug. 19, 1853, died May 15, 1875; Mary, born 
Sept. 20, 1855 ; Margaret M., born Sept. 19, 1857 ; Jane, 
born Nov. 13, 1859 ; Arvilla, born May 5, 1861 ; Elizabeth, 
born June 10, 1863, died Feb. 21, 1864; Louisa, born 
Jan. 17, 1865 ; John L., born May 10, 1868. 

Mr. Hockens commenced life with absolutely no capital 
except the knowledge of and willingness to work. After 
being in the country four years he went on a farm of one 
hundred and four acres, upon which was a log shanty. In 
this be lived while he cleared the land of the timber with 
which it was covered and got it ready for cultivation. He 
has since added eighty-three acres to it, and now has a 
comfortable farm, a view of which can be had by reference 
to another page in this work. 

Both Mr. Hockens and his estimable wife are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church of De Peyster, he occu- 
pying the positions of steward and trustee of that church. 
His wife joined that church when quite young, himself 
later in life. In pulitics ho has always been a Republican ; 
but never aspired to oifKe, and would never accept any 
.save that of school trustee, which ho filled satisfactorily. 
He is a man of good general character, intelligent and 
upright, and a good citizen in every respect. 



362 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ELON G. GARDNER. 

This gentle iiKiii (U'sfcnils from a Revolutionaiy ' .0, liis 
grandfatlipi- having been a .soldier of Bunker Hill. His 
father, Samuel Gardner, was born in Rhode Island in 1780, 
and participated in the battle of Sackct's Harbor, during 
the war of 1812. His mother was Merey Olin. His pa- 
rents settled in Cainiilus, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1807. 
They removed to Lewis county in 1825, and to Jefferson 
county in 18.57. 

Elon G. Gardner was born in Camillus, Nov. 15, 1822. 
He was the seventh child in a family of thirteen, — eight 
boys and five girls, — six of whom are still living. He 
spent his youth on liis father's farm, receiving his educa- 
tion at the common schools. He learned the carpenter's 
and joiner's trade, completing his apprenticeship at the age 
of twenty-throe, and working at the trade until he was 
twenty-nine years old. On Jan. 1, 1851, he married Caro- 
line Doane, of De Kalb, by whom he had the following 
children, namely: Henry 0., born May 6, 1852; Delia S., 
born June 24, 1853 ; Lucia A., born Sept. 14, 1854 ; Car- 
rie A., born Nov. 20, 1858; Frederick E., born Aug. 18, 
1865; Delbert N., born Jan. 16, 1868. All are now 
living. 

After his marriage Mr. Gardner purchased a farm of 
fifty acres in the town of Gouverneur, for which he paid 
in four years. He .subscf(uently exchanged for a farm of 
two hundred and thirty-two acres in De Kalb, to which he 
has since added fifty-four acres. After a residence of 
nine years on the above-named farm, he purchased his 
present homestead, containing ninety-.six acres, an illustra- 
tion of which can be seen on another page in this history. 
It is located near the village of Richville. In politics he 
is a Republican, having first voted with the Democratic 
party. He is a member of the Baptist church. ]Mrs. 
Gardner belongs to the Congregational denomination. 
They are generally looked upon as a worthy couple, and 
are universally respected for their estimable qualities of 
head and heart. 



ANDREW ROULSTON, 

son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Roulston, was 
born in Ireland in the year 1808. His father came to 
America, and settled in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1811, leaving 
his wife and children in the old country while he went to 
work to establish a home for his family in the New World. 
On July 4, 1825, Andrew landed in Ogden.sburg, liaving 
spent his youth in Ireland. He went to work at brick- 
making in Heuvelton, receiving ten dollars a month for his 
services. He remained thus employed for two years, and 
then turned his attention to farming, for the first year by the 
month, and then, in Decemlier, 1825, he purchased a wood 
lot of sixty-seven acres in the town of De Kalb, on which 
he erected a log shanty and cleared his land, working hard 
to get it into a state fit for cultivation. 



On March 22, 1831, ho married Lydia Wells, of Can- 
ton, and they had a family of eleven children, — six boys 
and five girls, — of whom six survive. He lost his first 
wife, and on Jan. 10, 1855, married Mary Jane Wallace, 
by whom he had nine children, — six sons and three daugh- 
ters. To hisoiiginal jjurchase he added thirty-three acres, 
which he subscfjuently .sold, and bought a farm of one 
hundred and sixty-three acres, where he now resides, to 
which ho has added adjoining tracts until ho now po.s,sesses 
six hundred acres in the homestead farm, an illustration of 
which, together with portraits of himself and wife, adorn 
our pages elsewhere. In addition to the above, he owns a 
farm of two hundred and six acres near Richvillo, upon 
which one of his sons lives. Mr. and Mrs. Roulston 
are both consistent members of the Presbyterian church, 
with which the latter united in her native city of Belfast, 
Ireland. 31r. Roulston is a trustee of that church, of 
which and otlicr religious and educational enterprises he 
has been a liberal supporter. In politics he is a strong 
Republican. He never sought political preferment, but 
was once induced to serve as commissioner of highways in 
his town. He is an honest man and a good citizen. 



STEPHEN W. HEMENWAY. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer Co., N. 
Y., in 1835. His parents were Levi and Eliza Whitford 
Hemenway, the former born Feb. 16, 1803, and died on 
his fifty-ninth birthday, his widow being still living. Ste- 
phen William Hemenway was the only son in their family 
of six children, all of whom survive. The family removed 
from Herkimer to St. Lawrence County, and settled in De 
Kalb, in 1838, when he was but three years of age. His 
youth was spent upon the farm, and his education was that 
of the common school. 

He was married in Richville, May 31, 1857, to Harriet 
Rundell, of De Kalb. Two children have been born to 
them, namely, Winifred C.,born March 21, 1858 (married 
F. W. Havens, of De Kalb) ; and Arthur Levi, born Nov. 
24, 1862. Both are living. In his politics Mr. Hemen- 
way is independent of party, though he cast his fir.st vote 
for John C. Fremont, and for some years acted with the 
Republicans. In religion he follows his father's belief in 
universal salvation. His vocation has always been that of 
agriculture, in which, from a very humble commencement, 
he has come to be regarded as one of the best and most 
successful farmers in the county. • 

After the death of his father, in 1862, he became pur- 
chaser of the paternal farm of one hundred and .seventy-five 
acres, which has been added to by the inheritance of his 
wife, so that their joint estates comprise nearly five hundred 
acres. They are living in competence at her father's home- 
stead, an illustration of which is given in this work. 



^ 





AHDftEW ffoULSTON . 



MRS-ANDKLW Roulston. 



( /*Horos Br flows ^£w Studio. Oodenssuro.) 




ffES.01. ANbff 



LSTON, De Halb, STUwwence Co.,*y. 







^g^(^j;^^;^^4?f' ' *"' 




RES or JOHN A. WILSON, MACOMB. ST LAWRENCE CO.. N. Y. 



MACOMB. 



Tins town, deriving its namu from Alexander Macomb, 
tlie patentee of Macomb's purchase, was formed from the 
towns of Morristown and Gouverneur, April 30, 1841, and 
made to include the district in the former south of Black 
lake, and in the latter north of Beaver creek, from the line 
of De Kalb to the Ogden tract, which it followed to the 
Oswegatchic, and thence up that river to the boundary of 
Rossie. A small tract south of the lake was still left in the 
town of Hammond, which, on the 11th of April, 1842, was 
attached to Macomb. The proverb, that " coming events 
cast their shadow before," was truly verified in the for- 
mation of this town. 

The inhabitants of those portions of Morristown and 
Gouverneur lying between Black lake and Beaver creek 
had long felt the inconvenience of their seclusion from the 
places of holding town-meetings, their only communication 
with the more thickly-settled portions of the towns being 
by means of newly-constructed roads, through a wild and 
rocky region, and which at certain seasons of the year were 
almost wholly impassable. As these portions of the towns 
became more thickly settled the necessity of forming a new 
town was more keenly felt. In 1837 the inhabitants of 
IMorristown expressed their willingness for this whenever 
those living south of the lake should agree upon the 
measure. Similar resolutions were passed shortly after this 
by Gouverneur. A special town-meeting was held in 
Morristown, in 1841, for the purpose of considering the 
proposition of setting off a new town upon the southerly 
side of Black lake. It was 

" Jiesolved, That all those electors residing on the northerly side of 
Black lake do now withdraw from the room in order to obtain the 
voice of those on the southerly side." 

Which being done, it Wiis, on motion (with only one dis- 
senting voice), 

" lie^otvedy That that part of the town of Morristown which lies on 
the southerly side of Black lake be set off by itself a new town." 

The whole of the electors were then called in, and, being 
all present, this resolution was again passed. 

The first town-meeting was held in pursuance of statute 
at the house of David Day (2d), June 1, 1841. At this 
meeting the following-named officers were elected : David 
Day (2d), supervisor; Eliphalet S. Pope, town clerk; David 
B. Woodworth, William Whalin, and William Houghton, 
a.ssessors; Timothy Pope, Daniel Tully, and Denison Coates, 
commissioners of highways; Charlemagne Pope, collector; 
William Houghton, Charlemagne Pope, and Washington 
Lawyer, constables; William Mills, G. Pope, and David 
Tully, justices of the peace ; George Kcnnan and Josiah 
Sweet, overseers of the poor ; David Day (2dj, John S. 



Kinda, and Morgan Starks, Jr., commissioners of common 
schools. 

The town is situated upon the south side of Black lake, 
in the western part of the county. Its surface is broken 
by ridges of gneiss, sandstone, and white limestone, which 
lie parallel with the lake and cover a large portion of the 
town. The narrow intervales between these ridges are 
filled with a deep, rich soil, which produces excellent crops, 
but is better adapted to grazing. Fish and Birch creeks, 
flowing into Black lake, are the principal streams. Pleasant 
lake, in the western part of the town, is a fine sheet of 
water, about one mile in length. It has no visible inlet, 
and is not effected by freshets in the spring. The water is 
cold, and so clear that the bottom is clearly discernible at a 
depth of fifty feet. Hickory lake lies near the eastern 
border of the town, and forms the source of Pish creek. 
The princi|ial business of the inhabitants is that of farming, 
and two cheese-factories are in operation within the town. 

The pioneer settler was Mr. Samuel Bristol, who located 
upon the place now owned by Samuel Holcomb. He first 
located at De Peystcr, and was among the first settlers of 
that place. Captain Ilufus Washburn, formerly of Con- 
necticut and later from Exeter, Otsego county, came into 
the town when it was almost entirely new. He was a 
blacksmith, and kept a public-house for many years on the 
place now owned by David Pierce. He was drowned in 
the Oswegatchie, April 28, 1817, while returning from a 
town-meeting in the village of Gouverneur. Samuel Wil- 
son, E. Wilson, and Samuel Peck were early settlers. The 
improvements of this town were for many years limited to a 
small neighborhood upon the State road, and no schools 
were opened until the winter of 1818. 

POPES MILLS 

is a small settlement upon Fish creek, two miles from Black 
lake, to which it is navigable. It contains a hotel, grist- 
mill, saw-mill, two dry-goods and two grocery-stores, a 
blacksmith-shop, cooper-shop, and pump-factory. It owes 
its origin and name to Timothy Pope, who moved from 
Oswegatchie to this place in 1818 and erected mills. He 
was originally from Otsego county, and settled in Oswe- 
gatchie in 1804. Mr. Pope erected a dam across the creek 
at this point, which caused the water to set back, forming 
a shallow lake several miles in extent. In 1828 he erected 
a distillery, which, however, continued in operation but a 
short time, and was afterwards used as a tannery. This 
building has been unoccupied for many years, though the 
walls are still standing. Mr. Pope was killed Nov. 7, 
1835, with Solomon Shaw, by the bursting of a defective 
millstone. 

3G3 



3G4 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1837 a stoamboat was built at Pope's Mills by Messrs. 
Henry Hooker and Eiaslus W. White, and was used for 
the five years following in transporting pig-iron and lead 
from the furnaee at Rossie to Oswego. 

This steamer was called the " Rossie," and during the five 
years that it was run conveyed nearly all of the iron and 
lead produced at the furnaces at Rossie. 

Situated upon Birch creek, within the limits of this 
town, is a large, level tract of land, through which the 
stream, having no regular channel, spreads out over a sur- 
face of several thousand acres. Pursuant to a statute pre- 
viously enacted, commissioners were appointed to clear and 
open a channel for the stream. 

By means of this improvement nearly three thousand 
acres of excellent farming lands, which had before been 
wholly useless, were reclaimed. The estimated cost of the 
improvement was about $G000, to be paid by an assessment 
upon the lands benefited. 

The dam across Fish creek at Pope's Mills broke away 
in 1862, and the tract formerly overflowed has been sold to 
various parties, and now produces valuable crops of hay. 
The creek still supplies a water-power about eight months 
in the year. 

MACOMB (P. 0.), 

situated on the State road, in the east part of the town, 
contains a church (M. E.), a school-house, grocery, and 
steam-mill capable of cutting about 5000 feet of lumber per 
day. 

The town is still but thinly settled, though the greater 
part of the farming lands is under cultivation. Many val- 
uable minerals are found within the town, among which 
are galena, mica, copper, pyrites, and blende. Stock com- 
panies have been quite extensively engaged in lead-mining 
at Mineral Point, on Black lake, and elsewhere. 

There are two extensive cheese-factories within the town. 
The principal one is at Old's mills. This factory was 
erected in 1874, and during the season of 1877 manufiic- 
turcd 81,554 pounds of cheese. 

INCIDENTS. 

During the fall of 18(50 a severe shock of an earthquake 
was felt in this town. Upon the following morning it was 
discovered that a well, situated upon the farm of Mr. Tim- 
othy Pope, at Pope's Mills, was entirely dry. This well 
was twenty feet in depth, and had, for a number of years 
previous, furnished an abundant supply of water. A short 
time after this a well was dug at a distance of twenty feet 
from the former, and it was not until it had been sunk to 
the depth of twenty feet that water was obtained. 

An incident similar to the one .spoken of above occurred 
upon the farm of Mr. Edwin Dodge, about two miles and a 
half north of Pope's Mills. Upon the morning of the 
earthquake of Nov. 4, 1877, BIr. Bellenger, who occupies 
th(! premises, noticed that the water-works had failed. 
Thinking that the pipes at the spring had become ob- 
structed, he visited the £.pring, and was surprised to find it 
dry. Upon his return he discovered a new spring at a dis- 
tance of about one hundred feet from the original one. 

During the war there was a great excitement over the 



office of postmaster at Pope's Mills, the office being held 
by four ditlcrcnt persons during the year 18C3. 

MINES OF MACOJIB. 

About the year 183G a vein of lead, zinc, blende, and 
calcareous .spar was discovered near the shore of Black lake, 
at a place since named Mineral Point, and somewhat ex- 
tensive mining operations were commenced. 

The " Mineral Point Load Manufacturing Company" was 
organized Feb. 25, 1839, with a cajutal of $90,000, in 384 
shares, of $250 each. The afi'airs of the company were to 
be managed by five trustees. The first trustees elected 
were Silvester Gilbert, James Avcrill, David C. Judson, 
Lewis Moss, and John W. Grant. The business of the 
company was to be carried on in JMorristown and Brown- 
ville. 

A company styled the " Morris Mining Company" was 
incorporated May 1, 1839, with James Avcrill, David C. 
Judson, Silvester Gilbert, John W. Grant, Lewis Moss, 
Thomas L. Knapp, and Edwin Dodge, trustees, for the pur- 
pose of mining in Morristown and Oswegatchie, to con- 
tinue twenty-five years ; capital, §50,000, in shares of $100 
each, and to be managed by seven directors. 

About the year 183G a vein containing galena was dis- 
covered on the land of Robert Wilson, near the old State 
road ; a company was formed, and a shaft sunk to the depth 
of about sixty feet. A few years after lead ore was dis- 
covered on the same range, near the road leading from 
Washburn settlement to Gouverneur ; and in 1850 small 
mining operations had been commenced, when, in 1851, 
the right was purchased by parties in New York, and a 
company formed, styled the St. L.wvrence Mininc; Com- 
pany, who became incorporated under the general mining 
law of Feb. 17, 1848. The articles of association were 
filed Sept. IG, 1851, in the clerk's office, and Thomas 
Addis Ement, Stephen Crocker, and John L. Gratacal 
were elected trustees ; capital, $72,000, in shares of $200 
each ; duration limited to fifty years. At a meeting of the 
stockholders in New Y'ork, May 17, 1852, the capital of 
the company was increased to $3G0,000. 

In 1852 a vein of lead ore was discovered between the 
Clute and the Slaeomb mines, which was opened and 
worked quite extensively by private parties. Mr. John 
Canfield, of JForristown, who was present at the time of 
the discovery, removed with a pick nearly fourteen hun- 
dred pounds of pure galena. 

Shortly after this the mines were purchased by Mr. R. 
p. Remington, who organized a company for the purpose 
of working them. Work was carried on for about four 
years under the supervision of Col. Morgan, an experienced 
miner. Nothing has been done at the mines since they 
were abandoned by the Remington company. It may be 
safely stated that at least §100,000 has been expended fur 
machiricry and improvements at each of the mines which 
have bceti worked within the town. 

It has been the history of these mines tlnit when first 
discovered upon the surface they presented a truly inviting 
appearance, the veins being in some instances several I'eet 
in width. Upou leaving the surface, however, they were 
found to become narrower, until, at the (^epth of a few feet, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



365 



they were almost entirely lost. A furnace for smelting the 
ore was erected at an early da)', and during the time that 
the mines were in operation a considerable quantity of lead 
was sent to the market. 

SUPERVrsOKS. 

1841-42, David Day (2d); 1843, John Parker; 1844-46, 
Enoch Taylor; 1847-50, William Houghton; 1851-53, 
David Day (2d); 1854, Timothy Pope; 1855, Joshua F. 
Houghton; 1856-57, John S. Snyder; 1858, David Day 
(2d); 1859, John S.Snyder; 1800-61, John Whitney; 
1862-04, David B. Woodworth ; 1865-68, David Day 
(2d); 1869-71, Horace L. Woodworth; 1872-70, E. R. • 
Turner; 1877, Warren Hastings. 

PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS. 

Supervisor, Warren Hastings ; Town Clerk, J. V. Clark ; 
Justices, James McFalls, John S.Snyder, David Day (2d), 
Lyman Breakenridge ; Assessors, E. H. Partridge, John 
A. Wilson, Peter Bellenger ; Commissioner of Highways, 
A. C. Pennock ; Collector, John H. Graves; Overseer of 
the Poor, Daniel Graves ; Town Auditors, Richard Wood- 
ward, H. L. Woodworth, Robert Robinson ; Constables, M. 
H. Pierce, John Richardson, Perly Perry, Orvil Apple ; 
Inspectors of Election, District No. 1, Lyman Breaken- 
ridge, Frederick Prouse, Fortunatus Saver (2d) ; Inspectors 
of Election, District No, 2, John Lake, John McNeil, 
Robert Laidlow ; Excise Commissioners, James Hotten, 
Timothy Pope, T. C. Mills. 

Dr. George Ro.ss, of Pope's Mills, is the only practicing 
phy.sician within the town. lie attended lectures at the 
medical college at Edinburgh, Scotland, and graduated at 
that institution in the spring of 1836. Removed to this 
country the year following, and attended a course of lec- 



tures at the Eclectic medical college of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Removed to Georgia, and located near Savannah, where he 
continued in practice for twenty-five years. He has since 
practiced in Michigan, Oswego, and Ogdensburg. In 
March, 1877, he removed to Pope's Mills, where he is 
located at present. 

He is a member of the Eclectic medical society of the 
eigliteenth senatorial district of the State of New York. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The M. E. Church at Macomb was organized with 
five members, by D. Ferguson, its first pastor, in 1841. 
The house in which it worships was erected in 1870, at a 
cost of $2800. It will seat three hundred persons. There 
are at present one hundred members. The property ia 
valued at S3000. 

The First Wesleyan Methodist Church of 
Macomb, at Pope's Mills, was organized with nine mem- 
bers, by Rev. R. E. Johnson, its first pastor, June 9, 1857. 
Previous to 1872 meetings were held in the school-house. 
During that year a handsome church was erected, at a cost 
of §1200, and completed Aug. 15. It will seat three hun- 
dred persons. The church property is valued at §1800. 

postmasters, 
Popes Mills. — A post-oflice was established at this place 
in 1841). The first postmaster was Mr. Russel Covel, who 
held the oflSce until 1854, Since that time the office has 
been held by the following persons : Messrs. David Day 
(2dj, A. F. Brown, Timothy Pope, James A. Allen, and 
Homer Rowland. 

We are under obligations to Messrs. Timothy Pope, 
John Canfield, Homer Rowland, and others, for informa- 
tion furnished. 



-o^-»— oQc r- t - 



DE PEYSTEE. 



De Petster was erected from Oswegatchie and Do 
Kalb by an act which passed the legislature on the 24th 
of March, 1825, but did not take effect until the 1st of 
April following. It lies upon the south shore of Black 
lake, northwest of the centre of the county, with Macomb 
on the west, Oswegatchie on the east, and De Kalb on the 
south. 

The surface is broken in the southern part by parallel 
ridges of primitive rock ; while bordering upon the lake in 
the northern part is an exteiLsive marsh, which covers a 
surface of about two thousand acres, a considerable portion 
of which produces cranberries. The principal streams are 
the Oswegatchie river, upon the northern, and Beaver creek 
upon the southern, border of the town. About two-thirds 
of the land is at present under cultivation. The soil is a 
rich loam, which produces excellent crops. Some of the 



best farming lands within the county are situated in the 
central part of the town. 

It was at first proposed to name the town " Stilwell," 
from Mr. Smith Stilwell, who was at the time a prominent 
citizen, and many of the inhabitants were anxious that it 
should leceivc this name ; but 3Ir. Stilwell declined the 
honor, upon the ground that some one among the proprietors 
might be willing to make the town a liberal present for the 
privilege of giving it his name. A correspondence was 
opened with Mr. Frederick De Peyster, of New York, who 
owned a portion of the town that had formerly been a part 
of De Kalb, which resulted in the selection of this name 
for the new town. Its location rendered an organization 
necessary, as it was separated from the greater part of Oswe- 
gatchie by Black lake and the Oswegatchie river, and from 
the settlements of De Kalb by an intervening wilderness. 



366 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Frederick De Poyster, fiom wliom the town derived its 
name, was an e.Ktensive sliij)[iiii;j; increliant for many j'ears 
in tlie city of" New York, and distingui.slie<l for his integ- 
rity, liberaHty, and punctuality in business. At an early 
day he purchased of Judge Cooper a part of the town 
of De Peyster. Upon the erection of the Bethel Union 
church in De Peyster he presented three hundred dollars 
to assist it; and in 18-tO his son made a present of a fine 
bell, weighing about seven hundred pounds, which was cast 
for the purpose, and bears the name of the donor. This 
bell is now in use iu the Congregational church in De Peyster 
village, having been lent to the Congregational society by 
the town after the old Union church had become unfit for 
occupancy. 

The first settlement within the present limits of De 
Peyster was made by Samuel Bristol, who was originally 
from Sandgate, Vt., but who had for a short time lived on 
the St. Lawrence, four miles above Ogdensburg, in the 
month of November, 1802. His location was on lot No. 
12, on the extreme southern border of the township of 
Oswegatchie, and two and a half miles from the line of 
Hague. 

This location had been selected the summer previous, 
and he had been sent thither by Judge Ford to open a 
stopping-place for the accommudation of travelers, who 
about this time were beginning to come into the county, 
from the central and southern parts of the State, in consid- 
erable numbers. He had a large family. During the first 
summer he cleared about thirty acres, and got three of 
them sowed with wheat, and a house erected for a tavern.. 

Tins family remained the only occupants of the town 
until the winter of 1803—4. The old State road having 
in the mean time been completed, and as it extended 
through the fertile lands in the central part of the town, 
many of the early settlers, who had visited this section in 
search of lands, were induced to locate at this place. 
Prominent among those who located in 1803 and 1804 
were Thomas Wilson, from Hebron, N. Y. ; Jo.seph Round, 

Samuel Barnard, Green, Ichabod Arnold, and Robert 

Hill, from Rhode Island; Frederick Plympton, from Stur- 
bridge, Mass.; and David Day; most of them, or all ex- 
cepting the latter, having families. 

These hardy pioneers erected their lude but comfortable 
log cabins in the midst of a stately forest. Jleeting upon 
every liand tho.se trials and privations which are necessarily 
encountered in the pioneer settlements, they toiled on un- 
complainingly, looking forward to that sure reward of 
industry, perseverance, and economy. 

The first school was opened at the house of Samuel 
Bristol, in the winter of 1805 and 1806, by Bela Willes. 
He was also the first preacher who held regular meetings 
(Methodist), although traveling ministers had casually hap- 
pened to stop and hold meetings. Silas Kellogg, in 180G, 
came in and erected a tavern upon the farm of James Av- 
crill, a short distance south of the corner. The first store 
was opened by James Averill (2d) near Kellogg's tavern. 

Mr. Averill was then a young man about eighteen years 
of age, and was established in business by his father. Capt. 
Rufus Washburn, who removed in ISOG to what is now 
Macomb, was among the first settlers. 



In 1800, Smith Stilwell, a native of Saratoga county, 
but then from Albany, where he had been engaged in busi- 
ne.ss, came into the town and purchased lands, but did not 
remove his family until the year following. 

Other early settlers were Mansfield and Lavi S. Bristol, 
Lemuel Day, Josiah Thornton, John Parker, and C. Hurl- 
burt, — the latter came in 1812. 

This town sufi'ered its full share from the cold and back- 
ward seasons which form a striking epoch in the history of 
this section, and from which many of the oldest settlers are 
able to date events. During the year 1816, it is said that 
there was not a month during which this section was not 
visited by severe frosts, and little was raised iu consequence 
of the cold, and most of that little was claimed by the 
birds and squirrels, which were mure numerous than 
they had ever been known before. As a natural conse- 
quence, there was a great scarcity of provisions during the 
year following, and many of the families were reduced to 
the verge of starvation. Flour was very expensive, and 
difficult to obtain at any price. Among the families who 
suffered the most keenly was that of Mr. Plympton. Find- 
ing that it would be impossible to obtain food in the vicinity, 
Mr. Plympton started for Canada in search of a.ssistance. 
During his absence his family were obliged, in order to sus- 
tain life, to dig up the seed ends of potatoes, which had 
been planted some days previous. During this year the 
first barley in town (about two acres) was raised by Mr. 
Stilwell. While it was still growing, it was watched by 
the neighbors with great interest, as Mr. Stilwell had 
promised them that as soon as it was in a condition to be 
cut they might divide it among them. They would stand 
by the fence which inclosed it, and count the number of 
days that would probably elapse before it would be suitable 
to cut, with an anxiety which proved how much their hopes 
depended upon that little field for food. It was .scarcely 
ripe when it was reaped, and as soon as it was sufficiently 
dry it was thrashed and carried to the nearest mill, which 
was located in De Kalb. As there was at that time no 
road to that place, they were obliged to carry the grain 
upon their backs. Oats during that season are said to have 
sold for one dollar per bushel, and wheat from two to three 
dollars per bushel. Previous to 1811 the settlers at this 
point (which for many years bore the name of Bristol's 
settlement, from the first settler) were supplied with a 
moidldy mail from Ogdensburg. At that time, however, 
an arrangement was made with Mr. Joseph Shaw, by which, 
during the two following years, the mail was carried every 
week. It was agreed that Mr. Shaw should receive a sum 
equal to the postage upon the mail carried as a compensa- 
tion fur his services. 

Settlement was first commenced u]ion what is known as 
the " Fish Creek road," about the year 1825. Benjamin 
F. Partridge and John Finch located that year, and built 
the first bridge across Fish creek. Mr. Ogden allowed them 
$100 upon their laud as payment for their services in build- 
ing the bridge. 

Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg, continued to act as the 
agent of Mr. Ogden until 1830, when he was succeeded by 
Judge Stilwell. The wheat crop in the town was so ex- 
tensive in 1826, that during the winter and spring follow- 



i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



H67 



ins' it was almost impossible to dispose of it at any price. 
Durinp; the spring of 1827, Mr. Stiiwell liad in liis posses- 
sion over eiulit hundred bushels of excellent wheat, and as 
the crops growing at the time gave promise of an abundant 
yield, he visited Mr. Parish at Ogdensburg, and with some 
difficulty prevailed upon him to accept two hundred bushels, 
at the rate of five shillings per bushel, as payment for land. 
Within a few weeks after this occurrence the entire wheat 
crop of the State was struck with a rust, which not only 
destroyed the grain, but rendered the straw wholly useless. 
The price of wheat immediately arose to $2 per bushel, 
and a repetition of the hardshijis of ten years previous 
was alone prevented by the immense yield of the previous 
year, and the fact that the settlers had been wholly unable 
to dispose of their crops. Shortly after this the settlers 
became discouraged from the fact that they were unable to 
meet the payments which were becoming duo upon tlieir 
lands, and many of them thought seriously of abandoning 
them, when Mr. Ogden consented to receive cattle as pay- 
ment. By this means many were enabled to meet their 
payments. 

Reuben Hastings, Jonathan Curtis, William B. Wheel- 
ock, Moses, Amasa, and Zenas King (the latter two were 
from Vermont), Lewis Dimick, and Nathan Deans were 
among the first who settled in the vicinity of King's Cor- 
ners. An inn had been established at this point by p]li 
White previous to 1820. 

Deer were at an early period quite numerous in this sec- 
tion, and still abound in the forest which extends through 
portions of this town, and the adjoining sections of Macomb, 
Gouverneur, and De Kalb. It is said that upon one occa- 
sion five were shot by a hunter within a brief interval 
without removing from the place where he stood. 

Many of the inhabitants of De Peyster and vicinity 
having been much annoyed by wolves in the fall of 1830, 
a public meeting was called on Dec. 17 of that year, and a 
committee of about forty appointed to make arrangements 
for a general wolf-hunt, on an appointed day. This liunt 
was advertised in the county papers, inviting citizens gen- 
erally to attend and participate in the enterprise. 

INCIDENTS. 

It is said that during the War of 1812 all of the inhabi- 
tauts of the town, some seventy in number, including men, 
women, and children, collected at Mr. Kellogg's tavern, on 
the old State road, in consequence of a report that the Ca- 
nadian Indians had cro.sscd the St. Lawrence river. This 
was one of the many frights to which the border settlements 
were subjected at that pcrio<l. 

About the year 1820, while Mr. Parker, the father of 
ex-Senator Parker, of Potsdam, with a friend, were engaged 
in hunting deer in the town, they saw a large panther leave 
a cavity formed by the projecting roots of an overturned 
tree. 

Upon visiting the place they discovered two young pan- 
thers, about the size of house cats. After assuring them- 
selves that the mother was not in the immediate vicinity, 
they started through the woods for De Peyster, carrying 
the cubs with them. Upon their arrival the greatest ex- 
citement prevailed among the settlers, for even at that early 



day panthers were rarely seen in the vicinity. A general 
hunt was at once organized, and the party repaired to the 
place where the animal had been seen. After following 
the track for a short distance it was discovered that she 
had sought shelter from her pursuers in the top of an enor- 
mous tree. A discussion followed as to who should shoot 
the animal. As Mr. Mansfield Bristol was consiilered the 
best niark.sman in the party, it was finally decided that he 
should have the honor. The shot took effect in the ani- 
mal's neck, and it was found necessary to fire the second 
time. It proved to be one of the largest of the species, 
measuring nine feet and six inches in length from nose to 
tip of tail. 

The story of Putnam and the wolf has been often quoted 
as an instance of the display of courage which has elicited 
the admiration and excited the interest of every class of 
readers ; but an occurrence which happened in this town a 
few months after the incident narrated above may be re- 
garded as perhaps equally worthy of our attention, although 
its hero never wore epaulettes, or shone in public life as a 
prominent character. 

William Wa.shburn, the son of Rufus Washburn, of 
Macomb, who on sundry occasions had evinced that degree 
of acuteness which led to his being called by his father 
" his ingenious," was distinguished for personal courage 
and a disregard for consequences in the attainment of his 
objects. 

The lad, being about .seventeen years of age, was out 
with a dog and gun, hunting, late in the fiill of the year. 
A light snow being on the ground, he discovered the tracks 
of an unknown animal, which he traced some distance to a 
place where they entered a cave among the rocks upon the 
eastern shore of Black lake. 

Determined not to be hindered from the attainment of 
his object, and finding the opening of convenient size, he 
endeavored at first to send his dog into the cave, but find- 
ing it impossible to do so, he crept in some distance with 
gun in hand, his dog following behind him. Having reached 
a part of the cave where it was quite dark, he discovered 
at no great distance from him two globes of fire-like bril- 
liancy, which gleamed in the dim obscurity full upon him. 

He here paused, and, bringing his gun to bear upon a 
point directly between them, deliberately fired. His dog upon 
this rushed past him to attack whatever the enemy might 
be, while he retreated, and was soon followed by his dog. 
Hearing no noise or signs of life within, he, after a .short 
delay, again ventured into the den and listened for some 
time, but heard no noise, and at length ventured up nearer, 
and, groping in the dark, laid his hand upon the paw of an 
animal, evidently dead, which he with much difficulty 
dragged out, and found to be a p«)i^/ier of large size, which, 
on being measured, was found nine feet four inches in length. 
The ball had entered a vital part of the brain and proved 
instantly fatal. The truth of the above narrative is vouched 
for by very respectable authority. The panther killed by 
Mr. Washburn was probably the mate of the one killed 
during the previous summer. 

Mr. Stiiwell having purchased a flock of forty sheep 
shortly after he located at De Peyster, visited Ogdensburg, 
where ho procured a large dog, with which he returned. 



3fi8 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



thinking that the wolves would not dare to venture near 
the premises while they were guarded by so fierce an animal. 
During the night following the family wore awakened by 
the barking of the dog, which repeatedly threw himself 
against the door of the house, and seemed determined to 
attract the attention of the inmates. i 

Mr. Stilwcll remarked that there was no danger of wolves | 
during such an uproar. Upon visiting the field in which 
the sheep were inclosed, he was surprised to find that jio less 
than fifteen nf the nttmher luul Jieeii killed Jurlarj thenight, 
and the tracks left in the soft ground showed plainly that a 
large number of wolves had been present. 

DE PKYSTKR IN THE REBELLION. 

It will be seen by referring to the military history, in the 
general chapters of this work, that De Peyster was well 
represented in the late war. A company was raised in 
1802, which was commanded by Capt. N. M. Curtiss, who 
was afterwards breveted major-general, and was present at 
the capture of Fort Fisher. 

DE PEYSTER (P. 0.) 

is located upon the "old State road," a little southeast of 
the centre of the town, and contains two churches (Congre- 
gational and Methodist Episcopal), one hotel, three stores, 
two wagon-shops, four blacksmith-shops, a cooper-shop, and 
has about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. 

A post-office was established at this point at an early day. 
The following persons have held the office of postma.ster in 
the order in which they are named : Smith Stllwell, Levi 
Fay, William Neweomb, Lewis J. Ltiughlin, N. B. Thorn- 
ton, and G. H. Fleetham, the present incumbent. 

EDENTON (P. 0.) 

is a hamlet near the centre of the west border of the town. 
A post-office was established in 1850. Mr. Benjamin F. 
Partridge was first appointed postmaster, and has held the 
office until the present time. 

KING'S CORNERS 

is a hamlet upon the Fish creek road, near the centre of the 
town. 

SCHOOLS. 

There are nine school districts within the town, with an 
average attendance of about one hundred and sixty scliolars. 
The value of .school houses and sites is about three thousand 
dollars. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The following is the list of the town officers elected at the 
first town-meeting, held May 3, 1825 : 

Smith Stilwell, supervisor; Timothy iMorris, clerk ; John 
Wilson, Moses King, Horace Plympton, a.s.sessors; Jonathan 
]\Iorris and Bela Bell, overseers of the poor. 

Supervisors. — 1825-29, Smith Stilwell; on the 7th of 
November, Luke Dean was elected to fill vacancy caused 
by the removal of Mr. Stilwell; 1830-3-1, Horace I'lymp- 
ton; 1835-39, Jonathan Curtis; 1840, Abner McMurphy; 
1841-43, Sylvester Johnson; 1844, Jonathan Curtis; 
1845, John Blaisdell ; 184G-47, David Fuller; 18-18, 



Thomas D. Witlierell ; 1849-51, Levi Fay; 1852-53, 
Thomas D. Witlierell; 1854, Alanson Tuttle ; 1855-5G, 
Jessie McCurdy; 1857-59, Benjamin F. Partridge; 1860- 
61, Alanson Tuttle; 1862-63, John B. Chandler; 1864, 
Robert Dorman ; 1865-70, John B. Chandler; 1871-72, 
Thomas D. Withcrcll ; 1873-74, Lewis W. Wilson; on 
the 4tli of April, 1874, AVilliam Neweomb was elected to 
fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Wilson ; 
1875-77, William Neweomb. 

PRESENT OFFICERS. 

Supervisor, William Neweomb; Town Clerk, Millard C. 
Mason ; Justices, William Neweomb, Russel Warren, and 
Thomas S. Smith ; Assessors, Jessie McCurdy, H. T. Jack- 
son, J. B. Fleetham ; Commissioner of Highways, James 
R. Shepard ; Overseer of the Poor, Loren Wilson ; Board 
of Town Audit, Levi Smithers, Horace Hurlbut, and James 
Orr; Collector, George H. Fleetham; Constables, Warren 
Thornton, Isaac Austin, Charles T. Humphrey, John M. 
Burnham, and John G. Swain ; Inspectors of Election, 
Emory T. Jackson, James C. Birge, and L. L. Partridge; 
Commissioners of F]xcise, William Badger, George W. 
Petrie, and Loren H. Wilson. 

MEMORANDA FROM THE RECORDS. 

At the town-meeting held May 3, 1825, it was voted to 
raise a subscription for a town-hou.se and church, and a 
committee of three, consisting of Smith Stilwell, Nathan 
Dean, and Philo Hurlbert, were appointed for this purpose. 
A special town-meeting was held on the last Monday of 
June to decide on the subject of a town-house, and it was 
resolved to erect one at a cost not to exceed SI 500. The 
church in De Peyster village was erected accordingly. 

1828. Voted in favor of the High falls, on Grasse river, 
as a county-seat. 

1841. Voted to have those parts of Morristown and 
Gouverneur annexed to this town which were afterwards 
formed into the town of Macomb. Various resolutions 
were passed during the years 1802, 1863, and 1864 rela- 
tive to raising money and means for carrying on the war. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Dc Fet/sler Lodge, I. 0. of G. T. (No. 547 ), was organized 
in the fall of 1876 with nine members, — Robert McBratney, 
W. C. ; Sopliia Mcintosh, V. T. ; John IMcIntosh, W. M. ; 
T. D. Wilson, Secretary; Annie Humphrey, Treasurer. 
The society has at present a membership of seventy-three, 
the present officers being Robert McBratney, W. C. ; 
Sophia Mcintosh, W. M. ; T. Wilson, Secretary ; William 
Vandey, Recording Secretary; Peter Ritter, Treasurer; 
Elizabeth Ritter, I. G. ; Delbert Robinson, 0. G. ; R. AVar- 
ren. Chaplain. 

De Peyster Lodge, F. and A. .¥. (No. 573), was insti- 
tuted July 4, 1865. The original officers were Jacob 
Bellenger, blaster; William Perry, S. W. ; Gates Curtis, 
J. W. ; N. E. Giffin, Treasurer; George Petrie, Secretary; 
Ephraim M. Fishbcck, S. D. ; Dwight Loveland, J. D. ; 
Isaac Austin, Tyler. The following persons have held the 
office of Master in the lodge since its organization : Messrs. 




"-^NN^ 




OTIS C. JILLSON. 



riioto. by Dow, Ogdonsburij. 



MRS. OTIS C. JILLSON. 



OTIS C. JILLSON. 



Amonf; those prominently iJiintified with the interests of 
the town of De Peyster is the gentleman whose name heads 
this sketch. His father, Levin Jillson, was a carpenter by 
trade, and emigrated from the State of Rhode Island about 
the year 1795, and settled in Booneville, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
where he resided until his death, and where our subject was 
born Sept. 29, 1807. His early life was spent upon his 
father's farm, .sharing the privations and hardships of a 
pioneer fltmily. "At the age of eighteen he learned the 
trade of a tanner and currier, at which he worked for three 
years, when, finding his capital insufficient to engage in the 
business for him.solf, he abandoned it and purchased a 
farm. 

In 1852 he came to Do Peyster and purchased, of Julius 
Coffin, two hundred and three acres of land, most of which 
was in an unimproved .state. Since this time he has been 
extensively known as a valuable citizen and an enterprising 
and successful farmer. In all matters pertaining to the 
welfare of his town or his brother farmers lie has always 



taken a lively interest, and it can be said to his credit that 
he purchased and operated the first improved mower and 
reaper ever used in his locality. He is liberal and progres- 
sive in thought and action. In religious matters he belongs 
to that school or sect which have for their watchword or 
rule of action the general diffusion of knowledge and the 
spiritual and temporal advancement of all mankind. Mr. 
Jillson is now in his seventy-first year, and is enjoying the 
fruits of a long life characterized by integrity and honorable 
dealing, and is an exemplar of industry and economy. 

In 1829, Mr. Jillson was united in marriage to Miss 
Lucretia Ilalliday, of his native town, an estimable lady, by 
whom he had eight children, — seven boys and one girl, — 
all of whom are living but two. In March, 1849, Mrs. Jillson 
was called to a higher existence, and in December following 
he was again married to Miss Betsey, daughter of Isaac and 
Betsey Willard, of the town of Hermon. The result of this 
union has been one child, — Adelia J., wife of Iliehard D. 
Mallery, of Ogdcnsburg. 




Photo, liy Duw, rigdonsbiirg. 



RUSSEL WARREN. 



The subject of this sketch was born in tlie town of Guil- 
ford, Vt., June 21, 1814. He is a lineal descendant of 
General Warren who fell at the battle of Bunker's Hill. 
When three years of age his parents died, and he went to 
live with a sister, with whom he remained until he was 
fourteen years of age, when, evincing an aptitude for busi- 
ness, he was engaged as clerk by a gentleman by the name 
of Gardiner C. Hall. He remained in Mr. Hall's employ 
for many years as general salesman and buyer. In 1847 he 
came to De Peyster, and purchased several farms, aggre- 
gating over three hundred acres, and for several years car- 
ried on an extensive business, and also dealt largely in pro- 
duce and cattle. He shipped the first consignment of butter 
and cheese over the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain rail- 
road to Boston. He was also the manager of the Union 
store, and its principal stockholder. In 1866 he retired 
from farming, and has since been engaged in trade. Al- 
though Mr. Warren has been a resident of De Peyster only 
thirty years, probably no one has done as much as he in 
advancing the real interests of the place. He has built 
twenty-two houses and barns, and the Congregational 



church, which is the most creditable structure in the vil- 
lage, was built mainly by his energy and liberal donations. 
Mr. Warren is one of De Peyster's most liberal and public- 
spirited citizens. No enterprise having for its object tha 
advancement of the interests of the town but what receives 
his encouragement and support, and the residents of the 
place are largely indebted to him for the present thrift of 
the village. In 1833, Mr. Warren was married to Miss 
Electa Fessenden, of his native town, who died in about 
ten years after. In 1844 he was again married to Miss 
Ruth Ann Pratt, by whom he has had three children, all 
of whom arc deceased. 

Mr. Warren has always been a business man in the 
strictest acceptation of the term, and has had no desire for 
political preferment. He has, however, been assessor for 
twelve years and magistrate for twenty-five ; with the ex- 
ception of these offices, his time has been devoted to the 
cares of his business, in which he has been successful ; and 
he is now enjoying a competency, the result of a long life 
characterized by untiring energy, strict integrity, and hon- 
orable dealing. 






Phc.toa, by Dow, llg.U'nsbmg. 



JOEL WARREN. 



.MRS. .10 EL WARREN. 



JOEL WARREN. 



Anioni; the old men imw liviii;; in the town of De Peys- 
tfir there is none more worthy of hiiving his life's record 
phiccd upon the •' imperisliahle page of history" than the 
subject of this sketch. He came to De Peyster before its 
oruanization as a town, and like all other pioneers he strug- 
gled with the inconveniences, trials, and hardships incident 
to the .settlement of a new country ; but he has lived to see 
cultivated fields take the place of the forest, swamps and 
marshes changed to fertile meadows, and the beautiful 
farm-house, with its modern conveniences, take the place of ; 
the rude log cabin, and villages grow up around him, with 
their stores, mills, churches, schools, and comfortable resi- 
dences. Mr. Warren is a native of Ma.s.sachusetts, and 
was born in the town of Winchester, January 30, 1802. 
His early life was replete with hardship and toil. When 
twenty-one years of age he resolved to try his fortunes in 
the then western country. He started from his native town 
witli a pack upon his hack, and a slender purse in his pocket ; 
his destination was the town of Maeonib. On his arrival 
there he had just two dollars and fifty cents. For the suc- 
ceeding five years he was engaged in taking jobs in chop- 
ping and working by the niontli as a farm hand ; in fact 
lie complied faithfully with the .scriptural injunction of 



" Whatsoever your hands findeth to do, do it with your 
might." About this time he made the acquaintance of 
Mi.ss Rowena, daughter of Job and Keziah Pratt, whom he 
married in the year 1827. Her parents were originally 
from Vermont, and early settlers of the town of Oswe- 
gatchie, where she was born September 10, 1808. After 
his marriage he hired land for several years, and by dint of 
the most rigid economy and hard work he saved a sum suf- 
ficient to purchase a yoke of cattle, a cow, a pig, and some 
ftirming utensils. He then contracted for sixty acres of 
land where he now resides, at three dollars per acre, and 
he narrates with earnestness the struggle required to relieve 
his home from incumbrance. But industry and frugality 
were rewarded, and to the first purchase forty-seven acres 
were added, making a fine farm of one hundred and seven 
acres. Mr. Warren has been reasonably successful in busi- 
ness, and is enjoying a well-earned competency. He has 
maintained a character for unsullied integrity in his inter- 
course with his fellow-townsmen, and has enjoyed their im- 
plicit confidence; for many years he has occupied by their 
suffrages some of the responsible oflBces of the town.'and 
will long be remembered by all as a worthy citizen and a 
good neighbor. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



369 



William Perry, Gates Curtis, D. H. Giffin, William T. 
Smitlirrs, John B. Flectliaiii. Levi Smithers. 

The present officers are L. Sniitliers, W. M. ; J. R. Hum- 
phrey, S. W. ; William Dorgin, J. W. , G. H. Fleetham, 
Treasurer ; D. H. Giffin, Secretary ; C. W. Thornton, S. D. ; 
C. T. Humphrey, J. D. ; N. E. Giffin, Chaplain ; I. Austin, 
S. M. C. ; M. Dorgin, J. M. C. ; James Couklin, Tyler. 

The Purple Star Lodge of Orangemen, of De Peyster 
(No. 141), was organized in Septemher, 1876, with twenty 
members. Meetings are held every second week. The 
society has at present twenty-seven members. 

The officers of the society are William Newton, Master; 

Thomas Dorgan, D. M. ; Frederick Newton, Secretary ; R. 

G. Ward, Treasurer. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. G. Dart, of De Peyster, was the pupil of Dr. I. P. 
Lord, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Attended lectures at the Rush 
medical college, of Chicago. Located at the village of 
De Peyster, where he continued in practice until 1875, 
when he attended lectures, and graduated, at the Detroit 
Homoeopathic medical college. Returned to De Peyster, 
and has continued in practice at that place until the present 
time. He is a member of the American Institute of 
Homoeopathy, and also a member of the county Homoeo- 
pathic medical society. 

Dr. 0. J. Hutchins, of De Peyster, was the ]iupil of Dr. 
0. McFadden, of Massena, St. Lawrence County. Attended 
lectures at the Long Island college hospital, Brooklyn, 
N. Y. Graduated at that institution in 1872. Located 
in Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County, where he continued 
in practice until February, 1873, when he removed to the 
village of De Peyster. He is a member of the county 
medical society. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The FiKST Congregational Society of De Peyster 
was organized Dec. 18, 1858, with Chester Dyke, John 
Fletc-ham, and Je.?se B. Wilson, trustees. The present 
church edifice was erected in 1860, the land having been 
purchased the year previous. The church edifice is 44 by 
60 feet, cost $3600, and is capable of seating three hun- 
dred persons. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Parsons, who 
held services in the old Union church several years pre- 
vious to the erection of the present church. The present 
pastor is the Rev. JMr. Cross. The society consists of eighty 
members. The Sunday-school has an attendance of about 
fifty scholars, who are under the superintendence of Mr. 
Joel B.arsee. 

The Methodist Episcopal Society of De Peyster 
was organized Oct. 23, 1827. The first trustees were 
Bela Bell, Luke Dean, and Joshua Sweet. The church 
edifice, which was built at an early day, was refitted in 
1870, and is an ornament to the village. The present 
pastor is Rev. Henry Hes.selgrave, who also holds services 
at the Kendrew Methodist Episcopal church in Do Kalb. 

We are under obligations to the following persons for 
information furnished : Judge Stilwell, of < )gdensburg, and 
Messrs. N. E. Giffin, Ru.ssel Warren, George H. Fleetham, 
Millard C. Mason, Dr. G. Dart, David H. Giffin, H. H. 
Hardy, Benjamin F. Partridge, 0. C. Jillson, and others. 
47 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE ASHWORTH. 

George Ashworth was born in the village of Bonby. Lin- 
colnshire, England, Sept. 6, 1816. He was the second child 
in the family of William and Sarah Ashworth, who were 
laboring people. As soon as he was able to work he went 




GEORGE ashworth. 

out to service as a shepherd's boy, which occupation he fol- 
lowed until his father emigrated to America with his family 
ill the year 1830, settling in Morristown, St. Lawrence 
County. Owing to his limited means he was obliged to 
work a farm on shares. He was an industrious, energetic 
man, and soon accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase a 
farm of his own. His first purchase was sixty-nine acres, 
in the town of Macomb. George lived with his father until 
he was twenty-one years of age, contributing his earnings 
towards the support of the family. After he had attained 
bis majority, he lived as a farm-hand for three years at ten 
dollars per montli. At the expiration of his term of ser- 
vice he was married to Miss Ann Good, and commenced 
life for himself. He lived in Morristown one year, and 
then came to Do Peyster and purchased fifty acres of unim- 
proved land, running in debt for the larger part of the pur- 
chase money. At this time the inhabitants of the town 
had to cont<»nd with almost everything in the way of priva- 
tion and hardship. Mr. Ashworth made black salts in 
winter and worked his farm in summer; and, although 
others were in advance of him as settlers, none knew better 
than he of the trials and privations of pioneer life. After 
freeing his home from debt, he commenced to add to his 
first purchase as his means would admit, until he became 
the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres of fine land. 
In 1867 his wife died, and in August, 1868, he married Miss 
Martha Cooper, of Canada. By his first wife he had two 
children, — Sarah E. and William T. The son did hie 



:570 



HISTORY OK ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



country E^ood service' as a nu'iuher of Company F, Sixtieth 
Rej^iincMl Ni'w York X'liluntcors. He died of disease con- 
tracted in tiie arm}', at Atlanta, Ga., in 1865. By his last 
wife he lias oni^ child, George W., born May 14, 1874. 

Mr. Ashworth has been a successful, energetic farmer, 
and is enjoying a well-earned competency, the result of a 
life of industry and economy, and can be clas.sed among the 
representative farmers of the town. 



BENJAMIN F. PARTRIDGE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Chesterfield, N. H., Sept. 17, 180:!, and was the twelfth 
child in tlu^ family of Amos and Sally (Harvey) Partridge, 
which consisted of fourteen children. He lived with his 
parents until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving a 
good common-school oducatinn, which he made practically 
useful to himself and otluns by teaching. He was educated 
a farmer, and spent several years, alternating with the 
.sciL'iiin, teaching during the winter and farming during the 
suniiner. In both avocations he was eminently successful. 
The small consideration awarded to teachers at that period 
induced him to abandon the profession and engage in agri- 
cultural pursuits for a permanent business. In 1825 he came 
to St. Lawrence County in company with his brother-in-law. 
Captain John Finch, and purchased of Judge Stilwell, the 
agent for the Ogdens, tlie farm now owned by Richard 
Fieldson. The price agreed upon was four dollars per acre, 
and, being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to run 
in debt for the larger part of the purchase money. After 
making some slight improvements he returned to Essex 
county, where his parents then resided,- and was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary H. Wheeler. In the spring of 182G 
he came on with his parents and wife and made a perma- 
nent settlement. After struggling for years with poverty 
and hardship, he succeeded in paying for his farm by 
effecting an arrangement with the agent of the Ogdens, by 
which they were to take stock, money at that day being 



entirely out of the ((uestioii, as the diilv ciminKMlitv which 
brought cash was black .salts. 

Mr. Partridge has been a successful fainicr, and to his 
first purchase of sixty-six acres lias added from time to time 
until he now owns two hnndred and five acres of excellent 
land, under a high state of cultivation. He has been promi- 
nently identified with the town : has been its supervisor a 




BENJAMIN F. PABTRIDUK. 

number of terms ; its magistrate for eight years ; and post- 
master for twenty-five j'ears. In character, Mr. Partridge 
is one of those genial, aflfidjle gentlemen whom it is a 
pleasure to know. Liberal in all matters, generous and 
hospitabli'. he is highly esteemed and respected by all, and 
universally known as a valuable citizen and an efficient 
member of society. 



II' ' > JOC i < '■ ! > " 



M O R R I S T O W N. 



The town of Morristown, named from Gouverneur Mor- 
ris, former proprietor, was formed from Oswegatchie, March 
27, 1821. The first town officers were David Ford, super- 
visor ; David Hill, clerk; John Canfield, Pctschal Miller, 
and Horace Aldricli, assessors; Henry Hooker, collector; 
John Hooker, Daniel W. Church, John K. Thurber, over- 
seers of the poor; William Swain, Alexander B. Miller, 
William R. Ward, commissioners of highways; Powcl 
Davis and James Burnham, commissioners of schools ; 
Erastus Northum, John Grannis, Alexander R. Miller, 
inspectors of schools. 

A part of Hammond was taken from this town, March 



3(t, 1827, and a part of Macomb, April 3, 1841. It lies 
upon the St. Lawrence, botwegn that river and Black lake, 
and contains 27,573 acres. The surface is rolling, rising 
from either side towards the centre. Chippewa creek, flow- 
ing through the centre of the town from we.st to ea.st, is the 
principal stream. The soil is a sandy loam, underlaid by 
the Potsdam sandstone, which lies near the surface and 
crops out in various places. The growth of the town has 
been retarded by the deficiency in water-power, which in 
other towns in the county is .so abundant. This want has, 
however, in some mea-sure been supplied by the erection of 
two or three substantial steam-mills. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



371 



Its need of niilroad L-oiiimiiiiifation is .suiii)li()d by the 
Black llivur and IMonistowii railroad, wliifli was completed 
to this place in 1876, and a continuation to Ogdcnsburg is 
now in process of construction. 

By a deed dated Juno 23, 1823, Moses Kent conveyed 
the township of Morristown ( with the exception of a few 
small lots) to Abram Cooper. Shortly after this Jlr. 
Cooper .sold interests in the land to Messrs. Samuel Stock- 
ing, of Utiea, James Averill, of Ogdensburg, and Augustus 
Chapman, of Morristown. 

The three last-named gentlemen afterwards purchased 
the interest of Mr. Cooper, and in 1845, Messrs. Averill 
and Chapman purchased Mr. Stocking's interest. 

The land office, established in 1823, is still in existence, 
although but a few hundred acres of land remain unsold. 

A substantial stone store was erected in 1821 by Messrs. 
Chapman and Averill, and was continued as a store until 
18G4. 

The town has settled rapidly within the past few years, 
and contains at pre.sent but five or six luindred acres of un- 
improved land. The principal business of the inhabitants 
is that of farming, and, as the .soil is peculiarly adapted to 
grazing, large numbers of cattle are kept. There are four 
extensive cheese-factories in operation. 

A survey of the town was made preliminary to settle- 
ment in 1799, by Jacob Brown, afterwards Gen. Brown, 
and a village plat was laid out at the present village of 
Morristown, named Morrisvi/k, and another at the present 
village of Edwardsville, named Maryshurgli, both of which 
names are discarded. 

The town was principally settled under the agency of 
Col. David Ford, who, in the summer of ISOjl, visited the 
town to make arrangements for improvements. He did 
not, however, make an actual settlement until about the 
year 1808. Arnold Smith and Thomas Hill settled at 
about the same time on the site of the pre.sent village. 
Mr. Ford was a native of New Jersey, and a brother of 
Nathan Ford, the pioneer of Oswegatchie, as agent for the 
proprietor, G. Morris. The first house in the village wa.s 
erected by him. Arnold Smith opened the first public- 
house a short time after. John Cantield, John Hooker, 
and Henry Hooker, son of the latter, were early settlers in 
the vicinity of the village. Mr. Cantield built the first 
store-house there, and in LSI 7 built a wharf. John K. 
Thurber located upon Black lake previous to 1810, and 
was the first to settle in this portion of the town. During 
the year 1810, Henry Ellenwood, Henry Harrison, 
Ephraim Story, Benjamin Tubbs, and Benjamin Goodwin 
settled in the vicinity. 

The first school in town w;is kept, it is said, by George 
Couper. Henry Bogardus, Norman Tyler, Capt. Wm. Lee, 
Dr. Powell, Willard Parker, Thomas Coats, John Jonas, 
and Abel Parker were early .settlers in the vicinity of the 
lake. Arnold Smith erected the first tavern on the site of 
Edwardsville, and Henry Ellenwood established the first 
ferry there. A naval engagement between the Julia, of 
the United States navy, and the Earl of Muira, of the 
British navy, took place opposite Morristown, in July, 
1812.* During the battle the greatest excitement pre- 

® See general history of the county. 



vailed among the few settlers in the village. Mr. Ford, 
with his family, left his liouso and hastened to the hotel. 
Having secreted themselves behind a substantial stone 
chimney in the basement of the building, they awaited the 
result of the battle, and it was not until long after the 
fii-ing had ceased that they could be induced to leave their 
stronghold. 

In order to promote the settlement of the village the 
agent, about the year 1817, oifered to mechanics a village 
lot and a park lot of five acres, as a free gift, on condition 
they should carry on their trade during five years, and 
within a limited time erect a house of specified dimensions. 
Several lots were thus taken up ; but, except in one or two 
instances, the conditions were not complied with in such a 
manner as to acquire a title. It was the intention of the 
proprietor to have conveyed two hundred acres for the 
benefit of the Episcopal church, but his death occurred 
before the legal conveyance was made, and his executors 
never carried his intentions into effect. Mr. Morris, with 
the above exceptions, a part of which existed in intentions 
only, never gave any property for the use of the town of 
Morristown. 

Although the few families that have been mentioned 
located at a much earlier day, it was not until the summer 
of 1817 that settlement was commenced in the interior of 
the town, during which year and the two following, great 
numbers of settlers came in and took up lands. The sales 
continued until the year 1820, when they were suspended 
during the settlement of the estate of Gouverneur Morris, 
one of the principal proprietors of the town. In 1823 the 
lands were again opened for .sale, portions of them having 
been purchased by Augustus Chapman and others, and 
since that time the town has increased steadily in wealth 
and improvements. 

During the early days of settlement the want of an ade- 
quate supply of water-power was severely felt by the inhabi- 
tants, who were obliged to convey their grain long distances 
over rough and unimproved roads in order to have it ground. 
To remedy this inconvenience, a wind-mill was erected by 
Hugh MoConnell. in 1825, upon a commanding elevation at 
the village. McConnoll had been a miller in Scotland, and 
the mill built by him was .similar to those in his native 
Country. This is believed to be the first and only wind- 
mill for grinding grain erected in the county ; although at 
several points along the Canada shore they have been 
erected and used. This mill, the walls of which are still 
standing, was used but a short time, work being entirely 
discontinued upon the death of its projector, who was acci- 
dentally drowned while crossing the river in a small boat in 
the summer of 1820. 

The central and eastern part of Morristown was settled 
by English emigrants in 1817-18, and a portion still bears 
the name of " English Settlement." They were Robert 
Long, George Bell, James McDougal, Robert Johnson, 
Edward Lovett, William Arnold, William Holliday (Irish), 
Thomas Carter, William Willson, George Couper, William 
Osburne, and Thomas Baldwin, in 1817, and John Pringle, 
Thomas Young, John Taylor, Joseph Taylor, John Willson, 
Jo.seph Couper, and a few others in the year following. 
These were principally from Roxburghshire (Scotland), 



372 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



Nm'tliumberlaiid. Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire ( England ), 
and met casually without having previously been ac- 
quainted. 

Much suffering was experienced by the inhabitants of 
this town in conse((uence of the cold seasons of 1815, '16, 
and '17, which were unfavorable for cereals of any kind. 
They were rc^duood almost to tlie verge of starvation. 
During the year 1818, and until the time of harvest in 
1819, almost fabulous prices were offered for grain and flour 
by those who were so fortunate us to ])osse.ss the means. 
Many lived, to a great extent, upon esculent roots, and one 
family is said to have lived almost entirely on turnips for 
more than a week, when they were relieved by a grist from 
the new wheat of that year, which was thrashed and sent 
to the mill almost as soon as cut. Within a few years after, 
wheat was so abundant that the merchants refused to receive 
it in exchange for goods at any price. 

A post-office was established at the Narrows, March 22, 
1837, Jonathan S. Edwards being the fir.^t postmaster, and 
the office from him derived the name of Edwardsville. A 
ferry across Black lake has existed for many years at this 
place, but never under a regular license until 1851, when 
it was leased in accordance with law at the rate of forty- 
five dollars per year, the income being e(|ually divided be- 
tween the towns of Macomb and Morristown, for the benefit 
of schools. This point is very favorably situated for the 
location of a bridge, as the lake is narrow and near the 
middle divided by an island. The project has been brought 
forward several times, but more especially in 1836, about 
the time when high anticipations were entertained from 
the mineral wealth of the country south of the lake, but 
has not hitherto been carried into effect. The present 
ferry is admirably arranged, and affords a means of crossing 
adefiuate to the wants of the country. A union church 
was erected at Edwardsville in 1847, and dedicated on the 
3d of November of that year by a sermon preached by 
clergymen of each of the two principal denominations who 
erected the house, — the Rev. Mr. Wait, Presbyterian, and 
Rev. Mr. Carey, Methodist. 

NOTES PROM THE RECORD. 

In 1821, Canada thistles to be cut twice in the year, 
under a penalty of five dollars, to be sued for by the poor- 
ma.sters. In 1833, voted against any part of the town being 
set oft" to Hammond. In 1836 efforts were made to bridge 
Black lake at the Narrows. In 1844, voted against any 
division of the county. Resolved to build a town-house. 
In 1846, voted in favor of abolishing the office of deputy 
superintendent of schools. In 1848, resolved that an ap- 
plication be made to the legislature for an act granting the 
ferry money received at Morristown to the support of com- 
mon schools, and to give the care of the ferry to the town 
officers. The same resolution was passed in relation to the 
ferry across Black lake. The care of this ferry was asked 
to be given to the town officers. In 1862, '63, and '1)4 
various resolutions were passed relative to raising men and 
means fur carrying on the war. 

Supervisors.— 1821, David Ford; 1822, Timothy 
Pope; 1823-24, Augustus Chapman; 1825-26, Paschal 
Miller; 1827, Augustus Chapman; 1828-29, Jacob J. 



Ford; 1830-32, Richard W. Colfax; 1833-34, John 
Parker ; 1835-37, Jacob J. Ford ; 1838-39, Isaac Ell wood ; 
1840-54, Moses Birdsall ; 1855, George A. Chapman; 
1856, Josejih Couper; 1857-59, Charles Richardson; 
1860-66, Henry Hooker; 1867-72, Warren R. Fitch; 
1873-77, Charles Richardson. 

Present Town Ofeicers. — The follcming is a list of 
officers elected at a town-meeting, held March, 1877 : 
Charles Richardson, supervisor; Albert Rowland, town 
clerk ; William V. Battel. Enoch Young, George F. Row- 
land, and Erastus W. White, justices ; Georg(^ S. Ycrdcn. 
collector; John Nichol, Lewis Krake, and William Jdlin- 
.son, a.ssessors ; J. P. Couper, Henry Mcintosh, and F. H. 
Coats, commLssiouers of highways ; Henry Butrick, over- 
seer of poor; Frank Chapman, Clark Tilton, and James P. 
Olds, town auditors ; David McGregor, W. F. Carpenter, 
Henry Carter, Samuel Taylor, and George Ackley, con- 
stables ; A. F. Carpenter and Charles Breakenridge, game 
constables ; Charles Castle, Albert Proctor, and W. F. Car- 
penter, inspectors of election ; Daniel Brown, James Gar- 
vin, and William Collins, excise commissioners. 

INCIDENTS. 

It had been rumored that during the War of 1812 the 
British had sunk a vessel, laden with treasures, in Chippewa 
creek, in the eastern part of the town. A stock company 
was organized about the year 1854 for the purpose of re- 
covering the valuables. Powerful engines were transported 
to the place from the iron mines in a neighboring town, 
coffer dams were built in the stream, and the water was 
pumped out. Upwards of fifty men were employed at the 
work, and during the four or five weeks of its continuance 
the greatest excitement prevailed among the inliabitants of 
the surrounding country. Nothing, however, was discov- 
ered, and work was finally discontinued. 

During the summer of 1819 Mr. Thomas Carter, with 
one of his neighbors, left the village of Jlorristown in a 
canoe, intending to visit Ogdensburg and return. They 
had gone but a short distance, when a portion of one of the 
row-locks became detached from the boat and fell into the 
river. Mr. Carter, who noticed it as it fell, made a hasty 
movement to recover it, and in so doing capsized the boat. 
At the time of the accident they were some distance from 
the shore, and, as he was unable to swim, Mr. Carter was 
drowned. His companion, however, succeeded in reaching 
the shore, and returned on foot to the village to cai-ry the 
sad news to the family and friends of the deceased. Al- 
though search for the body was instituted, it was never 
recovered. 

Within a short time after settlement was commenced at 
the village of Morristown, Mr. Ford purcluised a nuantity 
of hay of Mr. Giffin, who was living at the time in the 
neighboring town of Oswegatchie. The road through the 
woods to that place had but recently been opened, and was 
rough and impassable for wagons. Mr. Giffin accordingly 
prepared a sled for the purpose of transporting the hay, and 
everything being in readiness, he called his son David, who 
at the time was but twelve yeai-s of age, and after instruct- 
ing him with regard to the road, and the care of the oxen, 
told him that, in case it should be late when he had dis- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



373 



posed of liis load at Morristown, he should remaiu at Mr. 
Ford's during- the night. The load was duly delivered, 
and although it was late in the afternoon, and Mr. Ford 
endeavored to persuade him to remain until the fijUowing 
morning, young Giffin set out to return. He had, how- 
ever, gone but a short distance before darkne.ss overtook 
him, when, for the first time, he was reminded of the dan- 
gers by which he was surrounded by the cry of a distant 
wolf. As if to add to the terrors of his situation, the oxen 
seemed determined to delay as long as possible upon the 
road, and despite his endeavors to urge them forward, they 
would often stop by the wayside to obtain the whisps of 
hay that had caught among the branches of the trees. 

After gathering up the hay which had been left upon 
the sled, he fastened it securely in a bundle to the small 
end of a pole. He held it out over the heads of the oxen 
in such a manner as to place the hay directly before them, 
and just beyond their reach. By occasionally drawing the 
hay back, so as to place it within their reach, and again 
withdrawing it, he had little difficulty in urging them to 
incre;ise their speed, and reached home in safety. 

MORRISTOWN VILLAGE. 

This village is pleasantly situated upon the St. Lawrence 
river, opposite the city of Brockville, Ontario, eleven miles 
from Ogdensburg, and contains about four hundred and 
fifty inhabitants. It is built upon a considerable elevation, 
and commands a view of the river for miles in either direc- 
tion. Opposite lies the beautiful city of Brockville, while 
in the distance, to the west, may be .seen the first of the 
Thousand islands. The river at this point is about one 
mile in width, and contains three small islands, which, it is 
hoped at some future day, may be used as the foundation 
of a bridge. Situated upon a railroad, it is a natural outlet 
for the products of that portion of Canada lying opposite, 
and a custom-house was established at this point at an early 
day. This office has been in charge of Mr. Henry Hooker 
since 185(]. The duties collected by him during the month 
of October, 1877, amounted to over seven thousand dollars. 

The village contains two hotels, known as The Frontier 
House ( William Copely, proprietor), and the St. Law- 
rence House (P. M. Glea.son, proprietor), an extensive 
steam-, saw-, stave-, and planing-mill, which was built by 
Stephen Canfield at an early day, and was used by him as 
a grist-mill. It is owned at present by Messrs. 11. B. 
Chapman & Son, who are doing an exten.sive business, and 
employ forty-five men in the production of various discrip- 
tions of manufactured lumber; five stores, a printing office, 
two blacksmith-shops, a carriage manufactory, and four 
churches. The publication of a iiajier, called the Tltoiisand 
Island Mixitldi/, was commenced in February, 1877, by Mr. 
F. E. Scofield. It, however, proved unprofitable, and was 
continued but a short time. 

THE MORRISTOWN FUEK SCUOOL. 

This institution is of recent origin, and is under the di- 
rection of the following board of education : 

Henry Hooker, pres. ; J. Garvin, M.D., clerk ; C. F. 
Yennie, T. D. Losoe, A. F. Carpenter, A. I'roetor, Henry 
Russell, E. Kingsland, and Frank Chapman, directors. 



The school building is new, commodious, and pleasantly 
located, and contains three departments. 

EDWARDSVILLE 

is situated upon Black lake, directly south of Morristown 
village. It contains a church, a hotel, two stores, a black- 
smith-shop, and has about one hundred inhabitants. 

BRIER HILL 

is a hamlet situated upon an elevation southwest of the 
centre of the town. It contains two churches, a hotel, 
four stores, three blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, a sash- 
and blind-factory, a harness-shop, a shoe-shop, two cabinet- 
shops, and an extensive cheese-factory. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Joseph Boynton came from Massachusetts at an 
early day, and was the first practicing physician in the 
town. He continued in practice until about the year 1834. 

Dr. Solomon P. Sherwood commenced practice at an 
early day. Removed to JefFersou county. Returned in 
1829, and continued in practice until about the year 1850, 
when he removed to the State of Illinois. 

Dr. McLaren came into the town in 1850, and continued 
in practice until 1855, when he removed to Burlington, 
Iowa. 

Dr. J. P. Morgan, of Morristown, graduated at the Al- 
bany medical college in 1825, and located in the village 
of Morristown in 1826. He has been in practice for fifty- ' 
one years, and has always been a member of the county 
medical society. 

Dr. J. A. Phillips, of Morristown, was the pupil of Dr. 
Guiteau, of Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y. He graduated at 
the Albany medical college, December, 1865. Located 
at Brier Hill, where he continued in practice for four years, 
when he removed to Madison county. Located in Morris- 
town village in 1871, where he has since been in active 
practice. Dr. Phillips has been very successfiil in the 
treatment of cancers of the face, having during a practice 
of seven years removed twenty-seven. He is the examining 
surgeon for eight life insurance companies, and is a member 
of the county medical society. 

Dr. W. C. Doy, of Morristown, attended lectures at the 
University of Michigan in 1868 and 1871, and graduated 
at the Homoeopathic hospital college of Cleveland, Ohio. 
After a practice of four years in Calhoun Co., Mich, he re- 
moved to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and located at Morris- 
town village in June, 1876. Has been very successful in 
the treatment of fevers. He is a member of each of the 
following societies : New I'^ork State Homueopathic Medical 
Society, St. Lawrence County Homueopathic Medical Soci- 
ety, Medical Society of the University of Michigan, and 
the Hahnuemanian Society of the Cleveland Homoeopathic 
Medical College. 

Dr. James Garvin, of Morristown, was a pupil of Dr. 
Robinson, of Antwerp, Jefferson Co. Attended lectures in 
Woodstock, Vt. Graduated at that institution in 1853, 
and removed to the village of Morristown the year follow- 
ing. He is also a member of the county medical society. 

Dr. Robert Burns, formerly of Brier Hill, was a graduate 



874 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRKNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of tlio Medical College of Glassjow, Scotland. Removed to 
St. Lawrence County, and located at Brier Hill at an early 
day, and continued in practice at that place until shortly 
before his death, which occurred at the village of Morris- 
town in 181)2. 

Dr. William Wilson located at Brier Hill in 1862. 
After a practice of thirteen months he removed to the town 
of Hermon. 

Dr. G. H. Holmes, of Brier Hill, was a pupil of Dr. 
Palmer, of Aim Arbor, Mich. Attended three courses of 
lectures at that institution. Graduated at the Detroit 
modieal college in 18(19. Removed to Brier Hill, whore 
he has since continued in practice. He is a member of the 
county medical society. 

POSTMASTERS. 

Brier Hill P. 0. — A post-office was established here in 
1853, the first postmaster being Mr. David Giffin, who 
hold the office for three years. Since that time it has been 
held by the following persons: Charles Carter, W. R. Fitch, 
and John Krake. 

Morristotcn P. O. — The office at this place has been held 
by ^lossrs. David, Ford, John P. Morgan, Marshall Eager, 
Adam F. Carpenter, John Lo.sco, William Congor, Horace 
II. lluDkor, and Henry Russell. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP MORRISTOWN 

was formed by the Rev. Mr. Smart, of Brockville, assisted 
by the Rev. Isaac Clinton, of Lowville, in June, 1821, and 
at first consisted of eight members. A church was erected 
in 1837, at a cost of $1950, and dedicated February 14, 
1838, by the Rev. J. Savage. Among the early pastors of 
the church were Revs. James Rogers, James Taylor, John 
McGregor, Solomon Williams, Henry E. Eastman, Henry 
W. Wait, Samuel Youngs, and Robert T. Conard. 

The firet religious union society was formed February 1 1 , 
1833, with Joel Carter, John Child, Abel Boardsley, Zonas 
Young, and James Burnham, trustees. 

The Presbyterian society was formed March 25, 1833, 
with Stephen Canfield, David Palmer, Erastus Northum, 
and AVilliam N. Brown, trustees. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH 

was organized January 23, 1828, at the Narrows, and first 
consisted of ten members. The first settled pastor was 
Elder Clement Havens, although several had been employed 
previously for a short time. 

CHRIST CHURCH, OP MORRISTOWN, 

was formed about the year 183U. The society was incor- 
porated July 6, 1846, with George Couper and Cuthbert 
Ramsey, wardens, and Augustus Chapman, Chilion Ford, 
Robert Ashton, Moses Birdsall, James W. Munsell, Thos. 
Boldram, John Brower, and Ilonry Hooker, vestrymen. 
The Rovs. Aaron Humphreys, David Griffith, J. A. Bray- 
ton, George A. Slack, E. J. W. Roberts, John Soovil, L. 
R. Humphrey, J. IT. Tyng, J. S. Clarke, T. G. Clemson, 
William II. Beardsico, and W. II. Phillips have been 
emidoyed in the ministry. The church edifice was built 



in 1 833, at a cost of nearly $3000. The society at present 
consists of about forty members. 

■I'lIK CIIIPI-EWA STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
was organized with nine members, in 1827, by Rev. Hiram 
Johnson, of Canton. Their church edifice was erected in 
1850, at a cost of $1000, and will seat two hundred and 
twenty-five persons. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel 
Young. Its property is valued at $2200. The present 
pastor of the church is Rev. W. D. Westorvelt. The 
church has at present a membership of about one hundred. 
There is a Sunday-scliool, under the supervision of Henry 
JIcTntosh, with an attendance of eighty scholars, and 
supplied with a small library. 

ST. John's church (catholic), of morristown, 
was organized July 15, 1873. The first trustees were the 
Right Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, James Garvin, and Michael 
Rowland. The bishop administered baptism for the first 
time within the town, July 26, 1874. Rev. John E. 0. 
Haire, from Ogdensburg, was instrumental in organizing 
the society. A church is being built. 

the union church at brier hill 
was built in 1859 by the joint efforts of the Baptist, 
Lutheran, and Wesleyan Methodist societies, and residents 
outside of these churches, each contributing one-fourth 
toward defraying the expense, and each retaining one-fourth 
interest in it. Its management is intrusted to nine trustees, 
two from each of the religious societies and three from 
those outside. Rev. Messrs. Reuben Jones, Baptist, C. 
Francisco, Lutheran, and M. Johnson, Wesleyan, were the 
first ministers of the respective denominations who preached 
ill the church. It is now occupied, and regular appoint- 
ments are held by the pastors of each of the denominations, 
two services being held each Sabbath. 

THE first UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 

at Brier Hill was organized February 14, 1859, by Rev. 
H. H. Baker, the first pastor, and erected a place of worship 
ill 1859, at a cost of $1250, which it still occupies. The 
church will seat two hundred and fifty persons. The society 
numbers seventy-five members. Since its organization the 
following pastors have been employed: Rev. Jlessrs. H. II. 
Baker, Crosley, L. V. R. Libbie, and the present pastor. 
Rev. Mr. Johns. 

They have a Sunday-school under the supervision of Mr. 
Josopli H. Wilson, which is supplied with a small library. 
The church property is valued at $2500. 

BLACK lake CHURCH (LUTHERAN) 
was organized with fourteen members August 19, 1841, by 
Rev. C. Francisco, its first pastor. The house in which the 
society worships was completed October 29, 1853, at a cost 
of $1500, and will seat two hundred persons. There are 
seventy members. The present pastor is the Rev. S. W. 
Young. The property of the church is valued at $3500. 

M. E. CHURCH AT MORRISTOWN VILL.\GE. 

The fir.st Methodist Episcopal society in this village was 
formed in 1843. The fii-st church edifice was erected in 




Phnto. by Dow, Opdensbiirg. 



£hrlnrL^ 



The subject of this sketch was born in Morfullv, Conn., 
Sept. 27, 1793. His father and uncle, togetlier with sev- 
eral others, purchased Burke township, in Caledonia Co., 
Vt., and in the year 1800 his father removed his family to 
that township. His father was the first justice of the peace 
and the first member of the assembly from that town. In 
180G his father established a general store, and several 
years after sold it to a company of merchants in northern 
Vermont and Canada. Young White became a clerk in 
the employ of some of these merchants at the early age of 
twelve years, and continued in their service until the fall of 
1812, when ho sold at Quebec a drove of cattle for las 
company to the Briti.sh troops, and while there he was ar- 
rested as an American, and held a prisoner, together with 
some one hundred others. He was the only one set at 
liberty by the general commanding, on account of the de- 
livery of the cattle. On his return to his employers he 
found that he had been drafted into the British army at 
Jlontreal. A certificate from a surgeon cleared him, and 
he left the employ of his company and went to his fatiier's 
home, located then at Danville, Vt. He remained in the 
employ of a company there till the close of the war. He 
volunteered with some fifty others to join the army at Bur- 
lington, but the battle was over before they could get upon 
the scene of action, and they were ordered home. 

In 181t] he returned to Canada in the employ of his old 
company. In May of that year he left his employers and 
went to Quebec to work for a merchant there, and became 
the Uianager of a marine store, warehouse, and wharf, and 



was also steamboat agent. In the fall of that year the store 
was burned, and Mr. White engaged in other business. In 
1820 he commenced business for himself, shipping grain, 
provisions, etc. ; at the same time he acted as general agent 
and commissioner, steamboat agent, and insurance agent for 
a Hartford company for fire and inland navigation. He 
was also inspector of pot- and pearl-ashes, receiving his com- 
mission from Lord Dalliousie, the governor-general of Can- 
ada. In 1829 he established himself in the lumber busi- 
ness, which he conducted successfully. In 1817 he married 
in Quebec a JIassachusetts lady, by whom he had eight 
children, two of whom arc now living. His wife died in 18G3. 

In 1834, Mr. White left Quebec for Morristown, St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y. Here he entered into the mercantile 
business with three other partners. This venture did not 
prove successful. • 

During the forty-three years that Mr. White has been a 
resident of Morristown, he has held the offices of town 
clerk, postma.ster, school commissioner, town superintendent 
of schools, and United States pension notary ; a justice of 
the peace for nearly twenty years, and still acting in that 
capacity. Since 1854 he has been a land agent for Chap- 
ipan & Averill. 

In politics Jlr. White was first a Whig, and upon the 
organization of the Republican jiart)' he joined it. In 
1849 he was a candidate for member of the assembly, and, 
though defeated by a small majority, he ran ahead of his 
ticket. For the past twenty years lie has been senior 
warden of the Episcopal church at Morristown. 





JOHN K. IN(iHAM. 



I'holu. hy Duw, Ogdensburg. 



MRS. JOHN E. INGHAM. 



JOHN E. INGHAM. 



The subject of this sketch is the son of Beiijarain and 
Anna Ingham, and was born at Greenfield, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., July 8, 1799. In September, 1816, he emigrated 
to Herkimer county, and settled at Frankford, at the home 
of his brother-in-law, Joseph Collis. Here he served as an 
apprentice at wool-carding and cloth-dre.ssing. In March, 

1819, ho emigrated to the town of Morristown, St. Law- 
rence County. Ho remained three months, then returned 
to Herkimer, and finished his apprenticeship. In JIarch, 

1820, he came the second time to Morristown, which has 
since been his home. 

He was married to Miss Betsey Starling Feb. 3, 1822. 
She was born in Herkimer county Nov. 26, 1799. Mr. 
Ingham made his first purchase of land in March, 18215. 
It contained one hundred acres, including liis present homo. 
Mr. Ingham and his wife joined a Methodist cla.ss in Feb- 
ruary, 1887, and were members of the same for more than 
a year, when they received letters of recommendation to 
join a Presbyterian church located near liim, which was a 
branch of the same church located at Morristown. Cotem- 
porary with liis joining this society, ho was chosen and 
ordained elder. They remained in tiiis relation for twelve 
years, when their little society organized under the name of 



the First Congregational Church of Morristown. This 
occurred in 1851. He was made deacon at the same time, 
in which capacity lie has ever since acted. His wife, who 
joined the church at the same time, has been very efficient 
for good in their community and elsewhere. They are the 
most liberal in the support of their church of any in the 
community. Deacon Ingham has been, and is, the main 
stay in his church, and gives liberally to every good cause. 
He and his wife are also active workers in the cause of 
temperance. He has often been chosen to represent the 
church in the different presbyteries and conventions held in 
the county and State. They celebrated the fiftieth anni- 
versary of their marriage by holding a meeting in the 
church, to which all wore invited. Several speeches were 
made, and it proved to be the commencement of a glorious 
revival. 

In politics, Mr. Iiiirhani was at first a Jefferson Demo- 
crat, but when the IJeiiublican party was organized he 
joined it. He has held the offices of assessor and com- 
missioner in his town. During the Rebellion, Jlr. Ingham 
was found among the most liberal to aid in the raising of 
bounties for .soldiers, and in contriljutiiig money and i)ro- 
visions for their families. 




]'i*vf^j-'} -f'f^rr.'i --'^■£9, 



i--. ■<f-^ 






V/EW OF THE Farm Propcrty of JEREM/AH D4V 




marH/ll, ( Morristown) St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 







"^^^^if- '' vv 










I^ESIOZNCZ or HENRY HOQKE.R, MoRWirowN, 5r tAwi^cNCt Co., « / 



I 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



375 



1848, and dedicated February 20, 1849. The first trustees 
were Samuel Lewis, Percy W. Hindniarsh, James Y'oung, 
Rev. John Stoddard, Nelson Wright. Cornelius Walworth, 
and Richard P. Waldron. The church built in 1848 was 
destroyed by fire November 18, 1850. 

The present church edifice wa.s erected in 1851, and 
dedicated February 7, 1852. This building was refitted 
and furnished in 1874. The present pastor is Rev. H. W. 
P. Allen. There is a Sunday-school under the superinten- 
dency of Mr. Melville S. Wright. 

ST. LAWRENCE INTERNATIONAL CAMP-GROUND ASSO- 
CIATION. 

This association was organized in June, 1874, the first 
officers being as follows : Rev. S. Call, president ; Rev. A. 
D. Traveller, vice-president ; William Whitney, secretary ; 
John Morris, treasurer; Rev. G. C. McRichie, A. W. 
Furguson, William Coats, S. Manhard, H. C. King, W. 
H. Johnson, J. M. Woolley, D. H. Davis, C. D. Megs, 
Barney Whitney, James Miller, H. S. Tilden, trustees. 

The beautiful grove occupied by them is situated upon 
the main shore of the majestic St. Lawrence river, ten miles 
from Ogdensburg and Prescott, and one mile from Morris- 
town and Broekville. The ground contains twenty-three 
acres of land, and has been beautifully fitted up by the a.s- 
sociation with all of the conveniences required to make it a 
most delightful summer resort. A wharf has been built, 
at which the steamers make regular landings. The most 
complete water and railroad communications lead to this 
ground from every direction. The Utica and Black River 
railroad, which is already completed to within one mile of 
the ground, will, when the link is finished which connects 
Ogdensburg and Morristown, pass directly across these 
grounds. Many beautiful cottages have already been built, 
the aggregate value of which is not less than ten thousand 
dollars, and the constant demand for cottages to rent during 
the summer months shows how well the place is appreciated 
as a quiet, healthful, and inexpensive summer resort. 

Some of the features of the place are worthy of consider- 
ation by all the lovers of a good camp-meeting. 

First, the encampment is inclosed with a good picket- 
fence, six feet in height, by means of which the most 
perfect oi'der is maintained within the grounds. 

Second, the large pavilion tent, lighted with gas, capable 
of holding two thousand persons, provided with seats having 
backs, and a good organ, insures a full congregation, and is 
the most comfortable place upon the grounds in all weather. 

Third, the abundant supply of water and ice, with the 
agreeable shade, affords all that the most fastidious could 
reasonably expect. 

The present ofiicers of the association are Rev. W. L. 
Tisdale, president ; Rev. A. Braraley, vice-president ; Jo.'seph 
McLoud, secretary; James Miller, treasurer; J. iNI. Wool- 
ley, general superintendent; H. S. Tilden, H. ('. King, 
Rev. A. Bramley, James Miller, D. H. Davis, William H. 
Johnson, Rev. J. B. Hammond, James McLoud, Rev. S. 
Call, Rev. W. S. Tisdale, D. W. C. Douglass, Rev. J. P. 
Bradshaw, William Whitney, James Woolley, and William 
Coats, trustees. 



We are under obligations to the following gentlemen for 
information furnished : Messrs. David Giifin and Charles 
C. Fitch, of Brier Hill ; Dr. J. P. Morgan, Henry Hooker, 
Erastus White, and John Canfield, of Morristown village ; 
Mr. J. M. Woolley, of Ogdensburg, and many others. 



BIOGRAPH ICAL S KETCHES. 

HENRY HOOKER 

was born in New Meriden, New Haven Co., Conn., July 7, 
1799. He was the son of Mr. John Hooker, who was then 
engaged in the manufacturing business at that place. Of a 
family of five children he was the third. When at the age 
of five he removed with his f\itlier to Turin, Lewis Co., 
N. Y., where he resided until the fall of 1815, when, having 
purchased the hotel property owned by Arnold Smith in 
the town of Morristown (then the township of Hague), his 
father removed to that place and kept the hotel until it 
was burned in 1823. 

Mr. Hooker was married November 23, 1823, to Miss 
Melinda Canfield, the daughter of Mr. John Canfield, of 
Morristown. This union was blessed with five children, — 
three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Horace H. 
Hooker, died in Morristown village, July 10, 1869, and his 
second son, John L. Hooker, died Jan. 4, 1859 ; his youngest 
son, Alfred I. Hooker, was killed in the battle of Monocacy 
Bridge, July 9, 18G4. His eldest daughter, Mary R., was 
married to Mr. George A. Chapman, Dec. 23, 1845. His 
youngest daughter, Leonora, is unmarried and is living with 
her parents at Morristown. Jlr. Hooker, shortly after his mar- 
riage, located upon a farm near the village, where he resided 
until 1833, when he removed to the village, and engaged in 
the mercantile business as one of the firm of Miller, Hooker 
& Co. He continued in this business for severel years. 
Li 1836 he, in company with Mr. E. W. White, entered 
into a contract with Mr. George Parish (who at that time 
owned the blast furnace at Rossie) for transporting pig-iron 
to Osweo-o. Having also secured a contract with Messrs. 
Moss & Knight for transporting pig-lead from their fur- 
naces in Rossie to Oswego, they constructed a small steamer 
at Pope's Mills. During the following five years they con- 
veyed all of the iron and lead produced at these furnaces to 
Oswego by boat during the summer season, and by sleighs 
in the winter. 

In 1842, Mr. Hooker was elected to the office of justice 
of the peace, and continued to hold that office until January, 
1863. He was elected to the office of supervisor of the 
town of Morristown in 1860, and served in that capacity 
for six consecutive years. He was appointed to the posi- 
tion of deputy collector of customs in 1841, and held that 
position during Mr. Tyler's administration. He was again 
appointed under Mr. Lincoln's first administration, and has 
held the position until the present time, being the only cus- 
tom-house officer in the district who was appointed under 
Lincoln's administration. He has for the past thirty years 
acted as the agent uf Jlr. Horace O. Morse, of New Berlin, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., and his brother, Truman Morse, of 
West Burlington, Oswego Co., N. 1'., who were at one time 
extensive land-owners in this vicinity. 



37(i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



AUGUSTUS CHAPMAN 

WiVi born at ('harlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y'., in 1786. His 
tUtlier and inotlicr were of Enj^lish descent ; they were 
poor, and could not give hini tiic advantage of any but a 
ciiinnion district school education. He served his time as 
an apprentice to the black.sniitli trade, and then worked for 
some time as clerk in a small country store owned by his 
bnither. Having accumulated by strict economy a small 
amount of money, he started out in search of a larger field 
of operations. He went as far as Buffalo, most of the 
way on foot, stopping at the important places on the way. 
The city of Rochester comprised at that time a saw-mill, a 
grist-mill, a tavern, and tive or six dwellings. At Buffalo 
he was in negotiation for a farm of 140 acres, now in the 
heart of the city, hut owing to some small differences the 
trade fell through. He then returned to Trenton, N. Y., 
where he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, 
Elisha Backus, and ojiened a store at Leydon, Lewis Co., 
N. Y'., transporting their goods by wagons from Albany. 
This was about the year 1810. They afterwards removed 
their business to Trenton, N. Y., and continued it until 
1820, when it was closed out, and Mr. Chapman removed 
to Morristown, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y'^., locating on a small 
inlet on the St Lawrence river. He at once opened a gen- 
eral mercantile business, wholesaling largely in Canada, and 
receiving his goods from New York by way of Oswego. In 
the year 1823 he, in company with James Averill and 
Samuel Stocking, purchased the large land estate of Abra- 
ham Cooper, formerly owned by Gouverneur Morris, located 
in the township of Morristown, lying between the river 
St. Lawrence and Black lake, comprising about twenty-four 
thousand acres, and at the same time making a general 
partnership of his mercantile business. His business oper- 
ations now opened up a very large and extensive field, and 
with the inducements this new company were enabled to 
offer settlers the lands were rapidly taken up, which proved 
of great profit to the company. In the year 1835 the 
company gave up the mercantile branch of the business, 
which for several years subsequently the sons of Mr. Chap- 
man carried on. Previous to this the firm changed by the 
release of Mr. Stocking, the other two partners purchasing 
his interest in the lands. Subsequently Mr. Chapman, with 
Mr. Averill, became one-half stockholders in a bank in Cir- 
cleville, Ohio, which proved very profitable, and about the 
year 1833 sold out their interest there, and in the year 
1854 established the Oswogatchie bank in Ogdensburg, fur- 
nishing most of the capital. Mr. Chajmian was its first 
president, and continued in that office the remainder of his 
life. He was stockholder and director of the Ogdensburg 
bank for many years before the expiration of its charter, 
and was also stockholder and director of the Star insurance 
company of Ogdensburg, of the Ontario and St. Lawrence 
steamboat company, of tJie -O. C. and Rome railroad, and 
stockholder in the Susjiension Bridge company, near Lew- 
iston ; a stockholder in the Chicago and Mississippi railroad, 
and in the Lake Ontario bank at Oswego. Upon the or- 
ganization of the American express company, Mr. Chap- 
man, with his usual sagacity and forethought, invested in 
its stock, which has since proved a source of great profit to 



his estate. He purcha.scd stock in the Des Moines river 
improvement company, Iowa, and upon the settlement by 
the company received lands which are now jjmfitalily worked 
as coal-beds. 

Augustus Chapman was a man of sterling integrity, 
thorough in bu.sine.ss, of .sound judgment, and keen fore- 
sight, enterprising, and readily supported any prospect look- 
ing to the necessary improvements of the age or to the good of 
society. Lilieral in his views, ho was a ready supporter of 
church and school interests, and was a vestryman of the 
Protestant Episcopal church of Morristown from its organ- 
ization until his death. Ho was a man of correct habits, 
and in his .social life was very genial, and held in great es- 
teem by all who knew liim. He never took an active part 
in politics, but strictly adhered to what he conceived to be 
right; he was originally a Whig, but became a Republican 
upon the formation of that jiarty. 



JEREMIAH DAVIS. 

Among the representative men and successful farmers of 
this town none commenced life poorer, and by a steady but 
sure way have more to show for a life of toil, llian the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He is the son of Robert and Sarah 
Davis, and was born in Manheim, Herkimer Co., N. Y.. 
June 3, 1813. He is one of a family of eight children. 
His parents were poor, and not able to assist their children, 
hence they were compelled to make each for himself his 
own fortune. 

At the age of sixteen Jeremiah was given his time for 
the sum of sixty-five dollars, which he paid by working 
by the month. He has worked for as low wages as nine 
cents a day, also by the month, and by the year, and by 
the job. When he was eighteen years of age he com- 
menced to learn the carpenter and joiner trade, which he 
followed, in connection with farming, for some thirty-five 
years. He and his brother Adam purchased fifty-four acres 
in 1836 in the place of their birth. In February, 1838, his 
parents and family came to Morristown, and settled on the 
farm now owned by Adam Davis. This farm of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres was bought by Adam and Jeremiah in 
September, 1837, and their parents lived on it till their death, 
which occurred as fiUows: father died in October, 1872, 
aged ninety-two years and about nine months ; and mother 
died in January, 1871, aged eighty-eight years, five months, 
and five days. 

In November, 1843, the brothers, " Adam and Jeremiah," 
divided their interest. Jeremiah has added from time to 
time to his farm till at one time he owned more than six 
hundred and sixty-seven acres ; and to-day, after giving 
away to a girl he reared and selling, he has about five hun- 
dred and eight left. A fine double-page view of his home, 
farm, and portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in 
another part of this work. 

He married Mi.ss Clarinda Heller, of JIanheim, Herkimer 
county, March 12, 1837. She was born June 3, 1814. 
She was a faithful wife and good neighbor, and greatly re- 
spected by those who knew her best. She died Jan. 5, 
18(>2, and was buried in the cemetery at Brier Hill, where 
a fine monument marks her resting-place. 




t^Vu/[a/7/n< 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



377 



He married ajrain, July •5, 18G2, to Miss Elizabeth Tcn- 
nant, a native of Mendori, iMoritgomcry county. She was 
born Juno 5, 1842. 

In polities, Mr. Davis has been a life-long Democrat, 
and cast his first vote for A. Jack.son at liis re-election for 



president. He has never been an a.spirant for any office, 
and never would have them. In religion, he chori.shes the 
faith of the Universalist, although not a nienibcr of any 
church ; and his interest in schools and churches is proved 
by the fact that he is a very liberal supporter of the .same. 



r O W L E R. 



Tins is one of the five towns which form the south- 
western border of St. Lawrence County, against Jeff"erson 
and Lewis. Directly on the west it joins llossie, and on 
the northwest is Gouverneur. Its north and east boun- 
daries are respectively the towns of Ilcrmon and Edwards, 
and its southern and southeastern linos are formed by the 
town of Pitcairn. 

Its principal stream is the Oswegatchie river, which 
crosses the east line from Edwards, passes through the town 
in a general northwesterly course, by the village of Hailes- 
borough, and enters Gouverneur a short distance below that 
point. The south branch of the Oswegatchie flows into the 
town at its southeast corner, and thence in a northerly 
direction, turning the mill-wheels at Fullervillo, and after- 
wards returning into Edwards, where it joins the main river. 
Both those streams furnish immense water-power, only a 
fraction of which is made available. A number of small 
tributaries fall into them in Fowler, the principal ol' which- 
are the outlet streams of Chub and Sylvia lakes, the former 
in the northeast corner and the latter a little south of the 
centre of the town. Sawyer's creek and Shingle creek flow 
for a long distance through the western part of Fowler, and, 
joining their waters, empty into the river a short distance 
beyond the line, in Gouverneur. 

The surface is rough and hilly, broken by rocky ranges, 
which in many places are wild and precipitous. Between 
the ledges and along the valleys of the streams the soil, 
though stubborn, is productive. Originally, dense forests 
of evergreen and deciduous trees covered it everywhere. 
Fowler now embraces in its territory all of the survey- 
township of Killarney, in Great Tract No. 3, and also a 
small triangular portion of that of Portaferry, as mentioned 
in the account of the town of Pitcairn. In the division 
of the Great Tract, Killarney (or township No. 7) fell to 
the share of Robert Gilchrist and Theodosius Fowler.* On 



^- Theodosius Fowler, of the city of New York, was an officer in 
the American army of the Revolution. He was commi.^sioned en- 
sign about the 1st of March, 177C>, promoted to second lieutenant 
August 10, 177G, and to first. lieutenant Nov. 21 of the same year. 
Ho was commissioned captain in June, 1778, and assigned to duty in 
the 1st New York regiment. In 17S0 he was transferred to the 2d 
New Y'ork regiment, and in this he served through all the war. Ho 
took part in the battles of Long Island, Saratoga, White Plains, and 
Monmouth ; endured the hunger and cold of Valley Forge and Mor- 
rislown ; accompanied the e.\podition led by General Sullivan against 
tlic Indians, in 1779, and witnessed the closing scenes at Yorktown, 
in 1781. Front the commencement to the close of the war tiie lime 
of his absence from duty aggregated only seven weeks. 

48 



the 3d of August, 1810, the former conveyed his interest 
to Fowler, who, on the 15th of May, 1821, conveyed all to 
his son, Theodosius 0. Fowler, under whom the settlement 
of the town was chiefly promoted, though the commencement 
was made while Gilchrist and Fowler were still joint pro- 
prietors. 

The first purchaser with view to settlement was General 
James Haile, who came to explore in June, 1807, and made 
selection of a tract of one mile square, comprehending the 
present site of the village which bears his name. Here, 
during the same year, he commenced the erection of mills, 
and the prosecution of other improvements, but did not 
remove his family until eleven years later.f Elijah Sackett 
came in the spring of 1808, and settled near General Haile'a 
purchase. Among the earliest settlers were also Ebenezer 
Parker, Jolin Ryan, S. Cleveland, Lemuel Arnold, John 
Parker, Samuel B. Spraguo, Noah Holcomb, Oliver Wright, 
Alvin Wright, Simeon Hazleton, Benjamin Brown, Richard 
Merrill, Eben Cole, and Jedediah Kingsley. 

Theodosius 0. Fowler, son of the proprietor, came to 
Killarney in 1814. He was then a very young man, and 
it was understood that the entire township, excepting the 
few tracts already sold, was to be his, as a gift from his 
father; notwithstanding which, after a short residence here, 
he positively refused to make it his home unless his father, 
besides giving him the township, would also build for him 
a residence, which, at the same time, must be no mean or 
ordinary one. To this the elder Fowler consented, and about 
1816 commenced the erection of a mansion-house such as 
would meet his son's views. The site chosen was something 
more than a luile from the south line of township No. 7, 
upon the shore of a lovely sheet of water, which had been 
first and not inappropriately named Lake Killarney, but 
which the younger Fowler, upon his arrival here, had christ- 
ened Sylvia lake, in honor of his intended wife. Miss Sylvia 
De Pau, of New York. It still bears that name. It is a 
body of crystal clear water, nine hundred and sixty acres in 
extent, and has been sounded to a depth of one hundred 
and eighty feet. It is fed by springs within itself, having 
no inlet .stream of sufficient size to deserve the name. In 
its pure depths were great numbers of fi.sh of the most de- 
sirable kinds, largely including the spotted trout; and even 
at the present day these abound, though less numerous than 
at the time of which we write. With its natural beauty, 



t tJcneral llaile diud at llailesborough, De.-. 17, 1S21. 



378 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW yORK. 



and its ojiportunities for healthful pleasure, by boats, baths, 
and fishing, the sliore of Sylvia lake was an unrivaled site 
for an (^li'j;:int home. The Fuwler mansion was erected on 
the southwesterly side, upon a spot now embraced in the 
farm of John L. Parker. It was of very large size, built 
of stone quarried U])on the preniis<'S, and all smoothly dressed 
and jointed. It was completed in about three years, at a 
cost of si.\teen thousand dollars. The establishment was 
most com])lete in its appointments and surroundint^s, and 
was the .seat of a profuse and elegant hosjiitality for many 
years.* 

From the commencement in Killarney until the opening 
of the war the .settlements ineieased with considerable 
rajiidity. The first birth among the settlers was a child of 
Richard Jlcrrill, who.se clearing was about a mile south- 
westerly from the site of the present village of Fullerville. 
The first marriage was that of John Parker to Elizabeth 
S. Saekett, in 1812. Parker .settled on the south branch 
of Oswcgatchie, three-quarters of a mile below Fullerville, 
and was the fii-st inliabitant of that vicinity. The place 
where he located was on the Russell turnpike, near the 
point of its crossing the river. As there was a considerable 
amount of travel uj)on this highway, he opened his house 
as a tavern, and it was kept as such for a number of years, 
being probably the first public-house in the town. Mr. 
Parker lived to the ageof eiiihty-three years, and died Jlay 
26, ISGO. Mrs. Elizabeth Parker died March 22, ISOl, 
aged seventy-six years. The first person who died in Kil- 
larney was Elijah Saekett, at the Haile settlement, in 1812. 

During the war with England much alarm was felt in 
view of the possibility of Indian incursions, and not only 
were settlements checked, but several families who had al- 
ready commenced improvtmcnts abandoned them on this 
account, and left the town ; but notwithstanding this, there 
were enough at the close of the war to undertake and ac- 
comjilish a. separate township organization. 

ERECTION OF THE TOWN .SUCCEEDING OFFICERS. 

By an act of legislature, passed Ajiril 15, ISIO, was 
erected the town of Fowler, so named in honor of Captain 
Theodosius Fowler, the proprietor. It included the survey- 
town.ship No. 7 (Kilkenny), taken from Rossie, and No. 11 
(Portaferry), taken from Russell. By an act passed April 
10, 1818, survey-townships ■l(Fitzwilliam) and 8 (Edward.s) 
were taken from Russell and added to Fowkr ; and on the 
27th of April, 1827, these were detached and erected into 
the town of Kdwards, thus returning the town to its original 
area, which w;is further reduced and brought to its present 
limits by the formation of the town of Pitcairn, March 21), 
18:i«. 

The first town-meeting in Fowler was held at the house 
of Noah Ilolconib, and resulted in the election of the fol- 
lowing officers : Theodosius O. Fowler, supervisor ; Simeon 



» Mr. Fowler died in 1801. He had sold thia estate in 1838 to 
Tlioinus D. Ciirpeiiter, from whose heirs it was jiurcbascd by the 
pieaint owner, John L. Parker. The coinliustiblc portion of the 
mansion wa.f destroyed by fire about 18(2, but the walls being com- 
paratively uninjured, the dressed stones wore sold for removal to 
(jouverneur, where they now form the fronts of three large buildings 
upon the main street,— the Fuller House, tlie store of Killmer A iMorris, 
and au adjoining tture owned by t'barks Anthony, Esq. 



Hazleton, town clerk ; Noah Holcomb, Eben Cole, Benjamin 
Brown, a.sscssors ; John Parker, Noah Holcomb, commis- 
sioners of highways ; Simeon H;i/.lcton, Samuel H. S])raguo, 
overseers of highways; Noah Holcomb, Benjamin Brown, 
overseers of the poor ; Alvin Wright, constable and collector. 
Following is a list of persons who held the office of 
supervisor of the town of Fowler, and the dates of their 
election: Theodosius 0. Fowler, 1817; Benjamin Brown 
(to fill vacancy), 1818 ; Eben Cole, 1818 to 1821, inclusive ; 
Justus Pickit, 1825 to 182i», 1831-32, 1837-38; Stillman 
Fuller, 1830, 1833-34; William Hurlburt, 1835-36; 
Henry H. Haile, 1839-10-41 ; Asa L. Hazleton, 1842-43 ; 
Alfred Burt, 1844-15; Heman Fuller, 1846-47 ; Addi.-on 
Giles, 1848-49, 1855-56-57-58; Thomas J. Hazleton, 
1850-51, 1853-54, 1859,1865; Emory W. Abbott, 1852 
and 1860 to 1864, inclusive ; Daniel Peck, 1866 to 1875, 
inclusive; Abner H. Johnson, 1876-77. The other officers 
of the town for 1877 are G. W. Kelley, town clerk ; Thomas 
J. Hazleton, F. H. Davidson, E. A. Carpenter, S. M. 
Farmer, justices ; Albert E. Smith, Chester 0. Carpenter, 
Royal Hull, assessors; Charles E. Carpenter, collector; 
S. H. Austin, commissioner of highways ; Andrew Wright, 
D. B. Woodcock, overseers of the poor ; G. G. Johnson, Ira 
A, Coats, D, W. Fuller, board of audit. 

HAILESBOROUGH. 

This little village lies near the northwest line of the 
town, on the Oswcgatchie, three miles by the course of 
that stream, above Gouvernour. Its site was embraced in 
the 640-acre tract bought by dan. Haile in 1807, as above 
mentioned. By the terms of his purchase he was obliged 
to erect mills within one year, so that the abundant water- 
power at this point might be utilized for the benefit of 
settlers and the promotion of immigration to the town.ship 
of Killarney. He accordingly commenced operations at 
once, and with so much energy that a saw-mill was com- 
pleted and ready for work by the clo.se of the year; and in 
the following season a grist-mill was put in operation, with 
one run of stones, which were quarried from the Parker 
ledge in Antwerp. The millwright employed on both was 
a Captain Ward. The erection of the.se mills was the com- 
mencement not only of Hailesborough but of the town of 
Fowler. They were on the left bank of the river, below 
the bridge, where now stand their succes.sors, the grist- and 
saw-mills of Clark & Howard. The old saw-mill, having 
been repaired at various times, stood until 1873, when it 
was rebuilt by the present owners. The grist-mill was 
carried away by flood in 1809, and rebuilt in 1810 by 
Timothy Campbell, millwright, for Gen. Haile. In 1810 a 
second pair of stones was added, and the mill thus equijiped 
filled all requirements until 1844, when the present mill 
was built by H. H. Haile, a son of the general. It was 
started with three run of burrs, to which a fourth has since 
been added, and it is now a mill of ample capacity and un- 
failing power. 

In 1S25 works were erected here by Jasper Clark for 
the sawing and working of a veined limestone, resembling 
marble, which is found in the vicinity. The bu.siness was 
continued by him and his .successor, Addison Giles, for <i 
number of years, and then abandoned; probabl)' on account 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



379 



of the coarse y;rain and poor iiiialit}- of the stone. About 
the same time a eardinj;- and I'ulling-mill was put in opera- 
tion by Raymond Austin. After liim it was owned and 
carried on by Addison Giles, and later by James and Edwin 
Mcintosh, who, about 18G.^, transformed it into a manu- 
factory of woolen cloths. An interest with them was pur- 
chased by J. H. Abbott, and they afterwards sold the re- 
mainder to E. W. Abbott, Esq. This factory, now owned 
and operated by J. H. Abbott & Co., emploj'.s about twenty 
hands, and produces annually about 30,000 yards of cloth, 
chiefly cassimeres. 

About 1850, Jesse Banister commenced the business of 
chair- and cabinet-making. His establisliment was after- 
wards owned by Seymour Sweet, who u.sed it as a cooper- 
shop. It wa.s then owned by E. W. Abbott, Esq., then 
used by Cyrus B irnes as a manufactory of axe-helves. 
From him it passed to Carpenter & Tupper, who used it as 
a wood-working shop until it was destroyed by fire about 
1871, after which it was rebuilt by J. H. Carpenter, the 
pre.sent owner, by whom it is carried on as a planing-raill, 
dour and sash manufactory, etc. 

JMcrchandising was commenced in Hailesborough about 
1825 by William Hurlbut. He was succeeded by Justus 
I'iikit, who continued in it until his death in 1842; since 
which time the store (the only one ever opened in the vil- 
lage) has been kept at different times by Horace Barnes, 
John R. Stewart, Farmer & Stewart, Theodore Clark, iVIat- 
thias Fithian, S. D. Rich, and J. T. McCombs. 

The hotel was opened about 1835 by William Hurlbut, 
Esq., who remodeled and enlarged his dwel'ing for the pur- 
pose. It has since been kept by George P. Holmes, Apol- 
los Leggett, and S. D. Rich, the present proprietor. 

The Hailesborough post-office was established in 1858, 
with S. M. Farmer as first postmaster. His successors in 
the office have been S. D. Rich, George D. Morrison, and 
James T. McCombs, the present incumbent. 

Besides the establishments above named, the village con- 
tains a shoe manufactory, established about 1865 by Ira A. 
Coats, and now employing five hands ; an upper-leather 
tannery, started about the same time by Morse & Carpen- 
ter, a wagon-shop, three blacksmith-shops, a union church, 
an excellent school-house, about 60 dwellings, and 200 in- 
habitants. The hotel and several of the residences are sup- 
jilied with water from the river by means of a hydraulic 
ram. At and near Hailesborough the river makes a fall of 
8-t feet in five-eighths of a mile, tlius affording a very large 
water-power, even in times of severest drought. 

The bird's-eye view of Haile.sborough, which is presented 
to our readers in connection with the history.of the village, 
is the contribution to our work by the following-named 
public-spirited citizens of the village: S. D. Rich, proprie- 
tor of the hotel since 1871. Charles 1*. Holmes, inventor 
and manufacturer of the Eureka churn, patented March 1, 
1870 ; p. o. Gouverneur. G. D. Moni.son, manufacturer 
of light carriages and wagons; established in 1867. W. 
0. Garrison, blacksmith- and repairing-shop ; establi.shed 
1860. Clark & Howard, merchant and custom millers; 
established in 1868; capacity of mill, 100 barrels per day. 
James T. McCombs, general merchant, established in 1870. 
George W. Carjtenter, pnrprietor of tanneiy ; capacity from 



12,000 to 15,000 "deacons," and about the .same of upper- 
leather per annum. Fred. H. Haile, farmer, living on old 
homestead of his father, Henry Haile, dealer in and grower 
of hops ; p. 0. Gouverneur. J. II. Carpenter, planing-mill, 
sash, doors, and blinds, and general builder and architect. 
J. J. Carpenter, a pioneer farmer, settled in the town in 
1822, and now has a fine dairy-farm, stocked with 30 to 
40 cows, — a leading dairyman of the town. 

LITTLE YORK. 

This little settlement can luirdly claim the dignity of a 
village, but is perhaps entitled to separate mention as having 
been, almost from its earliest days, the seat of the Fowler 
post-office, and the point where town-meetings have most 
frequently been held. The first settler in its vicinity was 
Samuel B. Sprague, who came from Gouverneur in 1811, 
and located on the hill, a short distance to the northwest. 
A little later, during the War of 1812, several families 
came and formed a settlement, to which they gave its pres- 
ent name in honor of the then recent capture of the town 
of Little Y'^ork (now Toronto), in Canada. The place has 
never possessed the advantage of manufacturing industry. 
Soon after the settlement, a small store was opened by Wm. 
Lawrence, who had come from New York to take charge 
of the erection of the Fowler mansion. This stood a little 
north of the present store of G. W. Kelley, which was also 
built by Lawrence at a later date. He was succeeded by 
Martin Mitchell, after whom came Justus Pickit, after 
whose death the store was kept for many years by E. W. 
Abbott, who sold to the present owner. Not far from the 
time when the business was commenced by Lawrence, 
another store was opened by Aaron Rowley, which was 
afterwards kept in turn by Simeon Hazletou and by several 
of his sons, but is not now in existence as a store. The 
public-house at Little Y'ork was built and opened by Jason 
Wright, and since his time has been kept by Simeon Hazle- 
tou, Thomas J. Hazleton, James H. Hazleton, William 
Swem, Daniel Peck, and James H. Austin. This house 
has usually been the place designated for the holding of 
the annual meetings and general elections in Fowler. 

The post-office of Fowler was established Nov. 19, 1821, 
with Theodosius 0. Fowler as postmaster. This was lo- 
cated at Little York, and was for .some years the only office 
within the limits of the town. The postmasters succeeding 
Mr. Fowler have been Justus Pickit, Jabez Glazier (ap- 
pointed in 1842, at the death of Mr. Pickit), Emory W. 
Abbott, Thomas J. Hazleton, and the pre.sent incumbent, 
George W. Kelley. 

A bed of iron ore, of the kind known as red hematite, 
was discovered at Little Y'ork, upon land of Justus Pickit, 
and was opened in 1833 by the proprietors of the Fuller- 
ville iron-works, who used the ore in their furnace, paying 
a royalty to the land-owner for what was taken. David 
Reamer, of Lewisburg, purchased four acres from Mr. Pickit 
for mining purposes, and took out considerable quantities 
of the ore, which from the first has proved of excellent 
quality. It has been used more extensively at FuUerville 
than elsewhere, but was formerly al.so used at the Frce- 
mansburg, Lewisburg, and otiier furnaces. 



!8() 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



FIILLERVILLE. 

This villa<;c is on the soiilli bnwicli of the Oswcgatchie, 
three miles southeast from Little York, on the road to Har- 
risville. It contains the Fullcrville iron-works, the saw- 
mill, tjrist-mill, and shingle-mill of Belmat & Brayton, a 
store, hotel, ehnreh, sehool-liouse, post-office, and about one 
liundred and fifty inhabitants. 

Tlie first improvement liere was the erection of a saw-mill 
upon tlic we.'-t bank oi' the river by John Parker, in 1813. It 
was burned in 1 822 and rebuilt in the following year, This 
stood ahme, the only structure at the falls, until the coming 
of the Fuller brothers, Vcrmontcrs, by whom the village 
was founded and for whom it was named. They were four 
in number, Sheldon, Stillman, Heman, and Ashbell, and 
their firm-name was S. Fuller & Co., though Heman was 
really their leader and head. They had been employed for 
some years at the llossie iron-works, and so brought with 
them a considerable experience in that manufacture. They 
at once commenced on the west side of the river the erec- 
tion of a blast-furnace, which was completed in August, 
1833, and put in blast on ore from the bed at Little York. 
Ores from the Kearney and Thompson mines were after- 
wards used, as well as bog-ore from Edwards and the mag- 
netic ores of Jayville and Cliflx)n. The firm not long after 
admitted a Mr. Maddock.and its name then became Fullers 
tt IMaddock; but this change did not bring prosperity, and 
Maddock retired ; after which the firm was H. Fuller & 
Co. until October, 1837, when the furnace completed its 
lust blast, having produced about 35I)U tons of iron. 

On the cast side of the river a grist-mill had been erected 
by the Fullers, and this, with a tract of 15 acres adjoin- 
ing, was sold by them in the year 1838 to Rockwell, 
Bullard & Co.,* who, two years later, completed a forge for 
the manufacture of blooms from the ore. This was oper- 
ated by them for some three years, and later at intervals by 
other parties, but always with indifferent success, until 
about 1850, when its fires were finally extinguished. A 
similar establishment was built by the Fullers adjoining 
their furnace, and was opented by thorn for some time with 
similar lack of success. Under favorable circumstances it 
was capable of producing four tons of iron per week. 

In 184(i the firm of Fund's & I'eck, composed of Sliel- 
dun Fuller, Lcman Fuller, and Daniel Peck, rebuilt the 
old Fuller furnace, using the hot instead of the cold blast, 
by which change the product of iron fioni the ore was in- 
creased and the coiisumpition of coal diminished. This firm 
coniiiHiid to operate the works until the spring of 1861, 
when tliey closed, and the furnace was cold for about ten 
years, and was then repaired and jiut in operation by 
Daniel Sterling. This time the business was continued for 
less than two years, and again the works were silent. In 
1875 the property was purcliased by Bixby, Clark & Co., 
who put in a new tuyere, made other necessary repairs, 
and commenced operations, which still continue with ap- 
parent success. The present proprietor is Geo. 11. Clark. 

The first store in Fullcrville was opened by S. Fuller & 
Co. as an adjunct to their works. The next was opened by 



« Edwin HockwcII, Luther Bullard, Chcflcr H. Bcninn. nnd Oliver 
Centon. 



Rockwell, Bullard & Co., on the east side of the river, in 
1839 or 1840. The third, which completes the list, was 
opened about lS(i5 by F. H. Davidson, the present pro- 
prietor. 

The first ]iublie-house in the village was opened by Chas. 
G. Edgerton, on the cast side of the river, soon after the 
building of the first furnace. This has been clcsed for 
many years. A second was opened on the west side, in 
about 18311, by James R. Bignall, and was kept alter him 
by Livingston and others until finally closed. The pres- 
ent hotel, known as the Franklin House, was opened about 
1850 by Truelove Brewster, who then carried on a wagon- 
shop in the same building. Among his successors in the 

business have been Carpenter, Samuel Clark, and 

others. 

The post-office of Fullcrville was established in 1832, 
with Ileman Fuller as first postmaster. He was suc- 
ceeded by Charles G. Edgerton, who was followed by 
Daniel Peck. Upon Mr. Peck's resignation, in 18G1, Mr. 
Edgerton was again appointed. The first name of the 
office, Fullcrville, was, on the 6th of April, 1848, changed 
to that of FuUorville iron-works, as at present. This was 
done on account of frequent mistakes wliich arose through 
the similarity of the name to that of Fowlerville in Livings- 
ton county. Charles G. Edgerton still holds the office of 
postmaster. 

The four brothers who founded the village have all 
passed away, and Fullcrville has now less of prosperity 
and importance than in the days of their life and activity. 

OTHER LOCALITIES AND MILLS. 

There arc no villages in Fowler besides the three already 
mentioned. West Fowler is an agricultural neighborhood, 
of which the centre is at an intersection of roads, about 
three miles wc-^t of Little York, where a ]iost-officc was 
established, Jan. 15, 1850, with Thomas Mitchell as post- 
master, but was discontinued a few years later. A church 
was also erected there, as will be fuund noticed elsewhere. 

About two miles northeast of Ilailesborough, where the 
llcrmon road ero.sscs the east arm of the river, is a cluster 
of about ten dwellings, a saw-mill, shingle-mill, butter-tub 
and cheese- box manufactory, and a blac'.<sniilh-shop, which 
group has been called Homer's Mills, from William Homer, 
who owns and operates thtm. The neighborhood has no 
other imj'ortance. 

In the town, outside the villages, there are no mills or 
manufactories, with the exception of saw-mills, of which 
there are and have been a considerable number. The " Wil- 
lard mill" is lyeated near the town line of Herinon, on the 
outlet stream of Cliub lake. It was built by Thaddeus H. 
Willard, and is still in use, owned by William McKane. 
An old mill, called the Baxter mill, upon the river, north- 
east of Little York, was built by Hiram Baxter; afterwards 
owned by Leonard Powers, and still later by J. E IIol- 
comb. Upon the same dam was also a grist-mill, with two 
run of stones, and good in its day. Both these old build- 
ings remain, but are in disuse. Above these, u]ion the 
river, near the Edwards line, was the Holcomb mill, built 
by Obadiah Jenkins, no longer in existence. On the out- 
let stream of Sylvia lake, just above Little York, was a saw- 



HISTORY or ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



381 



mill, erected by Simeon Hazleton as early as 1820, and 
never passed into other liands. It was abandoned many 
years ago. On Sawyer's creek, above We.^t Fowler, a mill 
was built in early time by John Frazier. Tills has been 
remodeled into an excellent circular-mill, and is operated by 
David Myers. On the same creek, at West Fowler, is a 
circular-mill, built a few years ago by Frederick Gordon, 
and now known as the George Draper mill. Towards the 
head of Sawyer's creek, and not far below the Pitcairn line, 
is a circular-mill, now owned and run by Kdwin Davis, re- 
modeled from the old " Glazier mill," which stood on the 
same site. A short distance above this, on the same stream, 
is a mill built since 1870 by Erastus Knowlton ; and still \ 
above, on the Pitcairn road, is another, a circnlar-niill, built 
about the same time by John L. Piukor, and now owned 
by E. H. Kellogg. On the river, just above Fnllorville, is 
the circular-mill, cheese-box factory, and shingle-mill of 
C. H. Sprague. On the eastern channel of the Oswe- 
gatehie, above Hailesborough, were the Bclmat and Stypes 
mills, both of which were destroyed by fire and not rebuilt, i 
On the main river, a mile above Hailesborough, is a saw- 
mill, which was built in 1852 by Charles Anthony and C. 
P. Egert, and by them sold, in 1854, to Theodore Clark, 
of Potsdam. It is now operated by A. W. Brown. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

We have no authentic account of the first school or 
teacher in Fowler, though it is certain that the first teach- 
ing was in the vicinity of Haile's mills. At the first town- 
meeting Eben Cole, Alvin Wright, and Simeon Hazleton 
were elected commissioners, and Theodosins O. Fowler, 
Jedediah Kingsley, and Richard Merrill inspectors of com- 
mon schools, but no money was voted for their support, and 
there is no record of any raised the following year; but in 
181 'J it was "voted that we raise three times the amount 
received from the State for schools." From that time until 
the present the schools and school system of Fowler have 
been creditable. The town now embraces IG school dis- 
tricts, 14 entire, and 2 joint with Antwerp and Diana ; and 
there are 15 school-houses, one joint district having its 
house in Antwerp. District No. 4 (Hailesborough) has 
ju.st completed an excellent building at a cost of about 
$2000. In this is taught a school, with a primary and a 
higher department. For the year ending Sept. 30, 1877, 
the amount of public school money apportioned to Fowler 
was 81591.27; the atoount raised by tax was $2932.08, 
and from other sources $203.75. The amount paid for 
teachers' wages was S233S.01, and for school-hou.ses and 
repairs §2159.70, this including $1595.21 for tiie new 
house in district 4, and $467 for district 12. The total 
valuation of school-houses and sites is $5845. Districts 4 
and 12 have employed each 1 male teacher, the others all 
females. The wages paid teachers in the town vary from 
$3 to $9.50 per week in winter, the average being $5.72 ; 
and from $3 to $8.33 in summer, averaging $4.69. The 
total number of children of school age is 584 (being a de- 
crease of 27 since 1872), and the average daily attendance 
is 272.74. The time taught in the year is uniformly 28 
weeks. All the districts apply their apportionment of 
library money to the payment of teachers' wages. 



The Fowler library was incorporated April 12, 1831, 
with Simeon Hazleton, Justus Pickit, George Draper, 
Charles C. Edgerton, Gaylord Graves, T. 0. Fowler, and 
Reuben Wright trustees. Its practical existence ceased 

years ago. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The earliest religious organizations in Fowler appear to 
have been by the regular Baptists and the Methodists, not- 
withstanding which we find the singular fact that both these 
have died out, and given place, so far as this town is con- 
cerned, to other denominations which came later into the 
field. 

The priority seems to have been with the Baptists, whose 
first organization in Fowler was made Jan. 30, 1822, under 
Elder Jonathan Paine, the original members being 13 in 
number, viz., Benjamin Brown and wife, Ephraim Gates 
and wife, Josiah T. Lawton and wife, Asa Wade and wife, 
Noah Barrell and wife, James Barnes, Martha Rowley, and 
Hannah Johnson. Elder Noah Barrell became their pastor 
in December, 1822. The duration of his pa.storate is not 
known. Elder Wm. Gorrey came in 1828, and remained 
three years. Next came Elder Gurnsey, and in June, 1833, 
he was succeeded by Elder M. Wilkie. In 1835 they built 
a house of worship at Fullerville, at a cost of about $1200, 
mainly through the influence and assistance of the Fuller 
brothers, who were all Baptists. Prior to this they had 
worshiped in the school-houses. In May, 1836, Elder 
Brand became their minister, and served them for two 
years. Elder John Peck then preached to them for two 
years from the fall of 1838. Then for five years they ap- 
pear to have had no regular preacher, but Elder David 
Deland came in 1843, and remained for about one year. 
The three lust named resided at Fullerville. Afterwards 
Elder Deland preached to them again for a season, and in 
1851 Elder Nichols was employed to preach part of the 
time. The church was now in its decline, and from 1855 
to 1870 continued in a very low state. In 1876 but seven 
members remained, and worship was discontinued. Their 
last minister was Rev. -H. C. Dike. 

The Baptist society of Antwerp and Fowler was incor- 
porated Dec. 31, 1825, with Moses Burge, James N. 
Graves, and Peter Sigourney trustees. They built a church 
in Antwerp at Steele's Corners, but this is not now in ex- 
istence, and such of the members as are living worship with 
other churches, many having joined with the Free Baptists 
at Sprague's Corners. 

The Methodists held worship here at a very early day, 
but we have no account of their organization or earliest 
preachers. They had a strong society in Fullerville and 
.vicinity before 1837, at which time Rev. N. R. Peck was 
their pastor. About 1845 they purchased the unfinished 
church of the Presbyterians, and completed it as their place 
of worship. They also owned a parsonage in Fullerville. 
Their organization was kept up, and stated worship was 
held, until about 1865. The church edifice is still standing 
in Fullerville, but used for other than sacred purposes. 

The Presbyterian experience in Fowler has been similar 
to that of the Baptist and Methodist churches. An organi- 
zation was formed at F'ullervillo with about fifteen members 
soon after 1830, and preaching was had by Rev. Mr. 



382 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Batchelor and others for sonic years, duriiit; which time 
they conimeuced a liouse of worship in Fuilcrville, which, 
however, was never completed by them, but sold to the 
Mt'thodists as above iiieiitiniKMl. 

A most prominent ami influential mcnibor of this church 
was Mr. Luther Bullard, as in the Methodist was Charles 
G. Edgerton, and in the Baptist the brothers Fuller, all 
these being citizens of Fullorvillo, and identified closely 
with its interests. And it is noticeable that, as these 
churches prospered with the fortunes of the village, so also 
they languished and dccaj'ed with it. 

The Universalist appears to have always been the strong- 
est of the churches in Fowler, and is to-day the only one 
which supports a resident pastor. The first Universalist 
society in the towns of Gouvcrneur and Fowler was or- 
ganized January 20, 1832; Simeon Hazleton and twenty- 
five others being the original subscribers to the constitution. 
In June, 1833, their number had reached 72. One of 
their earliest preachers was Elder Langworthy. The Little 
York Universali.st society was formed March 22, 1841, 
Jabez Glazier, Leman Fuller, Simeon Hazleton, Albert A. 
Vedder, and John P. Ryan being the first trustees. A 
church edifice was built at Little I'^ork, at a cost of $1200, 
furnished chiefly, if not entirely, by Simeon Hazleton. This 
is still their place of worship. 

" The First Universalist society of Gouvcrneur and 
Hailesborough" was formed January 27, 1849, Addison 
Giles heading the list of trustees. The original members 
numbered 18. In 1851, Rev. C. Dodge was their pastor, 
preaching every fourth Sabbath in the school-house at 
Hailesborough. The union church edifice at Hailesborough 
was erected in 1800, on land donated by H. H. Haile, and 
on January 3, 18G1, a meeting was held for the sale of 
pews. The record gives a list of 15 pews sold at that time, 
aggregating $905. On the same day " The Universalist 
Union society of Hailesborough" was organized " in the new 
meeting-house," with Francis Farmer, "Wm. T. Burt, and 
Daniel G. Sartwell, trustees. The present pastor is Rev. 
Donald Fraser, of Hailesborough, who gives a portion of 
his time to the congregation at Little York. llev. J. S. 
Lee, of Canton, also preaches occasionally at Little York. 

TFIE WEST FOWr.KIl FaEE-WU-L B.4PTIST CHURCH 

was organized in 1820, by Elders Dodge and Waite. Their 
first pastor was llev. Amasa Chandler. A church edifice 
was built in 1852, at a cost of about $1300. The last 
]iastor of this society at West Fowler was Rev. B. F. Jef- 
ferson. The members now worship with the class at Little 
York or Fullerville, where the denomination holds services 
with considerable regularity ; at the former place in the 
school-house, and at Fullerville in the church formerly 
used by the regular Baptists. The preaching at both these 

places has been held by Rev. Ball until recently, but at 

present they have no pastor. Methodist Protestant wor- 
ship is held both at Fullerville and Little York, under 
charge of Rev. R. K. Andrews, of Antwerp. 

rL.\('ES OF INTERMENT. 

The oldest burial-place in Fowler is that at Hailes- 
borough ; the initial interment in it having been that of 



Illlijah Sackett, in 1812. In a small cemetery on "the 
island ' at Hailesborough were interred several members of 
the Willard family and others, who died of a singularly 
fatal fever which prevailed among the settlers of the 
vicinity nuuiy years ago. Another ground is at Fullerville, 
and another in the extreme west part of the town, on the 
road from Little York to Steele's Corners. The ground at 
Little York, adjoining the Universalist church, was taken 
from the farm of Simeon Hazleton. The " Gulf Burial- 
Ground" is upon the road midway between Little York and 
Fullerville. This is an old ground, and contains the a.shes 
of nuiny of the early settlers. 

AGRICULTUR.\L. 

The husbandry of Fowler is much the same as that of 
the adjoining towns. The production of cereals is not ex- 
tensive, and that of fruit is still less. The lands are well 
adapted to grazing, and hence attention is principally turned 
to dairying and the manufacture of butter and cheese, — 
the latter of which preponderates. There are at present 
three cheese-factories in Fowler, namely : the Hailesborough 
factory, by B. F. Cofiin ; the West Fowler factory, by A. 
E. Goodenough & Co. ; and the Little York cheese-factory, 
operated by a company composed of George W. Kelley and 
others. These establishments manufacture the milk of 
about two thousand cows, and have capacity beyond this. 
Butter is made to a considerable extent, but mostly for home 
use, and the farmer's chief revenue is from cheese. There 
is no grange of the patrons of husbandry in the town. 

POPULATION. 

The population of Fowler in 1820 — four ycius after its 
erection — was 605. In 1825 it had increased to 1671, — 
a renuirkablc increase, the ratio of which has not since been 
sustained. In 1830 the number was 1447 (Edwards off). 
In 1835 it was 1571. In 1840 (Pitcairn ofl), 1752; in 
1845,1840; in 1850, 1813; in 1855, 1020; in 1860, 
1808; in 1805, 1748; in 1870, 1785; and in 1875, 1033. 

To the following persons, who have kindly assisted us in 
the work, we would render our thanks : Hon. F]. W. Abbott, 
Daniel Peck, Esq., and Col. J. M. Spencer, of Gouvcrneur ; 
and Rev. Donald Fraser, T. J. Hazleton, Esq., S. D. Rich 
and George W. KcUcy, of Fowler. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



BENJAiMIN CROSS. 

One of the choice dairy farms of St. Lawrence County, 
noted for its productions of butter and cheese, is that of 
Benjamin Cross, in the town of Fowler, a view of which 
farm and its comfortable buildings can be seen on another 
page of this work. The nnuster of this farm was the second 
son of Abel Cross, Jr., and grandson of Abel Cross, Sen., 
the latter being a native of Vermont, where he was born 



I 



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o 
en 
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to 
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5 
* 




i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



;{83 



in 17G7. He was a fiiimer by occupation, and married 
Desire Palmer, a daugliter of Samuel Palmer, of Benning- 
ton, in the same State. To them were born six .sons and 
four daughters, Abel, Jr., being the fourth son, and born 
at Shaftesbury, Vt., in the year 1798. He married Polly, 
a daughter of Jonathan Cooley, a native of Rhode Island. 
jMrs. Cross was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1801. 
To them were born six children, viz. : Stephen, Susan, Ben- 
jamin, Selinda, Sarah, and Maria, the first three named only 
.surviving at the present date. Benjamin Cross was born in 
the town of Fowler, Feb. 13, 1824, and resided with his 



parents on the farm until he arrived at his majority, re- 
ceiving meanwhile a fair common-school education. 

In the year 1848 he was united in marriage to Mary 
Jane, daughter of Sinith Cleveland, a native of Vermont, 
who died July 6, 1877. Mrs. Cross's mother died in 1872, 
aged sixty-six years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cross two children have been born, 
Sarah Maria and Amelia Jane; the latter now Mrs. Eugene 
Goodenough. Miss Sarah resides at home with her parents. 

The farm of Mr. Cro.ss contains one hundred acres, and 
is located half a mile from the village of Hailsborough. 



HAMMOND. 



k 



Hammond was formed from Rossie and Morristown 
March 30, 1827, to take effect on the 1st day of May fol- 
lowing. Its line on the side of Morristown was changed 
May 2, 1837 ; a corner south of Black lake was, on the 
11th day of April, 1842, attached to Macomb; and the 
line bordering Rossie, which at first ran parallel with the 
original line of Somerville, one and a half miles southeast 
of it, was, on the 7th of February, 1844, changed to its 
present course from the corner of the old township to the 
head of 3lile bay. It lies upon the St. Lawrence, in the 
angle formed by that river and the southwest boundary 
line of the county, and contains 35,815 acres. The surface 
is generally level, but broken upon the north and south 
borders by low ridges of gneiss and white limestone. A 
level terrace of .sandstone, forming a continuous and regular 
mural wall, extends from the north shore of Black lake 
through the centre of the town into Jefferson county. The 
soil is very productive, and there is but little wild or un- 
cultivated land. The town contains fourteen school dis- 
tricts, which employ fourteen teachers. The value of school- 
houses and sites is about four thousand dollars. 

The town derives its name from Abijah Hammond, of 
New York, who owned the township previous to the pur- 
chase of David Parish. He was a brother-in-law of David 
A. Ogden, and a merchant and speculator of New York, 
and at one time had, in conjunction with others, a scheme 
for purchasing the vacant lands then existing above the 
settled parts of New York, but which now lie in the 
heart of the city. In the Revolutionary War he held 
a commission as captain of artillery. He never visited his 
northern purchases, and took no further interest in them 
than as a subject for speculation. David Parish purchased 
of Hammond and wife 23,871 acres Septcmbsr 12, 1814. 
Slight beginnings had been made previously, but no titles of 
land passed to actual settlers until July, 1818, when Wil- 
liam Wiley took the first contract. Loren Bailey came 
into the town as an agent on the 31st of July, 1818, and it 
then began to be settled rapidly. Jlr. Bailey was after- 
wards succeeded as agent by Mr. David W. Baldwin, who 
coi. tinned to hold the position until the office was removed 



to the town of Rossie. The first actual resident in the 
town is said to have been one William ^McNeill, from Ver- 
mont, who had been in town several years previous to 1812. 
He attempted no clearing, lived a hermit's life, subsisted 
by hunting and fishing, his home being in a niche in the 
rocks at Chippewa Bay. The first clearing was commenced 
in the summer of 1812 by William Wiley, from Vermont, 
at the present village of Hammond. A Mr. Barker, from 
Rossie, moved in during the following year and settled a 
mile south of Hammond, where he erected and opened a 
tavern. At this time the Ogdensburg turnpike was laid 
through the town. In the summer of 1814 an attempt 
was made by a party of fifty or sixty Canadians, under 
Duncan Fraser, to abduct one or two refugees who had 
taken up their abode in town, and had rendered themselves 
obnoxious to their former Canadian neighbors by repeated 
depredations, committed in revenge for real or supposed 
injuries. The party landed very early in the morning at 
Chippewa Bay, and proceeded in quest of their object, but 
missed their path, which delayed their arrival until sun- 
rise at the inn of Mr. Barker,* where the principal object of 
their search was sleeping. Alarmed by the family, this 
person fled, half dre.ssed, to the woods, narrowly escaping 
the shower of balls aimed at him. The house was ran- 
sacked in vain for papers, and the party returned home dis- 
appointed in their pursuit. The greater part of the town 
of Hammond, west of the village and in the direction of 
Chippewa Bay, was settled by Scotch emigrants in 1818, 
1S19, and 1821. These families came over singly and 
without any particidar destination, and, meeting the agents 
of Mr. Parish, were induced to locate upon this tract. 
Most of them erected substantial stone buildings, many of 
which are still standing. The following persons located in 
1818: John and David Gregor, John Baird, Peter Allen, 
John Hill, and James Hill, of whom all but the latter two 
were married. A Mr. Cowan, one of the number, was killed 
iu the following winter by the fall of a tree, and Mr. Parish, 



* The building is still standing, nnd is located opposite the Urge 
stone tavern, about one mile from Ilamiuond village. 



384 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



with characteristic liberality, p:ii<l the expenses of his 
widow's return to Scotliind. In 18U), Tlmnias Ciiswoll, 
Williiim Nickol, James Rollers, Robert Morris, Robert and 
Andrew Shielils, John Mercer, Tiiomas Uodds, and William 
Burke, an Ent;lisliman, came into the settlement ; and in 
1821, John Brown. Several of the latter wore single men, 
and none of them past the middle of life, and the evidences 
of prosperity which meet the eye of the traveler suffi- 
ciently prove that they have successfully encountered the 
hard.ships of a new settlement. A few yeais later others 
were induced to emigrate through the representations of 
those already located. 

To those of the first and .second year who required it, 
Mr. Parish extended a similar credit with that of his set- 
tlers in the town of Rossie, and thus the town early ex- 
perienced a healthy growth and activity from the frugal 
class of people who, by their industry and perseverance, 
have amassed considerable wealth, and have proportionately 
enriched the town. 

The first saw-mill was erected by Asa Stone, upon a 
branch of Chippewa creek. 

The first school in the town was taught in the Scotch 
settlement, during the winter of 1819 and 18:iU, by Dr. 
James Scott, of Lisbon. Mr. Bailey, the agent, settled at 
Chippewa Bay, three and a half miles from the village of 
Hammond. Abram Cooper soon after commenced im- 
provements at this place. A steam saw-mill was erected 
here in 1844, by James E. Lyon. 

A substantial dock was erected at this point at an early 
day, and for a number of years it was the chief port for 
the export of iron from the Rossie mines, and of lumber 
and other produce from the surrounding country. 

Settlement was commenced at Oak Point by Creorge 
Elliot. He was; however, succeeded by a Mr. Cowan, who, 
in 1824, opened a small grocery-store. Earl Atwood, 
Abram Schemerhorn, from Trenton, New York, Mr. 
Mathews, and a few others came soon after. 

In 1825 a wharf wa.s built on a small island in the 
channel, communicating with the mainland by a bridge ; 
and in 1838 this was rebuilt. A post-office was established 
in 1840, and a custom-house existed at this point for many 
years, but was afterwards removed to Chippewa Bay. 

The deputy collectors of customs have been J. G. Mc- 
Conuick, Benjamin Franklin, and Amos Webster. Tliis 
office had previously been located at the Corners, where 
Sylvester Butrick and Arnold Smith had hel<l it. The 
river steamboats formerly made regular landings at this 
point. 

A light-house was erected on Cross-Over island, a short 
distance above, in 1847 ; it was refitted in 1855. The 
tower is thirty-seven feet above water. It is fitted with a 
number four lens, and has a fixed light, visible at a dis- 
tance of twelve nautical miles. 

The south part of the town, upon the military road, was 
first settled about 1819, by Samuel Webster and William 
Tappan, of Vermont. Jonathan King, of Herkimer county, 
settled in the following year, and commenced keeping an 
inn. The military road from Sacket's Harbor to Hammond 
had been cut through shortly before the war, but had be- 
comi' impa.ssable from disuse. It was reopened in 1823 



by a company of twenty-five soldiers from Sacket's Harbor, 
who volunteered for the service, and drew extra pay fur 
their labor. They were under the direction of Captain 
Ransom. The road was laid out as a highway one or two 
years after, and has continued to be one of the principal 
thoroughfares from Watert<jwn to Ogdonsburg. 

The post-(]ffice at South Hammond was established in 
1833, Mr. King being the first postmaster. The hotel at 
South Hammond was erected in 1848, but has not been 
kept as a hotel since 18G0. On the 19th of April, 1834, 
Lorcn Bailey, Azariah Walton, and Elbridge G. Merrick 
were appointed commissioners to open a road from the line 
of Clayton and Lyme to a road leading from Chippewa 
Bay to Ogdensburg. This road was through the villages 
of French Creek and Alexandria Bay to Hammond. The 
lands adjacent were taxed to budd it. 

HtNEllALS. 
A vein of ore, containing lead, copper, and gold, was 
discovered in 1840, upon the farm of Mr. H. S. White, in 
the southwestern part of the town, and work was carried 
on to some extent. A shaft was sunk to the depth of 
about thirty feet, when, the vein becoming narrow, it was 
found that the work could not be carried on with profit, 
and it was accordingly discontinued. During the fall of 
1877 valuable ore was discovered in ths vicinity, a quan- 
tity of which was sent to New York city for inspection, 
and was found to contain three hundred and fifty dollars' 
worth of gold and silver to the ton. There is a project of 
forming a company for the purpose of working the mines. 

THE THOUS.\ND ISLANDS. 

Opposite the town of Hammond, in the channel of the St. 
Lawrence, lies the lower portion of the Thousand Islands, 
a most beautiful and romantic group, which seldom fails to 
elicit the admiration of the traveler as he threads his course 
among them. They commence near the outlet of Lake 
Ontario, and extend along the entire river front of Jeffer- 
son county, and consist of rough, irregular masses of rock,* 
which rise above the limpid waters of the great river in an 
infinite variety of pleasing forms and groups, many of them 
still covered with the primitive forests, and presenting a 
picture unsurpassed in grandeur, and which the most skilled 
artist might strive in vain to imitate. Many of the larger 
of these islands, which a few years ago were vacant, or 
furnished here and there the home of some secluded settler, 
are now under a fine state of cultivation, and possess a fer- 
tile soil. Some of them have interesting mineral localities. 

These islands are mostly owned by city parties, and during 
the summer months are dotted with the tents of those who 
have sought this place to escape the intense heat of the 
cities. The i?ingularly romantic beauty of the group struck 
in the most forcible manner the attention of the early 
French voyagers, who dwelt upon the lovely spectacle which 
they presented, and described in language that would apply 
to the dreams of romance the picturesque forms that every- 
where rose above the water, and were reflected from its 
placid surface. Nor are they destitute of incident which 



' Gneiss ani sandstone. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNT!', NEW YORK. 



385 



gives additional interest to the association ; and the events 
of tlie early French and Indian war.s and of the Revolu- 
tion, of the War of 1812-15, and of the Patriot war, so 
called, of a more recent period, give a charm to numerous 
loeulities, which few who delight in the association of the 
incidents of former times with present appearance will fail 
to appreciate. 

Anions^ the objects most likely to attract the notice of 
the traveler as he passes the south channel, from Clayton 
to Cape Vincent, is a jrroup of chimneys, which stand upon 
an elevated plateau at the head of Carlton iisland. (he re- 
mains of a fortress that the English probably erected about 
1759-61). Indian Hut island, situated in Chippewa bay, is 
supposed to derive its name from the fact that an Indian 
called " The Quaker" resided upon it at an early day. 

The town of Hammond furnished one hundred and sixty- 
two men for the Union army in the War of the Rebellion ; 
of this number nine were wounded and seventeen died of 
diseases contracted while in the service. 

INCIDENTS. 

During the year 1838, Mr. Ezra Brockway located upon 
an island in Chippewa bay, where he lived the life of a 
hermit for many years, being insane, and imagining himself 
the son of Napoleon Bonaparte. He believed that he was 
the rightful owner of all of the laud in the vicinity ; that his 
mother had been murdered in Ogdensburg, and that he, while 
yet an infant, had been set adrift in a canoe upon the river ; 
that he was picked up by a Mrs. Bradley, upon the Canada 
shore, with whom he lived until he became of mature age, 
when the knowledge of his being the sou of Napoleon was 
communicated to him in a dream, and was afterwards con- 
firmed by spirits, with whom he claimed to be in constant 
communication. He refused to pay taxes upon his island, 
and out of pity it was not insisted upon. Early in Feb- 
ruary, 1S7C, a party in crossing the river on the ice, 
noticed that no smoke ascended from the chimney of his 
hut. Hastening to the place, the door was found open. 
The snow had drifted in upon the floor, and formed fan- 
tastic piles about the couch, upon which was stretched the 
half-frozen, helpless form of the would-be Napoleon. He 
was carried to the shore, alid a physician was called. He 
refused, however, to take the medicine which was offered 
him, claiming to act under the dictation of the spirit Mary. 
After lingering for a few days, during which time he suf- 
i'ered severely, death came to his relief, and he was buried 
in the old stone school-house cemetery. 

A severe hail-storm visited South Hammond in June, 
1877, by which crops of grain, fruit, etc., were nearly 
destroyed. 

In October, 1800, the " Buckeye," a steamer owned by 
the Northern transportation company, while upon a voy- 
age from Ogdensburg, struck upon a rock in the channel 
near the village of Chippewa Bay. A large number of the 
passengers were drowned. The boat was afterwards raised, 
and is now used by the company. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

Siti)crvi'sors.—l821-2S, Sylvester Butrick ; 1829-31, 
Roswell Rvan; 1832, Allen Cook; 1833, Orrin Brown; 
49" 



1834-35, Loren Bailey; 183G-37, George C. Daniels; 
1831, Orrin Brown; 1839-40, Enoch Taylor; 1841, Ebe- 
nezer N. Demick ; 1842, Orville E. Wi-htman ; 1843, 
K. N. Demick; 1844-47, William H. Wright; 1848-49, 
Henry Zollor; 1850, Sidney S. Wait; 1851, Josiah Zoller ; 
1852-53, Abel P. Mor.se; 1854, Sidney S. Wait ; 1855- 
02, Jonas Moyer; 1803-04, Henry Fowler; 1S05-0C, Jonas 
Moyer; 1867-09, Anthony W. Sigourney ; 1870-71, Jonas 
Moyer; 1872-77, James S. More. 

PRESENT TOWN OFFICERS. 

Supervisor, James S. More ; Town Clerk, W. T. Stiles ; 
Justices of the Peace, Amos Webster, C. A. Woostcr, and 
Harvey Lyon ; Assessor, John D. WiLson ; Highway Com- 
missioners, William A. Webster, C. A. Woostor ; Collector, 
George A. W^ilson ; Overseers of the Poor, William E. A. 
Fachcey, Alexander Allen, and F. W. A. Blackman ; Con- 
stables, William Luyton, Edd Forrester, Robert Nichol, Jr., 
George A. Wilson, H. C. King, William Rodgcrs (2d), and 
Irenus Franklin ; Excise Commissioners, William Cuthbert 
and R. A. Donald. 

HAMMOND (P. 0.) 

is a pleasant village, situated a little east of the centre of 
town. It is a station upon the Black River and Morris- 
town railroad, and has about three hundred inhabitants. 
It contains three churches, one hotel, four stores, two wagon- 
shops, two paint-shops, one shoe-shop, one harness-shop, and 
a cooper-shop. 

CHIPPEWA (P. 0.) 

is situated upon Chippewa bay, near the mouth of Chippewa 
creek, and about the centre of the west border. It con- 
tains one hotel, two stores, a blacksmith-shop, and has 
a custom-house. Much of the lumber manufactured in 
the town seeks a market by way of the St. Lawrence from 
this point. The waters of the bay are too shallow to admit 
vessels of heavy draft, though the small steamers make regu- 
lar landings during the summer season. 

NORTH HAMMOND (P. O.), 

in the northern part, contains a store, a blacksmith-.shop, 
and a shoe-shop. 

OAK POINT 

is a hamlet upon the St. Lawrence, in the extreme north 
part. 

SOUTH HAMMOND 

is a hamlet in the southern part. 

UAMMONU LODGE, F. AND A. M., NO. 319. 

This lodge was organized in 1853, under the name of 
the Black Lake Lodge of Freemasons. At the time of 
its organization the lodge was located at Edwardsville, upon 
Black lake, in tlie town of Morristown. Its charter was 
granted June 11, 1854. Some of the first officers were 
Jacob Bellinger, JL ; Andrew Grey. S. W. ; Abram Klock, 
J. W. 



386 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tlic present officers of the !od<:o arc K. D. Pohlnian, 
]M. ; Uecn-e Gibson, S. W. ; Festus Franklin, J. W. ; Rev. 
J. M. Jolins, Chap. ; W. W. Leonard, See. ; William Moore, 
Treas. ; F. S. Emnics, S. D. ; E. M. Bostwiek, J. D. ; D. 
R. Gregor, S. iM. C. ; S. JI. Krako, Ortianist; G. S. Rou- 
laiid, Marshal ; W. E. A. Faehney, Librarian ; Truman 
Demick, Tyler. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. John Bean was the first practieinj; physieian in the 
town of Hammond. He came into the town as early as 
1820, and continued in practice until about the year 1856, 
when ho removed to Riclivillo, where he died a few years 
later. 

Dr. Blatknian was the pupil of Dr. Bean, and afterwards 
practiced in the town, as his partner, for a number of years. 

Dr. Morse located about the year 1824, and eontinuc.i in 
practice for two or three years. 

Dr. Greene commenced practice in the village about the 
year 1837. Removed from the county in 1844. 

Dr. J. Addison Brown was the pupil of Dr. Bean. Com- 
menced the practice of medicine in 1843, and continued in 
jiractice in the village of Hammond for three years, when 
ho removed to California. IIo held the office of superin- 
tendent of public schools in 1844. 

Dr. A. R. Grogor, of Hammond village, was the pupil of 
Dr. Trowbridge, of Watertown, and of Dr. Dewey, of Ant- 
werp. Attended a course of lectures at the Albany medi- 
cal college during the winter of 1843^4. Graduated at 
the Geneva medical college in the spring of 1846. Since 
that time he has been in practice in the village of Ham- 
mond. Was elected to the office of town superintendent 
of schools in 1847, and continued to hold that office until 
it was abolished, about ten years after. He has also held 
the office of coroner, and from 1867 until 1875 was the 
only practicing physieian in the town. Is a member of the 
county society. 

Dr. C. M. AVilson, of Hammond village, graduated at 
Bellevue medical college in New York city, in the spring 
of 1871. Practiced in the village until 1873, when he 
removed to the village of Rossie, from which place he re- 
moved to Hammond village in February, 1875. He is a 
member of the county medical society, and in 1876 held 
the office of vice-president of that society. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Presbyterian society in the town of Hammond was 
incorporated Dec. 14, 1827, with Luther Lanphear, James 
Hills, and Walter Wilson, trustees. A church had been 
i'ormed shortly beibre, by Rev. Hiram S. Johnson, of twelve 
members, which was under tiie St. Lawrence presbytery, 
and the pastoral care of Joseph Taylor. From sickness and 
other causes this organization was lost. 

The present Presbyterian society belongs to the Ogdens- 
burg presbytery, and was organized with eighteen members, 
by the Rev. James Sanford, Aug. 1, 1821. Their first 
house of worsiiip was erected in 1838, and was a substan- 
tial stone building. The present one was built in 1871, at 
a cost of §10,000. It is a handsome wooden structure, and 
is an ornament to the village. It will seat four hundred 
persons upon the fir.->t floor, and one hundred and eighty in 



the baseinriit. The church has been under the care of the 
following pa.stors : Rev. Me.ssr.s. James Rodgers, John 
McGregor, James Gardner, II. B. Swifl, Andrew Milne, 
and I). A. Ferguson, the present pastor. The society has 
recently erected a parsonage, at a cost of 83000. 

There is a Sunday-school, under the supervision of Mr. 
James Rutherford, with an attendance of one hundred and 
fifty scholars. 

A FRKE-WII.L BAPTIST CHURCH 

was formed April 6, 1843, by Elder Samuel B. Padin,who 
preached two years. It was composed of fourteen males 
and thirteen females, most of whom resided in the south 
part of the town. They have formed no legal society, and 
have no hou.se of worship. 

TRI.NITY CHURCH, 

in the towns of Hammond and Ro.ssie, was incorporated 
Dec. 16, 1846. Henry W. Chapman, William Laidlaw, 
Sophereth Ophir, William Welch, Robert Morris, John 
Burrows, and James Hill, vestrymen. This society has 
never erected a church. 

THE U.NIVERSALIST CHURCH 
was organized with thirty-seven members, by Prof. J. S. 
Lee, Oct. 29, 1870. Their church edifice was completed 
in September of the same year, at a cost of §3000. It 
will seat two hundred and seventy-five persons. The church 
property is valued at $4000. Rev. D. S. Libby was the 
first pastor. He was succeeded Nov. 8, 1876, by the present 
pastor. Rev. J. M. Johns. 

The society numbers fifty members, including a large part 
of the leading minds of the town, and it consequently exerts 
a strong influence i'or good. 

There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church, 
under the superintendence of Mr. F. W. A. Blackman, 
which has an attendance of about eighty scholars, and is 
supplied with a small library. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
of Hammond was organized Sept. 29, 1832, and a church 
edifice was erected a few years after. 

There are at present about one hundred members, who 
are under the pastoral care of Rev. T. P. Bradshaw. 

We are under obligations to the following persons for 
information furni.shed : Messrs. W. A. Forrester, R. R. 
Allen, and Amos Webster, of Chippewa Bay ; William 
Faehney, Dr. A. R. Gregor, Dr. C. M. Wilson, and William 
T. Stiles, of Hammond, and many others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



THE RODGER FAMILY.* 

Among the very largo and intelligent families that have 
left their native homes in distant countries none have taken 
a deeper interest in all that pertains to the welfare and ma- 

* By Andrew Rodger. 






Photos, ar" Uow,Ocdinsbu/^g 



MRS. NANCY D. RODGER. 



MRS. MARY ffODGCR. 




.'i^sa!^ 



RESlOEUCt 





j^RS.WM.CUTHBERT. 



V/m.Cuthbzrt. 




ni5 Of ^M i^UTHBERT ,0N chippewk bav, Haumond^ST Lav^renci: Co.. N. Y. 






(^-7^^^ 




Residence or JAS.S. MORE , Hammono.St. lAwsfwct 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



:187 



terial growth of society than this family. They arc of 
Scotch origin ; tlie grandfather on tlie mule side was James 
llodger, who was born in Kelso, Berwickshire, Scotland. 
He married Bjtsay Riddle, by whom throe children were 
born: William Rodger, James, Jr., and Margarette. All 
lived to old age, and each had large families. Mr. James 
Rodger lived for many years in Kelso, and afterwards in 
Whitridgbog, where he died. His wife died at Kelso. 

William, son of James and Betsey Rodger, was born at 
Kelso, April 6, 1779. He was an industrious man, and 
followed various pursuits at Whitridgbog. He married 
Nancy Hill (she was born in 178:i), of Roxburghshire, 
in 1803, by whom thirteen children were born, namely : 
James Rodger, born Nov. 14, 1S03 ; married Betsey Ling, 
of Kingston, Canada ; no children. George Rodger, born 
Oct. 21, 1806; married Jeanctte Thompson, of St. Bos- 
woH's, Scotland, in 1S31 ; two children born. He was an 
elder in the Presbyterian church of Gouverneur. John 
Rodger, born Aug. 9, 1808; married Mary McGregor, of 
Hammond, in 1841 ; six children born. Helen Rodger, 
born July 2, 1810 ; married William TurnbuU, of Kelso, in 
1831 ; thirteen children born. Robert Rodger, born June 
27, 1812 ; married Ann Waddle, of W^addington, St. Law- 
rence County, in 1844 ; six children born. He is an elder 
in the Hammond Presbyterian church, and he has a son, 
James, preparing for the ministry. William Rodger, born 
June 17, 1814; married Isabel Shiell, of Hammond, in 
1848 ; six children born. He is an elder in the Hammond 
Presbyterian church. David Rodger, born Fob. 15,1817; 
never married ; died May 30, 18GG. Andrew Rodger, 
born April (5, 1819; married Mary Taylor, of Hammond, 
Feb. G, 1830; two sons. She died July 5, 1SG7. He 
married Nancy Dodds, of Hammond, Jan. 14, 18G9 ; she 
had one child, and it died in infancy. She died July 12, 
1874. Rutherford Rodger, born July 18, 1821 ; married 
Helen Taylor, of Hammond, Feb. 2, 1853; five children 
born. Elizabeth Rodger, born June 2C, 1823; married 
James S. More, of Hammond, Feb. G, 1850 ; five children 
born. ]\Iargarette Rodger, born Nov. 14, 182G; married 
Wdliam M. Wil.>^on, of Hammond, Fob. 12, 1852; eight 
children born. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church 
at Hammond. Nancy Rodger, born Sept. 3, 1829; never 
married; died Jan. 21, 1851. All of this family of 
brothers and sLstcrs were born in Scotland. 

In 1828, James Rodger came to Kingston, and in 1830 
John came, and they earned money to bring the family 
over. In June, 1831, William Rodger and the rest of the 
family came to Hammond and settled on the land now 
owned by their sons, John and Andrew. Jlr. Rodger fol- 
lowed farming while here, reared his large family to indus- 
try and economy ; was a member of the Presbyterian 
church ; so was his wife. Ho died Jan. 1, 1832. His wife 
died May 24, 1864. 

Andrew, son of William and Nancy Rodger, was born in 
Whitridgbog, Scotland, April 6, 1819. His advantages | 
ibr an education were limited. He was reared on a farm, 
and early learned the value of time and money. He came 
to Hammond with his parents in June, 1831. His father 
dying Jan. 1, 1832, left tho care of the largo family to his 
mother and the older members of the family. The family 



wa.9 kept together for many years till they began to settle 
down for themselves. Andrew now owns a part of the old 
farm, and to this he has kept adding, until to-day he is 
one of the largest farmers in the town, owning some five 
hundred and thirty acres ; the larger part is as fine land as 
the town affords. A view of his home farm may be seen 
in another part of our work. 

He married AFi.ss Mary T. Taylor, Feb. G, 1850. She was 
born in Methven, Scotland, March 7, 1826. Two children 
were born, namely : Albert H.,born July 10, 1851, and John 
S.,born Jan. 28, 18G0. Mrs. Rodger was a faithful wife 
and good mother, and a member of the Presbyterian church 
at Hammond. She died July 5, 1867. 

]\Ir. Rodger married for his second wife Nancy Dodds, of 
Hammond, Jan. 14, 18G9. She was born June 7, 1828. 
She had one child, which died in infancy. She died July 
12, 1874. She was a devoted wife, and a kind and loving 
mother, and by her kind words and generous deeds won re- 
spect from all who knew her. She wa.s a member of the 
Presbyterian church at Hammond. 

Early in life, Mr. Rodger became a member of the Presby- 
terian church, and has always done his part in sustaining 
it. In politics ho was a life-long Whig and Republican. 
In the history of Mr. Rodger one can see what can be done 
by close application to bu.siness. 

Albert, son of Andrew and Mary Rodger, was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Cutlibert, of Hammond, Oct. 24, 1877. Mar- 
garette, daughter of James Rodger, married William Brodie, 
of Yetholm, Scotland, came to America in 1834, and settled 
in Hammond. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church 
at Hammond till his death. His son James held the same 
office at Gouverneur, and their grandson, James, is preparing 
for the ministry. Jarnes Rodger, Jr., son of James Rodger, of 
Kelso, married Margai'ette Hill, and lived in Whitridgbog, 
Scotland, till 1819, and in that year came to Hammond, 
and was one of the foundere of the Presbyterian church at 
Hammond, and was soon ordained minister of the same; 
afterwards removed to Oswegatchie and labored till his 
.strength failed him. His son James is now an elder in the 
Hammond Presbyterian church, and his grandson, James, 
is a minister in Minnesota. His son Robert was an elder 
at Oswegatchie, and at his death, his grandson, George, 
took his (Robert's) place. Nancy, daughter of James 
Rodger, married Archibald Furguson, of Oswegatchie. He 
was a minister. Ho has a son James, who is a minister in 
New Jersey, a son Robert, an elder in Minnesota, and one 
son Daniel, an efficient and faithful minister of the Ham- 
mond church to-day. 



JAMES S. MORE. 



Among the representative men and substantial farmere of 
Hammond is the subject of this sketch. He is the son of 
David and Christian More, and was born near Perth, Scot- 
land, March 1, 1823. He is one of eight children, all of 
whom grew to maturity, and are living to-day in this town. 
Mr. More was reared on a farm, and early learned the car- 
dinal principles of success. At the age of six (1830) ho 
emigrated to America in company with his parents and 



388 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. LA WHENCE COUiNTY, i\EW YORK. 



family, and settled at Granville, Ciinada, remained tlicre 
about one year, then came to Hammond, wliicli has ever 
since been the lionie of the entire family, lli.s advantages 
for an education were limited to the common school, and 
poor at ihat, but by rcadin;^ and reflection he has acquired 
a practical business education. 

In 1847, Mr. More bought seventy-six acres of land, 
which he worked, still mukin<r his home with his parents. 
He married Miss Elizabeth Rodger, February G, 1850, by 
whom he has liad five children, four of whom are living. 
Mrs. More is one of thirteen children, twelve of whom 
lived to be men and women. She was born at Whitrick, 
Boguc, June 26, ]S2;i. She came, in company with her 
parents and family, from Scotland in ISoO, and settled in 
Hammond, where most of the family still reside. Mr. 
More has kept making additions to his farm, till to-day he 
has one of the best i'arnis in the town, a view of which, 
together with portraits of hin)sclf and wife, may be seen in 
another part of this work. He has also some village prop- 
erty. He was engaged in the mercantile business from 
September ], 1866, to September 1, 1869, and it proved 
unsuccessful. 

For nearly forty jears, Mr. I\Iore has been a member of 
the Presbyterian church at Hammond. In politics he was 
at first a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republi- 
can party he joined it, and ever since has been one of the 
leading men of the town. He has held the oifice of assessor 
for three terms in succession, and refused to hold it longer. 
For the past six years he has been the supervisor of the 
town, and is still acting in that capacity. As a citizen and 
farmer he has few equals and no superiors in the town. 



MICHAEL FORRESTER, 

son of Isaac and Margarette Forrester, was born at Matilda, 
Canada, July 1 2, 1817. He is of English and Irish origin ; 
his grandfather was an Englishman, and grandmother was 
both English and Irish. !1 is father was a native of Maine, 
and mother a native of Canada. Mr. Forrester was reared 
a farmer, and also engaged in the lumber business with his 
fithcr. He came to Hammond about 1827 or 1828 with 



his parents. He remained with his parents until he was 
about thirty-two years of age. About 1845 he came on to 
the farm he now occupies, a view of which may be seen 
elsewhere in this work. 

He was married to Miss Permclia Schermerhorn in Feb- 
ruary, 1846, by whom two children were born, Irwin D. 
and Elizabeth Maggie. Elizabeth M. died March 22, 1864. 

Mrs. Forrester is a native of this town, and was born 
July 14, 1825. Her grandfather was a native of Holland, 
and grandmother of New England birth. Her father was 
born near Albany, and mother in Oneida Co., N. Y., and 
they settled in this town and county about 1824. Mr. 
Forrester is a fanner of about one hundred and thirty-five 
acres, and has one of the most delightful summer resorts 
that may be seen as you sail down the St. Lawrence. In 
polities ho affiliates with the Republican party. 

Their son, Irwin D., lives with them on the old home, 
where he first saw the light of day November 1^, 1847. 



WILLIAM CUTHBERT, 

son of William and Janet Cuthbert, was born in Dunning, 
Perthshire, Scotland, June 23, 1S2(I. He is one of a 
family of three children, namely, William, Jane, and Janet, 
the last one of whom died at the age of four in Scotland. 
His mother died in 1832, and in 1834 his father married 
again. On July 5, 1835, Mr. Cuthbert, Sr., and fiimily 
started for America, and, after nine weeks, settled in Ham- 
mond, where the father died March 14, 1800. The 
mother still lives in this town. 

Mr. Cuthbert, Jr., was reared a farmer. He is the 
owner of one of the very best farms in the town or county, 
overlooking Chippewa bay, a view of which may be seen 
in another part of this work. He is a representative farmer 
and substantial citizen of the town. 

He married Miss Margaret Cunningham, Dec. 14, 1851. 
She was born in Roxburgh, Scotland, Oct. 20, 1823. Sis 
children have been born to them, all of whom are living. 
Mr. and IMrs. Cuthbert are members of the Presbyterian 
church at Hammond. In politics, Mr. Cuthbert affiliates 
with the Republican party. 



t laocB^i II 



STOCKHOLM. 



A RETROSPECTION of thrce-quarters of a century carries 
lis back to the time of the first settlement of what now 
constitutes the town of Stockholm. Seventy-eight years, 
with their momentous events and changing vicissitudes, 
have passed into the silent night of eternity since the first 
white settler made his permanent location within the bor- 
ders of the town. 

Although there arc none now living within the scope of 



our work who remember that time, yet there are those 
whose years antedate the settlement of the town. Some 
there are who.se actual labors extend back nearly sixty years, 
to a time when the log cabin constituted the only habitation 
of the jiioneer, and not a semblance of the present progress 
and development existed. They remember the trials and 
hardships endured in order to efl^ect the marvelous change 
their industry has wrought. \'"et blended with the recol- 




-^rVx^'irBJ. 



RESIDENCE 0( O.r. Cf?OUCH, ' I 'Li 





Benjam\n Reeve. 



MRS.SINJAMIN f?E£VE. 





\^^mm^ 




RES. OF BENJAM/N RtLyC ^ STOCKHOLL 



r :i.,-, ,■■■ ^f\i 

..■■',-v-'f \ 



-■L.v„£: „..,,.'>. I 




"iwAi; 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



389 



loction of their hardships are memories of the broad hospi- 
tality, the Cliristiaii furiitudo, and the clicerfulness under 
difficulties that characterized the early settlement. Indeed, 

"There are moments in life that we never forget, 

Which In'ighten and brigliten as time steals away : 
They give a new charm to the happiest lot. 

And thi-y shine on the gloom of the loneliest ilny." 

The imagination can scarcely depict the realities of those 
days, — the unbroken woods which presented a wilderness in 
every object upon which the eyes rested, except the .sky 
o'erhead. The only marks in all this region that gave any 
evidence that the foot of civilized man had pressed the 
soil were the blazed trees that denoted an indefinite path- 
way. Such was this town, without inhabitants, except the 
aborigine and the wild beasts of the forests, when the first 
pioneers erected their log cabins amid the sea-like solitude. 

Geographically, Stockliolm i.s an interior town, lying in 
the northeast part of the county, and contains 54,272 acres. 
Its surface is rolling, and is well watered by the St. Regis 
and its eastern branch, which unite near the centre of the 
east border, and Trout, Plum, and Squeak brooks, and nu- 
merous smaller streams. The soil is a rich sandy loam, and 
constitutes it one of the finest agricultural towns in the 
county; while the fertility of its meadows and undulated 
pastures afford excellent advantages for dairying purposes, 
which, it is needless to add, are eminently well utilized. 

Preparations for settlement were commenced, under the 
agency of Dr. Trutnan Pettibone, in the year 1800, in the 
summer of which year and the year following several per- 
sons began clearings and other improvements, preparatory 
to moving their families into the town. Subsequently, Etie- 
nezer Hulburd was an agent of the proprietor. In 1802, 
the two gentlemen mentioned above, with Benjamin 
Wright, Isaac Kelsey, Abram Sheldon, and others, came 
into town and made permanent settleiuents. On the 7th 
of Jlarch, 1803, seven families, of which six were from 
Orwell, Vt.. moved in. The heads of these were Isaac 
Kelsey, William Staples, Abraham Sheldon, Luiuan Petti- 
bone, John and Robert Bisbee, and Benjamin Wright. 
They had the first year raised some corn, oats, and potatoes, 
which had been secured as well as circumstances allowed. 
They came by way of Chateaugay and St. Regis, and up 
that river on the ice. The houses and furniture which they 
constructed were necessarily of the rudest kind, and such 
as saws, axes, and augers would make. With strips of 
elm bark they made bedsteads and chairs, and all their 
household goods were of the .simplest kind. 

In September, 1804, occurred the greatest flood ever 
known in the country, produced by heavy rains, which 
swelled the St. Regis river far above its ordinary flood level. 
Four of the .seven families living near the bank of the river 
were compelled to flee from their homes, which were de- 
vastated by the torrent. One family, living near Trout 
brook, remained within doors until the under floor was 
raised from the sleepers and the wood was floated from the 
fire-place, and with the greatest peril and difficulty they 
escaped with their lives. 

Samuel and Warren Webster, brothers, from Orwell, 
Vt., each purchased 105. acres on lots 44 and 45, and com- 



menced chopping in 1805, and in l.SOt! they moved their 
i'amilies into the town. Isaac Marsh, from Siiaron, Vt., 
" took up" 200 acres on lot G5, and settled upon the same 
in 1806. Luther Iluibuid settled on lot 33. Other early 
settlers, mostly from Vermont, were Stephen A. Tambling, 
Daniel Harrington (see illustration of the old homestead, 
now occupied by his son, G. Washington Harrington), 
Amos P.icknell, Simeon Nash, Zephaniah French, Alba 
Woodward, John Graves, Alpheus Johnson, Josiah L. Hill, 
Ralph P. Stearns, Reuben Kelsey, Harvey Thatcher; the 
latter settling in the west part of town. Other early set- 
tlers of the west part of town were George Streight, John 
Partridge, Eldad Taylor, Stiles Nelson, Martin Doud, a Mr. 
Dait, Nathan Osborn, who succeeded Dr. Pettibone as agent 
for the proprietor in the western part of the town, Clark 
and Warren T. Phippen, A. S. Tucker, Esq., for more than 
twenty years a justice of the peace, and others. 

Among the pioneers of the southern part of the town 
wereShubel Gurley, Pierres Paulk, who settled on the May- 
hew farm, — he was accompanied by George A. Flower, a 
half-brother of Mrs. Mayhew, who settled first over the 
line in the town of Parishville ; Parley and Delos Dustin, 
Joseph IMerrill, John McNeal, Anthony Thomas, Allen 
Lyman (who afterwards moved to the vicinity of West 
Stockholm, where be now resides), Carlton Wires, John 
Simonds, Jonathan Emery, Oliver Osgood, Samuel and Levi 
Covey, Dr. Hosea Brooks (who was the first physician 
in this part of the town), Benjamin Reeve, the famous 
hunter,* Morgan Marsh. Samuel Newton, father of Orange 
Newton, settled in town in 1815 ; was in the War of 1812 ; 
died in town in the seventieth year of his age. Ara Lewis, 
father of Hiram and II. H. Lewis, settled in town in 1828, 
and died there at the age of seventy-five. 

Among prominent representatives of the old families now 
residing in town are Warren W., son of Warren Webster ; 
Julius, son of Ebenezer Hulburd ; George Washington, 
son of Daniel Harrington ; Hosea, son of Amos Bickncll ; 
Alva P., son of Samuel Webster ; William, son of Alba 
Woodward ; while several pioneer families are represented 
in the second, and a few in the third, generations. Among 
these are the Tomblings, Nashes, Kelseys, Holmes, 
Thatchers, Emerys, Newells, Smiths, and others. 

INCIDENTS IN PIONEER LIFE. 

During the first summer of Dr. Pettibone's settlement in 
Stockholm he had occasion to resort to the mill at Colum- 
bia,! through a densely-wooded country, without roads 
worthy of the name, and the trip was performed under 
circumstances of peculiar hardship. The doctor and a 
young man by the name of Abel Kelsey started with an 
ox-team and wagon, expecting to spend the night in a 
shanty which they supposed had been built, and was occu- 
pied, by a settler who had commenced a small clearing on 
the west side of Raquette river, almost a mile and a half 
below the present village of Potsdam. They accordingly 
neglected to take with them any apparatus for kindling a 
fire. At the close of a day of toil and labor they found 



* See hiography elsewhere in this work. 

t Now Madrid, formerly known as Grasac River Falls. 



390 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



thcinsfilvcs on the banks of the river, and succeeded in 
fording it, laying tlic grain-bags on poles across the top of 
the wagon to keep dry ; but, to their great disappointment, 
the comfortable log hut and cheerful fire which they had 
anticipated as awaiting them was not there, and, to add to 
their misery, a drenching rain set in and continued through 
the night. They had been already lialf drowned in cros.s- 
ing the river, and were compelled to crawl under the best 
shelter they could find, and spent the night in as wretched 
a condition as possible. On the ne.xt day, Dr. Pettibone 
found himself shaking with tlie ague, contracted in conse- 
quence of exposure, and it was with the greatest diiBculty 
he was able to get through to his destination. 

The early settlers also often went to Canada to mill, the 
journey being in part performed by canoes on the rivers, 
more or less difficulty being encountered in passing the 
rapids. Amid these rude and fatiguing labors, a certain 
amount of enjoyment existed. The hand of sympathy was 
extended to neighbors, and any ray of good fortune that 
fell across one's' pathway was regarded as a common bene- 
fit. If any needed a helping hand, his desire required but 
the announcement, and a common interest and a hope of 
better times stimulated to exertion and dispelled gloom. 

During the War of 1812-15, numbers of the inhabitants 
became alarmed and left the county, from fear of the In- 
dians, and those that remained proceeded to erect defenses 
for their protection. One of these was a double line of 
pickets around the house of Dr. Pettibone, which inclosed 
a sr|uarc area of about a quarter of an acre, and was finished 
with gate and fixtures complete. Here the inhabitants a.s- 
sembled on a few occasions of alarm, but no real danger 
ever presented itself Another stockade was commenced 
around the house of Warren Webster, about a mile east of 
the centre of the town, which was finished on two or three 
sides only ; and a third was commenced around the dwelling 
of Jonathan Sager, in the west part of town. These pickets 
were timbers set upright in a trench about three feet deep, 
in a double row, so that no opening existed between them. 
They were about sixteen feet high, sharpened at the top, 
and supported by earth banked against them on each side. 
On one occasion of a draft, the greatest fear was entertained 
from an attack of the S/. liegix, or some other Indian tribe, 
they know not what, and a volunteer company was rai.sed 
and a guard mounted and maintained for several days on 
the road which led towards Canada. Arms were procured 
at the State arsenal at Russell, and distributed among the 
inhabitants. From the miry condition of the roads, these 
were procured with great difficulty, being borne by pack- 
horses, which often rc((uiir(] to be relieved in passing 
swamps and streams. Such was the general consternation 
that many left the country and never returned. 

The first child born in town was William Bisbec, son 
of John BLsbee, in 180!!. The second birth was that of 
Julius, son of Ebenezer Ilulburd, April 20, 1S04. The 
first marriage was that of Alba Woodward and Almira Petti- 
bone, daughter of Luman Pettibone, Esq., July 20, 1808. 
She lived in the town until her death in the spring of 1875. 
The fii-st school was taught, in the winter of 1807, by 
Ebcnczcr Hulburd. The first physician in the town was 
Dr. Luman Pettibone, who cjme in from Vermont in 1800. 



He was the agent for McVicker, the original proprietor of 
the town. He did not practice to any great extent after 
settling here. The first in town who devoted his entire 
time to the practice of his profession was Dr. Lr^muel Wins- 
low, who came from Williston, Vt, and located in the town 
in 1811. He has been succeeded by Drs. Newton, Barrows, 
Thomas, Dnnton, and others. 

THE FIRST S-iW-MILL 
in town was erected, in 1801, by Samuel Reynolds, a pro- 
prietor of several mile-.sf|uares, about one and a half miles 
above the east village, on lot 63. 

THE laaST GRIST-MILL 

in Stockholm was erected at the present village of Bickncy- 
ville (West Stockholm) by Amos Bicknell, after whom the 
village was named, in 1811. During the first few years of 
the settlement the citizens were compelled to resort to 
Sheik's mill, in Canada, or to Canton, or to Roberts' mills, 
now Columbia village. In 1801 a mill was got in opera- 
tion in Hopkinton, which served the requirements of the 
settlers until the erection of the Bickney mill, which had 
but one run of stones, and was quite a primitive affiiir. 
Mr. Bicknell also built a saw-mill, which had one upright 
saw. 

The first sheep taken into Stockholm, arid the fiist in the 
eastern part of St. Lawrence County, were driven from 
Vermont in 1803. The flock consisted of about fifty. 
They arrived in October, 1803. Much trouble was en- 
countered in getting them across some of the streams, par- 
ticularly the Salmon river, where the timbers of a bridge 
were laid only. A part of the flock crossed on these, and 
the rest swam the river. From this little flock the farmers 
of the neighboring towns derived their stock. JMuch dif- 
ficulty was experienced in keeping them from being de- 
stroyed by wolves. Every night it was necessary to yard 
them in an inclosure, well fenced against their troublesome 
enemies, and during the day it was found impossible to 
preserve them unless pastured in the immediate vicinity of 
dwellings. 

CIVIL ORG.\NIZATIO\. 

This town was formed from Massena, Feb. 21, ISOC. 
It embraces township No. 2, or Stockholm, of the ten 
original towns. A part of Norfolk was detached from it 
April 9, 1823, and another part was annexed to that town 
April 15, 1831. The name was given it by the surveyors 
from Stockholm, in Sweden. 

THE FIR.ST TOWN-MEETI.\G 

was directed to be held at the house of Dr. Luman Petti- 
bone ; but, as the day upon which it was to have been held 
passed without an election, Nathan Walker, of Canton, and 
Gurdon Smith and Benjamin Ravmond, of Pot.sdam, niauis- 
trates, in pursuance of an act passed March 7, 1801, ap- 
pointed the fullowing-namcd officers: Ebenezer Ilulburd, 
sujiervisor ; William Staples, town clerk ; Stephen A. Tam- 
bliiig, Benjanjiii Wright, Alba Woodward, a.sse.ssors; Samuel 
Webster, constable and collector ; S. A. Tambling, Ebenezer 
Hulburd, Warren W^ebster, commissioners of highwavs ; 
S. A. Tambling, Benjamin Wright, fence-viewers; Ebcn- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



391 



ozc'v Hulburil, pound-master; Luman Pcttihonp, overseer 
of liijiliwajs. 

NOTES FROM TOWN-RECOIIDS. 

Wolf bounties of $5 offered in 1808-9-1], until the 
meeting of the supervisors, when it was to be increased or 
lessened to make it $20; $5 in 1814-17; §10 in 1819- 
20. On several years, panther bounties. In 1817, voted 
against division, and in 1824 a strong remonstrance against 
annexing a part to Norfolk. In 1828, six ballot-boxes to 
be provided for town-elections, to be numbered — No. 1, su- 
pervisor and clerk ; No. 2, assessors ; No. 3, overseers of 
poor; No. 4, commissioners of highways ; No. 5, consta- 
bles and collector; No. G, commissioners and in.spcctors of 
schools. 

In 1830, clerk requested to endeavor to get Stockholm 
excepted from law requiring one ballot-box for town-elec- 
tions. In 1833, supervisor and clerk to petiii(]ii f(]r a repeal 
of the law abolishing imprisonment (or debt. 

An adjourned town-meeting was held March 19, 1822, 
to receive the report of a committee of five, consisting of 
Ebenezer Hulburd, Chauiicey Pettibone, N. F. Winslow, 
John Simons, and W. Webster, appointed to examine into 
the situation of the public lands in town. Ralph P. Stearns 
and Chauncey Pettibone were appointed the first commis- 
sioners of public lands. A committee was appointed to 
draw up a petition to the legislature to authorize these 
lands to be granted on durable leases. 

An act passed Feb. 8, 1823, created the ofiice of trustees 
of public lands in the town of Stockholm, who were to be 
elected by the inhabitants, and to constitute a body politic 
for the care and preservation of gospel and school lot in 
the town of Stockholm. They were to have the powers of 
similar ofiicers in Madrid. 

The names of those who have occupied the position of 
supervisor of the town, together with the years in wliicli 
they served, are as follows: Ebenezer Ilulbuid, 180(1; 
Simeon Na.sh, 1807; Zophaniah French, 1808-9; Stephen 
A. Tambling, 1810-11; Warren Webster,. 1812-13 ; Na- 
thaniel F. Winslow, 1814-22; Chauncey Pettibone, at a 
special meeting in 1823; Chauncey Pettibone, 1823-29; 
Shiveric Holmes, 1830-32 ; Joseph Sanford, 1833 ; Ben- 
jamin Holmes, 1834; William T. O.sborne, 1835-3G; 
Joseph H. Sanford, 1837-38; Dorus Pettibone, 1839; 
Thomas Dunton, 1840; J. H. Sanford, 1841-42; Ziba 
L. Smith, 1843-45; Sidney Kelsey, 1846; B. Holmes, 
1847; Allen Lyman, 1848-49; Daniel P. Rose, 1850-51 ; 
Hiram Hulburd, 1852-55 ; Harvey Merrill, 1856; Daniel 
Shaw, 1857-59; Hiram Hulburd, 1860-63; Ira Hale, 
18i;4-C5; Hiram Hulburd, 1867; Pliilo Abbott, 1808; 
George N. Culver, lS(i9 ; Jason W. Stearns, 1S7U (^died in 
ofliice, and E. S. Crapser was appointed to complete term) ; 
E. S. Crapser, 1870-77. The present town officers arc 
E. S. Cnipser, supervisor; C. L. Bicknell, town clork ; E. 
L. Brush, Wm. R. Gurlej', S. M. Reeve, assessors; Henry 
Munson, highway commissioner; A. S. Tucker, S. M. 
CV)k, Daniel Shaw, B. N. Bnrnap, justices of the peace; 
H. B. Parmelce, C. Z. ElKsworth, overseers of the poor ; 
George II. Prichard, collector; J. W. Culver, Elias Bell, 
Henry J. Knapp, town auditors; J. N. Livingston, H. K. 
Necdham, M. R. Knapp, inspectors of election district 



No. 1 ; L. D. Wheelock, A. C. Ainger, 0. W. Elmore, 
inspectors of election district No. 2 ; A. J. Page, AVilliam 
Wadsworth, L. C. Elliott, George -H. Prichard, R. H. 
Fitch, constables; Erastus R. Reeve, commissioner of excise. 

WEST STOCKHOLM, 

locally known as Bickneyville, located on the west branch 
of the St. Regis, in the southwest quarter of Stockholm, 
and almost half a mile south of the direct road from Pots- 
dam to Malone, was first begun in 1811, by Amos Bick- 
nell, originally from Barnard, Vt., but since 1806 a resident 
of Potsdam. In May, 1811, he removed to the present 
site of the village with his family, consisting of his wife, 
six sons, and three, daughters, of whom but one — Ilosea 
Bicknell, Sr. — remains, and commenced the erection of a 
grist- and saw-mill, which were completed and put in ope- 
ration the .same season. 

Among other early settlers in the village and vicinity 
were Luman Newell, RoswcU and Stiles Nelson, Thomas 
and Benjamin Knowlton, Benjamin Bisbee, Martin Doud, 
John Thatcher, Abner Dodge, Eli Parkwell, George 
Straight, Samuel Culver Cfathcr of J. W. Culver), and 
others. 

About 1815 the proprietor, Mr. Pierrepont, expended a 
large sum in opening a road from Parishville to Norfolk, 
which, from its importance as a communication by which 
potash from the new settlements could be taken to the 
navigable waters of Raquettc river, was called the " market 
road." This road was originally laid about one mile east 
of this place, but eventually the principal travel from the 
back towns passed through by Bicknell's mills, and some 
portion of the original road has been discontinued. 

The village has gradually developed into quite a manu- 
facturing centre, which, with the fertility of the surround- 
ing country, makes it a place of considerable importance. 
Its history is principally confined to its 

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 
About 1815 a carding luachine was put in operation 
here by Luman Newell and Amos Bicknell, the former as 
overseer, the latter as jiroprietor. It was subsequently 
operated by Newell and Jason Bicknell, the former after- 
wards disposing of his interest. About 1830 the building 
was converted into a woolen-factory, which was conducted 
by Amos and Ja.son Bicknell. It remained in the Bicknell 
family for a number of years, and w.-is subse(|uently pur- 
chased by Stafford & Soper. In 1872 it came into the 
possession of the present firm of Clark & Stafford, the latter 
bein"- the son of the former part owner of the establishment 
of the same name. The firm employ, on an average, s-ix 
hands; their products are cassimores, flannels, and tweeds. 
The foundry and machine-shop of Carlton Smith was es- 
tablished in 1846, and has been continuously operated by 
him ever since. In 1863 the old wooden buildings were 
partially demolished, and the present substantial buildings 
of brick and wood were erected. He manufactures all 
kinds of agricultural inipleuient.s, particularly the ■' Hercules 
I rock-lifter," an invention of his brother, Silas Smith, which 
I was patented by the latter in 1 870. It is of the most pow- 



392 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



crfiil construction, liavinj; a lifting capaoity for twenty tons. 
T1k> ineclianisni of tlie niacliino is .siinjilc, bcins the practi- 
cal application of tlie well-known niecliaiiical powers, lever 
and screw. With it two men can lift and move into any 
desired positiim bowlders containing; a sqnaro cord of stone. 
The machine has been comparatively little introduced, but 
where used is spoken of very highly. Some of tliera have 
been sold in Cliili, South America, and in various parts of 
this State. 

There are a variety of other manufacturing interests in 
the village, among them two butter-tub factories, one owned 
by L. W. Wellington, and the other hy Bartlett & Smith ; 
a shingle- and saw-niill, owned by George" N. Gibson ; a 
grist-mill, operated by Capt. Warren Gibson ;* a starch- 
factory ; a cheese-factory, owned by John Hayes; one 
wagon- and two carriage shops ; two boot- and shoe-shops ; 
three blacksmithies, of which those of Decker & Parmeloe 
and Sutherland & Son are the principal ones. The business 
interests of the place are represented by three general stores 
(of which that established by Bickneil & Pinney is the, 
principal one), and one hardware-, tin-, and stove-store, kept 
by C. L. Bickneil and Isaac P. Vance. The present post- 
mistress is Mrs. Myra Tru.ssell. There is a church of the 
Methodist Episcopal denomination, and a good departmental 
school, made such from district .school No. 4 in 1856. 

The estimated population of the village is 300. 

SOUTHVILLE POST-OFFICE 

is located on the south line of the town, three and a half 
miles from West Stockholm. The first settlers there were 
Pierres Paulk, Shubel Gurley, Daniel Harrington, Dr. 
Rosea Brooks, John Langdon Mayhew, and others. The 
post-office was established there about 1825, and Dr. Brooks 
was appointed the first postmaster ; he also kept a snrall 
store there at one time. The present postmaster is J. H. 
Jarvis. The place contains a blacksmith-shop and a cluster 
of dwellings. 

STOCKHOLM. 

The village of Stockholm (Stockholm Depot post-office) 
is located near the confluence of the east and west branches 
of the St. Regis river, on the Ogdensburg and Lake Cham- 
plain railroad. The first settler there was Isaac Kelsey, 
grandfather of Henry Kelsey. A post-office was established 
there iu 1852, and Philo Abbott was appointed the first 
postmaster ; the present incumbent is Daniel Shaw, Esq. 
The village now contains four general stores, one. black- 
smith-shop, wagon- and paint-shop, harness-shop [kept by 
the Jenkins (twin) Brothers], a hotel, public school, depot, 
telegraph- and express-offices, of which A. T. Richey has 
the management, together with purchasing grain and other 
produce. The first store in the village was opened, about 
1850, by Culver & Stearns. The place has an estimated 
population of 200. 

Among its influential citizens are Daniel Shaw, Esq., who 
has been in the mercantile business in the place for twenty- 
three years. He was a member of a.ssembly in 1855-5C. 
supervisor from 1857 to 1800, and has been justice of the 
peace seven years. Ebenezer S. Crapser has been super- 



* See Military Hi-^tory. 



visor of the town since 1870; is a merchant, manufacturer 
of lumber, shingles, lath, and starch, proprietor of Brasher 
Falls custom and flouring-mills, and owns several hundred 
acres of land. Julius Hulburd was born in the town in 
1804, and has continuously resided there since. 

EAST STOCKHOLM. 

The earliest settlement in the town was made on the 
present site of this hamlet, by Dr. Luman Pettibone and 
Ebenezer Hulburd. The place contains one store, a black- 
smith-shop, a wagon- and cooper-shop, a saw-mill, owned 
and operated by Burnap & Gibson, a Congregational church, 
a common school, a resident physician, Cornelius H. Buck, 
M.D., and about 75 inhabitants. Stockholm is the name of 
the post-office. 

SKINNERVILLE 

is a hamlet situated on the St. Regis river, one mile and a 
half west of Stockholm depot, and contains a grist-mill, 
saw-mill, a shingle-mill, a blacksmith- and wagon-shop, 
starch-factory, harness- and shoe-shop, tannery, a school- 
house, and about 110 inhabitants. 

BUCK'S CORNERS 

was named after Asahel Buck, who settled there about 1825. 
It is located two miles south of Stockholm, and contains 
two churches, — one each of the Metliodist Episcopal and 
Wesleyan Methodist denominations, — a school-house, a saw- 
mill, a starch-factory, and a few dwelling-houses. 

KNAPPS STATION, 

so called after Moses Knapp, who settled there in 1828, is 
located on the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad 
and on Plum brook, in the west angle of the town. The 
name of the post-office is North Stockholm, established 
there since the railroad was constructed ; the postmaster is 
Benjamin Chapman. The hamlet contains two general 
stores, a steam saw-mill, built in 1863 by Moses R. Knapp, 
and now owned and operated by Austin L. Dike; a saw- 
and shingle-mill, a blacksmith-shop, a depot, express- and 
telegraph-offices, and about 120 inhabitants. 

BROOKDALE POST-OFFICE, 

locally known as Scotland, was first settled by John Grandy. 
It contains two churches, — one Methodist Episcopal and one 
Wesleyan Methodist, — a school-house, a general store, black- 
smith-shop, a saw-mill, and a few families. The present 
postmaster is David Tryan. 

SANDFORDVILLE 

is a small settlement on the St. Regis river, one and one- 
fourth miles below West Stockholm, containing a Congrega- 
tional church edifice, a school-house, shingle- and saw-mills, 
and a cluster of dwellings. 

The dairying interest is fast becoming the prominent and 
leading one of the town. Two cheese-factories were cstab- 
tablished in 1807, — one owned by John Hayes and the 
other bv Waishinuton Harrington. Each manufactures 






0^--j5^. 



Mf?S. G. W, WA/ffflNCTON. G-.W. HAffRINGrON 

('pHOT-oi Br N-L Stoue , Potsoam . ) 




OF O. W.HARRINGTON, STocKHOLM.5TiA7.F7i 





LUTHCI^ PCLSUC. 



MffSlUTHf/? FELSUE. 




Residence or JAS.B.PELSUZ.North Siockholu.St.Lawrence Co N Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



393 



50,000 pounds per annum and usos the milk of 300 cows. 
<Duc d:iii-y-fai-m makes 2500 pounds per annum. There 
are also two creameries in the town, which manufacture 
20,000 pounds of butter each per annum. 

RELIGIOUS. 

As soon as the most necessary arrangements had been 
made by the early settlers, conducive to their temporal com- 
fort, matters of a religious character occupied their next 
attention. We find that as early as May, 1803, they com- 
menced holding religious meetings on Sundays. The first 
sermon preached in town was by a Baptist minister. Elder 
Webster, from Orwell, Vt. (text, Acts xiv. 9) ; and in 180G 
the Rev. Amos Pettengill, and in 1807 the same, with tlie 
Rev. E. Hibbard, from Brandon, Vt, came and spent a 
few Sabbaths with the people, which resulted in the forma- 
tion of a Congregational cliurch of two male and five fe- 
male members, at the house of Ebenezer Hulburd, March 
10, 1807. These members were Dr. Luman Pettibone 
and wife, and Almira, their daughter, Stephen A. Tambling 
and wife. Miss Elinor Nash, and Mrs. Rosalinda Murray. 
In summer the meetings were held in barns, and in winter 
in private houses. In 1813, they employed the Rev. Hiram 
S. Johnson, who preached half of the time till 1819. In 
1821, the Rev. Moses Parmelee was hired until 1824. For 
twenty years after this they had no pastor, but were most 
of the time supplied with preaching. In 18-t5, Rev. Philo 
C. Pettibone was installed over the congregation. In 1829, 
a church edifice was erected. June G, 1837, the society 
was incorporated, with Sidney Kelsey, Aslibel Skinner, and 
Calvin T. Hulburd, trustees. The first settled pastor was 
Rev. Moses Parmelee, who succeeded Rev. Hiram S. John- 
son, in 182-4, the latter having devoted half of his time to 
the congregation from 1821 to 1824. The society now 
numbers S3 members. Its present pastor is Rev. A. L. 
Green. The church property, including the parsonage, is 
valued at $4000. Present trustees, C. W. Tambling, C. 
Z. Ellsworth, and G. C. Smith: Deacons, B. M. Holmes, 
B. N. Burnap, and R. T. Wheelock. The Sunday-school 
has a membership of 8 teachers and 75 scholars, and its 
superintendent is B. N. Burnap. Its library contains 300 
volumes. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WEST STOCKHOLM 

was organized in 182S, though a class existed there prior 
to that date. Sept. 21 of the above year the circuit was 
formed, under the title of the " Parishville circuit," with 
B. G. Paddock presiding elder. Aug. 24, 1833, it was 
changed to " Ilopkintown circuit," with S. Cha.sc presiding 
elder, J. W. Barney preacher, and JMartin Doud secretary. 
A society existed at Harrington's as early as 1 820, but died 
out, and was resuscitated at West Stockholm, as above stated. 
Loren Ashley was class-loader. Among the early members 
were Loren Ashley and wife, H. B. Sunnier and wife, 
Martin Doud, and others. The society was incorporated 
Nov. 19, 1840, with Loren Ashley, Ziba Smith, Ruel Lin- 
coln, Roswell B. Webb, Horace Doud, Martin Strait, Henry 
B. Sumner, Norman Ashley, and Joseph Page, trustees. 
The present pastor is Rev. D. F. Pierce ; present member- 
ship of the charge (including North Stockholm appoint- 
60 



ment) is, probationers, 10; full members, 145. The 
Sunday-school, under the superintendeney of Brooks 
Strait, is in a flourishing condition ; it numbers 18 
oflScers and teachers and 120 scholars. 

THE KIKST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
in North Stockholm was organized with about 50 members, 
in Februai-y, 18G5,by Rev. Joseph Smedley,its first pastor. 
It became a part of the West Stockholm charge, and is now 
under the pastoral care of Rev. D. F. Pierce. The fine 
church edifice was erected in 18G7, at a cost of S2800, and 
will comfortably seat 200 persons. The present member- 
ship is 75. The church property is valued at S3000. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
at Buck's Corners was organized with 80 members, Jan. 
10, 1872, by Rev. A. F. Bigelow, and was placed in the 
Fort Jackson charge. A brick house of worship was 
erected the same year, at a cost of §3500, the present 
value of the church property. It will seat 250 persons. 
Rev. Samuel Short is the present pastor. The membership 
of the church is 90 ; the number of teachers in the Sun- 
day-school, 13; scholars, 83. Both church and Sunday- 
school are reported in a flourishing condition. 

THE FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH 

of East Stockholm was organized in the fall of 1843, with 
8 members, by Rev. Orange Newton. The society was in- 
corporated Oct. 11, 1852, and the following year the meet- 
ing-house of the society was erected, at a cost of $1343. 
It has a seating capacity for 250 persons. The church 
property is valued at 82000. The first trustees were Ira 
Beach, Stillman Austin, Elias Jenkins, Hugh Allen, and 
James Kelsey. The present officers of the society are 
Charles W. Newton, John P. Trask, Alfred JIartin, 
Chandler E. Dike, Emanuel Steinbarge, trustees ; and 
Ashley S. Riggs, clerk. The officers of the church are 
Rev. Richard Delarm, pastor; Aaron Riggs, class leader ; 
Joseph Page, A. Orletus Riggs, Almon L. Newton, Jacob 
P. Nay, .stewards; Ashley S. Riggs, church clerk. The 
Sunday-school superintendent is Almon L. Newton ; the 
number of teacheis, 5 ; scholars, 30 ; also a Bible-cla.ss. 

THE SECOND WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH 
at North Stockholm was organized in 1843, by Rev. Hiram 
McKee. A frame meeting-house was erected in 1SG7, at a 
cost of $1500, which is a little more than the present value 
of church property. It will seat about 250. The first 
pastor was Rev. N. E. Jenkins. The present incumbent is 
Rev. Richard Delarm. The present membership is 75. 
The Sunday-school is under the superintendeney of M. AV. 
Alden ; it has 7 teachers and 40 scholars. The present 
trustees of the society are Edgar E. Streeter, M. W. Alden, 
Franklin Ware. The trustees of the parsonage are John 
Curtis, Daniel Dodge, and J. \V. Curtis. 

There is a class of this denomination in the Jenkins set- 
tlement, of which Abel Gage is class-leader. They meet in 
the school-house. They have a flourishing Sunday-school 
of 25 scholars and 3 teachers, of which Calvin Burnap is 
the superintendent. 



Ml 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



TlIK KIltST 'llAPTIST CHURCH 

of Stucklioliii, iit Stoekluilm Centre (^Holmes' Hill), was or- 
ganized some years prior to 1812. The society was incor- 
j.oratcJ May 25, 1S22, ■with Ralph P. Stearns, "Warren 
Webster, and Luther Fuller, tru,>-tecs. Tlie eliureh was re- 
organized Jan. 7, 1839, by Rev. Joel H. Green, the first 
pastor after its reorganizatinn. The society now has but 
few members and jiosses.scs but little vitality. It is without 
a regular pastor, although occasional worship is held. The 
church building will seat about 175 persons. 

TllK FuKK-WlLI. RAn'l.sT.s were orgain'zcd into a church 
ill June, 18o!), by Elder Samuel I]art,but are now scattered. 

THE SECOND CONGREtlATIONAL CHURCH 

was organized at Sanfordville at an early day, but has not 
held active service of late years. A church edifice was 
erected, but is now very seldom used for public worship. 

A church of the Christian order was gathered by Elder 
Palmer, many years since, which once numbered 40 mem- 
bers ; but they have bad no regular existence for more than 
a (juarter of a century. 

EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL. 

General interest in the subject of education was evinced 
by the early settlers. The first school in town was taught 
in a primitive log school-house, in 1807, and the first school 
district was organized in 1809. The town is now divided 
into 28 districts, and has 27 school-houses, — 23 frame, 3 
brick, and 1 stone, — valued, with sites, at $11,023. The 
number of scholars attending school in 1870-77 vvas 1025, 
and the number of teachers employed 40. Teachers' 
wages, S4311.t)0. Total cost of schools, including repairs 
and improvements fur 187(i-77, $5907.36. 

The population of the town fur the half-decades from 
1845 to 1875, inclusive, was as i'ollows : In 1845, 3293; 
in 1850, 3601 ; in 1855, 3790; in 1860, 4074; in 1865, 
3770; in 1870,3819; in 1875, 3550. 

To the following persons we are indebted for information 
concerning the history of the town of Stockholm : 

Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Coun- 
ties," Geo. W. Harrington, Julius Uulburd, William T. 
O.sborne (now of Norfolk), Benjamin Reeve. Mrs. Lucinda 
Mayhew, Warren W. Webster, Benjamin G. Lewis, Hosea 
Bicknell, Martin Doud, Warren T. Phippcn, Col. Ira Hale, 
Oliver M. Emery, Newton B. Burnap, Daniel Shaw, Esq., 
Dr. Thomas Dunton, and others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

COLONEL IRA HALE. 

Among the re|ireseiitative citizens of St. Lawrence 
County, and notably of the towns of Norfolk and Stoek- 
liolm, the subject of this brief sketch liolds a prominent 
]iosition. He was the elder of a family of eleven children 
of Moses and Freelove Hale, and was born in Rutland, Vt., 
in the year 1800. F'or thirty-four years ho filled the office 
of land-agent in the town of Norfolk, which pci.-itiuii he 



characterized by his ability"and integrity. He was com- 
missioned colonel of the New York militia under General 
Jackson's administration. 

In February, 1823, he was united in marriage with 
Amelia Judson, and the same year removed to the town of 
Stockholm. Three children were born to them, namely: 
0. J., Oscar IL, and Diantha L. 0. J. married Amelia 
Diefendorf, and lives in the west ; Oscar II. married 
Maggie Gage, and resides in Norfolk ; Diantha L. married 
Mr. Knapp, of Stockholm, since deceased. 

Mrs. Hale died March 2, 1848, and Colonel Hale after- 
wards married Mrs. Adelia JI. Herring, a native of Franklin 
Co., Vt. In addition to the positions above enumerated. 
Colonel Hale was assessor of Stockholm for twelve years, 
and was postmaster at North Stockholm fourteen years. 
For several years he was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, but his chief occupation lias been farming. He is a 
member of the Congregational church of Norfolk, having 
been affiliated with that body for thirty-nine years. In pol- 
itics he is a Republican. In character, Colonel Hale is a 
genial, whole-souled gentleman, honest and upright in his 
dealings with his fellow-men, straightforward in every 
business transaction, and he very deservedly enjoys an ex- 
cellent reputation in the community in which lie resides. 
(See illustration and portraits elsewhere in this work.) 



JOHN LANGDON MAYHEW 

was born in Rumney, Grafton county. New Hampshire, 
October 1, 1801. In 1812 he moved with his parents to 
Maluiie, Franklin county. New York, and the year follow- 
ing to Pari.shville, St. Lawrence County. There he lived 
during his minority. He located in Southville, a neigh- 
borhood in the south part of the town of Stockholm. On 
the 1st of February, 1827, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Lucinda Janes, of Cornwall, Vermont. The first day 
of February, 1877, the worthy couple celebrated their 
golden wedding, and on the 27tli of June following the 
husband of half a century was called to his eternal home. 
His recital of the events of frontier life was entertaining, 
and caused much merriment among the numerous gutsts 
assembled on this occasion. He had nothing to commence 
life with but an honest heart and a healthy body, capable 
of great endurance, and a heroic will to succeed by honorable 
and persevering industry. Through the blessings of God 
and by his own strong arms he removed "tangled wildwood " 
and forest-trees from bis land and converted it into fruitful 
fields, fruit-bearing orcliards, and vegetable-producing gar- 
dens. Log cabins, which are common to frontier life, he 
saw supplanted by eomniodi(Uis houses I'or him.self and 
family. He contributed of bis time and substance to ad- 
vance society in iiitelligonce and virtue. He loved and 
served bis God, and for near a quarter of a century he was 
an acceptable member of the Congregational church in 
Parishville. He left a bountiful home for his much-be- 
reaved widow and sorrowing daughter ; but the richest 
legacy he bequeathed to them was his unsullied character. 
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and 
loving favor rather than silver and gold." 

Mr. Jlaylicw and wife had two children. — Adeline A., 





Col. Ira Hale. 



MRS- Ira Hale. 




s *,.it«^.?rv*r'-^^''-^^" • -^:.: ;; 




J. L. Mayhew . 




Late RcsioekeS J- L. MAYHEW, now owned by HENRY JARVIS, (Southville F.O.) St. Lawrcnce County N£wYoffK. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



395 



boni November 2, 1837, dio.l February 23, 1843; Emma 
J., born Juiie 18, 1812, mnrried J. HiMiry Jarvis, Sep- 
tember 29, 18(13. Tliey have one interesting and intelligent 
daughter, Minnie M., who was born September 15, 18G4. 

iMrs. Mayhew still lives, and is a lady very highly re- 
spected and esteemed by all who know her, and, like her 
ailniirable husband who has "gone before," she has emi- 
nently typitied in her lifii and cliaraeter the essential <|ual- 
ities of the pioneer settler and the Christian. That she 
may live many years to enjoy the fruits of their joint in- 
dustry and prudence is the heartfelt wish of her many 
friends. An illustration of the residence and portrait of 
Mr. Mayhcw adorn our pages elsewhere in this work. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON HARRINGTON, 
fourth son of Daniel and Sallie Harrington, — the former of 
whom was born at Winchester, N. H., OA. 2G, 1782, the 
latter at Londonderry, Ma.ss., Feb. 4, 1780, — was born on 
the old liomestead where he now resides, in the town of 
Stoekholm, Oct. 21, 1817. His father was one of the 
pioneers of the town, and suffered the niiiny privations 
tliat fall to the lot of the first settlers of all localities. At 
one time he carried eighteen pounds of wool to Madrid, a 
distance of twenty-one miles, to have it prepared for spin- 
ning, two days being occupied in the trip. He located on 
the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, in the 
year 1810, and in 1812 built a barn, which he filled with 
produce. It was burned the same night that the British 
entered Ogdensburg. 

On the 20th of September, 1848, Mr. Harrington married 
Miss Nancy Harrington, the result of their union being three 
children, namely : George L., born Oct.. 16, 1849 ; W. W., 
born Sept. 16, 1851 ; Horace O., born May 27, 1855, and 
died in infancy. Both George L. and W. W. reside with 
their father. Mrs. Harrington died June 18, 1855, and on 
the 19th of the following October i\Ir. Harrington married 
Lydia Harrington, sister to his first wife. He purcha.sed the 
old homestead farm, then containing one lutndred and twenty 
acres, at four dollars and a half per acre, and has added thereto 
until he now owns two hundred and seventy acres of well- 
improved land, which ho and his tjvo dutiful sons cultivate. 

In religion, ilr. Harrington is a Methodist; he was licensed 
to preach the gospel, but never held any special charge, yet 
he has spent much time in dispensing religious truths in 
his native county. He is an exemplary Christian and an 
earnest follower of the Lord. In politics, he is a Republi- 
can, having been an adherent of that party since its organ- 
ization. In business transactions, he is honest; in social 
life, amiable and courteous ; in the domestic circle, kind 
and affectionate. He is a m.in very generally respected for 
liis m;iny estimable qualities of head and heart. An illus- 
tration of the old homestead, together with portraits of 
iiimself and wife, adorn our pages elsewhere in this work. 



OLIVER M. EMERY. 

Among the respectabre pioneer families of the town of 
Stockholm, none stand higher in the estimation of the- 
community than that of Aaron Emery. He is a native of 



Cheshire county. New Haraiishire, where he wa.s born in 
the year 1798. His wife, Susan Emery, was born in 1803. 
This worthy couple still live, making their residence with 
their son, Oliver M., the subject proper of this sketcii. 
They settled in Stockholm in the year 1832, when the 
country was new, and at a time when unremitting industry 
and enterprise were the requisite qualifications to insure 
success. By hard labor and economical management of 
their interests, they redeemed the wild land upon which 
they located, and made of it a well-cultivated farm, which 
is now occupied by Charles Emery. This elderly couple 
enjoy good health, the result of an industrious and tem- 
perate life, and bid fair to live many years. 

Oliver M. Emery was born in Walpole, Cheshire Co., N. 
H., July 9, 1827, and was the second son of Aaron and 
Susan pjmery, above mentioned. When but five years of 
age his parents moved to this county, as before stated, and 
he wa.s reared in tlie midst of a new country, so that he 
was early inured to toil and liard.ship. He was soon taught 
those lessons of industry and self-reliance that have mate- 
rially tended to his subsequent success. He attended the 
district school during a few winters, being obliged to work 
on the farm in the summer months. 

In January, 1849, h^ married Miss Lucinda Gurley, 
daughter of Joshua Gurley, one of the pioneers of Stock- 
holm. She was born May 6, 1825. This union was blessed 
with four children, namely, Jennie L.,born April 17,1853, 
married Willie Belknap, April 17, 1872 ; Miles J., born 
April 26, 1855 ; Willis C, born November 17, 1856 ; Belle 
E., born Uecember 19, 1858. These all reside at home 
except the elder daughter. 

In March, 1851, Mr. Emery removed to his present 
farm, which then contained but fifty acres and a primitive 
log house. By industry, coupled with a commendable per- 
severance, he has added to his original purchase, until he 
now has a well-cultivated farm of one hundred and fifty 
acres, adapted alike for raising domestic crops and for dairy- 
ing purposes. His residence and out-buildings are among 
the finest and most substantial in the town, and are a monu- 
ment to his thrift and good taste. He is considered one of 
the best practical farmers in the neighborhood in which lie 
lives. He is a man who enjoys the respect of every one 
on account of his accommodating disposition, and the spirit 
of enterprise which he posse.s.scs and uses to the best ad- 
vantage alike to him.self and the interests of his town. In 
politics he is Republican ; in religion liberal, though a 
regular attendant of the Universalist churcli. In character 
ho is upright and honest, his personal integrity being co- 
equal with his energy and enterprise. 



BENJAMIN REEVE. 

Among the hardy pioneers of the pxst, of the town of 
Stockholm, is he whose name heads this sketch. Not only 
was he an early settler, but he also became renowned as a 
hunter and trapper, and his exploits in the woods constitute 
an interesting episode in the history of the town. 

Benjamin Reeve was born in Addison Co., Vt., Sept. 2, 
1807; and has consequently passed the allotted threescore 
years and ten. He was the son of Erastus Reeve, who XT 



396 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



died ill Lawrence in the year 1839, where the hitter and his 
family had settled as early as 1821, and subsequently 
located at what is now Fort Jackson, in the town of Hop- 
kinton. Benjamin settled on the farm where ho now resides 
in 1832. It was then woods, and it and the surrounding 
wilderness gave an impetus to hi.s love of huulinj;, which 
was augmented by the jilcnitude of game that then existed 
ill this part of the county. In addition to clearing his 
farm, he has hunted every fall consecutively until within a 
few years, and it is creditably .said of him by those in a 
position to know, that he has killed in the neighborhood of 
eight hundred deer, besides trapping and killing one bear 
and several panthers, among the latter one that measured 
seven feet from the tip of its tail to the end of its nose, and 
a large assortment of smaller game. It was quite recently 
that Mr. Reeve sold one hundred pairs of horns, which he 
had preserved from the many deer he had .slain. 

On the 1st of November, 1832, he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Eastman, by whom he has had three 
children, namely: G. Milton, born April 23, 1835, mar- 
ried Harriet J. Bisbee, Sept. 23, 1857, has two children, 
Helen May, and Milo E. ; Helen R., born Oct. 1, 1838, 
married Phelps S. Wells, of Hopkinton, in March, 1857, 
has two children, Carrie E. and Carrol E. ; Erastus B., 
born June 13, 1843, married Lois A. Nichols, May 8, 
1865, has two children. Rose E. and Mary A. 

Mr. Reeve was once elected justice of the peace, but 
failed to qualify, preferring to reuiaiu a private citizen to 
holding an official position. He cast his first vote for Andrew 
Jackson, but subsequently he became a Republican, which 
'he still remains. In religion he is liberal. He is generally 
considered a worthy and upright citizen. (See illustration.) 



B. G. LEWIS. 

Among the self-made men and succes.sful farmers of the 
town of Stockhohn, the subject of this sketch occupies a 
prominent position. Himself closely identified with the 
early history of his town, ho naturally feels a deep interest 
in all things pertaining to its pro.sperity, and has admirably 
typified in his life and character the true qualities of the 
hardy and self-sacrificing pioneer. 

Benjamin Green Lewis, the fifth son of Captain David 
Lewis, was born in Vermont, in the year 1803. His father 
was a native of Pepperell, Mass., whence he removed to 
Vermont, in 1788, and died of fever contracted during his 
service in the war of 1812. Mr. B. G. Lewis left Ver- 
mont in 1825, and took up his residence in Essex Co., 
N. Y., whore he taught school three terms, having been 
previously engaged in the same laudable vocation in his 
native town. In 1828 lie was united in marriage with Miss 
Phila Pierce, of Essex Co., N. Y., and the .same year re- 
moved to Stockholm and settle<l on part of the farm upon 
which lie now and has since resided. A family of eight 
children blessed his marriage, namely : Harriet M., Fred- 
erick C, Sarah L., David J., Harrison, Hannah N., Lucian 
R., and Benjamin F. Harrison died in the service of his 
country during the war of the rebellion at Fairfax Court- 
house, one of the thousands of martyrs to patriotism which 
our country's peril br^u^ht forth. David J. was accident- 



ally killed by the ears while riding on a locomotive at ISIin- 
neupolis, Minn. Mr. Lewis comnieneed life with nothing 
but liis hraltli, his industry, and his ambition, but, by dijit 
of energetic iiciseverance and a desire to succeed, he has 
been enabled to secure a fair competence. His first pur- 
chase consisted of fifteen acres, to which he has since added 
until he now po.ssesscs one hundred and seventy-two acres 
of well-cultivated land. His fir.st lot was '' in the woods," 
and nearly all he has he improved himself 

For more than half a century he has been a consistent 
and exemplary member of the Congregationalist church, to 
which and other religious and educational interests he has 
been a liberal patron. In politics he is a Republican, be- 
lieving that the principles advocated by that party are best 
for the government and polity of our country. In char- 
acter he is honest and upright; in disposition, courteous 
and gentlemanly, and his name stands high in the commu- 
nity for probity and fair dealing. He and his excellent 
wife are generally esteemed as a truly worthy couple in 
every respect, and as such their portraits, together with an 
illustration of their residence, are inserted elsewhere in this 
work. 

JAMES B. PELSUE. 

Judging men by the true worth of their achievements 
rather than by any fictitious glare which may surround 
them, there are few who have accomplished more praise- 
worthy results than the plain farmer whose name heads this 
article. His fitlior, George Pelsue, a native of West 
Chelmsford, jNIass., moved to Stockholm at an early day, and 
was married there, in 1818, to iMis. Phoebe Chase, widow 
of Edmund Chase, a gallant young pioneer, who had been 
drowned two years before in trying to rescue two children 
from a watery grave in the St. Regis river. 

Mr. George Pelsue after his marriage removed to Walling- 
ford, Vt., where his sixth child, James B. Pelsue, was born 
on the 16th day of February, 182!). His parents returned 
to Stockhohn in 1832, and there the subject of this sketch 
has since passed his life. His father being in poor health 
and very unfortunate, young James, when only thirteen years, 
told him that, if he would make another attempt to obtain a 
farm, he, James, would try to pay for it. The elder jMr. 
Pelsue then contracted for twenty-five acres, and James 
made the first payment of twenty-five dollars by working 
out at four dollars and a half a month. After that, sickness 
in the family retarded his progress, and until he was twenty- 
one he was only able to keep up the interest. Afterwards 
lie supported his father and mother and grandmother, and 
has. now ac(|uired a farm of a hundred and fifteen acres, 
thoroughly imiiroved and with good buildings. This 
doesn't sound very large, but it is a task which would have 
proved too much for many a man who makes a much greater 
show on account of the advantages of his youth. 

JMr. Pelsue was married on the 2Gtli day of October, 1856, 
to Miss Luthera J. Marsh (born Jan. 25, 183-i), eldest 
child of Lewis and Almira Marsh, of Stockholm. They 
have been the parents of five children : Ilattie L., born 
Aug. 25, 1857 ; Edson J., born Jan. 2, 1859 ; George L., 
born Nov. 3, 1861; Joel M., born Jan. 22, 1864; and 
Earl M., born June 19, 1873. 





B.&.Lzwis. 



MRS.B.G-.LEWfs 




ffEs.oF B.G. LEW/S, 




Morgan Marsh 



Mrs. Morgan Marsh 



i 




ff£5IOENCE Of ff.R.SEAVER, Stockholm, NY. 



L 





ALLEN LYMAN. 



MRS. BETSEY LYMAN. 



ALLEN LYMAN. 



This gentleman stands prominently before the community 
as a philanthropist, and his many aets of charity and be- 
nevolence are themes that are dwelt on and cherished by 
many of the recipients of his munificence. Mr. Lyman 
was boru in Walpole, Cheshire Co., N. H., Oct. 22, 1794. 
He is the second son of Simeon Lyman, who came from 
Northfield, Mass., where tlie family settled at an early day. 
lie was educated at the district school of his native town, 
hut his advantages for scholastic attainments were limited, 
lie commenced at an early age to work upon his father's 
farm, and continued so to do until he reached his twenty- 
fifth year. At this period in his life, anil in the year 1819, 
he left the paternal roof, and, in company with his brother 
Jesse, commenced life for himself They crossed Widow 
Barber's ferry, in Essex Co., N. Y., and went on a hunting 
expedition in the Fifty-Miles' woods, having previou.sly heard 
that hunting was profitable there. It turned out not to be | 
as paying an operation as it was predicted, so they discon- 
tinued it as a business, and went to hunting land of which 
to make a farm. In November, 1819, they arrived in 
Hopkiiitoii and stayed over night with an old hunter named 
Meacham, who.se habitation was fifteen miles from his 
nearest neighbor. Mr. Lyman subsequently settled iu 



Stockholm, on the farm now occupied by 0. F. Crouch. 
Here he erected a log shanty. Hi feet square, in which he 
lived three years. His elder sister came out at this time 
and kept house for him, and afterwards taught school one 
year. He took up fifty acres of land and cleared it, and 
built a frame house in 1823, which was 2(3 by 36 feet, 
and also a barn 32 by 45 feet, which were among the 
largest in town. His brother was killed by the falling of 
a tree in 1821. 

In January, 1824, he married Miss Bet,sey Bicknell, by 
whom he had four children, of whom but one .sou survives. 
His wife died in ISGO. She was the second daughter of 
Amos Bicknell, the pioneer of Bicknellvillc. 

In 1848-49, Mr. Lyman .served his town as supervisor, 
to the general satisfaction of the people at large. He now 
resides in Bicknellvillc, where he enjoys the fruits of his 
industry and prudence. In politics he is a Kepublican ; 
in religion liberal, leaning towards the Universalist faith. 
In the distribution of his charities he is actuated by no 
sectarian motive, and governed by nothing but the necessity 
of the case. His general character is too well known to 
need extended comment from us. Portraits of this gentle- 
man and his estimable wife (deceased) are given herewith. 



LOUISVILLE. 



/ 



/ 



' LomsviLLE is a town geographicany situated _.n l>c 
n, ,rtli part of the county, its northern boundary bc.ng the 
St . Lawrence river. It contains 3:!,42-t acres. The sur- 
face is diversified, being level and rolling. The sod .s gen- 
c'rally a fertile loam, underlaid by calciferous sandstone. 
%M>e town is watered by Gra.sse river, which flows through 
ti^e central part of it, about parallel with the St. Lawrence^ 
'TJhe town cubraces several islands in the St. Lawrence, of 
" which the principal ones are Croils and Goose-Neck. These 
'will be fully described in their proper connection. _ 

The earliest settlement of which any record exists was 
■'made a little more than seventy-eight years ago, and the re- 
demption of the wild land from the primitive and dense 
forest to a fertile and highly productive agricultural s ate 
was a work of considerable magnitude, and fraug^rt with a 
..veat deal of toil and care. But the pioneers of Louisville, 
Uke those of other new sections, were a hardy and indus- 
trious class, and sought to establish their homes with the 
greatest possible expedition. The process was naturally 
slow and laborious. But diligence and unremitting labor 
triumphed, and we behold to-day in the well-culti« ed 
farms and comfortable dwellings the flattermg results of the 
work of their hands and the benefits of their intelligence. 

The first white settler who penetrated the wilderness ot | 
which Louisville was originally constituted was Nahum 
Will-on from Peru, Clinton county, but immediately pre- 
ceding his arrival in this town from Canada, wheiH3 he re- 
, sided^ne year, who came with his family April lo, 18( 0, 
l\ and settled on the lot next east of the one now occupied by 
I his ..randson, Jeremiah Willson. He was accompanied by 
' Aarmr Allen and two sons of the latter. They raised the 
first crops in the town, first of corn, and the fo ow.ng 
season one of wheat. Mr.' Allen and Samuel W. W.llson, 
son of Nahum, cut the first tree for a clearing Hiey 
erected the first house, on the place now occupied by Jolin 
• AVhalen Samuel Warner Willson, who came soon after- 
wards, was a soldier in the War of ISfi. He acted as 
pilot on the Salmon and St. Lawrence rivers, and carried 
ammunition to the troops engaged in the battle of Chry.s ev s 
field John Willson was the next settler, coming from Ver- 
u.ont in the spring of ISOl. Lyman Bostwick Elisha W 
Barber, M.D., and several brothers, Griffin Place, Joseph 
Bradford, Alexander Loughrey, Charles Whalen, Jube Day, 
Jeremiah Wood, and others, soon followed. 

Nahum Willson, Sr., Charles Whalon, Samuel ^^ ells, 
Jeremiah Willson, r.obc:rt Loughrey, Thomas Bingham, 
C S Willard, Ephraim Wood, Daniel Haws, Amos Un- 
derwood, Levi Cole,-whosc widow still resides at Cole 
„.,,k _Samuel Bradford (.son of Joseph Bradford and 
father of Hon. William Bradfbrd),-whose widow lives with 



her son William,-and Dr. Marsh are among the oldest set- 
tlers, most of whom are still residents of the town, some 
having departed for the " better land." 



A MELANCHOLY AND AFFECTING INCIDENT 
occurred on Jan. G, 180G. It appears that four persons- 
Dr Barber and Mr. Chapman, from Madrid, and Messrs. 
Powell and Alexander, of Louisville-were accidentally 
drowned while crossing the St. Lawrence, about opposite 
the centre of the town. They had been over to Canada, 
where they were detained by the roughness of the river, 
occasioned by a strong east wind. Towards night, the 
wind having abated, they attempted to cross in a log canoe, 
but their boat capsized, and two of their number are sup- 
posed to have drowned immediately. The other two clung 
to their boat and endeavored, by cries, to obtain assistance. 
These cries were heard on both sides of the river, and to a 
■.reat distance below as they floated down, but no one paid 
any particular attention to them, not realizing that they 
proceeded from persons in distress, and these two also per- 
ished Three of the bodies were found several miles below, 
and the fourth a great distance from the place of the cap- 
size among the islands. A large dog who was aboard had 
been bound to keep him quiet, and he is supposed, in his 
stru^.des to L'et free, to have overturned them. This sad 
accident spread a gloom through the settlements, and was a 
1 cause of unavailing regret to those who had heard the cries 
without hastening to their assistance. No blame was at- 
tached to any one, and the darkness of the night and rough- 
ncss of the river were such that aid could scarcely have 
been afforded had the situation of the sufferers been appre- 
ciited A touching incident that occurred in the morning 
of the day on which the accident happened was rendered 
pcculiarlv aftccting by the fatal event. As one of the num- 
ber was ;bout leaving home, a little daughter, who evinced 
,v,.eat fondness for her father, came to him in a manner 
unusually affectionate, tenderiy embraced and kissed him, 
and exacted of him a promise that he would certainly return 
before ni<d.t. She seemed to have an instinctive foreboding 
„f evil, iind by the artless innocence of childlike entreaty 
endeavored to prevent it. 

THE FIRST CAPITAL OFFENSE 
in this county, of which the law took cognizance, was com- 
mitted by Louis Gerteau, who, on the 22d of February, 
ISIO, entered the house of Michael Scarborough, a resident 
of this town, during the latter's absence, for the purpose of 
robbery, and sought to conceal that crime by the murder 
of Scarborough's wife and infant child and a I-rench lad 
named Macne, his own brother-in-law, who was .n_the em- 

397 



398 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ploy of Mr. Scarboioup;h. He also woundnd a .second child. 
The dotail.s connected with thi.s brutal tragedy are too 
horrible and sickening to relate. Ho was, after conviction, 
publicly executed at Ogden.sburg, July 12, 1810. 

THE CHOLERA 

visited tlie town in 18152, but was not epidemic. About 
ten cases occurred, of wliicii but one was fatal. A board 
of health was formed, who appointed Dr. Ira Gibson healtli 
officer, and designated the shores of the St. Lawrence, be- 
tween Robert Crawford's and Allen McLeod's farms, as 
quarantine grounds. The quarantine regulations were not 
enforced, for the intercourse with Canada stopped of its 
own accord. Tlie alarm pa.ssed off in a few weeks. 

The early settlers of Louisville, in an especial manner, 
were Indebted to their Canadian neighbors for many kind- 
nesses, which relieved them from those extremities that 
settlers of other towns less favorably situated endured. 
The St. Lawrence can here be crossed at most seasons in 
safety. Mills existed at various points along the north 
shore ; and the inhabitants, mostly of German descent, who 
had been driven from (he Schoharie and Jlohawk settle- 
ments for their adherence to the king's interests in the 
Revolutionary war, had already, in their own sufferings for 
want of that assistance which may be derived from neigh- 
bors, forgotten the bitterness of Ibrnier times in their 
anxiety for better. Previous to the declaration of war 
the most friendly relations existed ; families exchanged 
visits with as much freedom and frequency as if the river 
was but a common street, and they were constantly in the 
habit of borrowing and lending those articles which their 
limited means did not allow each one to possess. The war, 
for a season, made each suspicious of the other, and entirely 
stopped all intercourse for a time, but necessity led them 
ere long to look back with regret on the customs of former 
times, and secretly long for their return. During the first 
summer of the war many of the Canadian men were called 
off to perform military dutj- and labor on the fortifications 
at Prescott, and their families were left to provide for them- 
selves as they might best be able. Provisions became 
scarce, and want stared them in the face. Pressed with 
hunger, the children of one of their families, remembering 
the homely but wholesome fare which they had formerly 
observed on the south shore, one night entered a boat, and 
being skillful in its use, cros.sed over, and humbly begged at 
the door of a house at which they were acquainted for food. 
The family were overjoyed at the visit, and on their return 
they sent back an invitation for their parents to come over 
on a certain night and renew their old acquaintance. They 
did so, and never were people more delighted than these 
when they met, exchanged salutations, and learned by those 
expressions that come from the heart that although the two 
governments had declared them enemies, they were still 
friends. The livelong night was spent in agreeable festivi- 
ties, and with the approach of dawn they returned. News of 
this was confidentially spread, and these midnight visits be- 
came common ; being at first strictly secret, but towards the 
close of the war quite open, and performed by daylight. One 
loyalist, however, who felt the spirit of the olden time re- 
turn when called upon to sustain the interest of his king. 



although a very kind-hearted man and strongly attach \ed by 
ties of friendship to his American neighbors, sternly rei ''used 
all renewal of acquaintance from a sense of duty, and o 'is- 
countenanced it among his neighbors. One evening an y.n- 
habitant of the south shore resolved to attempt to conqi/ ler 
this spirit by kindness, and boldly visited his house as I^ 'ad 
been his former custom. Finding him absent, he follow>' m1 
him to a neighbor's, and warmly saluted him with a cordi lal 
grasp of the hand and friendly chiding for so long and 3 io 
obstinately withstanding the claims of neighborship. Th is 
appeal to the heart overwcighed the decision of the he;\id, 
and the salutation was, after a moment's hesitation, re- 
turned with a cordiality that showed him sensible of I he 
truth that man is by nature a social being and intended i *fl 
live in concord with his neighbors. Peace was thus d* > 
clared along this frontier long before the fjict was estab-l- 
lished by diplomatists, or published by the proclamation i )f 
the president. , 

Early in the summer of 1812 the inhabitants of Louis- 
ville, for their own protection, organized a volunteer com- 
pany of about forty men, who constituted the male portion 
of the town capable of bearing arms. They elected Benja- 
min Daniels, one of their number, " high sergeant," whom 
they agreed to obey, in all matters touching the common 
interest. Soon after their organization they received orders 
from General Brown, at Ogdensburg, to bring to all crafts 
passing the river. In pursuance of these instructions they, 
on one occasion, hailed and brought in a raft, and found in 
the cabin a large amount of valuable groceries, etc., the 
greater part of which was forwarded to the collector of the 
district. During the summer a regular company was formed, 
with Benjamin Willard captain, which drew arms from the 
arsenal at Russell, and was kept in service from August to 
November. They were ordered to allow Indians to pass, 
but to stop all other crafts and learn their business. At 
times they had rumors of hostile visits from the north 
shore, but they were not made . 

The first birth in the town was that of Nahum Willson, ' 
Jr., son of Nahum Willson, the pioneer settler, who was ''' 
born Oct. 28, 1801. '^ 

The first marriages in L'iui>ville were those in which 
Sylvester Drake and Lucinda Cole were the contracting 
parties, — the ceremony having "been celebrated in the year 
1809, and the marriage of Joel Case and Lucy Haws, 
which was consummated the same year, and some doubts 
exist as to which is entitled to priority. 

The first death. — Relative to this event, also, a discrep- 
ancy exi.sts, — some of the pioneers remaining averring that 
it was that of Ethan Allen, Sr., and some (notably Mrs. 
Polly Shoen, a daughter of Asa Baxter) that it was a man 
named Moore, who died of smallpox at an early day. 

The first school was taught by Elisha W. Barber in 1808 
or 1809, in a log school-house in the Willson neighbor- 
hood. 

CIVIL ORU.\NIZ.\TIO.V. 

The town of Louisville w;is erected from Mas.sena, 
April 5, 1810, at first ten miles square, but in 1823 di- 
vided in the formation of Norfolk, and a part of that town 
reanncxed, April 8, 1844, without the knowledge of the 
citizens, it is said. The first town-meeting was held at the 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



399 



house of John Willson ; the poor-moneys were to be equally 
divided, and the act to take eflect Feb. 1, 1811. 

"In December, 1811, at a special townmecting, the 
legislature was petitioned to take some action by which the 
public lots niiij,ht be sold or leased. 

"In 1819 a wolf bounty of $10, and in 1821 a fox 
bounty of $1, were voted. 

" In 1823, two notices for the division of the town given ; 
one of these was to have a town si.\ miles square from Lis- 
bon, Madrid, Stockholm, and Potsdam, having the present 
village of Norfolk as its centre; the other asking for the 
division of the town of Louisville, as was done by the 
legislature subsequently. 

'' In 1828, Samuel Stacey, Otis G. Hosman, and Samuel 
Bradford appointed to wait upon the commissioners about 
to locate the cjurt-house, and represent the interests of the 
town. 

" In 18-19 it was resolved that the notice given for an- 
nexing a part of Louisville to Massena be laid under the 
table." 

The list of supervisors from 18U>* to 1877, inclusive, 
comprises the following names, with the years of their .service : 

SUPERVISORS. 

181G, Elisha W. Barber; 1819, Christopher G. Stowe ; 
1820, Benjamin Raymond; 1821, Timothy W. Osborne ; 
1822-23, C. G. Stowe; 1824, Samuel B. Ander-son ; 1825 

-28, Wm. Bradford; 1829, Sept. 19, Gould, to fill 

vacancy from Bradford's death ; 1829-33, Jube E. Day ; 
1834, Allen McLeod, Jr. ; 1835, J. E. Day ; 183(5, Allen 
McLeod; 1837-40, Samuel Bradford; 1841-42, John 
Doud ; 1843, Thomas Bingham ; 1844, S. Bradford ; 1845, 
T. Bingham ; 1846-47, Nathaniel D. Moore ; 1848, John 
Gibson ; 1848, March 25, Levi Miller, Jr., to fill vacancy; 
1849, Levi Miller, Jr.; 1850-54, John Gibson; 1855, 
Mark A. Moore; 185G-57, Samuel Bradford; 1858, Wil- 
liam Miller; 1859-GO, Samuel Bradford ; 18G1, Levi Mil- 
ler; 18G2-G3, John Whalen; 18G4-G5, James Miller; 
1SGG-G8, William Bradford; 18G9, Otis II. Wells; 1870- 
71, John Whalen; 1872, James Miller; 1873-77, Wil- 
liam Bradford. 

The present (1877) town officers are William Bradford, 
supervisor ; P. A. Campbell, town cleik ; James Mulhol- 
land, John Whalen, John Murdy, assessors ; William Mien, 
James Sillier, Jlichael Power, Charles D. McLeod, justices 
of the peace; A. G. Taylor, collector; Henry Power, high- 
way commissioner ; Aaron C. Allen, Samuel Thompson, Jr., 
overseers of the poor; S. B. S(|uires, Albert Whiting, W. 
T. Phelps (appd), town auditors; H. H. Wing, T. G. 
Willson, J. B. Willson, inspectors of election ; A. C. 
Stearns, C. S. Willard, Hugh Short, J. C. Baker, Oscar 
Taylor, constables; Patrick Gaynor, excise commissioner. 

LOUISVILLE, 

locally known as Jlillerville, from Rev. Levi Jliller, a 
licensed preacher of the JMetliodist Episcopal denomination, 
who came from Ma.s.sacliusetts, but immediately from Turin, 
Lewis county, N. Y., as agent for James McVicker, the 

^-' Uecorda for first five ^'ears lost or mislaid. 



purchaser from Macomb of the tract, including the site of 
the village. 

Mr. Miller arrived with his liimily in March, 1823, but 
had been preceded by Oliver Ames, who had made a small 
clearing there three or four years before. A bridge was 
con.structed across Grassc river here, about 1820, and the 
foundation for a saw-mill, which latter, liowever, was not 
completed. 

Louisville is pleasantly situated on Grasse river, about the 
geographical centre of the town. The first improvements 
were made by Mr. McVicker, who, among other things, 
built the stone part of the present grist-mill in 1833. In 
1837, George Redington came in and purchased the water- 
power, of which Rev. Levi Miller owned one-quart-er, com- 
pleted the building and put in the necessary machinery for 
a grist-mill, which he immediately put into operation. Prior 
to this, and as early as 1805, Asa Day had erected a log 
dam and small grist-mill, about one mile below, on the site 
now owned by Alonzo Whiting, where the pioneers got 
their corn and wheat ground. Redington owned the mill 
till his death in September, 1850, after which it was rented 
by his heirs to Francis La Fountaine, who was killed by 
being caught in the machinery. It was then rented to and 
subsequently- purchased by W. S. Wilder, and, at his death. 
Oct. 20, 1S7G, passed to his heirs, and is now managed by 
his son, W. D. Wilder. At first it had two run of stones, 
it now has four, and a capacity for 300 bushels per day. 

Among other manuilicturing interests is Sullivan's 
carriage-factory, established in 1853. Mr. Sullivan has 
earned an excellent reputation for the durability and neat- 
ness of his work. He does a general business in carriages, 
buiigies, and sleighs, employing eight hands in his factory. 

The place also contains a saw- and shingle-mill, owned 
by James Miller ; cooper-.shop, two blacksmith-shops, and a 
harness-shop. Its business is represented by two general 
stores, kept by William Miller and William F. Phelps & 
Co. respectively ; two groceries, by Ira 0. Bailey and L. F. 
Baker ; a boot- and shoe-store, by A. G. Taylor ; one Meth- 
odist Episcopal and one Roman Catholic church, and a good 
district school. The estimated population of the place is 
300. 

The post-office was established there in 1827, and Rev. 
Levi Miller was appointed first postmaster. The present 
incumbent is L. F. Baker. 



CHASE'S MILLS 

was first settled by Alden Chase, after whom the place re- 
ceives its name. Other early settlers in the immediate 
vicinity were Eben- and Varnom Pulley, James and Elijah 
Stearns, each of whom have descendants now residents of 
the town. For many years the place contained nothing 
but a grist-mill, but the excellence of the water-power, fur- 
nished by Grasse river, induced some enterprising citizens 
to establish other manufacturing interests there. The first 
grist-mill was erected in 1834, and burned about 1845. 
The present mills were erected by Elijah II. Stearns, in 
ISGO. They are now owned and operated by H. & M. 
Ru.ssell, and have three run of stones and a capacity for 
300 bushels per day. The tannery is owned by George 



400 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Graves & Son, of Rutland, Vt., and successfully managed 
by J. H. Shaver. Its capacity is 15,600 sides per annum. 

The shingle- and .saw-mills are operated by W. W. Tiittlo, 
and have a capacity, the Ibi-mer of sawing 2,01)0,000 fi'et, 
and the latter of 1,400,000 shingles, per annum. Other 
manufactories of the place are a pump-factory, operated by 
llaggctt & Son ; a butter-tub factory, by J. T. Young ; two 
blacksmitheries, one wheelwright- and paint-shop, one shoe- 
sliop. It aKso has two general stores, — ^one kept by L. E. 
Barnett, and the other by James Curry ; two millinery and 
two dressmaking establishments, a hotel, a Methodist Epis- 
copal church, used by various denominations; and a good 
public school. The place enjoys the facilities of a daily 
mail and stage, thanks to the e.^ertions of Mr. L. E. Bar- 
nett, the efficient postmaster and merchant. The population 
is fairly estimated at 275. 

In 18G7 the first store in the place was erected by L. E. 
Barrett, a young man of fine business abilities and great 
enterprise. It was a substantial brick structure, which was 
subsequently destroyed by fire, proving a great loss both to 
its owner and to the village. Nothing daunted by his ill 
fortune, Mr. Barnett established him.self in his present 
quarters, where he does a good general business. 

LOUISVILLE LANDING, 

a post-village and port of entry, situated on the St. Law- 
rence, on the northern boundarj' of the town. It contains 
two general stores, a hotel, post-office, with James Matthews 
as postmaster, and custom-office, of which Stephen Sharpe 
has been collector since January, 1874. lie makes a very 
efficient officer. There are about 10 families and 50 inhab- 
itants in the place. 

CROIL'S ISLAND.* 

" This island is variously named upon Burr's map the 
" Upper Long Saut ;" by the French, He au Chaviailles ; 
by the Indians, Tsiloioenoliwaharate; and by the present 
settlers, Baxter's, Stacy's, and Croil's, from the names of 
successive owners. Previous to the establishment of the 
boundary-line, in 1818, this island was considered as Brit- 
ish territory; and under this supposition, in 1812, Asa 
Baxter, who then owned it, was drafted into the British 
army, and upon his refusal to serve it was confiscated. Mr. 
Baxter deserted the army, and took refuge in Vermont, 
where he remained until the close of the war, when he re- 
turned with his family to the island, and was immediately 
arrested as a deserter and confined in jail at Cornwall, 
where he remained from April, 1814, to the following 
August. He agian escaped the officers, while being taken 
to Kingston for trial. . After an understanding was arrived 
at between the two govenimsnts respecting the jurisdiction 
of the island, Mr. Baxter delivered himself up for trial at 
Cornwall, but as the court had no jurisdiction over him he 
was released, and he again removed his family to the island 
and lived there several years. He was dispossessed by the 
purchase of the islands in the St. Lawrence by Judge Ogden, 
owing to a misunderstanding between the land-commis- 

• From Child's " Uietorical Directory," lS7:.'-7i. 



sioncrs and the surveyor-general ; but a recompense was 
subsequently made. Goose Neck, Chrisler's, and Chat's 

islands belong to this town." 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
There appears to have been no church organization in 
the present limits of Louisville earlier than 1820. There 
was a church in Raymondville, which was then in this 
town, but it was rendered difficult of access by reason of 
the swampy nature of the intervening country. Religious 
meetings were held, however, at an early day, by ministers 
from Canada, whence also came many of the temporal com- 
forts of the early settlers. So far as accessible information 
goes, the first effijrts to establish a church society were 
made by Benjamin and Peter Powers. They canvassed 
the town with this object in view, and established the fact 
that only five persons held letters from other churches, viz., 
Joseph Gould and wife, Peter and Elizabeth Powers, and 
Ephraim Wood. Permission was obtained to hold meetings 
in the house near where John Whalen now lives, and there 
Levi Miller formed a cla.ss. The church, however, was not 
organized until 1839, when the first Methodist Episcopal 
society was instituted, and on the 3d of June of that year 
the following trustees were elected : Levi Miller, Levi 
Miller, Jr., Israel G. Stowe, John Power, and John Doud. 
In June, 1841, the number of trustees was increased from 
five to nine, in accordance with the recommendation of the 
discipline of that denomination, and the names of Ethan 
Allen, A. C. Allen, Allen McLeod, and one other, were 
added to the above list. The house of wor.ship now occu- 
pied by the society was erected in 1840, at a cost of about 
$1500 ; it will comfortably 'seat 250 persons, and is now 
valued at $4000. The first regular pastor was Rev. D. 
Chidester ; the present incumbent, Rev. A. B. White. The 
board of trustees consists of Joseph Elliott, Henry Power, 
Joseph Mulholland, James Miller, Zenas Nichols, and 
Henry McConnell ; the stewards are Arthur Nichols, H. 
H. Wing, Joseph Elliott, and James Mulholland. The 
membership of the charge is 132. There are three Sunday- 
schools in the circuit, which jointly number 24 officers and 
teachers and 1 G2 scholars, and a library containing 250 
volumes. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY 
at Louisville Landing was organized with forty members, 
principally from the Louisville church, in 1852, by Rev. 
H. Chittenden. The church edifice was erected tiie same 
year. It has a seating capacity for 200 persons. It is now 
valued at $1400. Statistics included in the above sketch 
of the First church. 

THE SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
at Cha.se's Mills was organized, with about 22 members, 
July 12, ISGSt. The first officers were L. E. Barnett, 
Robert Bardon, R. C. Allen, Apollos Jones, and I. A. Har- 
riman, trustees ; William Bardon, treasurer ; and L. E. Bar- 
nett, clerk of the board. The house in which services are 
held was erected the same year, and finished and furnished 
in the modest modern style the summer following, at a cost 
of $2400. It is buiit of brick, and is 32 by 42 feet, and will 
seat 250 persons. The means for its construction were con- 





SAMUEL TRACY. 



MRS. SAMUEL TRACY. 



SAMUEL TRACY 



was born in Windham, Windham Co., Conn., Jan. 30, 178Sj. 
His father was a native of Norwich, where the family origin- 
ally settled. The elder Tracy was a merchant ; in fact, the 
entire family, as far back as we have any knowledge, were 
engaged in trade. As wa.s the custom in those days, Samuel 
remained with his father until ho attained his majority, re- 
ceiving a good common-school educalion, and as.sisting his 
ftither in the store. His first speculation was in the grow- 
ing of hemp, in which he was unsuccessful. Being ambi- 
tious, and wishing to retrieve his losses, he resolved to " go 
west," and in 1815 came to Oswego. Here he remained 
about one year, when he came to Massena and purchased 
seventy-three acres of land, which is a portion of the farm 
now owned by his son, Daniel Tracy. He then went back 
to his native town and shortly afterwards, with his wife and 
three children, returned to Massena, traveling with his own 
conveyance, a span of horses and wagon ; the wagon was 
said to be the only one at the time in the town. The town 
was at this time sparsely settled, and the inhabitants had 
their full share of toil and privaticm. This was especially 



true with Mr. Tracy ; but being a man of indomitable will 
and perseverance, he overcame all obstacles, and to his first 
purchase of seventj'-three acres added nearly three hundred, 
and at his death, which occurred Dee. 8, 1871, he was con- 
sidered to be one of the prominent and successful farmers 
of the town. He was a man of a very positive character, 
devotedly attached to his family, and perhaps a little exclu- 
sive ; very methodical in business matters, and with a very 
high regard for his word, which was considered to be as 
good as his note. He was a devout member of the Second 
Congregational church of Massena, and contributed liber- 
ally towards its support. In December, 1812, Mr. Tracy 
was married to Miss Theda Snow, daughter of Levi and 
Lydia Snow, of Becket, Mass. She was born Dec. 3, 1788, 
and is now living on the old farm at the advanced age of 
eighty-nine. Mr. and Mrs. Tracy were blessed with ten 
children, five sons and five daughters, seven of whom are 
now living. The old homestead is owned and occupied by 
their son, Daniel, who is one of the town's most euterpris- 
inir and successful farmers. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCli: COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



401 



tributed by the inliabitants, of all dcMKimlnations, to the 
amount of SI 000, leavinjr a Ji-bt of $1400 on the day of 
dedication. It may here be remaiked that tiie house was 
built airaiust more or less .silent and outspoken opposition. 
Before it wa.s begun, " it could never be built," and when 
completed, fur.sooth, " it never would be paid for." How- 
ever, the strong hearted wavered not; knowing that "it 
is good to be zealously affected always in a good cause," they 
got togetlier on tlutt memorable dedication moruiiiy, and re- 
solved, with the s;iuie strong faith that had characterized 
their efforts and sacrifices all through, that, with the bless- 
ing of God, the remaining indebtedness should be paid that 
day, and so it was ; for the church was that day freed from 
debt, and dedicated amid the rejoicing.s of the donors. It 
is no fault of those who did we// that the success of the 
enterprise was largely due to the untiring perseverance of 
L. K. Barnett, the successful young merchaut of the place, 
then but 26 years of age, who, all through the enterprise, 
exercised as much diligence and care as he does in his own 
business, fulfilling the Divine command, " Whatsoever thy 
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." The church 
has continued to be largely attended by all denominations 
each Sabbath and other days, and the desk is occupied by 
pa.stors of different religious faiths. The first of these was 
Rev. E. A. Merritt; the present, G. S. Hastings. The 
membership has changed materially by deaths and removals, 
and is at this time about the same as at first, — 22. The 
present officers are L. E. Barnett, Robert Bardon, I. R. 
Harriman, J. H. Shaver, and I. A. Harriman, trustees, 
and William Bardon, treasurer. A very successful Sabbath- 
school is sustained, with L. E. Barnett, superintendent; 
J. H. Shaver, assistant ; and 10 other officers and teachers, 
and 80 scholars. 

ST. LAWRENCE R0M.4.N CATHOLIC CHURCH 

at Louisville was organized, with G-t families, Oct. 2, 1869. 
A meeting for the purpose of the formation of a Catholic 
church was held in the town-hall at Louisville, on the date 



above mentioned, at which John B. Whalen presided and 
Michael Power acted as secretary. The church edifice was 
erected, in 1871-72, at a cost of $7000, — its present value. 
Its seating capacity is for 350 persons. The first trustee." 

were Rt. Rev. Wadhanis, bishop of the diocese. Very 

Rev. James Maekey, Vicar-general, Father Welsh, past<3r in 
charge, John B. Wbalcn, and Michael Power. The pres- 
ent trustees are the two ecclesiastical dignitaries as above. 
Rev. J- J. Brennan, pastor, James McNulty, and James 
Carroll. The present membership is 300. 

EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL. 
The education of the 3'outh was a subject of paramount 
importance with the pioneers of Louisville ; hence we find 
primitive arrangements for teaching inaugurated at an early 
day in the history of the town. As early as 1808, Elisha 
W. Barber taught a school in the WilLson neighborhood ; 
and. later, Levi Miller taught in a rude building near the 
village of Louisville. Educational matters have made rapid 
strides since then, as the number and quality of the school- 
houses, the ability of the teachers employed, and the sub- 
joined statistics show. We find, within the limits of town, 
14 school-houses, 15 teachers, 577 scholars ; valuation of 
school property, $6540 ; amount of State appropriation, 
$1645; amount raised from ta.Kation, $2255. The popu- 
lation of the town, for the semi-decades from 1845 to 1877, 
was as follows: In 1845, 1970; in 1850, 2044; in 1855, 
2120; in 1860, 2310; in 1865, 2237; in 1870,2132; 
in 1875, 2039. 

We acknowledge our indebtedness to the following for 
assistance in the compilation of the above history of Louis- 
ville : Dr. Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin 
Counties," Jeremiah Willson, William and James Miller, 
Mrs. Samuel Bradford and son, Hon. William Bradford, 
Mrs. Polly Shoen, John B. Whalen, C. S. Willard, L. E. 
Barnett, Elon Taylor, Robert Loughrey and wife, Michael 
Power, Esq., James Matthews, Stephen Sharp, and many 
others. 



M A S S E N A. 



The extreme northeast town of the county bears this 
name, which was bestowed in honor of Marshal Massena, 
of the French army of the first Napoleon. It was erected 
by the provisions of the act forming the county, March 3, 
1802, a large portion of Great Tracts 2 and 3 being at- 
tached to its present area, which area was never a part of 
the Macomb purchiise. By the formation of the towns on 
its south and west Massena has been reduced to its present 
limits, — 30,671 acres. The town borders on the St. Law- 
rence river, and includes among its territory the islands of 
Long Saut and Barnhart, lying in that stream. Its sur- 
face is level, partaking to a large extent of the characteris- 
51 



tics peculiar to an alluvial formation. Dense forests of pine 
formerly existed in its limits, affording excellent ship tim- 
ber ; and spars, from 80 to 100 feet long, were often ob- 
tained, and rafted to Montreal. A limited quantity of tliis 
timber yet remains. The various liard woods, as well as the 
elms and basswood, also abounded, and at present consti- 
tute the chief growths on the uncleared lands. The soil, 
generally, is very fertile, .being a dark loam, or a loam with 
an admixture of clay and sand. Wheat was formerly an 
important product, but its culture has been supplanted by 
the grazing interests ; and the products of the dairy and 
cheese-factories, of whicli there are three in town, aggregate 



40:; 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



thousands of dollars animally. Hence, also, live-stock forms 
one of the thief exports. In 1875 the town possessed 
4079 uiilch cows. 

JMassena i.s liberally watered by Grasse and Raqnetfe 
rivers, which flow through the town from west to east, 
south of the centre, and about a mile apart. The latter is 
a turbulent mountain stream, rising in the Adirondack re- 
gions, and cannot be utilized in the town for water-power. 
The Grasse is more sluggish, but has natural falls in the 
western part of the town, which have been improved so as 
to produce excellent power. Below these, from the centre 
of the town to the mouth of the river, at Cornwall island 
the current is scarcely perceptible. To this point the river 
is navigable, and a ship-canal has been proposed to the head 
of Long Saut i.sland, thus avoiding the famous rapids, whose 
current is twenty miles an hour, and whose waves are la.shed 
into foam like the surges of the sea. In September, 1833, 
sixty persons subscribed various sums to pay G. Ogden and 
U. H. Orvis for undertaking a preliminary survey in ascer- 
taining the practicability and probable expense of a canal 
from Long Saut to the still waters of the Grasse, but the 
building of a canal around the rapids, on the Canadian side, 
prevented further action. 

Both the Grasse and Rafjuette rivers are subject to the 
influence of the backwatci-s of the St. Lawrence, whose 
peculiar actions, and the eflTects attending it, are thus de- 
scribed by Dr. Hough in his history of the county: 

" From the commencement of the rapids to the head of 
Lake St. Francis, at St. Regis, the St. Lawrence seldom 
freezes sufiiciently to allow of crossing on the ice, although 
at particular seasons, and for a short time, there has been a 
bridge of ice sufiiciently strong to support tean.s. The 
waters, however, being chilled by snows drifted into them, 
and obstructed by anchor ice, or masses formed at the bot- 
tom of the stream, as is common in running water in our 
climate, will commence forming a dam or slight obstruction, 
usually near St. Regis, where its surface is covered with 
solid ice ; and this, being fixed by freezing, and increased 
by cakes of floating ice and snow, will accumulate at suc- 
cessive points above, raising the surface, and causing still 
water just above the obstruction, which allows the freezing 
process to take place. This has occurred during severe 
snow-storms and intensely cold weather so rapidly as to 
raise (he waters of the St. Lawrence, at certain points, Ji/- 
teen feel in as many minvtes ; and the Long Saut rapids, 
where the waters usually shoot downwards with the swift- 
ness of an arrow, have been known to be as placid as the 
surface of a mill-pond from obstructions below. The de- 
scent of the water is of course the same, but the rapids are 
cuTritid farther tl(/wn stream, and still water occurs at points 
where it is rapid at ordinary seasons. The extreme difier- 
ence of level hitherto ob.served from these obstructions is 
libout twenli/'five feet in Robinson's bay ; in Wassena, about 
pine ^iles above St. Regis, and in Grasse river, it has been 
Jinown to rise to an e<iual height. No winter passes with- 
,o,ut more or less of these ice-dams and reflex currents, which 
usually happen towards the latter part of winter, after the 
waters hav« become chilled, and ice has formed below. 
Above the head of the Long Saut they are seldom or never 
noticed- Similur occurrences liappcu at Montreal at certain 



seasons, and have often caused serious accidents. The ap- 
parent solidity of the obstructions thus temporarily formed 
is seldom tru.sted by those acquainted with the river, al- 
though there have been those fool-hardy enough to venture 
across the channel upon theui. They will sometimes form 
and break away with astonishing rapidity ; for such is the 
irresistible force of the mighty current that no obstruction 
can long withstand its power. In 1833, a bridge at Mas- 
scna Centre, supposed to be placed sufficiently high to be 
above the reach of all floods, was swept away from this 
cause, the waters having arisen nearly five feet higher than 
had been before observed, and it has been found ((uite im- 
practicable to maintain bridges below Massena village across 
Grasse river. The water has been seen to pour over the dam 
at Haskell's mill vp stream for a short time, and the dam at 
jMa.s.sena village has been preserved against the backwater 
with extreme difiiculty. The lower dam on Grasse river is 
built to resist the current from both directions, and the 
level of this river, as well as the St. Lawrence, is from thi.* 
cause higher through a portion of the winter than its 

normal level." 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

It is generally believed that the first settlement in Mas- 
sena began as early as 1792, by the erection of a saw-mill 
on Grasse river, on the site now ocenpied by Haskell's 
mills. These lands were claimed by the iSt. Regis Indians, 
in common with others along the river, and a mile square 
at what was then known as the falls (Haskell's) was re- 
served for them by the treaty of 1796. The saw-mill was 
erected by a Frenchman, and was afterwards occupied by 
Amable Foucher, from old Chateaugay, who TEtained pos- 
session until 1808. His first dam was swept tip stream by 
the backwater of the St. Lawrence, before described. The 
settlements which followed were made on what was knowo 
as Revolutionary land-grants, which were surveyed in the 
fall of 1798 by Amos Lay, who afterwards became the first 
supervisor of the town. In 1799 a road was surveyed from 
Oswegatchic to St. Regis, and partly opened. 

The early proprietors and settlers experienced much an- 
noyance from the St. Regis Indians, who continued to roam 
over the town, to and from their reservation, as will be seen 
by the following documents : 

" To llie Himurulle the Lerjlulitlure of llie Slate vf Atic Yoit, ill 
Stiiate find Atfueiiibly convened ; 
" The pclilionof thesubscrilicr bumlib'slioweth: That he, together 
with a number of other?, his associates, did (at sundry tiuice) locato 
on several tracts and pieces of land, and obtained grants for the same, 
on the southeast side of the river St. Lawrence, and easterly of and 
adjoining the township of Louisville. That your petitioner and as- 
sociates were induced to tliis distant object, _/7/-d»/, to be clear of inter- 
fering with other claims, and, tccoitdli/, by a stroaio of water passing 
through the miildle of the said collected several tracts, then called 
and known by the name of Liilie Black river, and noted in a map of 
the State, published at the time of the Kovolution, by the name of 
Ei/enmiirt/c, and now called by the .Vt. llcjia Indians Grasae river. 
That your petitioner and associates attempted last season to com- 
mence settlements on the premises aforesaid, and were prevented 
from taking possession by the .SV. Jtciji» Indians, who alleged that 
the said Ulaek river and one half mile on each side thereof is reserved 
by treaty, and oontirmed (o them by the commissioners of the United 
States and the State of New York. That your petitioner, therefore, 
to investigate the claim, applied to the record of the State, and found 
the original Irealy there deposited, dated May .'il, 179G, whereby it 
appears the prcnisei) so surrtnJ^red by the comraissiooera »fgresai4 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



4(13 



is about eight squjirc milps, being the most valuable part of the prop- 
erty held by your petitioners, etc., under the soleuia grants of the 
State, in the j'ears 178S and 1790. A copy of said treaty and cession 
aforesaid is hereunto annexed, together with a map of tlic several 
grants certified by the survcyor-gener.al. That your petitioner, pre- 
vious to tlic discovery of the cession afores.xid, did subscribe, and is 
accountable to contribute, a considerable proportion towards a road 
from Plattsburg, jointly with the proprietors of Louisville, and is now 
without the prospect of deriving the least benefit therefrotn. In case 
thus circumstanced with the St. Itegin Indians, who are not amenable 
to the laws, j'our petitioner and associates are induced to apply for 
legislative aid in the premises, and pray that they will be pleased to 
grant such relief as they in their wisdom will judge equitable and 
just. 

"Jkr*. V. Rensselaer.- 
" Himself and Associates. 
"Albany, Jan. 17, 17'.!!)." 

*' To HU Excellence], John Jny, Enq., Goceninr o/ the State of Neto 
yorA; lit council: 

" The petition of the several persons whose names are hereunto 
subscribed, settlers in the townships of Massena and Louisville, on 
the banks of the river St. Lawrence, in the State of New Yorii, Hnm- 
blif repreventeth : That the Indian chiefs and warriors of St. Regis 
arc possessed of a tract of land, chiefly wild meadow, extending from 
the mouth of Grasse river, in the township of Massena, up to the 
falls, which is about seven miles. That your petitioners, having set- 
tled in the said townships of Massena and Louisville, are greatly an- 
noyed by the said Indians, who threaten to kill and destroy their 
cattle unavoidably trespassing upon these meadows, they being ex- 
posed chiefly without fence, and several of their cattle are missing. 
Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray your excellency, in council, 
to take such measures of accommodation with the said Indians as 
shall seem meet, in order to secure to your petitioners the peaceable 
enjoyment of their lands and property against the depredations of 
the said Indians. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc. 

" Signed, Amos Lay, Mainri Victory, Calvin Plumlcy, Kinner New- 
corab, Samuel Newcorab, G. S. Descoteaux, William Polley, Anthony 
Lamping, Aaron Allen, and two illegible signatures. Dated June 
24, 1800." 

In consequence of these memorials, the State purchased 
the Indian reservation, paying more for the lands than was 
afterwards realized from their sale. 

The first land-agent was Henry Child, who was succeeded 
by Amos Lay, and he in turn by Mathew Perkins. Among 
those who came as settlers before 1803, and who had come 
principally from Vermont, were Mamri Victory, Calvin 
Plumley, Bliss Hoisington, David Lytic, Seth Reed, Leo- 
nard Herrick, John BuUard, Jacob and David Hutchins, 
Nathaniel Kezar, and Elijah Bailey. The latter kept a 
pioneer tavern on the St. Lawrence. A two-story house, 
erected for this purpose at a later day, still remains. In 
1803, Daniel Robinson brought on his family, having pur- 
chased land the year before, and lived in town until his 
death. He reared five sons, three of whom — Horatio N., 
Luther H., and I. H. — still live in town. The elder Rob- 
inson erected a saw-mill on a small creek near his place, in 
1815, which was used many years. In 1808, Royal Polley 
joined these settlers on MiLSsena Point, and, in 18'J7, 
Thomas Steadman. The immigration had increased their 
number to such an extent that, in 1807, there were ninety- 
eight voters in town. Many of these had been brought 
here by the lumbering interest, and removed when that 
declined. They were, moreover, a class that had but little 
respect for law, and believed in an exemplary justice, modi- 
fied by the law of might. Hence fighting was of freqtient 
occurrence, and was generally the court of appeal for tlie 
settlement of personal grievances. In those days this un- 



written statute was termed tlic " Blue Beech Law," and he 
who commanded the most muscular strength was the bettor 
magi.strate. Even after courts were established this prac- 
tice was not entirely ignored. It is said that on one occa- 
sion a man, having been convicted before a magistrate for 
fighting, was sent to Ggdensburg jail, in the custody of a 
constable. To .susttiin the journey they took along a jag of 
rum, and both partook freely of its c<jntents, until, becoming 
nearly intoxicated, they fell to blows, and, both being badly 
beaten and gory with blood, returned. The keeper of the 
prisoner then offered to again start, and the latter promised 
peaceably to go, on condition that their jug should be re- 
plenished. The account does not relate whether this very 
reasonable offer was complied with on the part of the worthy 
magistrate. 

A better class of citizens followed, among whom were N. 
Deni.son, E. M. Denison, Elijah Flagg, E. Howard, L. A. 
Robinson, D. Tracy, J. C. Stone, Enos Beach, John E. 
Perkins, John Garvin, Lemuel Haskell, Calvin Hubbard, 
W. S. Paddock, John B. Andrews, U. H. Orvis, Benjamin 
Phillips, and L. K. Waterbury. 

The first school was taught, in 1803, by Gilbert Reed, 
at Massena village. Royal Phelps was one of the first 
preachers, in 1806. 

The population of the town in 1875 was 2701. 

CIVIL GOVERNJIENT. 

The official records of the town have been twice destroyed, 
the first time including all the records up to 1808, and the 
last time by a fire in the fall of 1853, which included all 
the docunients which had accumulated up to that period. 
This part of the history, therefore, will necessarily be brief 
and fragmentary. 

At the annual meeting in 1808 the following were elec- 
ted : John Wilson, supervisor; John E. Perkins, clerk; 
Elisha W. Barber, Thomas Steadman, Enoch French, 
assessors; Aaron Wright, collector; Benjamin Willard, 
Jcrvis Kimball, Enoch French, commissioners of highways; 
John Reeve, Aaron Wright, constables ; Griffin Place, 
John Garvin, fence-viewers; John Bullard, Griffin Place, 
pound-masters. 

Since the town has been formed the following has been 
the succession of supervisors : 1802, Amos Lay ; 1808-9, 
John Wilson; 1810-11, Thomas Steadman ; 1812, Calvin 
Hubbard; 1813-17, Willard Seaton ; 1818-19, John E. 
Perkins; 1820-21, John Stone, Jr. ; 1822-24, John B. 
Andrews; 1825-26, Chester Gurney ; 1827-28, Lemuel 
Haskell; 1829-30, Ira Goodridge ; 1831, John B. An- 
drews; 1832-33, L. Haskell; 1834-37, Ira Goodridge; 
1838-39, John B. Judd ; 1840-41, Benjamin Phillips; 
1842-44, John B. Andrews; 1845, E. D. Ransom; 1846, 
Allen B. Phillips; 1847, E. D. Ransom; 1848-49, Allen 
B. Phillips; 1850, Willson Bridges; 1851-52, J. B. 
Andrews; 1855-60, Guy B. Andrews; 1861-62, Luke 
Carlton; 1863-04, Guy B. Andrews; 1865-66, H. S. 
Ransom; 1867-68, Joseph E. Clary; lSli9-72, Henry B. 
White; 1873-75, John 0. Bridges; 1876-77, Henry B. 
White. 

Excerpts are made from the town records in 1808, when 
a petition was voted for the erection of Louisville. 



404 



IHSTOKY OK ST. LAWllKNCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



Tn 1800 a wolf bounty of 8:^. mirl in 1810 of $5. In 
ISIS, S500 voted for the poor. In 1S20-21, ii fox bounty 
of 50 cents. In 1825, voted to let the Deer river settlers 
have $200 out of the poor funds, in case they are set off, 
and no more. In 1820, voted in favor of allowing 
that part of No. IG still belonging to Mas.scna to be at- 
tached to Brasher, and of allowing $10 of poor money to 
be allowed them. In 1828, J. B. Andn'ws, John E. Per- 
kins, and Lemuel Haskell appointed to wait upon the 
court-hou.se commissioners and represent the interests of 
the town. The location at Columbia village advised. In 
1849, voted to raise $100 to build a float, and furnish 
wires for a ferry on Grasse river, near the centre of the 
town. In 1850, voted not to make a distinction between 
the town and county poor; and in 1851, against a tax for 
repairing the court-house. 

In 1866, it was voted that the town protest against in- 
creasing the fees of the county clcrJc. 

The late civil war called forth the following town action : 
At a special meeting Sept. 15, 1862, after a discussion of 
the ]iurpose. it was voted that §2500 be raised by taxation 
" to ]iay all the members of Capt. Chamberlain's company, 
enlisted from this town, $10 each ;" and all others enlisted 
since July 2, 1862, were to receive a like amount. Volun- 
teers after the date of the meeting were to receive $50 
each. 

A special meeting was held Dec. 22, 1863, when the 
supervisor and town clerk were authorized to issue interest- 
bearing certificates of $300 each, to be countersigned by a 
justice of the peace, for every volunteer required to fill the 
quota of the town. The subsequent calls for men elicited 
similar action, the appidpriatious voted being sufficiently 
liberal to meet the demand. 

ROAPS AND OTHER TOWN INTERESTS 

have received proper attention from the electors of Mas.sena. 
Owing to the rivere flowing through the town, and the settle- 
ments along them, the highways partake of their general 
direction, from west to east; and although but few roads 
cross the streams, it has been a burden to the town to keep 
them bridged. 

In 1803 the first bridge over (Jra.sse river was built at 
the village, and has been replaced several times. The 
present structure, a covered bridge, was erected in obedi- 
ence to a vote of a special meeting, July 18, 1862, when a 
tax of 84000 was authorized. A bridge was built across 
this stream, at the Centre, in 1832, which was soon swept 
away, and no means of crossing there is at present afibrdcd. 
In 1863 the legislature was petitioned to authorize the su- 
pervisors to levy a tax of $4000 to build a bridge across 
lla(|uette river, and Oct. 27, 1877, $8000 was voted to 
bridge the same stream at Massena Springs. It is pur- 
po.sed to erect an iron truss bridge, over 200 feet in length, 
in the spring of 1878. 

Among the most important roads of the town were the 
old Plattsburg road and the ones located by the commis- 
sioners appointed for this purpose in April, 1816, from Og- 
densburg to Massena, and from the latter place to Russell 
via Potsdam. 

The Norfolk, Rayuiondville ;ind Massi.:na plankroad 



company was organized Feb. 14, 1851 ; but only six of the 
ten miles ctjuipij^ing the route were ever planked. After a 
few years the company surrendered its franchise, and the 
road is now used as the principal highway to the railroad at 
Norwood. 

Steps were taken in 1856 to build a town-hall, and $800 
appropriated to cfiect this purpose. A commodious brick 
house was erected in the village, which has been remodeled 
and repaired by sub.se(|uent appropriations. In 1875 the 
town erected a house of detention in the village of Mas- 
sena. 

With one exception, the cemeteries of the town are in 
its charge, and a hearse is also provided at the expense of 
the town. 

Massena is well provided with schools, having thirteen 
districts besides those on the islands, which are supplied 
with a fair class of buildings and requisites. There are ten 
frame and six brick school-houses in the town, valued, with 
their sites, at $17,623. In the year 1870-77 there were 
employed 34 teachers, who received the sum of 64734. D3 
for wages ; 1843 scholars attended the schools. Total ex- 
penses for the year, $5074.60. 

LONG SAUT ISLAND, 

in the St. Lawrence river, formerly known as the Isle av, 
Long Satill, is of very irregular shape, being about five 
miles long and from half a mile to a mile in width. Its 
area comprises about 2000 acres, none of which is subject 
to overflow, and all admitting of cultivation. The surface 
was originally covered with forests of pine, beech, and 
maple, the latter being most abundant. About 500 acres 
of the island are yet timbered. The soil is generally fer- 
tile. This body of land was not included in the sale of the 
St. Lawrence islands to the Ogdens in 1823, but was re- 
served by the State on account of its supposed importance 
in a military point of view. The lands were sold to indi- 
viduals by the surveyor-general, in (mrsuance of a statute 
taking effect May 5, 1832. 

The date of the first settlement is somewhat obscure, the 
first residents having been temporary ones. Among the 
early actual settlers were John, Michael G.. and William 
Ciine, the Dodges, John and Thomas Delaney, Stephen 
Miller, John Ilulchins, and Dennis McCarthy. 

The inhabitants number twenly-tliree families, who are 
engaged chiefly in agriculture, although the sturgeon-fish- 
ing on the northern shore receives some attention. 

MASSENA CENTRE 

is a village of a fc'W dozen houses near the centre of tlie 
town, and at the heail of the still waters of Giasse river, 
which at this point has not sufficient fall to aflord water- 
power. Some of the first settlers of the town located here, 
among them being Nathaniel Kczar, Arad Smith, Perizo , 
Smith, Ephraim Hyde. Samuel Dana, Thomas Dodge, Isriiel 
Ilickard, Ira Goodrich, K. Bailey, and in the vicinity. Pea- 
body Kinney, Willard Seaton, Hiram Andersou. At a 
later day, Hiram Fish, Moses Russell, and a few othere, 
were prominent addiliuTis to this place. A few of the 
original settlers survive, and nearly all of them have de- 
scendants living in this locality. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



405 



Ephraim lljdc nponed a piiblic-Jioiise on h\s fiwm naxr 
tho place at an early day, and Samson Wheeler in the ham- 
let about 1835, both luiving long since been discontinued. 
Aside from a few <j;roceries, no goods were ever sold in the 
place, and the manufactures have been limited to the pro- 
ducts of wheelwright- and blacksmith-shops. The first to 
engage in the latter trade was Israel Rickard, in 181 (!. 
It has been carried on by him.sclf and sons to the present day. 

Samson Wheeler built a wagon-shop about 1820, in 
which he plied his trade until his death, in 1871. 

Augustus Wheeler was appointed the first po.stmagter, 
July 13, 1851. Since that time the office has been in 
charge of Ira Goodridge and his .son, Ira A. There is a 
tri-weekly mail from Massena village. 

A praiseworthy interest has ever been taken in schools, — 
one having been taught at an early day in the old block- 
house, formerly used by the American garrison, and which 
was not destroyed by the British with the other buildings 
at the place at the time of the invasion, when the citizens 
requested its use for school and religious purposes. The 
present fine edifice, erected in 1871, contains a good school 
of 50 pupils. 

Union hall is a neat building for public meetings, with 
capacity for 200 persons, which was converted to this pur- 
pose from the Baptist parsouagi! in 1872. 

The Massena Centre meeting-house was erected by the 
joint contributions of several religious denominations in 
1830. It is a plain brick structure, with 300 sittings, and 
is Worth §2000. At present it is controlled by a board of 
three trustees, selected by the Congregational, Baptist, and 
Advent societies, each having an interest in the property. 
The trustees are Hiram Fish, II. Goodridge, and Daniel E. 
Stearns. 

A union Sunday-school, org.inized about thirty years 
ago, is still continued ; Horace Goodridge, superintendent. 

This house is the home of the First Congregational 
church of Massena, which is the oldest religious body in 
town, and was organized Feb. 15, 1819, by Rev. Ambrose 
Porter, of Dartmouth college. Among the twelve members 
composing the church were Peabody Kinney, Rufus Good- 
ale, James G. Steadman, Jacob Cha.se, Abigail Barber, 
Sally Kinney, and Dorothy Smith. The sacrament of the 
Supper was first administered Feb. 21, 1819, at a mooting 
held in the school-hou.sc. The church at Massena village 
was formed out of this, and has taken away the greater in- 
terest. The members at the Centre, numbering 23, have 
services at stated periods by a pastor secured by both 
churches. Among the early clergy were Revs. Montague, 
Taylor, Northrup, and Demining; and, later. Revs. Bene- 
dict, Burnap, Nelson, Bcekworth, ami OIncy Place, the 
present pastor. 

The first Congregational society was incorporated in con- 
nection with the above church Aug. t!, 1825, with John 
E. Perkins, Benjamin Phillips, Charles Gurney, James G. 
Steadman, and U. H. Orvis, trustees. To the efforts made 
by this society may be credited the first church edifice 
before mentioned. 

The .\dventists u.sed the house as a place of worship 
until their church at the village was built, since which 
their iucetin"s have been discontinued. 



The Baptists have maintained services in this house since 
its completion, and had at one time a very flourishing 
church. This also has been divided, the greater interest 
being at the village, and the Baptist church history will be 
detailed in that connection. 

RAQUETTE RIVER POST-OFFICE 

is a small cluster of houses on both banks of the river, about 
six miles below Massena Springs. It contains a few stores, 
shops, and a post-office, which was established about 1830, 
with A. Ransom, postmaster. The office has also been 
held by Peter Vilas, H. S. Ransom, M. A. Vantine, Wm. 
Ilaggett, and John Bacon, the present oflBcial. There is 
also a church of the Jlethodist order, established and served 
in connection with the church at Massena village. 

Settlement was begun in this locality by Willard Seaton, 
and about 180+ he built a saw-mill on the Raquette, which 
was carried ofiF by a freshet before it was put in operation. 
Another attempt to erect a mill, made by A. Ransom, about 
1830, was also abandoned. The Chase family followed 
soon after Seaton ; and the Earles, Paynes, Tuckers, Bar- 
neys, Youngs, Hitchcocks, Smiths, Bayleys, and others 
were among the pioneers. A man by the name of Belden 
was the first to engage in trade, probably in 1825. He 
ended his business career by shooting himself. Others in 
trade were A. Ransom, P. Vilas, Hitchcock and Bacon ; the 
latter two continuing in business at the present time. 

In 1827, Captain Wilson Bridges opened a hotel which 
he continued twenty-five years. Up the stream, towards 
the western part of the town, lived, a.s pioneers, Herman 
Reed, R. Messenger, the Judds, the Colburns, the Wells', 
D.ivid Kellogg, Thomas Flaherty, Jacob Gould, Stephen 
Reed, Jewett Bowers, William Nightingale, and Captain 
John Policy. The latter lived in the immediate locality of 
the 

MASSENA SPRINGS, 

whose health-giving properties have proved a boon to large 
numbers. These celebrated mineral springs are on the 
north bank of Raquette river, near the verge of the stream, 
a mile from Massena village, and four miles from the St. 
Lawrence. Their presence was noted by the early survey- 
ors in 1789, the water flowing copiously from the river 
bank, and so strongly charged with sulphur that the odor 
was perceptible many rods distant. The earth around had 
been trodden into a miry place by the elk and deer, which 
used to resort thither to drink, being extremely fond of the 
water. This taste also extends to domestic cattle, they 
having been known to swim across the river to drink from 
the flow of the spring. The water is clear, cool, and spark- 
ling, with an odor of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. At first 
the taste is a little unplea.sant, but most persons evince a 
fondness for the waters after using them a short time. 
They are peculiarly refreshing and satisfying in their nature. 
It is generally believed that the Indians u.sed these waters 
for sores and ulcerations, and as early as 1815 their efficacy 
for the cure of cutaneous diseases was tested by the whites, 
proving a sovereign remedy for salt rheum and kindred 
diseases. But when a case of black scrofula, contracted by 
a French priest in Egypt, yielded to their influence, it was 
no longer doubted that they are a most valuable and potent 



406 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



therapeutic. This established their worth, and, under medi- 
cal direction, increased their use, jrcnerally with the most 
gratifying results. It was found, also, that their range as a 
specific is more comprehensive than was at first suppo.sed ; 
and a partial analysis demonstrated the fact that they pos- 
sess the most valuable constituents of the most noted min- 
eral springs of America. Invalids flocked hither, and, in 
1822, Captain John Policy erected the first accommoda- 
tions. Six years later the old and well-known Hurrowgatc 
House was erected by Ruel Parsons, and w;is kept many 
years by David Merrill. A number of private houses were 
built soon after, and the springs improved by curbing them 
and erecting a pavilion which kept them from the rays of 
the sun. Benjamin Phillips having become proprietor in 
1848, built a fine and commodious brick hotel on the hill 
overlooking the springs, whose fame as a hostelry, added 
to the repute of the waters, attracted hundreds annually for 
pleasure as well as a relief from sickness. The reputation 
of the •' United States" hotel was preserved until its de- 
struction by fire in 1871. A bathing-house wa.s also con- 
structed, and appliances prepared for the external use of the 
waters by warm and cold baths. Their use in this manner 
was also attended with good effects, and some almost mar- 
velous cures were eifected. Exhaustive analyses were now 
made by competent chemists, which not only corroborated 
their curative properlies, but showed their similarity to even 
the famed Spa at Baden, in Austria, and the Eislen springs 
in Germany. 

The following is the analysis of the waters by Professor 
Ferd. F. Mayer, of the New York College of Pharmacy. 
At the temperature of G0° F. the specific gravity is 1.0317 ; 
that of water 1.000. The following exhibit shows the com- 
position of the solid and gaseous ingredients, — A in one 
litre ; B in one gallon : 

(A.) (B.l 

Grammes. Griiiiis. 

Chloride of sodium IMTJo 70.792 

Chloride of potassium 0.011871 0.508 

Chloride of magnesium 0.51308 29.927 

Bromide of miignesium 0.01155 0.073 

Bicarbonate of lime O.OSMlfl 4.852 

Bicarhonate of iron 0.011838 0.488 

Sulphate of lime 1. 04110 00.931 

Sul|ihatc of soda 0.00003 3.5111 

Phosphate of soda 0.02203 1.320 

Uvposulpbitc of soda 0.07210 4.205 

Siilphuioteof .sodium 0.02410 1.405 

Silicatcof soda and organic compounds O.l'.llliU 11.170 

3.40448 19S.678 

Sulphuretted hydrogen { j; haff •combined. IflTi ] 22.373 c. c. 
Per gallon, 5.307 cubic inches. 

The complaints for which these waters are specifically 
used, producing either a permanent cure or great relief, are 
obstinate cutaneous diseases of neatly every description, 
scrofula, dyspepsia, affections of the kidneys and liver, 
chronic rheumatism, chronic ophthalmia, calculous affec- 
tions, chronic diarrhoea, and general debility arising from 
want of exercise and clo.se application to sedentary employ- 
ment, as well as the diseases peculiar to the female constitu- 
tion. In short, they have been found efi'ectivc agents for 
the cure of all diseases arising from a disordered condition 
of the blood, but aggravate pulmonary affections, and have 
proved injurious in some cases of that nature. 

Recent improvements have placed the springs in a fine 



condition, with good facilities for bottling the waters, which 
enables the superintendent, Gilbert P. Smith, to ship them 
with their medicinal properties unimpaired. 

Aside from their curative virtues, the springs are in a 
country abounding with beautiful scenery, and the Adi- 
rondack regions, as well as the St. Lawrence, are close at 
hand, thus lending them additional popularity as a summer 
resort. The accommodations for visitors are ample and 
good, there being, besides numerous boarding-houses, the 
Harrowgate, Bentley, Wheeler, and Hatfield hotels. The 
latter is a magnificent edifice, erected on the site of the old 
"United States," in 1872, at a cost of $75,000. For 
architectural beauty and massive proportions it is unex- 
celled in northern New York. In it may be found all the 
conveniences of the modern city hotel, and all the appoint- 
ments are first-class. Massena Springs has also a store, a 
telegraph-office, and about 75 inhabitants. 

MASSENA VILLAGE. 

This flourishing place is pleasantly located on both banks 
of Gra.sse river, principally on the south side, and extend- 
ing almost to the springs, a mile distant from the business 
centre. It contains many fine houses, and is the seat of an 
active country trade, whose importance is increasing annu- 
ally. The inhabitants, numbering about 800, are noted for 
their zeal and interest in educational and religious matters. 

Among the first to make a beginning at this point were 
Calvin Hubbard and Stephen Reed, who erected a dam and 
saw-mill at the falls in 1803. Other pioneer settlers were 
Benjamin Phillips, U. H. Orvis, J. B. Andrews, J. Clark, 
L. E. Waterbury, W. S. Paddock, H. A. Campbell, M. P. 
Crowley, John Stone, Royal PoUey, and E. F. Taylor. 

Although early a place of importance, its growth as a 
village began in 1831, when 35 acres were plotted into 71 
lots, upon which a number of buildings were soon after 
erected. Until that period the mills here, and a mile 
below, were the most prominent features. In 1808, Hub- 
bard and Reed built the first grist-mill, — a small structure, 
with a single run of rock-stone. In 1810, James McDowell, 
of Montreal, who held the lower property, purchased the 
upper mills also, which he owned until 1828, when U. II. 
Orvis became the proprietor. Two years later Orvis built 
a stone mill, with three run of stones, and in 1848 the 
present mill, built. of brick, with four run of .-itones. The 
lower property was improved by L. Haskell, and the mills 
erected by him and his family are widely known. The old 
stone mill was changed into a woolen-factor}', which has 
been continued. A large stone strncture was put up for a 
starch-factory, which has been supplied with machinery for 
wood-manufacturing purpo-ses. There are, aKso, a tannery, 
several carriage-shops, a furniture-factory, marble-works, 
and mechanic-shops. A cement-bed near the place was 
profitably worked a number of years about 1837. 

The mercantile interests of the village were first repre- 
sented by Benjamin Phillips, U. H. Orvis, J. Clark, and J. 
B. Andrews, who were in trade many years ; and most of 
whom were succeeded by their sons, who arc yet in business. 
J. O. Bridges, one of the leading merchants, has been in 
' trade since 1853. There arc at present about a dozen 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



407 



stores, representing the various branches of trade, occupying 
substantial business blocks. 

The hotels of Massena have attained a wide celebrity for 
their excellence and size. As early as 1810 a large three- 
story house was erected for this purpose, where John Stone 
and others kept an inn which was the boast of the country, 
H. A. Campbell erected an opposition house, which was 
afterwards favorably known as the Eagle hotel. Upon its 
destruction by fire, in 1864, the proprietor, H. B. White, 
erected the present structure, an imposing brick, three 
stories high, the main building 60 by ?>G feet, and a wing 
of the same height, 32 by 71 feet. The house is con- 
veniently arranged, with accommodations for 75 guests, and 
is still under the proprietorship of Mr. White. In 1876, 
the Allen House, also a fine brick, and with good appoint, 
ments, was erected by A. A. Allen. 

The medical profession has been ably represented. Dr. 
W. S. Paddock having located here at an early day. Others 
of equal eminence followed, among them Doctors J. H. 
Ripley, E. Whitney, J. H. Grinnell, 0. McFadden, and A. 
L. Gagnon. All of the latter named still reside in the place. 

A custom-house office was established many years ago. 
Since 1866 W. S. P. Garvin has been the collector, with 
the main office at White's hotel, and sub-office at Massena 
Point and Dodge's Landing, on the St. Lawrence. The 
business of the office is increasing, and it ranks as one of 
the most important outside of larger places. 

The post-office was established Sept. 19, 1811, Calvin 
Hubbard, postmaster. His successors in office have been 
John Stone, J. B. Andrews, A. H. Andrews, Wm. M. 
Fuller, Silas Joy, C. Barney, J. 0. Bridges, H. S. Ransom, 
E. F. Taylor, and 0. McFadden. 

August 1, 1870, it was made a postal money-order office, 
and the amount of its business is considerable. The office 
has a daily mail from Norwood, with which place the vil- 
lage has also stage communication. The Montreal tele- 
graph company has a line to the town, and offices at the 
village and Springs. 

M.\SSE\.4. LODGE, NO. 513, F. AND X. .M., 

was chartered June 10, 1861, having worked under a dis- 
pensation the previous year with about a dozen members, 
and M. J. Chamberlain, W. M., Orsou Davis, S. W., and 
W. S. P. Garvin, J. W, Regular meetings have been 
held since that period, and there are at present seventy-five 
members, with O. 11. Tilden, W. M., D. A. Fuller, S. W., 
and J. Patterson, J. W. 

This is the second Masonic lodge organized at the vil- 
lage. Some time prior to 1810 there was a flourishing 
lodge of the mystic brotherhood, which erected a large hall 
for the use of its meetings, and which embraced as members 
the principal citizens of those times, but who luive long since 
passed off the earthly stage '• from labor to refreshment." 
This lodge met the fate common to such bodies during the 
Morgan excitement, and its meetings were never resumed. 
Its records also have been lost, leaving its history obscure 
and conjectural. 

A short time after the formation of the lodge a chapter 
of Royal Arch Masons wa.s instituted, which was trans- 
ferred to Potsdam. i 



PINE GROVE CEMETERY 

was formed, in 1874, by an association bearing the same 
name, and composed of H. H. Andrews, Richard Stearns, 
J. L. Hyde, Horatio Clark, H. B. White, and William W. 
Goodrich, trustees ; Hamilton Andrews, president ; and J. 
0. Bridges, secretary. Seven acres of elevated ground, 
with superb natural drainage, on the north side of the 
river, and overlooking the village, were purchased, and 
about $3000 expended in its improvement. The plan con- 
templates a burying-vault, walks, drives, and lawns, which, 
in connection with the noble pines planted by the hand of 
nature, will make it a lovely spot. Three hundred and 
thirty lots have been located, and the first interment was 
made Oct. 17, 1874, when the remains of Harriet H., con- 
sort of L. B. Shepard, were mingled with the quiet dust of 
Pine Grove. 

MASSENA UNION FREE SCHOOL 

was formed, under the general act, of districts Nos. 2, 11, 
and 16, April 11, 1866, and the following board of educa- 
tion chosen : H. F. Crooks, J. 0. Bridges, W. H. Pad- 
dock, E. Whitney, J. L. Hyde, F. P. Balch, Cephas Night- 
ingale, H. S. Ransom, and L. E. Waterbury. Measures 
were at once instituted to erect a suitable school edifice, and 
a beautiful tract of three acres, on the divide between the 
rivers, was selected for its location. Here a commodious 
and handsome three-story brick structure, with a well-pro- 
portioned tower, was completed in 1868, under the super- 
intendence of W. S. P. Garvin, at a cost of $14,000. 

The first regular session of the scliool was held in 1869, 
under the principalship of Thomas Kinney. Subsequently, 
Principals Peck, Ball, and J. A. Haig have been employed 
and appropriate departments formed. As at present con- 
stituted, these are known as primary, junior, intermediate, 
and academic departments, the latter being under the con- 
trol of the State board of regents, and has well-graded 
courses of study, its graduates being prepared to enter col- 
lege. The attendance in all the departments is more than 
two hundred, with an increase from abroad. The school 
has a cabinet of philosophical apparatus, ample for prac- 
tical purposes, and a library of four hundred volumes of 
standard books, including the " New American Eneyclo- 
paidia" and " Chambers' Cyclopsedia." 

The present corps of teachers is composed of J. A. Haig, 
principal; Miss J. S. Haig, intermediate department; Miss 
Amanda Martin, junior department ; and JNIiss Florence 
Stearns, primary department. The school board is com- 
posed of W. S. Paddock, president ; H. Anderson, secre- 
tary, and J. D. Bridges, Cephas Nightingale, W. W. Good- 
rich, Henry Douglas, Joseph E. Clary, H. G. Talcott, W. 
H. Cubley, tru.stecs, who are active in promoting the wel- 
fare of the school and advancing the cause of education. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MASSENA. 

Ministers of this faith held services in town as early as 
1825, among the pioneers being Elder Parr. About 1827, 
U. H. Orvis erected a frame house in the village for religious 
meetings, which was nominally owned by the Baptists, and 
was used by them many years. 

The first record of a regular church organization bears 
date Sept 20, 1843, although it is probable that one may 



408 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



have existed a number of ^oais previous, whose records 
have been lost. At the date above mentioned, a council of 
Baptist ministers was called to examine Elder Nathaniel 
Martin and his church in doctrinal j)uinls, who reported 
that they were worthy of fellowship ; thcncefoith they were 
regarded as the regular Baptist church of Jlasseiia. There 
were 21 members, of which number C. Clark and Earle 
Stone were deacons, and Ephraini Hyde church clerk. 
Other prominent members were Mo.ses B. Russell, J. B. 
Stone, and H. J). Hyde. Rev. E. Goodspeed succeeded as 
pastor, and meetings were held in the church at the Centre 
and at the school-house near Dr. Paddock's. In the mean 
time several societies had been formed in town, with doc- 
trines so nearly allied to the regular church that it was 
deemed advisable to effect a union upon some basis which 
would not compromise the Christian standing of the regular 
church. A union was effected February 22, 1850, and 
the articles of faith and church covenant of the St. Law- 
rence association were adopted. Thirty-six names were 
appended to this agreement, and on the 8th of March 
Earle Stone and Peter Ormsby were chosen deacons, and 
J. B. Stone clerk. Services were now alternately held at 
the village and Massena Centre, being essentially one church 
with two places of worship. This practice yet prevails, 
with some modifications. 

The present village church edifice was erected in 1859, 
the corner-stone having been laid June 23, 1859. It con- 
tains the names of the then pastor, J. H. Walden; Deacons 
Stone, Ormsby, Russell, Clark, Squire; Clerk, R. J. Horton ; 
Trustees, Hiram Fish, Moses Russell, Allen W. Ru.sseli, 
Peter Ormsby, Stephen R. Squire, William S. P. Garvin, 
R. J. Horton, J. E. Clary, and J. E. Orvis; and also the 
names of more than 150 members. The house was opened 
for services in 1860. It is a substantial brick, tastily fin- 
ished. In 1875 a parsonage was built, the one at the Cen- 
tre meanwhile having been sold, which with the church 
adjoining is worth $10,000. 

The entire membership of the church is 147, which is 
under the pastoral care of Elder J. T. Seeley. The present 
trustees are S. R. Squire, L. F. Baker, J. C. Stone, Her- 
bert Robinson, E. W. Kinney, and David Hcnnegan. 

A Sdbbath-school is under the patronage of the church, 
having a membersbip of seventy. W. II. Cubley is the 
superintendent, and Miss Hattie A. Seeley secretary. 

ST. John's epi.scop.\l church of jiassf,n.\. 

Occasional services were held by visiting Episcopal clergy- 
men many years ago, but it was not until June 21, 1868, 
that an effort was made to establish the work of the church. 
At that date Rev. J. F. Winkley, of Norfolk, commenced 
regular services in the town-hall, and there the first com- 
munion was held, Mrs. Joseph Harrison and iMi.ss Eliza A. 
Taylor being the only communicants. The members were 
organized into a parish Sept. 13, 1869, as the Church of 
the Great Shepherd, Harvey H. Chittenden and Henry 
F. Clark being elected wardens; George A. Snaith, H. F. 
Crook, J. E. Clary, J. 0. Bridges, Joseph Harrison, and 
William N. Gibson, vestrymen. The certificate of incor- 
poration was recorded Sept. 15, 1869. On the 21st of 
the same month Rev. John F. Winkley was chosen rector, 



and about a year later the parish was admitted into the 
diocese of Albany. 

Se])t. 28, 1871, the name of the corporation was changed 
to •' The Wardens anil Vestrymen of St. John's Church of 
Massena," Rev. E. G . Prout being the rector. During his con- 
nection the old Methodist chapel was purchased by the parish, 
and has since been used for services. On the 1st of August, 
1874, Rev. Joshua N. T. Goss succeeded to the rectorship, 
and still serves the parish. Under his ministrations the com- 
municants have been increased to .seventy, and the parish 
extended to Barnhart's island, Helena, Hogansburg, and 
Long Saut island, having communicants at each pilace. 
Steps have been taken to erect a hand.some chapel at the 
village in 1878, at a probable cost of $6000 ; the movement 
which led to this purpo.se having been inaugurated by the 
Children's Aid society. 

The present official members of the parish are : Wardens, 
H. T. Clark and H. H. Chittenden ; Vestrymen, J. 0. 
Bridges, G. A. Snaith, H. F. Crooks, J. E. Clary, G. W. 
Bayley, and L. Fowler. 

The Rector's Ladies' Aid association was organized 
June 6, 1875, with Mrs. Wm. M. Bayley, president; Mrs. 
Mattoon Smith, vice-president; Mrs. J. N. T. Goss, secre- 
tary; and Mrs. H. B. White, treasurer. It is an active 
working body, having twenty members and maintaining 
regular meetings. 

THE FIRST HIETHODIST CHURCH OF HIASSENA. 

Here, as well as elsewhere, the Methodists were among the 
first to occupy the country. Missionary services were held in 
many pioneer homes and humble school-houses at an early 
day, and classes were formed at the village and at Raquette 
river. In 1843 these formed a part of the Louisville and 
Massena circuit, which then had eighty members, and was 
served by Rev, Lsaac Puffer, Five j'cars later, while Rev, I, 
L. Hunt was the elder of the then constituted district, Mas- 
sena became a separate circuit, the class at the village having 
34 members and the one at Raquette 23, Rev, E. Pease 
was the pastor in charge. From this time the existence of 
the work became well defined, embracing as its general in- 
terests the two classes mentioned ; and these yet form the 
piincipal charges of the circuit. The first quarterly meet- 
ing was held at Raquette, Oct. 14, 1848, when an official 
board was constituted of J. Payne, B. Payne, C. Cooper, 
Wm. M. Bayley, Ethan Allen, John Magowan, John Dar- 
ling, John Wilson, Lemuel Southworth. and Alfred R. 
Colburn. The meetings at the village at this time were 
held in a very small building, but a brick chapel was com- 
menced in 1848. and completed in 1849, which was used 
twenty years, and then sold to the Episcopal society. 

The increased membership necessitated a larger house, 
and in 1869 the present commodious edifice was erected, — 
a brick structure, 40 by 60 feet, with a basement and tower 
containing a fine bell an<l a first-rate clock. Including the 
parsonage, the church property is estimated worth §14,000, 
This society and the one at Raijuette have 225 members, 
and Rev. E. E. Kellogg as pastor. The present trustees 
arc H. S. Tilden, J. L. Hyde, John JIagowan, Levi Payne, 
John M. Kinney, Wm. M. Bayley, S. M. Benson, and A. 
L. Gannon, 





to„S«<i*~ — 



Hl(?AM flSH 



M(fs. Martha M. F/sh. 



^1 •• .?A»fe''«y'-"^ ^. 







ffES.or HIRAM FISH.Masscna 





U ,,v,ll 







D/(NiEL Robinson. 



H.N. Robinson. 




RES/DCNCE or H.N. ROB/NSON, MASSEN/4. St LAWRiNCL CO., N. Y. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



409 



A Suiuliiy-school of 1.30 members, liavinj:; Ivan Burney 
supcrintondeiit, is connected with the chuixh at the vilhige. 

THE SECOND CONOHEGATIONAL CHURCH 

of Massena was formed in the viMage Sept. 4, 1834, of 
33 members. It was then, as now, under the jiastoral care 
of clergymen serving thi.s and the First Congregational 
church. The first meetings were iield in the school-house 
and other places, but in 1844 a commodious brick church 
was completed, in which worship has since been maintained. 
In 18G8 this house was thoroughly repaired, at a cost of 
$2000, and it now presents a neat and attractive appear- 
ance. A parsonage, costing $3000, was erected in 1874, 
making tiie acgregate value of the church property about 
88000. The membership of the church has been reduced 
by death and removals to about GO, over which Rev. Olney 
Place presides as pastor. The Sunday-school is superin- 
tended by J. A. Haig. 

On Oct. 15, 1844, the "Second Congregational society" 
was incorporated, with Silas Joy, William S. Paddock, 
Samuel Tracy, Benjamin Phillips, Robert Dutton. John B. 
Judd, and J. B. Andrews, trustees. The society has en- 
joyed a successful existence, and is at present officered by 
H. S. Ransom, II. Andrews, L. C. Howard, William 
Alden, Henry Nightingale, trustees; and J. II. Grinnell, 
clerk. 

ST. Peter's rom.^n catholic church 

was formed, in 1838, by Father John McNuIty, of twenty 
families. The same year a frame house of worship was 
erected a little north of tlie village, and the business inter- 
ests of the church were represented by John Flaherty, Wni. 
Quinn, and Degnis McCarthy, trustees. The building was 
subsequently enlarged to 24 by 48 feet, and tlie member- 
ship had a flattering increase under the spiritual tutelage 
of Father James Keveny. A cemetery of two acres was 
inaugurated in connection with tlie church, and is still used. 
In 1873, measures were taken to erect a new cliurch, 
and Thomas Flaheity, Joseph Patterson, and James Fox 
were appointed a committee, under whose direction the work 
was begun. An acre of ground was purchased near Massena 
Springs, and the foundation laid that year. The house was 
completed by an official board composed of Bishop E. P. 
Wadhams, Vicar-Gen. James Mackey, Rev. J. J. Brennan, 
Jere. O'Nicl, and Dennis Farrell. It is a handsome brick, 
46 by 90 feet, and 25 feet higii, and was dedicated, July 
27, 1875, as the " Church of the Sacred Heart." There 
are 400 communicants, under the spiritual direction of 
Father J. J. Brennan. 

THE christian A]>VENT CHURCH OF MASSENA. 

The seeds of this faith were sown in Massena, in 1843, 
by missionaries who proclaimed the second coming of Christ 
with such zeal that many favored the doctrine. The marked 
preaching of Elder S. J. Mathewson, about 1868, resulted 
in the conversion of thirty })ersons, who were formed into 
a church with the above name, and Royal Policy and James 
Danfortli chosen deacons. Services were now held period- 
ically at Massena Centre by evangelists, and in April, 1871, 
Rev. Cornelius Pike was called as pastor, which relation is 
yet maintained. As most of the members lived nearer the 
52 



village, it was decided to erect a church at that place, and, 
on Nov. 14, 1874, u very tasty chapel, costing S3000, was 
dedicated, free of debt, by Elder J. Couch. A year later, 
a good parsonage was built on the same lot, for $1400. 
The membership of the church has increased to 00, and a 
Sabbath-school, having J. Cline as superintendent, is main- 
tained. The official board is composed of W. H. H. Jones, 
Holland Smith, and (Jardner Earl, trustees; and Royal 
Policy and Franklin Atwood, deacons. 

THE WAR OF 1812. 

Although living upon the Canadian border, tiie people 
of Massena were not often subject to hostile incursions from 
the enemy's country ; on the contrary, though nominally at 
war, the friendly intercourse between the people living on 
the river was continued, and the neighborly offices were 
exercised as before ; and thus were relieved many privations 
which are inseparably connected with war. Yet this sec- 
tion was not without its episodes, brought on by the struggle, 
and the following incidents, related by Dr. Hough, are 
worthy a place in the history of the town : 

" Early in the summer, 1812, an American Durham 
boat, on its way up from Montreal, was stopped at Mille 
Roche, a corporal's guard was put on board, and it was 
ordered to Cornwall. The militia officer (Mr. Grant), being 
somewhat a stranger to the river and its channels, gave up 
to the captain and crew of the boat its management, and 
the latter in running it down steered across the foot of 
Barnhart's island, and before the guard on board liad time 
to realize their situation, they were moored to the shore 
and taken prisoners by the inhabitants, who, .seeing the boat 
approaching and comprehending the movement, had .seized 
their arms and rushed to the water's edge to await them. 
The boat's crew had, moreover, carelessly spattered water 
upon the guns of the guards, rendering them entirely use- 
less. A militia training was then in progress at jMassena 
village, and thither a messenger was dispatched for help, 
but before they could arrive the boat and the guard had 
been secured, and the latter were on their march to the 
village as prisoners. Their leader thenceforth bore the title 
of ' Commodore Grant,' and the thing was looked upon as 
a good Y'ankee trick. The boat was never recovered by the 
British, but the guard, having been hand.somely treated, 
were dismissed on parole. 

''During the same summer the inhabitants of Ma-ssena 
village, by voluntary labor, undertook to inclose a portion 
of their premises with a stockade. This was built of timber 
set into the ground, with two sides hewed to make the joints 
somewhat perfect, and the tops cut oft' about twelve feet 
from the ground and sharpened. A difference of opinion 
liaving arisen in relation to where the line of pickets 
should run, and what premi.ses should be included, the work 
was abandoned, and of course never afi'orded any protection, 
if indeed any was in reality required. Quite an amount of 
labor was expended on this work. During the months of 
July and August of the same year a barrack was erected at 
Massena Centre, north of Grasse river, at the expense of 
the government, under the direction of Lieutenant Emerson. 
It was a frame building, about one hundred feet in length, 
and occupied by militia of the county, under the command 



41(1 



HISTORY OF ST. JvAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW VOltK. 



of Colonel Fanehor, of Madrid, for about three months. 
The numbers posted here were about 200 or 250. At the 
expiration of this period a part of these returned home 
and a part repaired to Ogderisburi;. 

"In September, 1813, a company oFsonie 3t)0 provincial 
militia of the county of Stormont. in Canada, and under 
Major Joseph Anderson, crossed the St. Lawrence in the 
night, burned the barrack, and took several prisoners, who 
were subsequently released. A building wbicb bad been 
used as a store-house for jirovisions. etc., was spared, on the 
representation that it was j)rivate property. They also de- 
stroyed several Durham boats that had been sunk in the 
river, and which were partly e.\posed by the low water. 
This party crossed at the foot of Barnbart's island, and re- 
turned by way of Grasse river, up whicb the boats that had 
brougiit them over had been sent to meet them." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HIRAM FISH 



was born in Ira, Rutland Co., Vt., Sept. 3, 1805. His 
parents. Preserved and Abigail Fish, were natives of Mas- 
sachusetts. They were farmers in good circumstances, and 
extensively and favorably known. The elder Fish was not 
only a thrifty and successful farmer, but largely identified 
with the political history of his county and district. He 
filled the offices of selectman, magistrate, and assemblyman, 
and that he was very popular and discbarged the duties im- 
posed upon him to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, 
is evident from the fact that be was member of assembly 
seventeen years, magistrate twenty-one years, and selectman 
for the same time. He was blessed with a family of twelve 
children, eleven boys and one girl. Hiram was the eighth 
child, and remained with bis father until be attained his 
majority, when be was engaged by a paper companv, in 
who.se employ he remained one year. At the expiraticjn of 
that time be purchased a form which he carried on with 
profit for three years. His next venture was the purchase 
of a hotel ; but the business not proving congenial to bis 
tastes, he sold it and came to Massena and purchased the 
farm where he now resides, a view of which, in connection 
with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in another 
part of this volume. 

Mr. Fish is now living, at the advanced age of seventy- 
two, and still retains much of his former energy and vigor. 
He has been successful in all his operations, and has secured 
a well-earned competency. He was instrumental in the 
organization of the Farmers' National Bank of JIalone, 
and is at present one of its principal stockholders. In all 
matters devoted to the interests of his town, Mr. Fish has 
taken ail active interest. He is a consistent member of the 
Baptist church of iMas.sena, and contributed liberally to- 
wards the construction of the present church edifice. 

In 1827, Mr. Fish was married to Mi.ss Maria Newton, 
of his native town. She died in 1831. He the n married 
Minerva Chapman, by whom he had three ciiildrcn, two of 
whom died in infancy ; the third, Marcus, grew to man- 



hood, and at bis death, which occurred in 1870, he was 
deacon in the Baptist church. In December, 184G, he 
was again married to Mi.ss Martha M., daughter of Je.s.sc 
D. and Betsey (Bradley) Rice, of Franklin Co., N. Y. 
Mr. Rice was a native of New Hampshire, and one of the 
prominent farmers of the town of Dickinson, Franklin Co. 
By his la.st marriage Jlr. Fish has had four children, — 
George P., Betsey N., Hiram R., and Jessie M. Fi.sh. 



HORATIO N. ROBINSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Massena, April 17, 1800. He is the eldest son in the 
family of Daniel and Esther (Kilborn) Robinson, wbieh 
consisted of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity. 
The elder Robinson was a native of Barry, Berkshire 
Co., Mass., where he was born in 1774. In ITl^'O he was 
married, and in 1802 emigrated to the town of Ma.ssena 
and purchased three hundred and fifty acres of land, to 
wbioJi he afterwards added seven hundred acres. Mr. 
Robinson was an energetic farmer, and one of the valuable 
citizens of the town ; he died in July, 1855, preceded by 
his worthy wife, who died in 1828. She was born at Bel- 
lows Falls, N. H. Horatio has always resided upon the 
old farm. In 1837 he was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary M., daughter of Ira and Chloe Goodrich. They came 
into the town in 1825, from Sutton, Caledonia Co., Vt. 
Mr Goodrich was an able man, and extensively identified 
with the politics of his native State ; he was a member of 
the Vermont legislature in 1822 and 1825, and was an 
officer in the war of 1812. He was supervisor of the town 
of Massena for five or six years ; he died in Massena in 
1871. We present in another part of the work the por- 
traits of Mr. Daniel and Horatio N. Robinson, in connection 
with a view of the farm. 



LUTHER II. ROBINSON. 

The subject of this sketch was the .secimd son in the 
family of Daniel and Esther Robinson, one of the old and 
prominent pioneer families of the town of j\Ia.ssena. He 
was born on the old homestead, December 10, 1808. His 
early life was spent upon bis father's farm, receiving as 
good an education as the district schools of that day af- 
forded. His father was a very energetic man, and taught 
bis boys those lessons of industry, integrity, and economy 
which have been instrumental in giving them the honor- 
able positions they enjoy in their social atid business re- 
lations. When twenty-nine years of age his father deeded 
him one hundred acres of land where he now lives. It has 
never been the desire of Mr. Robinson to attain anything 
more than a reputation of being an honest I'armor and a 
reputable citizen. He has been reasonably successful in 
his business, and is enjoying a eompetcuiy, the result of a 
long life of industry, economy, and honorable dealing. In 
December, 1842, be was united in marriage to Miss Lu- 
cinda M., daughter of Sparrab.awk and Perca Burpee, living 
at the time in Jla.^.sena, but oriijinallv from Essex Co., N. Y. 



' v,t j- i fe^ ? ; ' ;. ' ^, i. ' AA-^i^x 










" f4/R View'' the ffEsiDENCE 0? A.J. BARNHART, B/if?NH>i/?T5 ;5UND,s.^Mw/?ENC£co,ftr 



BARNHART 

This beautiful island lies near the head of St. Francis lake, very near 
the Canadian shore, and much of it north of the 46° of north latitude. 
From its situation it was regarded as English soil, and its inhabitants were 
treated as British subjects until after the treaty of Ghent, when the island 
was assigned to the United States as an offset for the half of Grand 
island, at the outlet of Lake Ontario, which in justice would have been 
divided. It is about three miles long, with an irregular shape and width, 
containing about two thousand acres, and was named after George Barn- 
hart, of Cornwall, Canada, who, in 1795, leased it for nine hundred and 
ninety-nine years of the St. Regis Indians, at a rental of thirty dollars 
per year. Ten years later the Indians became dissatisfied, and insisted 
upon a renewal of the lease at an increased rent. Accordingly, a per- 
petual lease was secured for a consideration of sixty dollars yearly. It 
was customary for the British government to grant patents upon the issue 
of similar leases, and it vt'ould doubtless have done so in this instance if 
proper application had been made. 

In 1804, George Barnhart, Jr., a son of the lessee, came as the first 
settler, and was shortly afterwards followed by his brothers, John and 
George, and other settlers, who at once began improving the island. In 
1806, George and Jacob Barnhart erected a saw-miU on the north shore, 
where the channel of the river was narrow, and a few years later a grist- 
mill and a woolenfactory at *he same point. These were largely patron- 
ized, being the first mills in that section of Canada, and the islanders 
were in a prosperous condition. The settlers at this time held their 
lands by deeds granted by Barnhart. 

In 1823 this island, in common with others in the St. Lawrence, was 
purchased of the State by David A. and Qouverneur Ogden, upon their 
representation that it was unoccupied. Having obtained possession of the 
title, they gave the settlers the alternative of leaving or suffering an eject- 



"S ISLAND. 

ment. As they did not comply with the terms, the State ejected them 
and in 1849 they applied to the legislature for redress. An act of that 
body, passed April 10, 1850, commissioned Bishop Perkins, George Red- 
ington, and John Fine to examine these claims, who awarded the peti- 
tioners $6597, distributed among the following claimants: George Barn- 
hart, $1475 ; Jacob Barnhart, $3284; George Robertson, $1127 ; George 
Gollinger, $402; and George Snetzmyer, $309. These amounts being 
deemed inadequate for the damages sustained, a further remuneration was 
asked, and was granted several years later. 

A career of prosperity again returned, and the improvement of the 
island went on apace. The soil is very fertile, affording comfortable 
homes for the twenty familes composing the inhabitants. 

In 1832 the mills erected by the Barnharts were swept away by an ice 
freshet, whose peculiar action at this point is explained in the history of 
the town. The saw-mi!l was rebuilt, but was again destroyed about 1850. 

In 1830, Seth Fenton opened a store on the island, which he continued 
several years. Others in trade were E. Miner, George W. Campbell, and 
James Averel!. The building is at present a farm-house. In 1846, A. J. 
Barnhart opened a store on the east end of the island, which he still 
continues. 

About 1816 the Barnhart brothers erected a two-story edifice in the 
northern part of the island, which was designed for a sohool-room and an 
Episcopal chapel, and is still used for these purposes. Church services 
were held by visiting clei-gymen, without an organization, until April 12, 
1876, when The All Saints' MiaBion was formed, cennected with the diocese 
of Albany. There are thirty-five communicants, served by Rev. Goss, 
Rector of St. John's church, Masseua. The vestry are Daniel Barn- 
hart, senior warden ; W. D. Sheldon, junior warden and clerk ; James D. 
Barnhart, vestryman and treasurer. 





Asaph J.Bahnhart. 



V/M. G. Bapnhart.Skn. 





kt^ ^ 



}/ilM.Cr.BARNHART 



fARSWM.O BAKNHART. 



I 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



411 



Mr. Buipco was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was 
engaged in the battle of Plattsburg. He was a gentleman 
in all that the name implies, and highly esteemed by all 
who knew him for his integrity and moral worth. Ho 
died in Masscna, in June, 1854. Mr. Robinson is now 
living in the homo of his father, at the scriptural age of 
threescore and ten, having been identified with the interests 
of the town for more than an average lifetime. 



I 



THE BARNHART FAMILY. 

The noted family of whom we write is one of tiie oldest 
and must honorable in tlie county of St. Lawrence. From 
fuller to son, for four generations, its whole record has been 
marked by zeal, energy, and unbounded hospitality. The 
doors of the paternal mansion on Barnhart i.sland have for 
more than threescore years and ten swung wide to troops 
of friends, who have ever found beneath its sheltering roof 
the most generous entertainment and welcome ; and when 
the messenger of the dark and shadowy wing has brooded 
over its iialls, these friends have testified, by their presence 
and sympathy, how strong an abiding place these old-time 
companions and hosts have found in the hearts of the 
people. 

The family is of German extraction, an ancestor having 
emigrated from the fatherland some years previous to the 
American Revolution, and settled on the banks of the Del- 
aware, where George Bainliart, the grandfather of the im- 
mediate subjects of this sketch, was born. But little is 
known of the early history of George Barnhart, save that 
he was a man of worth and ability. About the year 1780 
he removed with his family to Cornwall. Canada, where he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 1811. He was a 
farmer by occupation, and with a keen appreciation of tbe 
beauty and fertility of the island which now bears his 
name, and foreseeing its future value, he secured a per- 
petual lease of the same from the .SV. Rcffis tribe of Indians, 
who then claimed it. The history of this transaction, and 
the sub.soquent action of the government concerning it, is 
given in the history of the town of Masscna. 

WlLLl.\M Geouoe B.vrniiart, Sr., son of the last 
named, was born in Cornwall, in 1780, and was a man of 
great energy, keen foresight, and excellent business tact, 
and was, jier conser|uence, a successful farmer. 

Previous to coming to the island in 18U4, he married 
Miss Mary Gray, of Salem, N. Y., by whom ten children 
were born to him, seven of whom survived him, his death 
occurring on the island, in the old homestead, in 1870, 
wiien he had entered the last decade of a century from 
the date of his birth. In 1804 he came to the island as 
the first white settler, and began its permanent improve- 
ment, erecting flouring-, saw-, and woolen-mills upon the 
north part of the same. At this time the island was a 
wilderness, and these mills were the only ones of the kind 
in all that section of the country.* They were destroyed 
by an ice-freshet in 1832. Soon after he caiue, his brothers, 



» Jchiel Il.iwley, of Mille Roche, built a nail-factory in 1826. 



Jacob and John, came also to the island, and with him 
devoted tjiemselvcs to its improvement. In 1811, on the 
death of their father, the sons inherited the lea.se of tlie 
i.sland ; but on the action of the Ogdens in .securing the 
title to the island, as detailed in the town history of Mas- 
scna, rather than repurchase his own rights, John trans- 
ferred his interest in the island to his brothers, and retired 
therefrom, locating in Toronto, where he became one of 
the prominent men of that city, and where he died. Jacob 
and George re]iurcbased the island, and, with the exception 
of one hundred and fifty acres, it is at tlie present time en- 
tirely owned by this family. Jacob resided upon the island 
until his death, leaving a large family, many of his de- 
scendants being still located thereon. The brothers built, 
in 1816, an elegant building for church and school pur- 
poses, which is still standing, and is used for the same pur- 
poses; the Episcopal society of the i.sland, of which this 
family has ever been devoted members, holding its services 
therein. 

AsAPH J. Barnhart, the fourth child of Wm. G. Barn- 
hart, Sr., was born on the island, Oct. 12, 1812, and passed 
his boyhood days thereon till the age of sixteen years, 
when he left home and engaged as a clerk, which position 
he filled until 184G, when he entered business on his own 
responsibility. In 1S4G he married Miss Catherine, daugh- 
ter of Austin and Sophia (French) Shearer, by whom he 
has throe children, Mary, Catherine, and Francis A. Mrs. 
Barnhart died in 1803, and in 1805 Jlr. Barnhart asain 
married, his present wife being formerly JIarcia M. King, 
of Nashua, N. H., and a niece of the Governors Washburn, 
of Maine and Wisconsin, and the other noted statesmen of 
that name in the Union. 

Mr. Barnhart is a gentleman of good native abilities, is 
finely cultured, and has gained an enviable exijcrience by 
extensive travel ; which, together with his genial nature and 
lavi.sh hospitality, makes him a most entertaining compan- 
ion and excellent neighbor. 

William George Barnhart, Jr., was born on the 
island, April, 1809, where his youth was passed. At twenty 
years of age he entered the mercantile trade, to which he 
add(!d subse((uently the business of contractor and farmer. 
In 1850, and four following years, he prosecuted successfully 
the claims of the family for compensation for the rights of 
whirli they had been despoiled by the conveyance of the 
island to the Ogdens, spending five or more winters in Al- 
bany in so doing. He was one of the prominent farmei's 
of the county, and carried off the highest premium awarded 
to farmers at the county agricultural society fur several 
years. He was president of that society for several terms. 
He was a devoted member of the Episcopal church, and 
died in that communion in 1872, leaving liiur sons and one 
daughter, of a family of .seven children born to him, viz., 
James 0. and Samuel L., now in possession of the old farm, 
William N., Harvey P., and Adelaide 0., now xAIrs. H. D. 
Thatcher, of Potsdam. 

Two other sons of William George Barnhart, Sr., David 
and Daniel, still reside on the island. 



BRASHER. 



BllASIlKR embraces the greater jiortidn of tlie original 
townships of Grange and Crumack, and was erected from 
Massena April 21, 1825. Its bounds were enlarged, April 
11, 1827, by the addition of the northern part of township 
No. 1(5, but which was again set off in 1828, when the 
town of Lawrence was formed, leaving its area 5i,02G 
acres. The act of erection provided for the jjro rn/d di- 
vision of tiie poor moneys, and fi.xed the time and place 
for iuilding the first town-meeting. It was the intention 
of the petitioners that the town should bear the name of 
Helena, and as such the assembly reported the bill ; but 
the senate altered it and bestowed tlie name of Brasher, in 
honor of Philip Brasher, of Brooklyn, a large land-holder 
in the town, and who bad been a member of the legis- 
lature several years previous to the passage of the bill. In 
the division of land among the original proprietors this 
town was divided into three portions, running north and 
south. The eastern part, containing 12,235 acres, was con- 
veyed by McCormick to Samuel Ward, Dec. 15, 1794, and 
passed thence to Samuel Havens, of Dodham, Mass., Deo. 
(i, 180G. In 1834 the tract was surveyed into 33 lots, and 
sold, Aug. 10, 1842, to T. P. Chandler, of Boston. It 
was densely timbered, and but a limited portion has yet 
been brought under cultivation. The middle tract was 
conveyed to Joseph Pitcairn by McCormick, by a deed 
dated July G, 1818, who took immediate steps to settle it; 
and on this tract the first improvements were made, although 
it was then supposed to be on the Haven tract. The west 
third was confirmed by McCormick, Constable, and Ma- 
comb to Harrison and others in a partition executed Jan. 
19, 1801. It ultimately became the property of Thomas 
Marston, and later, by inheritance and purchase, of Philip 
Brasher, Mr. Marston's son-in-law. The latter had ac- 
quired his title from Gr. V. Ludlow, master in chancery, 
March IS, 1809, the tract thus conveyed having been set 
(iff to Jonathan Dayton, July, 1801, in a division among 
Dayton, Gilchrist, and Fowler. 

The surftice of the town is level, and in many places 
swampy, and was originally well timbered with pine, cedar, 
maple, beech, elm, and other woods, which were for many 
years the principal source of revenue of the settlers; and 
the hinibcr jiroducts of the town yet form an item of con- 
siderable iniportancp, probably one-fourth of the area re- 
maining uncleared. The annual forest fires have greatly 
diminished the value of timber property, tliousands of acres 
having by this means been rendered almost worthless, and 
farm-projierty in their vicinity has often been endangered 
and destroyed. The soil of tiie town is a sandy loam, va- 
rying in localities from a stiff clay to a light .^and, and dif- 
fers greatly in fertility. Although producing the cereals, it 
412 



is better adapted to grazing, and dairying is the chief occu- 
pation of its inhabitants, who numbered 3485 in 1875. 
Brasher is well watered by the Deer and St. Ilegis rivers, 
which enter the town from the south and flow through it 
in a general northerly direction until the latter stream re- 
ceives the waters of the Doer, when it takes a northeasterly 
course. Both afford water-power and give the contiguous 
country good drainage. There are also a number of brooks, 
Srjiieak, in the northern part of the town, flowing north 
and emptying into the Raquette river, in Jla.ssena, being a 
fair-sized stream. 

A .saw-mill, erected on Deer river, a short distance above 
the iron-works, by G. B. R. Gove, in 1815, was the first 
improvement in town; and on the 17th of March, 1817, 
the first settlement was made near Helena village by a com- 
pany of men brought on by the proprietor of that tract, 
McCormick, through his agent, Russell Atwater,of the town 
of Norfolk. The accessions were slow, and in May, 1819, 
when Benjamin Nevin came to the town, consisted of the 
following, who were regarded as permanent settlers : Wil- 
liam Johnson, Amos Eldridge, Jeremiah Sciioffs, PJuoch 
Hall, Francis Brown, and Francis Nevin, most of whom 
resided in the vicinity of Helena ; and then were made 
the beginnings which characterize every new country. At 
this place, too, wa.s bora the first child, a son in the SchoflTs 
family, Nov. 11, 1818, who was named in honor of the 
proprietor, Joseph Pitcairn, and who is yet a resident of 
the town. The first wedding, it is said, was that of Henry 
Evans and Sophia Hilliard, several years later. Robert 
Means was the first blacksmith, James Nicholson the first 
miller, and James Piatt the first carpenter. The first 
sennon was preached by Squire Chase, a Methodist mis- 
sionary. 

After Mr. Pitcairn's purchase a number of settlers came 
on, whose names will be given in connection with the vil- 
lages near which they resided, and the people soon required a 

CIVIL (iOVERNMENT. 

Agreeably to the act of organization, the first town-meet- 
ing was held at the house of Benjamin Nevin, June G, 
1825, when the following officers were chosen : 

Benjamin Nevin, supervisor ; Daniel McMurphy, town 
clerk; William Stowell, Jehiel Stevens, and Benjamin 
Watts, assessors; John Burrows, David Richardson, and 
Peter Corbin, commissioners of highways ; Benjamin Watts, 
constable and collector; Francis Nevin and David Richard- 
son, over.secrs of the poor ; Luman Kibbe, Jehiel Stevens, 
and Francis Nevin, commissioners of common schools ; 
David McMurphy, Benjamin Nevin, and William Stowell, 
inspectors of schools. 




ffes.oF MAH4L0N LOV/ELL.BifASHEfi Falls NX 



^spp^^^ssf^^^^^^^?!^^^^^ 




Res. or J. F. ST AFFORD, BRASHEif.S^LAwfiLNCE:Co..H.Y. 



HISTi)llY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



413 



The supervisors since the town was formed liave been : 



1825. 

1826-28. 

1829. 

18;i0. 

18.11-33. 

18.!4. 

1835-36. 

1837-38. 

1839-41. 

1842-43. 

1844-47. 

1848-49. 

lSoO-51. 



Benjamin Nevin. 
Jehicl Stevens. 
B. Nevin. 
.1. Stevens. 
Benjamin Nevin. 
Jeiiiel Stevens. 
David Richardson. 
NieliDlas Watts. 
Jehiel Stevens. 
John Bbclps. 
Joseph A. Jacobs. 
John Plielps. 
.Tames II. ]\Iorse. 



1852-53. 
1854-55. 
1856-58. 
1859-60. 
1861. 
1802-64. 
1865-66. 
1867-68. 
1869. 
1870-73. 
1874-77. 
William 
1877. 



Ilannilial Andrews. 
Oron Partridge. 
Horace Houghton. 
C. T. Hulburd. 
Joseph A. Jacobs. 
David Nevin. 
Jehiel Stevens. 
Barnaby l,antry. 
C. T. Hulburd. 
Barnaby Lant.ry. 
George Kingston. 
H. Cox, town clerk 



In October, 18G0, the town was divided into two election 
districts, and the places of holding elections fixed at Helena 
and Brasher Falls. 

A special meeting was held May 19, 1846, to determine 
whetlier the sale of spirituous liquors should be licensed ; 
75 voted no licon.sc, and GO for license. April 27, 1847, 
the matter was again submitted to the electors, when out 
of a vote of 155 a majority of 9 decided in ftivor of no 
license. At present (1877), the excise commissioners of 
the town grant license. 

A special war-meeting was held at Brasher Falls, Aug. 
30, 1802, to consider the military situation of the country 
and to take action to raise the required quota of volunteers. 
David Nevin, 0. T>. Edgerton, Joseph A. Jacobs, Elijah 
Wood, C. T. Hulburd, Harrison Lowell, and William Cur- 
tis were appointed a committee to report what action .should ' 
be taken, and who advLsed that a tax of $3500 be levied to 
secure volunteers. At another meeting, Dec. 21, 1863, a 
committee of twelve reported a measure whereby the super- 
visor and town clerk were authorized to issue certificates, to 
be countersigned by a justice of the peace, granting $400 
to each volunteer, provided that the amount of such orders 
do not exceed $16,000. The legislature was petitioned to 
authorize the supervisors of St. Lawrence County to levy 
a tax upon the town to defray the issuance of such orders. 
Subsequent war-meetings resulted in the adoption of simi- 
lar measures. 

ROADS, TELEGR.\PHS, AND STAGE-LINES. 
Owing to the level nature of the country the early roads 
of the town were poor, and in some localities almost impa.ss- 
able. But measures wore taken at the first town-meeting 
to improve them. Seven districts were formed, and Enoch 
Hall, Henry Hammill, Francis Nevin, Minor Hilyard, John 
Keenan, Joseph Macumber, Justin Bell, and William 
Arnold were appointed overseers. These districts have 
been subdivided, until at present they number forty-eight ; 
and although there arc more than a hundred miles of roads 
in the town, they have been worked into a fair condition. 
Libenil appropriations have been made for bridging the 
streams of the town, and the structures erected frmn time 
to time, numbering six, more than a hundred feet in length, 
are models of strength and beauty. The bridge across the 
St. Regis river, at Helena, deserves especial mention. It 
is a wrought-iron King's pattern, with two spans of 142 
feet each ; the structure was completed in 1871, at a cost of 
$10,875.65, exclusive of commissioners' fees. There are, 
also, similar smaller bridges at the Lauding and at the 



Iron-Works. The Montreal Telegraph company affords 
facilities of that nature at Brasher Falls and at Helena ; 
and a .stage-line through the principal places communicates 
with the railroad at Stockholm depot. 

" Some iin]iortanee was at an etirly day attached to the 
navigation of the St. Regis river, in this town, and a boat 
capable of carrying ten barrels of potash was run between 
Ilogansburg and the Landing, .seven miles below Brasher 
Falls. Tiie iidiabitants of Stockholm and Hopkinton 
availed themselves of this communication in reaching mar- 
ket. To promote this, an act of March 25, 1828, made it 
the ' duty of the assessors of the town of Brasher to desig- 
nate in their next assessment all lands lying west of and 
within two miles of the St. Regis river, and above the place 
usually called the Landing. The board of supervisors were 
authorized from this to levy a tax not exceeding twenty 
cents on an acre, in addition to the ordinary tax, to be ex- 
pended by the road commissioners of the town in improving 
the roads through these lands."* , 

SCHOOLS 
were taught in different parts of the town at an early 
day, and the support voted was always equal, and in some 
cases double, the aid given by the State. In 1877 there 
were 10 school buildings' in the town, valued at $5418 ; and 
the number of children between the ages of five and twenty- 
one years was 1411. From this number a daily attend- 
ance of 1001 pupils was secured. There were 10 male and 
25 female teachers employed, and paid $3054.62 ; and the 
total expenditures of the year were $3868.96. One of the 
most notable schools was that taught in 

THE QUAKER SETTLEMENT, 
about 1830, and the years following. A plank building 
was erected by a number of individuals, who thus secured 
its use for religious meetings, in which Lemuel Munseu, 
Mary Staples, Beriah Ames, Horace Chamberlain, and other 
teachers taught a hundred pupils daily ; and the instruction 
here received helped to shape the destiny of many of the 
citizens of the town. 

Settlement at this point was made in 1824, by Peter Cor- 
bin, John Phelps, and David Blowers, who came from 
Grand Island, Vermont. A company of Quakers had pur- 
chased a tract of laud several years previous, with a view of 
founding a colony of this fiiith ; but only a few came on, 
and the project was abandoned. To these settlers were soon 
added Aaron Chamberlain, E. and U. Pease, Thomas Kin- 
ney, Samuel Chambers and his sons, — Charles, James, 
George, and Thoiuas, — Samuel, Thomas, George, and Wil- 
liam Kingston, Richard Tyner, Elijah and Abiah Wood, 
Asa Tyler, Abel Kelsey, and others. Joseph Merrill having 
located here in 1830, opened a small store, which was con- 
ducted a short time in connection with an ashery. 

A class of Slethodists, of which the Chamberlains, 
Kin"stons, Phelps, Peases, and Chambers were members, 
was organized at this point, a parsonage erected, and ser- 
vices were held many years in the old plank school-house. 
Mo.st of these families have removed, and the work was long 
ago abandoned. 

« Dr. Hough. 



4U 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



HELENA. 

Tills pretty hamlet i.s .situated in the iiorthcni part of llio 
town, at the mouth of Deer river, whose descent into the 
St. Ron'is affords a watcr-pownr which has been well util- 
hid. The latter stream flows placidly by, forming a beau- 
tiful view in connection with the .surrounding country, 
whose fertility and adaptation for farming purposes is very 
seldom surpassed. The place reccivc^d its name from Helen, 
only daugiiter of Jo.seph I'itcairn. tlic jiroprietor of this 
tract of land, whose purpose was to spend his summers in 
this locality. With this view, he caused to be erected a 
large stone mansion, on the left bank of tlie St. Regis, over- 
looking the settlement which was formed on the right 
bank, but domestic affliction in his family prevented him 
from carrying his purpose into efiect. Under the agency 
of Russell Atwater, of Norfolk, Jeremiah SehoflTs, Morris 
Gchan, Niel Mclntyre, John Bonar, Robert Means, James 
Nicholson, and a few others settled here in March, 1817. 
Francis Nevin came shortly after, and was followed in May, 
1819, by his brother Benjamin, who succeeded as agent. 
The father, John Nevin, and his sons. Holmes and David, 
came in 1820. The latter is still a resident of the village. 
After several years, the Brown, Wait, and Hall families, 
and Aniaziah Jacobs, with his son Joseph A., then a lad of 
fourteen, from the State of Vermont, came to Helena and 
vicinity. Among early settlers were James Piatt, Benjamin 
Watts, David McMurphy, the Lantry and the Houghton 
families. 

In 1817, Joseph Pitcairn caused Mr. Atwater to build a 
saw-mill on Deer river, which soon after had a run of stones 
added. This was used for grinding purposes until Benja- 
min Nevin had built a regular grist-mill. Upon its destruc- 
tion by fire, in April, 1828, he immediately rebuilt it, and 
it remains to-day, in most respects, as it was erected. 
Lantry and Kingston are the present proprietors. An oat- 
meal mill was operated several years in connection with the 
grist-mill, but was found unprofitable. The saw-mill oper- 
ated by A. & John P]ldridge is the third which has occu- 
pied that site. 

A. and L. Burgctt had a tatmery on the brook, near the 
village, which was carried on about thirty years. 

A store was opened in 1823 by Stowell & Burrows. 
Among other merchants of the place were L. Gory, Joseph 
Hall, and S C. P. Thorndyke. Before these opportunities 
to trade were oflFered, the settlers were accustomed to go to 
Cornwall, Canada ; and for a number of years a United 
States custom-house was located at Helena, over which the 
genial William Wright presided. He was in .sympathy 
with the toiling settlers, and often winked at the advantages 
which a trip acro.ss the border afforded them. 

The only house of entertainment the place has ever had 
is the present hotel, changed from a residence about 1840, 
by Ezra Ballard. 

The post-ofEce was established Feb. 13, 1827, David 
McMurphy postmaster. His successors in office have been 
B. Nevin, D. Nevin, Hannibal Andrews, Joseph A. Jacobs, 
A. Mears, and Wm. H. Hamlin. The mail .service is daily 
from Stockholm to Ilogansburg. 

Dr. M. B. Buck was the only resident physician the 
place has ever had. 



The first school was taught in a frame house, erected for 
tliis purpose by Jose]ih Pitcairn in 1820, the teacher being 
a Mr. Smith. Jeliiel Stevens followed as one of the early 
teachers. The jiresent school building was erected in 1853. 
In addition to the foregoing, there are three stores and the 
usual nuniljcr of mechanic-shops in the place, whiih has 
nearly two hundri'd inhabitants. 

THE KHIST PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATION A t, 
CHURCH 

of Helena was organized June 1, 1837, with Benjamin 
Nevin, Ljnus Kibbe, and Grant Johnson trustees. A neat 
frame church was built in 1838, and services held by Revs. 
Deming, Howe, Jones, and others as stated su]ii)lies. The 
present board of trustees is composed of David Nevin, Jos. 
A. Jacobs, and Linus Kibbe. The house was renovated 
and repaired in 18C8, and is worth three thousand dollars. 
No regidar worshiji is maintained. 

BRASHER CENTRE, 

three miles below the falls on St. Regis river, is a small 
cluster of mills and houses of those engaged in operating 
them. The beginning at this point was made in 1832 by 
John Crapscr, who built a saw-mill on the east bank of the 
river. Among the settlers were the Johnson families, 
Jonas Crapser and his son E. S., and Stephen Curtis and 
his sons, William, Otis, and Lafayette. 

There is a good saw-mill and a starch-factory, having a 
capacity of 40,000 bushels of potatoes annually, both owned 
by E. S. Crapser. A forge was erected in 1850 by John 
Crapser, which, after being operated five years, was discon- 
tinued and the building demolished. A short distance 
above this jilace is a complete lumber-manufacturing estab- 
lishment, containing shingle-machines, a planer, and a 
matcher, operated by Crapser & Wilkinson. 

Joseph Hall sold goods at this place about 1837, and 
was succeeded in trade by Jonas and JMichael Crapser, and, 
in 1858, by William Curtis, who closed up the business in 
1876. 

BRA.SHER CENTRE LODGE, NO. 640, I. O. OK G. T., 

was organized June 12, 18GS, with twenty-six members. 
This was increased to a membership of eighty before the 
lodge was discontinued, several years later. 

THE NORTH BRASHER M. E. CHURCH 

was incorporated in 1848, Downer W^ait, G. Carter, Benj. 
Bell, Luther Carter, and Thomas Andre trustees. Rev. E. 
Arnold was the first pastor. A small church was erected, 
west of the Centre, in which services were held, the mem- 
bership of the church having been fifteen. The work has 
been abandoned. 

At the Centre a class of seventy Methodists, worshiping 
in the school-house, have services at stated times by the 
pastor of the church at Brasher Falls. 

BRASHER IRON-WORKS 

is a small hamlet, on Deer river, two and a half miles above 
Helena. The first beginning here was about the 10th of 
September, 1835, by Stillman Fuller, formerly from Fuller- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



415 



ville Iron-Works. Mr. Pitcairn bad known of tlio exist- 
ence of bog ores in this town, and induced Mi-. Fuller to 
(omc and examine the ores and, if practicalile, to erect a 
furnace. The first contract ran ten years, and allowed Blr. 
Fuller the sole riixlit of diuiiini); ores on his tract liy paying 
a tribute of twenty-five cents a ton. The furnace at Nor- 
folk had previcuisly been in part supplied from this town, 
but the new contract cut them off from all further supplies 
from this (piartcr. A furnace was erected on the left bank 
of Deer river, which was thirty-one feet square on the 
ground, of the same height ; inside diameter, seven feet ; 
lining, sandstone from Potsdam, which was found to an- 
swer the purpose of a firestone admirably. It was made a 
quarter furnace, and at first fed by a cold blast. It was 
got in operation and the first easting of iron made on the 
29th of October, 183(). The first blast continued till the 
last of January following, without delays or accidents, and 
about two hundred and fifty tons were made on the first 
trial. At the end of the second blast, in the latter part of 
1837, the premises were sold to Isaac W. Skiinier, from 
Buffalo, and R. W. Rush, of Ogdensburg, under the firm- 
name of Skinner & Bush, who continued about three years. 
At this time, Wm. H. Alexander, of Syracuse, took the place 
of Bush, under the firm-name of Alexander & Skinner, and 
the business was thus conducted until 1855, when Mr. 
Skinner assumed exclusive control of the works, and directed 
their operation until his death in 1874. The furnace was 
run exclusively on bog ore, whose yield was about twenty 
per cent, of iron of a good quality. At first this was ex- 
ported in the pig, but was afterwards manufactured into 
stoves, castings, etc., on the premises. Two cupola fur- 
naces were erected for remelting the iron for castings, and, 
in 1843, a machine-shop was put up for finishing mill- 
irons and other articles, which did a large amount of busi- 
ness. The furnace was four times burned or seriously 
injured by fire, and was fed with charcoal produced near 
the place. 

" An accident happened at the furnace in September, 
1843, which destroyed the building and fatally burned one 
of the laborers. This was caused by the blowing up of the 
furnace, an accident to which those supplied by loam ore 
are more liable than others, and against which nothing but 
the greatest care of those having charge can effectually 
guard. It is caused by the clogging up of the inside, by 
which the mass of ore and fuel does not settle down as the 
parts below waste away before the blast, thus forming a 
cavern of inten.sely glowing heat. When the mass above 
becomes detached and falls, the water in the damp ore being 
instantly changed to steam, expands with terrific violence, 
always throwing out of the furnace whatever it contains, 
and usually setting fire to the wood-work on the premises, 
and effectually putting a stop to the blast. On the occa- 
sion of the blowing up of this furnace in September, 1843, 
the liquid iron at the bottom was thrown out by the violence 
of the explosion, fatally burning one of the firemen, who 
died a few hours after in the greatest agony. 

• "In 1856 the blast furnace again exploded, fortunately 
injuring no one, aiul as ore had become scarce in the locality, 
the smelting of iron from ore was discontinued. 

"In 1849 the place was overrun by a very destructive 



fire, which spread through the woods from Norfolk across 
the towns of Biasher, Bombay, Fort Covington, and Wcst- 
viltc, taking in its course everything combustible, and kill- 
ing most of the standing timber, which still remains, a 
dismal monument to its ravages. Many thousands of dol- 
lars' worth of pine and otlun' choice timber were destroyed ; 
in some places everything valuable of the soil was burned, 
fields of grain were overrun, miles of fences swcjit away, 
and many hou.ses and barns burned. The work of destruc- 
tion continued sevej'al weeks, but was most violent and un- 
controllable about from the 15th to the 20th of July. The 
efforts of the inhabitants succeeded in some instances in 
checking the conflagration, but in other cases human efforts 
were unavailing, and the flaming surges swept onward with- 
out restraint. The scenery of the burning forests, especially 
at night, is said to have been awfully sublime and impres- 
sive."* 

In 185G the place was again visited by a fire, which de- 
stroyed property worth S2 1,000 ; and on the 25th of May, 
1857, a forest fire swept over the place, enveloping in the 
short space of three hours every building in the }ilace but 
three, and caused the destruction of the furnace, shops, and 
residences, valued at $52,000. Nothing daunted, Mr. 
Skinner began at once to rebuild his works, — and what 
remains at present was erected that year, — immediately 
giving employment to the workmen, who had been ren- 
dered homeless by the fire. For sixteen years he carried 
on an extensive business, manufacturing stoves, threshing- 
machines, farming implements, and mill machinery. The 
shops were idle from 1874 to 1877, when J. F. Skinner 
resumed work with eight men, and is engaged in manufac- 
turing stoves and farm machinery, u.sing imported iron for 
this purpose. IMr. Skinner is a nephew of the late I. W. 
Skinner, and came to this place in 1852. The latter had 
settled here in 1839, and removed to Ogdensburg in 1849. 
He was born Sept. 20, 1793, and was a pioneer manufac- 
turer. In Cayuga county he assisted Jethro Wood in 
bringing his celebrated cast-steel plow before the public, 
and there, in 1821, he sustained the first of nine losses by 
fire, any one of which would have discouraged a less per- 
sistent man. His death, June 7, 1874, was greatly 
mourned by his employees, and those who had formed his 
acquaintance. 

The saw- and shingle-mill on Deer river, at this place, 
was swept away by a flood in 1875. 

A store was put up soon after Mr. Skinner's settlement, 
which is at present conducted by J. F. Skinner. In con- 
nection with it a post-oflice was established July 14, 1849, 
and I. W. Skinner appointed postmaster. The ofiice has 
subsequently been in charge of Angus McDonnell and J. 
F. Skinner. 

A hotel was erected in 1S4G b}' Samuel Fletcher, which 
was replaced by the present house in 1857, and is con- 
ducted by C. H. Farwell. 

THE KIKST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CULllCU 

of Brasher Iron-Works was incorporated 'March 7, 1859, 
with I. W. Skinner, J. F. Skinner, R. W. Thickens, AV. 



» Dr. Iluii-b. 



416 



IITSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



H. Iliimilton, and M. B. Dreone, trustees. Through the 
iiiuiiificencc of I. W. SkiiiDer, a neat frame churcli, costing 
$1000, was erected the same year, and Rev. K. Biiggs 
secured as pastor. The niembersliip numbered twenty, and 
reguhir services were maintained, but wiiich have been di.s- 
continued. The present tru.stccs are R. W. Smith, M. B. 
Dreene, A. C. Bristol, E. G. Ilolcomb, and J. F. Skinner. 

BRASHER FALLS. 

Tliis flourishing village of six hundred inluibitants is 
situated on both banks of St. Regis river, about a mile 
below the junctiun of its branches, from wliicb place its 
descent is marked by a scries of rapids which culminate in 
a succession of falls at the village, — whence the name. 
The volume of water is large and never-failing, and admits 
of repeated use within a sluirt di.stance. A well-constructed 
dam and a series of trunks, or flumes, on both sides of the 
stream supplies power, having a level of from eight to 
eighteen feet, which gives tlie place especial facilities as a 
manufacturing point ; and its pro.ximity to the railroad, 
being about a mile from Stockholm dcjiot, gives it easy 
access to the market. 

The first improvement was made by John Crapser, in 
the fall of 1826, who, being attracted by the advantages of 
the place, built a dam and saw-mill on the falls, and made 
an effort to found a colony. With this view he induced a 
number of Hollanders to come on, and provided for their 
maintenance by erecting buildings and supplying tools to 
carry on their avocation. The newness of the country dis- 
couraged them, and nearly all left within a year. But 
Crapser remained, operating tlie mill, and inaugurating 
other enterprises, which soon brought in a permanent class 
of settlers. Among those who came to this locality at an 
early day were William and Joseph Stevens, Orin Patridge, 
Joseph Estes, David Blowers, Asa Winters, Ethan John- 
son, the Merriani family, Jchiel Stevens, Justin Bell, Sam- 
uel Blodgett, Amariah Harrington, and David Richardson. 
William Stevens erected a block-house on the road to 
Stockholm, which yet remains as the dwelling of 0. Pat- 
ridge. The place was originally a pine forest, and its settle- 
ment was slow and unremarkable until 1840. The year 
before, Calvin T. Hulburd had purcha.sed si.K hundred acres 
of land, including the water-jiower and the village site, 
which he at once began to improve. Mr. Hulburd and his 
brother, E. S., came from the town of Stockholm, where 
their father settled at an early day, and brought with them 
that energy which pioneer life so strongly develops. The 
former is still a resident of the village, and although his 
asefulness has extended beyond the limits of the town, he 
continues to manifest an interest in its aff'airs. 

In 1841 the Hulburds erected a good stone grist-mill, 
with four run of stones. This, with some modifications, is 
the present structure. Above the mill, on the site of the 
old saw-mill, a saw- and shingle-mill of large capacity was 
erected in 187(5 by E. Church. A woolen-factory was 
built below the mill in 1845 by Joseph Merrill. It was 
subsequently enlarged, and is at present operated by Moses 
Rich and J. B. Staflford. There arc three hundred and 
thirty spindles, and about twenty-five thousand yards of 
cloth are produced annually. 



Farther down the stream, Davis & Co., from Maine, 
established a manufactory of agricultural imjileinents and a 
foundry in 1852, which was extensively and successfully 
operated for a number of years. In 1 873 several of the 
shops were destroyed by fire, and have never been rebuilt. 
Dishaw and Kcnnehan at present use the main shop for 
the manufacture of farm implements, and for general 
foundry purposes. 

In 1857, H. M. Hulburd & Co. erected a potato-starch- 
factory, which at present occupies several large buildings, 
giving the factory a capacity of three hundred bushels per 
day. 

A fork- and hoe-factory was established on the east side 
of the river in 184G by F. and T. R. Taylor, the bu.siness 
having been transferred from Bicknellville, to give it better 
facilities. The manufacture of these articles was begun at 
Parishville in 1831, and increased steadily until, at Brasher 
Falls, from 20,000 to 30,000 forks, and about 15,000 hoes, 
were produced yearly, and shipped to every part of the 
country. In 1857 their manufacture was discontinued, 
and the shops converted for other purposes. In 1862 a 
fire destroyed them, and their site is at present occupied 
by Heme's furniture-factory and other shops. 

In 18G7, L. C. Hall erected a pump-factory, whose 
yearly products are from 3000 to 5000 pumps ; and a large 
shop, built in 1877, by J. G. Taylor, is intended for a 
novelty-shop. There are also a tannery, with 25 vats, 
operated by G. W. Ryan, and the usual complement of 
mechanic shops, some of which are supplied with water- 
power. 

John Crap.ser was the first to engage in mercantile busi- 
ness, about 1828, having only a small stock of goods. In 
1834, Joseph Merrill opened a store in a long frame house, 
one part of which he occupied as a dwelling. Subse- 
quently he kept a store on the east side of the river, and 
C. T. Hulburd sold goods on the west side. J. H. Morse 
soon followed, and carried on a large trade for a number of 
years. Nathaniel Buck and others came soon after, and 
H. M. Hulburd has been engaged in business continuously 
since 1852. In 1876, E. S. Crapser ei-ected a very fine 
two-story brick block, which contains three stores. In ad- 
dition to these the place has several more stores and shops 
devoted to trade, transacting, in the aggregate, considerable 
business. 

John L. Stevens erected a tavern in 1840, in which for 
thirty-five years he presided as host, retiring in 1875. 
This house, at present kept by A. Aldrieh, is the only 
tavern ever kept in the place. 

The first to heal the sick was Martin Smith, but he 
was no regular practitioner. Dr. Nathan L. Buck located 
about 1842 as a regular physician. The profession is at 
present represented by Doctors Chaynon, Sprague, and 
Hall ; and the law has a representative in L. C. Lang, 
former attorneys having been R. A. Wilcox and G. A. 
Kingston. 

The post-oSice was established July 22, 1810, and the 
succession of postmasters has been C. J. Hulburd, N. L. 
Buck, JehicI Stevens, A. Newland, T. W. Wells, and H. 
Wells, the present incumbent. It is a postal money-order 
oflBce, and the amounts drawn are about S550 per week ; 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOlUv. 



41'; 



paid, S37!>. About 1110 letters are sent, and an equal 
number distributed daily, while the number of papers 
received weekly aggregates 40(1. 

THE NORTH AMERICAN MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 

was organized at Brasher Falls, July 1, 1851. Up to Oct. 
1, 1852, it had issued 1380 policies, and had at that time at 
risk $8.07,502.50. It has been elo.sed up for several years. 

BRASHER FALLS LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS 

was organized October, 1872, with 18 members, and Moses 
Rich, W. C. T. The membership had been increased to 
70, but was diminished, and the lodge discontinued in 
1875. 

BRASHER FALLS LODGE, NO. 541, F. AND A. .M., 

had its dispensation granted in 1803, and was chartered 
June 10, 1864, with nine members, with II. F. Taylor, 
W. M. ; N. W. Baker, S. W. ; and Chauncey Buck, J. W. 
The lodge-room and property, in the Kingston block, were 
destroyed by fire in 1870, but a new hall has been secured 
in the Crapser building. The membership of the lodge is 
70, and II. F. Taylor"' is W. M. ; W. J. Waugh, S. W. ; 
and H. Capie, J. W. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

of Bra.sher Falls was organized by Rev. Elijah Wheeler, 
at the house of William Stevens, in January, 1827, with 
David Richardson class-leader. Among the pioneer mem- 
bers were the Stevens, Richardson, and other families, who 
maintained worship in school-houses and private residences. 
A society was formed April 10, 1848, with David Richard- 
son, Heman Holmes, Joseph Estes, Ethan Johnson, and 
John S. Hall trustees, and steps taken to erect a church. 
In 1851, Rev. Hiram Shepard dedicated the present house, 
which was repaired in 1875 at a cost of $1500, and re- 
dedicated by Rev. Samuel Call. It is a neat edifice, with 
300 sittings, and, with the par.sonage, is worth $5000. 
The present trustees are S. B. Herriman, J. P. Stafford, 
L. R. Smith, Piatt Palmer, and Henry E. Rus.sell. Rev. 
William II. Bury is the pastor, and there are 80 members. 
A Sunday-school, maintained by the church, was organ- 
ized about 1840, is under the superintendence of the 
pastor, and has a membership of 50. 

THE FIRST PRESBVTERIAN CHURCH Ol' ISR.\SHER F.iLLS. 

The following sketch of this body is compiled from a 
sermon by the pastor, J. Leonard Waugh, A.M. : 

" On the Sth day of July, 1844, was organized the first 
Presbyterian church of Brasher Falls. The Rev. Mr. 
Birge, then preaching for the Congregational church of 
East Stockholm, had preached in the school-hou.se for the 
year previous. The history of the organization is thus 
given in the .session book of the church : ' On the 8th of 
July, 1844, twenty-four per-sons, presenting articles of faith 
and letters of commendation for their union in a church of 
Jesus Christ, were solemnly constituted the first Presbyte- 
rian church of Brasher Falls. Deacon Alvin T. Hulburd, 
of their number, was elected ruling elder, and accepting the 
ofiice was thereupon duly ordained by prayer, with the lay- 
ing on of hands. The Rev. B. B. Hotchkin, in behalf of 
53 



St. Lawrence presbytery, the Rev. B. B. Culter, of St. 
Lawrence consociation, and the Rev. S. S. Howe, of Che- 
mung presbytery, were the ministers who officiated by par- 
ticular request on this occasion ; whereupon the church 
thus constituted authorized the Rev. B. B. Hotchkin to 
communicate this rcipiest to St. Lawrence presbytery, and 
asked to be taken under its care. The presbytery, at a 
spjcial meeting at Helena, Aug. 20, 1844, accordingly re- 
ceived the church under their care.' 

" The names of the twenty-four original members are as 
follows: Calvin T. Hulburd, Mrs. Jane I. Hulburd, E. S. 
Hulburd, Mrs. Lorinda Hulburd, Hubbard G. Kel.sey, Mrs. 
Lucy Kelscy, Wm. B. Hubbard, Mrs. Lueina Hubbard, Syl- 
vester Pettibone, Mrs. Eliza Pettibone, Edward Munson, 
Mrs. Philomela Stevens, Martin Smith, Sidney K. Smith, 
Rodney Smith, Mrs. Julia Kelsoy, Hiram Holcomb, Mrs. 
Lucinda Holcomb, x\nah Dewey, Roderick Seager, William 
Hubbard, Nelson T. Hubbard, Stephen Smith, and Mrs. 
Harriet E. Smith. 

" A meeting of fourteen persons was called Feb. 24, 
1845, to form a Presbyterian society. Hiram Holcomb 
and Justin Bell were elected trustees for one year, E. S. 
Hulburd and Sidney Kelsey for two years, Jehiel Stevens, 
Martin Smith, and Elijah Wood for three years. Jehiel 
Stevens has continued to hold the office of trustee of this 
society, being re-elected at the expiration of every term of 
service. At the same meeting the society appointed a 
building committee to take into consideration the erection 
of a church edifice, and to circulate a subscription in con- 
templation of that object. That committee consisted of the 
trustees, with Joseph Merrill and C. T. Hulburd added. 

" The footing of the subscription paper amounted to 
$1995. The seats were afterwards sold, and the proceeds 
applied to the building fund. The site was presented to 
the society by E. S. Hulburd, and the building begun, and 
was dedicated June 9, 1848. 

"In May, 1871, the church was closed for repairs, and 
work was commenced J ine 1, 1871. About $5000 were 
expended in repairs. The form and somewhat of the di- 
mensions were changed. The audience-room was enlarged 
and entirely refitted, and the comfortable and beautiful 
structure was rededicated for God's worship Feb. 14, 1872. 
The sermon was by the Rev. Andrew M. Millar, of Malone. 
Remarks were also made by Rev. Dr. Miller, of Ogdens- 
burg, and by Rev. Dr. Bush, of New I'^ork. 

" The following have been trustees of the first Presbyte- 
rian society of Brasher Falls: Hiram Holcomb, Justin 
Bell, Ebenezer S. Hulburd, Sidney Kelsey, Jehiel Stevens, 
Elijah Wood, Martin Smith, Joseph Merrill, Stephen 
Smith, Thomas W. Wells, J. H. IMorse, Ira Bell, N. L. 
Buck, Henry M. Hulburd, S. Wilder Davis, Henry F. 
Taylor, James G. Taylor. The clerks of the society have 
been Calvin T. Hulburd, Hiram Holcomb, and Thomas W 
Wells. The clerk of the session has been, sinci5 the organi- 
zation, C. T. Hulburd." 

The Rev. Samuel .Storrs Howe was the first pastor, and 
had a number of successors in that relation. The present 
pastor has occupied the position since July 3, 1873. The 
Sabbath -school is under the superintendence of Calvin T. 
Hubbard, and has eighty members. 



418 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ST. Patrick's iio.man catholic church, 

of Braslior F;ills, w;is orpanizcd, witli about si.xty fiimilies, 
in 1850, b}' Father James Keveiiy. A cliurcli wiis erected 
east of tlic Tillage the same year, having seven hundred 
sitting!!, at a cost of S3000. Father John McDermott bad 
the first siiiritiial care of the church, and was ft)liowed by 
Father Michael Maleny. After an interregnum of .six 
months, Fathers J. 11. Scanlan and Welch swccceded. 
Upon the close of the latter's pastorate, Father Haire, sec- 
retary of the diocese, ministered to the church until August, 
1876, when Father James Smith succeeded to the pastoral 
office. The membership of the church is one thousand, 
and the board of trustees is composed of Jan>es Smith, 
Patrick 3Iiirray, and J. Kailer. The cemetery by the 
church was formed in 1850, and is \)nder the control of 
the trustees. The other cemeteries of the town arc in the 
care of individnals living in their rei*{>eclive localities. 

Besides the churches and religions societies mentioned 
in the foregoing pages, tlie Baptists and the Free-Will 
Baptists had formed small societies in Bnkslicr, which were 
soon discontinued. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



MRS. HELEN RICH, 

The lady whose name appears at the licad of this article 
is the wife of Moses Rich, and hua attained to a consider- 
able eminence as an atttboress and lecturer. The notices of 
the press are very flattering in their commendations of her 
readings and lectures, which have thus far included the fol- 
lowing subjects; "Modern Heroism," a poem; "The 
Times," a temperance poem; *' The Wills, Won'ts, and 
Can'ts of History," '' Home and Temperance," ^'Tbe Tem- 
perance Reform," "Our Best Society." 

AVe here append a beautiful poem written by her. as a 
good specimen of her abilities in the realm of poesy; 

"A DREAM OF THE ADIUUNDACKS. 

" mystic mountains ! sleeping in the dim 

Celestial blue of yoadcr tbrubbin^ haze, 
Pur|)tiiig horizon's cloud -caressing rim, 

Fading to mist before my yearning gaze, 
Speak to my spirit of tby beauty wild: 

Waft me the »ighs of pincy munarchs old; 
1i\'bii:pcr tby legfnds, never yet detiled 

By breath of fashion or debasing gold. 

•' Tell nic bold deeds of huntsmen, brave and grim j 

Swart lliawathas, in the deadly strife 
Of love with famine, till my eyelids swim, 

And soul stands quivering 'mid the woes of life, 
Sick of the shallow nulhingne^s that fills 

The idle sails of fully';* airy bark, 
Pleading for nature, and for tru'h that thrills 

The brain witb fire from its immortal spark. 

" Chant me, ye breeze?, as those torrents hymn 

Sublimest praises to the Father there, — 
While the rich blosBoms fairy hikcB !-h;ill limn, 

Angels may stir with breath of holy ])raycr. 
Waft me the incense hoarded in the cclU 

Of saintly lilies, as the * aves' float 
From glens lesponsive to the sung that swrlls 

Fruin bhiuing waters, ur tome bird's Eolt throa\ 



*' Snow-lighted mountains, somewbere in the rifts 

Of splintered gorge, or on thy summit calm, 
In ellin grotto, boldest thou the gilt 

Of perfect rest, of sorrow's precious balm? 
Within the silence of thy columned fane, 

Deep in thy sylvan solitude, there lies 
A charm to bring forgetfulncss of jtuin, 

And sleep serene to weary, waiting eyes. 

" Wbcre some fierce Titan, smiting from his throne 

The sceptcred king of all the mountain world. 
Crushed in the conflict, makcth saddest moan 

Beneath the wreck of granite masses hurled; 
Or, poised in heaven, above the eaglet's scream, 

To trace the river, faint as silver bars; 
Of life beyond to ponder and to dream ; 

At night to feel the heart-boat of the stars; 

'* To tloat on waves as virgin as the rock 

Where Alpine flowers bedeck the biow of storm ; 
To smile exultingly above the shock 

Of thunders terrible, in dusky form : 
To hold high converse with primeval things; 

Alone with awful mysteries, to press 
The pulse of centuries ; to fold the wings 

Of restless thought in Heavenly blissfulness. 

'• Never to thee, thou white and peerless thing, 

Whose golden heart the crystal waters lave, 
The hot, fierce breath of monster steam shall bring 

Destroying whisper where thy banners wave. 
Oh, gorgeous linden ! golden to the tips 

Of leaves that flutter in the azure tide. 
No murky shadows on the breast that dips 

The cloud with songful joyou^ness and pride. 

** Forever barred, ye flaunting, soulless forms, 

Shaming our nature with the sickly growth 
Of all that braves the bitter, biting storms 

Of Fortune — victims of consuming sloth. 
Never the drawling lisp, the brainless speech, 

The laugh unmeaning, the envenomed shaft 
Of slander to those fair abodes shall reach. 

Nor shrewd diplomacy employ his craft. 

"Hoar Adirondacks! sentinels to mc, 

Guarding the realm of poesy, where lies 
The pure, the beautiful, the grandly free! 

The slumbering heart of Nature! prophecies 
Of Time's fulfillment of man's broader life. 

The unstirred depths of being, love divine 
O'ennastering selfishness, and deathful strife, 

Mind's own enchanted and enchanting clime. 

" Thanks to His power, the weird and dusky fells, 

Heights inaccessible, the tangled ivies drape, 
Shield the great oracle that yet repels 

All that the world's weak vanities would ape — 
One sacred shelter from the rushing mart, 

One august temple consecrate to Him 
Before whose majesty the human heart 

Trembles to see earth's pageantry wax dim. 

"Within these shades the poet, yet to be, 

Some bard, like Avon's swan, divinely taught, 
Probing thy secrets, — rock, and shell, and tree, — 

All the sweet wisdom science vainly taught, 
To his clear vision gloriously revealed, 

His harp repeat the melodies that stir 
The myriad forms of loveliness that yield 

Supreme delight to reverent worshiper. 

" In the far ages hence — the peaciful days 

Of men who reach ' the stature like to His,' 
And walk secure in God's illumined ways. 

While all love prayed and sighed for sqrcly is — 
This our Arcadia, fresh and green as first 

In the creation's glad, etTulgent morn, 
Its cruwuiog jieaks in lufty 8|dendur burst, 

Aud all of vast sublimity was boiu." 





MRS. MOSES RICH. 



MOSES RICH 



(PH0TO5.gr HL Ston^. Potsdam ) 




residence: of MOSCS rich. Brasher, 



L A W R E NT C E. 



This town is tlie third from the nortli of the eiisterii tier 
of towns, and borders on Franklin county. Its name is de- 
rived from William Lawrence, of New York city, who, after 
a successful career as a nierdiant and business man in this 
and foreign countries, retired from trade and, to relieve the 
tedium which attaches to an inactive life, purchased the 
unsold portions of the town of Chesterfield. The title is as 
follows: The proprietors to Harrison, Jan. 1, 1801, and 
from the latter to Lawrence, Feb. 17, 1820. Mr. Lawrence 
passed a portion of his time in the summer on his demesne. 
He died in New York, in 1824, when his son, D. Lynch 
Lawrence, inherited a part of the estate in the town. Tiiis 
has been sold to actual settlei-s by his agents. 

Until its erection as a separate town, April 21, 1828, 
Lawrence formed a part of the towns of Hopkinton and 
Brasher. 

" The act of organization provided that the poiir-nioncys 
be equitably divided, and a part of the town having been 
formerly set oflF from Massena to Bra-sher without their 
knowledge or consent, and without any division of the poor- 
fund, it was also made the duty of the supervisors of Law- 
rence and Massena to meet and divide this fund in the 
same manner, and subject to the same appeal as above 
stated."* 

The area comprised by this division is 28,479 acres, most 
of which is susceptible of cultivation. The surface is level 
in the northern part, but is somewhat undulating in the 
east and the south, with intermediate low ground. This 
was originally covered with dense forests of cedar, beech, 
elm, maple, and other woods. The ridges were more lightly 
timbered, and were, for that reason, selected as the places 
for the fir.st settlements. The soil is a sandy loam, more or 
less mixed with clay, and in the lower places is a rich allu- 
vium, which is especially ad iptcd to grazing. Hence dairy- 
ing and stock-raising are among the chief industries, the 
conditions for these occupations being rendered especially 
favorable by the many springs and brooks which liberally 
water the town. Besides tho^e .smaller streams. Deer river 
flows through the eastern part of the town in a northerly 
direction, and the east branch of the St. Regis bounds it 
for many miles on the south, both affording water-power, 
which has been judiciously employed, and which engages 
many of the citizens in manufacturing. Hop-culture also 
receives considerable attention, many fine yards and dry- 
houses abounding; anil the general crops can be profitably 
cultivated. 

" The first settlement in Lawrence was made by a man 
named Brewer, who came, as a sub-agent for the proprietor, 



to show lands to settlers, and located on the farm now owned 
by Carlton McEwen, where lie erected a shanty in the sum- 
mer of 1801 and remained till ttie summer following, when 
he sold out his interest and agency to Samuel Tyler. In 
the flvll of 1806, Joseph and Samuel Tyler, from Picrmont, 
N. H., Joseph St. Clair and Avery Sanders, from Middle- 
sex, Vt, Ephraim Martin, from Bradford, Vt., and Abijah 
Chandler, from Lebanon, N. H., came in and selected farms, 
but did not move their families till the next spring. Hav- 
ing made a bargain with the agent, Judge Bailey, of Chat- 
eaugay, for land, Abijah Chandler and the others above 
named moved in to reside, most of them having families. 
Mri. Chandler was the first white woman who came into 
town. 

" These families first came to Hopkinton by sleighs, and 
proceeded thence to their destination after the snow had 
gone. Most of them settled in the central and northern 
parts of the present town, excei)t Mr. Chandler, who settled 
a short distance from the present village of Nicholville. 
In May, 1807, the.se families were followed by Ira Allen, 
James and Jonathan Pierce, and Sidney Dunton. In June, 
Jonathan Stevens, Ambrose Lewis, and families, and Jona- 
than Hartwell, without his family, located in town. The 
latter moved on in the following spring. 

" In July, 1807, Jonathan, Green, and James Saunders, 
and D. C. Bastin, and in the same year John Howard, 
Asa Griffin, and John Prouty came in. In 1808-9 the 
settlement was largely increased from Vermont and New 
Hampshire, and continued till the war, when every family 
but five are said to have left, and most of them never re- 
turned. From this time the settlements languished, and 
the pioneers were exposed to unusual hardships from the 
difficulty of reclaiming their lands and bringing them under 
cultivation. This arose from the verj' level surface, which, 
when covered by forests, was wet and swanipj', but which, 
now it is cleared up and cultivated, forms one of the finest 
and most valuable agricultural districts in the county. 
Door were unusually plenty, and conscc|uently wolves. An 
old lady, in relating these hardships, added, that, ' had it 
not been for the deer, they must all have starved, as veni- 
son was often the only food they had.' ""{" 

The first framed house was built in 1808, by Samuel 
Harris, who came the year previous from Middlesex, Vt. 
It was constructed of basswood ■' shakes," so adjusted as to 
form a frame. David Harris lives on the homestead where 
this was erected. 

The first school was taught in 1810, by Miss S. Tyler. 
Meetings were held in 180S by a Quaker from Peru, N. Y. 



* Dr. Houjh. 



t Ibid. 



4iy 



■i-M 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



After the cold sca.son of 1816 the influx of settlers stead- 
ily' iiicrea.sed, among them being the JleEucns, the Mer- 
chants, EUithorfics, and many others nieiitiuncd in con- 
nection with the villages of the town. 

The population in 1875 was 2641. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

According to the terms of the act organizing Lawrence 
from Brasher and Ilopkinton, the first town-uieoting was 
held on the first Monday of March, 1829, at the house of 
Carlton McEucn, when the following oflBcers were chosen : 
Carlton McEuun, sujiervisor ; Myers G. Peck, town clerk ; 
James Trussel, Nathaniel Smith, N. H. Lampson, asses- 
sors ; Enos Burt, collector ; James Trussel, Myron G. Peck, 
overseers of the poor; Giles Hart, David S. Murray, John 
Ferris, commissioners of highways ; Enos Burt, Warren 
Day, constables ; George P. Farrar, Samuel Bent, James 
Ferris, commissioners of schools ; Dwight N. Higgins, David 
S. Murray, Levi H. Powers, inspectors of schools. 

Since the town has been formed the following have been 
the supervisors: 1829-32, Carlton McEuen ; 1833-3-1, 
George P. Farrar; 1835, Carlton McEucn; 1836, Myron 
G. Peck; 1837, Luther Whitney; 1838-39, Walter 
Smcad; 1840, no choice; J. F. Saunders and C. McEucn 
each having received 140 votes, the justice appointed the 
latter, who declined to serve ; and a special meeting was 
held March 30. when J. F. Saunders was chosen; 1841, 
J. F. Saunders; 1842-43, Lucius Hulburd ; 1844, J. F. 
Saunders; 1845, Jude Clark; 1846-48, Carlton McEuen; 
1849-50, Milo L. Burnham; 1851, Peabody Newland ; 
1852, Noah D. Lawrence; 1853-54, Lyman Day; 1855-56, 
Carlton McEuen; 18.57-58, John Ferris ; 1839-60, Wm. 
Romaine; 1861-02, William Fortune; 1863-G4, Henry 
Stickney; 1865-66, George A. Burt; 1867-70, Tiras H. 
Ferris; 1871-74, Rufus S. Palmer; 1875-76, A. E. 
McEuen ; 1877, Sumner Sweet. 

From the town records we Team that in 1833 fence- 
viewers were to be compensated at the rate of twenty-five 
cents a day ; this liberal remuneration was reduced to 
nothing in 1836. 

A special town war-meeting was held Dee. 18, 1863, to 
devise means to raise volunteers to fill the president's call 
for 300,000 men. O. F. Shepard, Sumner L. Hazen, and 
T. H. Ferris were authorized by a unanimous vote of the 
electors assembled to issue certificates of $300 for each 
volunteer required ; and the legislature of the State was 
petitioned to authorize the supervisors of St. Lawrence 
County to assess the town of Lawrence to raise the money 
to pay any certificates i.ssued by the committee or their suc- 
cessors in office. At subsetjueut special meetings like 
bounties were voted, and the above committee was appointed 
to audit expenses. 

ROADS, STAGE-ROUTES, AND RAILWAYS. 

A few roads had been surveyed and were partially worked 
while the town w:is yet a part of Ilopkinton ; and a Slate 
road from Port Kent to Ilopkinton, through the southern 
part of the town, was located in the spring of 1827, by 
John Richards, Ezra Tiiurber, and Jonah Sanford. In 
1829, 825,836 was voted by the State to aid in its construc- 



tion. Toll was charged on this road, gates having been put 
up, but which were removed as soon as the towns were able 
to keep the road in repair. A line of stages was inaugurated 
on this road in 1833. Another stage thoroughfare, known 
as the Northwest Bay road, also passed through the town. 

At the first town-meeting S250 was appropriated to im- 
prove the roads, and the town was divided into 7 road dis- 
tricts. These have been increased more than fourfold ; 
and there are about 90 miles of roads in a fair condition, 
and having good bridges where they cross streams. Doer 
river is spanned by wrought-iron bridges at Lawrencevillc 
and North Lawrence, whose combined cost is nearly $4000. 
These structures were erected in 1870. 

The Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain railroad was com- 
pleted through the town in the fiill of 1850. The line runs 
from east to west 7.70 miles in the town, and the road-bed 
is about 330 feet above tide. The grades are easy, and the 
road is in good repair. Its completion gave value to the 
lands of the town, and aided largely to develop its resources. 
By this means a ready market is afforded for the dairy pro- 
ducts and live-stock, nearly a hundred car-loads of the latter 
being shipped annually from the station at North Lawrence, 
where the company has erected a depot 50 by 100 feet, a 
small repair-shop, and a wood and water station. Large 
quantities of merchandise are discharged as freight, and the 
United States and Canada Express Company has an office 
at the depot. Telegraphic communication is afforded at all 
the villages of the town by the Montreal company. 

LIVE-STOCK AND DAIRY INTERESTS. 

Lawrence is pre-eminently a dairy town, its lowlands 
being more profitable for grazing than for general farming 
purpases. There are many private dairies, and the number 
of milch cows in 1875 was several thousand. A cheese- 
factory is operated at Lawrenceville, and Ellithorpe and 
Parks have a large creamery on Deer river, two and a half 
miles east of Nicholville, using the milk of 300 cows. 
B. D. Babcock's butter-factory at Nicholville manufactures 
35,000 ])0unds per year. 

Attention has been paid to improved live-stock by Wil- 
liam Kingston, E. M. Dana, who breeds the Jersey strain, 
and by Cyrus Merrill. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The town is divided into thirteen school districts, each 
having a school-house, eleven being frames and two brick, 
and all valued, with their sites, at $6245. Twenty-three 
female and six male teachers were employed for the school 
year of 1876-77, and paid $2451.66; 670 .scholars attended 
the schools. Tlie total expenditures for the year were 
$2972.90. 

NORTH LAWRENCE. 

The first iniprovem-jnt at this point was made by Chauncey 
Bristol, who built a small shanty in 1826, and commenced 
the erection of a .saw-mill, but which was swept away bC' 
fore it was completed. In 1S27, John W. Bean, from 
Orange Co., Vt., came on and made the first actual settle- 
ment. The place was then an unbroken forest, and was 
generally spoken of as a cedar swamp. Bean built the first 
frame house, alimit 1830, near the spot where it yet stands. 



» 



I 




I'll"! . Iiy .'::iiony, Nl-w Ymk, 



c/^/^c^ 




T. H. FERRIS. 

The sul.ijcct of tliis sketch was born at Willistori, 
Chittoiidcii euiinty, Vermont, February 12, 1S;U. He 
removed at an early age to Lawrence, St. Lawrence 
County, New York. 

He was educated in district and select schools, at 
Bakerefield academy, Vermont, and the State normal 
school, Albany. 

In 185() he was appointed by the board of super- 
visor.s school commissioner for the third as,scmbly district. 
In 1857 he was elected to the same position, I'esiguing 



in 1859 to accept the appointment of deputy county 
clerk, in which capacity he remained three years. 

From 1863 to 1870, he was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits at Lawrenceville. He was for several years 
a magistrate of the town of Lawrence and supervisor 
of the town during the years 18G7 to 1870 inclusive, 
and chairman of the St. Lawrence County board twice. 
He was executive clerk of the New York State senate 
during the years 1SG8 and 18G9. 

In the fall of 1870 he was elected county clerk of St. 
Lawrence, and re-elected in 1873, serving in that position 
for six years. 





(ZyTXr 



Q>H:y>0'>Z4y^ ^^^fC* c/o:aa,C<yi<^ 



WILLIAM S. TAGGAUT, 



son of Samuel and Ann Tagjiait, was born in Charlotte, 
Cliittondon Co., Vt,., September 2!t, 1824. His father, 
Samueni., was burn in Antrim di., Ireland, in December, 
17114 ; whose father was born in Seotiand, ami emij;,rated tci 
Ireland. William S. Taggai't's mother was born in Anlrinj, 
Ireland, June 12, 1800; her jiarenls emigrated I'rom Seot- 
iand to Ireland. Samuel II. Taggart and wife were married 
in 1816, and emigrated to America, and settled in Chitten- 
don Co., Vt., in 1819, and continued to live there till 1839, 
when they removed to St. Lawrence County, and settled in 
Lawrence. They reared eleven children, ten of whom 
lived to be men and women, and nine are still living. Sam- 
uel II. was a farmer, and reared his family to industry. 
At his death he was buried in Hopkinton. The widow is 
still living. 

William S. Taggart is the lonrth of a ikmily of eleven 
children. His early advantages for an education were very 
limited, indeed, but after he became of age he attended 
Franklin academy, at Malone, three summers and taught 
school winters. He taught school four winters, and in 
lS4li went into the mercantile bnsine.-is at Lawrenccville, 



and continued till 1S55. During this time he was in com- 
pany with his brother Hugh. In 1855 he began to deal 
in general produce and real estate. In 18(10 he added to his 
business by forming a co-partnership with Jas. Sherar in 
the mercantile trade at Nicholville. Continued four years, 
and then closed his partnenship with Mr. Sherar. He mar- 
ried Miss Jennette M. Lobdell, of Hopkinton, November 
28, 18Gtl. She was born September 18, 1835. Her 
parents were from Plattsburg, New York, and settled at 
Canton, St. Lawrence County, when Mrs. Taggart was 
about nine years old. By this union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Taggart, two daughters, Agnes B. and Anna L., have been 
born, and are now living with their parents. 

Mr. Taggart is a large representative farmer of Lawrence, 
having now G41 acres, besides doing an extensive bu.siness 
in his general produce trade. IMr. Taggart was at first a 
Democrat, but upon the organization of the Ilepublican 
party he joined it. He has always been (lee]ily interested 
in schools, and has done what he could to make our common 
schools better. A fine view of his place may be seen opposite, 
and [lortraits of himself and wife above this liiogin]ihv. 








i^„ ^s^= 







HON. O. F. SHEPARD. 

Among the intelligent and representative men of Law- 
rence none deserves a better mention upon the pages of our 
county history than the subject of this sketcli. He is of 
English origin ; his ancestors emigrated to America and 
settled in Massachusetts prior to the Revolutionary war. 
His father, Heman, was a native of New Huntington, Vt., 
and was born Nov. 3, 1789 ; his mother, Loretto Rockwell, 
was born in Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt. They were 
married about Jan. 1, 1S13, and settled at Middletown. 
By this union eight children were born, of whom the sub- 
ject of this sketch is the eldest. On Nov. 17, 1826, the 
femily settled in Lawrence. Heman Shepard was a former, 
and reared his children to industry and economy. Mrs. 
Shepard died June 8, 1844 ; then followed five children. 
Mr. Shepard died July 31, 1874. 

O. F. Shepard, son of Heman and Loretto, was born in 
Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt., Nov. 15, 1813. He re- 
ceived an academic education, having graduated at the 
Potsdam academy in the fall of 1836. He taught school 
for twenty-two consecutive years, and gave general satisfoc- 
tion. Immediately after leaving school he commenced sur- 
veying, and has followed it more or less ever since. He 
married Miss Elizabeth A. Wilber, a native of Grand Isle, 
Vt., September 17, 1838. She was born April 13, 1818. 
By the above union three children were born, all of whom 
are still living. 



March 14, 1839, Mr, Shepard located on the farm where 
he now resides, working the farm during summers and 
teaching during winters. 

Mrs. Shepard was a member of the Congregational 
church at Lawrenceville. She was a faithful wife and an 
affectionate mother, and, after a brief illness of three days, 
died Feb. 10, 1874, and was buried in the cemetery at 
Lawrenceville. 

"How sweet she shoDe in social life, 
As mother, sister, friend, and wife." 

Mr. Shepard married, for bis .second wife, Mrs. Jane A. 
Romaine, widow of \Vm. Romaine, of Lawrence, Feb. 24, 
1876. Mr. Shepard has made all the improvements on his 
farm, a fine view of which may be seen in another part of 
this work. In polities Mr. Shepard was at first a Democrat, 
but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined 
it, and has ever since adhered to it with unswerving fidelity. 
He held the office of town inspector of schools for many 
years, and for the last twenty-four years has held the office 
of justice of the jieace, and is holding the .same to-day. In 
1857 he w:is elected from the third district as member of 
the assembly, and again re-elected in 1858. He was one 
of the most influential men of that body, both on the floor 
of the house and as a permanent member of the standing 
committee on claims, the second year being elected cliair- 
man of the same. He is an advocate of temperance, and 
he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. 
He is an intelligent, honest, straightforward citizen. 




,^^^^^^^.:>^^^^:^Vv 



M. B. CONLIN. 

A true record of a successful life merits careful consid- 
eration. Much may be learned of profit in the history of 
a man who commences life under adverse circumstances, 
and unassisted secures a competency, and a reputation fur 
integrity above reproach. 

The .subject of this sketch was horn in Longford Co., 
Ireland, Oct. 1, 1830. His ftither, Michael Conlin, was 
a farmer, and followed this branch of industry during life. 
He was a native of Ireland, born Oct. 1, 1787, and lived 
to the ripe age of eighty-three, and was buried in the 
cemetery at Potsdam. His mother, Mary Flannagan, was 
born May 10, 1793, and is still (1877) living. When 
he was two years of age his parents emigrated to America, 
May, 1833, and located at Shelbourne, Vt. In 1838 they 
removed to Franklin county, and a few years later settled 
in Lawrence, St. Lawrence County. Here Mr. Conlin 
passed his early years at work on his father's fiirm. He 
was also employed by the month for a time, and jimved 
himself a valuable and willing employee. 

His opportunities to secure an education were limited, 
never having attended school a full term. Mr. Conlin's 
early experience, privations, and personal efforts merit a 
fuller mention than limited space will permit. By careful 
husbanding of means he secured a nucleus of a competency^ 
and by the proper employment of leisure time he secured 
an education that fitted him to make an engagement as 
traveling salesman with Goodwin, Holdcn & Co., of Water- 
town. Ho continued in this firm's employ for a period of 
three years, and later represented the house of C. P. Clark, 
of Ogdeusburg. He served his employer in an accept- 



able manner for a period of seven years. At the expira- 
tion of that time he made an engagement with Arnold & 
Co., of Ogdensburg, and represented them until he estab- 
lished himself in business at North Lawrence. Mr. Conlins 
traveling experience reaches over a period of seventeen 
years. In 1867 he was seriously disabled by a railway 
accident on the Ogdensburg & Lake Champlain railroad, 
and in a manner that has prevented him from making active 
business exertions since that date. He was married March 
29, 1860, to Miss Mary Blount, daughter of Benjamin and 
Mary Blount, residents of Canton, St. Lawrence County. 
Mrs. Conlin's father was a native of Lancaster, England, 
and wa.s born July 20, 1805. His wife, also a native of 
Lancaster, England, was born 1806, and died July 16, 1848. 
Mrs. Conlin was born Jan. 6, 1844. Two children gladden 
their home, — Fred. B. and Kobert Emmett, aged respectively 
eleven and five. 

In politics Mr. Conlin is a Democrat, and labors for the 
best interests of his chosen party. Liberal in his views, he 
is the friend of every measure that h;i.s for its object the 
improvement of the best interests of society. He has 
donated freely to the building of the several church buildings 
in his village, and takes an active interest in the educational 
interests of the country. 

Mr. and Mrs. Conlin reside in one of the most pleasant 
homes in North Lawrence, surrounded by all the comforts 
of life, the result of well-directed industry and commendable 
economy. In connection with this biography appears Mr. 
Coidin's portrait, that the future may remember him a 
successful business man, esteemed and respected, and well 
deserving the place he occupies in the history of his county. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



421 



It is now the dwellinn; of C. Alvoid. Bean is yet a citizen 
of the town. Bristol rebuilt his saw-mill in \S'M, and 
operated it a mmiber of years. He died in town in 1870, 
aged ninety-three years. A Mr. Barlow, another aged eit- 
izen, has attained his ninety-eighth year, and was married 
the second time when he was ninety-seven. His family 
was noted for its longevity, not a death occurring for sev- 
enty years, when his first wife departed her life. Zebulon 
Moore, A. H. Barnes, John C. Williams, and Simon Austin 
settled here about 1832. The village was begun on lands 
owned by A. H. Barnes, and was merely a small mill set- 
tlement until the railroad was built, in 1850 ; since which 
time its growth has been quite rapid, having at present a 
population of 600, who are employed principally in the 
mills and flictories of the place. The location of North 
Lawrence, on both banks of Deer river, has given it some 
prominence as a manufacturing point, there being five dams 
across the stream within a mile. A gang-saw mill, having 
thirty saws, was erected in 1849 by T. P. Chandler, which 
has been changed into a circular mill, and is operated by 
Moses Quinell. A large shingle-mill is below this dam. A 
pail- and tub-fiictory, farther down the stream, was established 
in 1862, and produces 20,000 tubs and 10,000 pails yearly, 
employs six hands, and is operated by Garfield & MoIIollister. 
The first grist-mill was erected in 1855 by AmasaTownsendct 
Co., and had three run of stones. It was destroyed by fire 
in 1875, but was rebuilt the same year. The present mill 
has four run of stones, is supplied with improved machinery, 
and is the property of E. S. Crapser. A potato-starch fac- 
tory, having three large buildings, was put up, in 1877, by 
E. S. Crapser. Above the village a stave-factory and a 
butter-tub factory were erected about 1860, which were 
lately discontinued. There are also a number of wheel- 
wright- and blacksmith-shops operated by water-power. 
The first smith was Timothy Draper, an Advent preacher. 
Dennis Toomey has been located here since 185-1. E. C. 
Newconib was the first wagoner, in 1852, and still conducts 
a shop. A store was kept below the village, about 1847, 
by J. W. Hakins and N. W. Baker. In the village, R. 
Barnard sold the first goods, in 1848. Andrew Mon- 
trait was the first to open a good store soon after, continu- 
ing in trade until 18G0. There are at present 3 general 
stores, 1 hardware, 1 furniture, 2 drug-stores, 3 groceries. 

Edson Crawford was the first to open a hotel, in 1850, 
building a part of the present '• Union House." Here 
James Brownell served as ho.st twenty-three years. James 
Caul succeeded in 1872. There are two hotels at present. 

The professions had a representation in the person of 
Dr Bowman at an early day. The present practitioners 
are Drs. Graves and Diinton. 0. A. Hosford is a dentist; 
and N. P. Hays and M. S. Scanlan are attorneys. 

The post-office was established Dec. 12, 1850, John H. 
Conant, postmaster ; the office has since been held by N. 
W. Baker, L. R. Townsend, and Miss C. E. Bean. It was 
made a postal money-order office, July 1, 1871. The orders 
drawn in 1877 amounted to S5003.S4 ; paid, §1830.80. 

The first school was taught in 1834, by Miss S. Mix, in 
a small plank house. The prasent school-hou.se is a hand- 
some two-story brick edifice, erected in 18G9, and the .scliool 
is well attended. 



TUE FIRST CONGItEGATIO.NAL CHURCH OF NORTH 
LAWRENCE 

was organized Aug. 17, 1852, among the membere being 
Deacon H. A. Barnes, J. IT. Conant, J. W. Bean, Joseph 
Eggleston, and seventeen others. Rev. George B. Rowley 
was the first pastor. The society of the above church was 
formed Sept. 4, 1852, with sixteen members. Jacob Wil- 
liams, S. H. Barnes, and Nelson Williams were chosen trus- 
tees. A frame church was erected in the southern part of 
the village in 1853, at a cost of $1400. An interest in 
this building was sold to the Free-Will Baptist society, 
April 21, 18G7. The Congregationalists have discontinued 
their services, and at pi-esent have but twelve membere. 

THE NORTH LAWRENCE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

was formed in 1853, a class having existed some years pre- 
vious, including among its thirty-one members D. H. Davis, 
Reuben Clark, David Finney, and Wolcott Broadwell. 
The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Richey, the present is 
Rev. Wm. C. Goodwin. The membership of the church is 
sixty, of the Sunday-school ninety, and Edward Smith is 
the superintendent. A very fine church, costing §4600, was 
erected in 1858, and destroyed by fire in 1865. Worship 
is held in the vestry-room. The church property, includ- 
ing a fine parsonage, is estimated worth $2000. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY 

of Lawrence was formed July, 1838, by Elder Benjamin 
Bundy, with five members. Samuel Newell was one of the 
first pastors. Services were held in school-houses until 
1867, when an interest in the Congregational church was 
secured. The society was reorganized May 25, 1867, and 
H. J. Perry, Ira Butler, and Leman Bristol elected trustees. 
The pastors luive been Mark Atwood and Richard Parks. 
The church has thirty-five members, and is without a 
pastor. 

THE ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

of North Lawrence was formed in 1875, by Father John 
O Haire. Dennis Lara, Jeremiah Shinnock, and James 
O'Connor were appointed trustees. A handsome brick 
church, 65 by 40 feet, costing $6000, was erected in 1876. 
Father James Smith is the present pastor of the sixty mem- 
bers comprising the church. 

MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY 

is controlled by an association bearing the same name, 
formed May 24, 1872, of fourteen members, with Henry 
Austin, A. N. Trussell, Julius Martin, H. Butler, J. D. 
Hakins, and Walter Fullet, trustees. Three acres of ground 
were purchased for a cemetery, half a mile south of the vil- 
lage, which have been neatly improved. Hugh Taggart was 
the first interred, July, 1872. The present officers are N. 
P. Hays, president, and M. B. Conlin, secretary. 

LAWRENCEVILLE 

is near the centre of the town, on both sides of Deer river, 
where crossed by the main road from Malone to Potsdam. 
The location is pleasant, and, being in a rich agricultural 



422 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NKW YORK 



district, the place has considerable business. Tiie popula- 
tion is about five hundred. The first improvement at this 
point was a saw-mill, by Epliraim Martin, in 1809. A 
freshet took away the dam, and nothing further was done 
until 1821 ; but a settlement was made in this locality 
about 1807 by Asa and Joseph Tyler, who had an orchard 
bearing apples in 1813, and, to prevent the British from 
eating the fruit, chopped down all the trees. George 
Everett, IMorda Lavery, James Ferris, David C. Ba.stin, 
Luther Ferris, Jacob and Josiah F. Saunders came soon 
after; and Beriah M. Newland, Amasa Harrington, Ilcman 
Shepard, Nathan Mallory, Ezra Terrell, William Ilullmrd, 
Luther Whitney, J. C. Rockwell, George Wilber, James 
Johnston, A. Reid, Carlton McEuen, George McEuen, 
Asa Ballard, Ebcn Mix, James Bentley, Enos Burt, P, 
Newland, John Shepard, David Blish, and many others 
came prior to 1830. The first settlers had to go many 
miles to get their supplies, and six niilo>s to mill, following 
wood path.s, the one horse in the neighborhood being re- 
quired to perform this service almost daily ; and at a wed- 
ding in those days the feast consisted of pea soup and ven- 
ison, the table cutlery being limited to one set of knives 
and forks, which had to serve the entire company. Better 
times and greater prosperity came about 1820. The year 
following Charles Kellogg built a saw-mill on the site occu- 
pied by the present structure In 1822 he got into opera- 
tion a corn-mill; and about 1835, Luther Whitney put up 
a grist-mill, with three run of stones. The present mill is 
the third erected on this spot, and was completed in 1805. 
It is operated by F. Brewster, and has a capacity of 300 
bushels per day. 

A tannery was built by William Taylor, which is at 
present carried on by Delano & Raymond, dressing 3000 
sides annually. 

A potato-starch factory was built by L. Hulburd in 1847, 
who is the pioneer in the business in the eastern part of the 
county. He has liad three factories destroyed by fire, and 
erected the present one in 1873. Its capacity is 25,000 
bushels of potatoes a year. 

David Blish was the first wheelwright, and a shop has 
been carried on by him or some member of his family ever 
since his settlement. James Pearl came in 1842, and has 
worked at the wagoner's trade ever since. Hardin Clark 
was one of the first smiths, and he and his son James have 
carried on the trade many years. 

A store was opened in 1822 by Josiah F. Saunders, 
who remained in trade a long period. In 1848 a union 
store, No. 399, was opened by 30 members, and 0. F. 
Shepard, James Harris, Peabody Newland directors. K. 
McEwen closed up the business in 18G3, paying a dividend. 
In 1871 a union stock company was formed, with 21 mem- 
bers, to carry on a store at the village. O. F. Shepard, 
Lucius Ilulhurd, and R. McEuen were chosen directors, 
and the name of Lawrenceville Union selected a.sthe title 
of the firm. 

In 1872 the company erected a commodious twostory 
brick store-house, 40 by 50 feet, in wliidi tlioy ojicned a 
store that year, and have conducted it succes.sfully ever 
since. There are 10 members ; L. Hulburd, president; and 
Wm. C. Blish, secretary. 



John Shephard had an inn about 1820 in a log house. 
He afterwards kept a hotel in a frame. The present tavern 
was used for this purpose since 1812, and by M. & M. V. 
Barney since 1855. 

Dr. John Inman settled lion; in 1823 as thn first physi- 
cian in town. In 1830, J. F. ('arpenter commenced his 
practice, and remained until his death. At present Doctors 
II. H. Carpenter, H. A. Boland, and Luther Hawkins are 
the practitioners. D. L. Biiibja is the attorney of the vil- 
lage; other lawyers were Wilson, Limb, and Lang. 

The post-office was established April 7, 1829, Josiah F. 
Saunders postmaster. The office has been held since then 
by L. Hulburd, J. Galusha, and E. jM. Dina. There is a 
daily mail from North Lawrence to Fort Jackson. 

Lawrenceville has 2 general stores, 1 drug-store, 2 milli- 
nery establishments, and eight or ten shops for the various 
trades. A seed-farm is near the village, on which are an- 
nually raised several thousand pounds of baet, turnip, car- 
rot, and flower seeds. The business was established in 1853 
by J. C. Rockwell, and has since his di^alh been conducted 
by L. M. Rockwell. 

NORTU ST.\K LODGE, NO. 107, F .A..VD A. .M., 

was organized at this point previous to the anti-Masonic 
times, and has been removed to Moira. 

DEEll RIVER LODGE, NO. 499, 

of the same order, was chartered at Nicholville, July 3, 
1860, removed to North Lawrence, and finally located at 
Lawrenceville. J. F. Saunders was the first Master. There 
are forty members, and the present ofiicers are M. V. Barney, 
W. M. ; George A. Kastner, S. W. ; J. P. Saunders, J. W. 

DEER RIVER C1I.\PTER, NO. 197, R. A. M., 

had a dispensation granted in 1804, and was chartered in 
18G6. Josiah F. Saunders was the first, and is the present 
H. P. The chapter has twenty-four members. 

THE LAWRENCEVILLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was formed in 1862, with a general membership of the citi- 
zens, who chose P. Newland, J. S. Saunders, L. P. Ferris, 
Horace Bugbee, W. C. Blish, and E. M. Dana trustees. 
The association assumed charge of the ground, deeded for 
burial purposes to P. Newland, by Lawrence, in 1843, and 
has improved it to its present condition. 

Miss D. Meads, now Mrs. J. F. Saunders, taught the 
first school in 1823, in a log hut where the academy now 
is. She had a large school for those times, having as pu- 
pils nine children belonging to the Tyler family, who had 
but one pair of shoes among them. Her wages were one 
dollar per week, payable in corn, which co.st her one-half of 
what it was worth to get it to the market. The present 
school of the village is well attended, and is taught in a 
good house, rebuilt in 1877. 

LAWRENCEVILLE ACADEMY 

was established to supply the demand for higher education, 
by an association fornu'd March G, ISGO. The capital was 
not to be less than §3000, distributed in shares of $25 each. 
From one to ten shares each were taken by sixty-five citi- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



423 



zcn.s, anioiif; the most lu-tivo promoters of the project being 
P. NewlaiKl, Willium T, Ilali, 0. F. Shepard, W. C. Blish, 
L. Hulburd, am] S. B. Goff. On the 29th of March, 1 860, 
trustees were chosen, consisting of Miller Ilcath, P. New- 
land, W. C. Blish, 0. F. Shepard, L. Hulburd, G. B. Wil- 
bur, Joel Hitchcock, Enos Burt, William Rouiaine, N. R. 
Miller, J. W. Ncwland, and H. J. Thomas. An eligible 
location of two acres of ground was secured, and a fine 
three-story brick edifice, 30 by GO feet, was erected in 1 800, 
at a cost of $4500. The house is surmounted by a belfry, 
and is a conspicuous object for miles around. March 25, 
1801, application was made to the State regents for an 
academic charter, which being granted, the trustees were 
increased to twenty-four members. The school was opened 
in the .spring of 1801, with John B Young principal, and 
Mrs. Young preceptress. From the first it has beeu well 
attended, and at present numbers one hundred and thirty- 
five students. The academy is well supplied with apparatus, 
and has the nucleus of a fine library. Three departments 
of study — -namely, the preparatory, the academic, and the 
classical cour.ses — wore formed ; and each department has 
been thoroughly graded, recjuiring from three to five years 
to complete the studies. The present officers are Lucius 
Hulburd, president, and W. C. Blish, secretary of tlie 
trustees ; and tlie faculty is composed of Barney Whitney, 
principal ; Miss C. Swift, preceptress ; Rev. W. W. Staples, 
profes.sor of languages ; and Miss Abel, teacher in the pre- 
paratory department. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY 

of Lawrencevillo was incorporated Aug. .3, 1840, with 
Hemun Shepard, Avery Collins, and John W. Bean, trus- 
tees. Rev. B. B. Cutler was one of the early pastors. The 
pastoral oflicc is at pr&sent filled by Rev. Thomas Griffith. 
The church, a frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, was thoroughly 
repaired and refitted, at a cost of $2000, in 1877, and is 
very attractive in its appearance. The membership of the 
church is 71. The present tiustees are O. F. Shepard, 
L. Hulburd, and A. K. Rowell. A Sunday-school of 50 
members is maintained ; D. L. Bugbee, superintendent. 

THE KIK.ST BAPTIST CHURCH 

of Lawrcnceville was formed in 1827, with seven members, 
among them being Beriah Ncwland, Seth Bond, and F]d- 
mund Merchant. Worship was held in school-houses until 
1841, when a plain frame church, which has since been 
changed to a dwelling, was built in the village, by the " First 
Baptist Evangelical Society," which was formed Nov. 19, 
1840, and reorganized May 14, 1842. The first trustees 
were Peabody Ncwland, Walter Smcad, and Stephen Ham- 
mond. The present board are A. D. Thayer, George Kast- 
ner, and Joseph A. Farrington. The present cliurch was 
erected in 1808, and is valued at §4000. There are 300 
sittings, and the churcii has 02 members. Rev. W. W. 
Staples is tlie pastor in charge. A. D. Thayer is tlic supcr- 
inteudeut of the Sunday-school, which has 30 members. 

THE M. E. CHURCH 

of Lawrcnceville was incorporated April G, 1842. David 
Blisb, Joliu Shepard, Cliarles Kellogg, Samuel Meauhani, 



Chase S. Wise, John F. Carpenter, and Thomas Hale, 
trustees. 

A frame church was built .soon after, wliich has been re- 
paired and renovated, and a tower built in front. The 
property is valued at $2500. Barney Whitney, George 
Nash, and H. Mcacham are the present trustees. The 
members number OS, and Rev. William C. Goodwin is the 
pastor. A Sunday-school was organized at an early day, 
having at present 40 members, and R. Hawkins for super- 
intendent. 

THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

was erected in 1874, under the supervision of a building 
committee composed of Rev. Mr. Randall, William King- 
ston, and J.imcs Whiteside. It is a very fine frame edifice, 
with a well-proportioned tower, and cost $4200. The work 
is a mission, was begun in 1870, and has for some time 
been without a rector, Rev. William Cooke having last 
served in that capacity. The communicants number 35, 
and William Kingston is the senior warden. A Sabbath- 
school was organized in 1871 by Milton Heath, super- 
intendent. 

NICHOLVILLE. 

This enterprising village of 500 inhabitants is situated 
in the southern part of the town, on the east branch of the 
St. Regis river. The stream is crossed at this point by the 
old turnpike, and a portion of the village is on the Hop- 
kiuton side, settlement having first been made there. For 
many years the small cluster of buildings around the saw- 
mill erected in 1817 by Samuel Wilson was known by no 
other name than " Sodom ;" as the place grew, and extended 
across the river, it was named Nicholville, in honor of E. 
S. Nichols, the executor of the estate of William Lawrence. 
Besides Wilson, Eli Bush, Chester Armstrong, Calvin Con- 
verse, and Horace Higgins purchased and settled here about 
1820. Other early settlers at this point and vicinity were 
Thomas Day and his sons, — Lyman, Joel, Warren, Russel, 
and Hosea, — Joseph Stearns, Jude Clark, Beriah Sweet, 
Elihu Ayers, Dennis Stacy, Lyman Page, Abijah Chand- 
ler, with six sons and six daughters ; Otis Farrar, John 
Thomas, James Trussol, Myron G. Peck, Royal Smith, 
Andrew Squier, Elisha Spencer, Asa Miller, Hiram 
Blanchard, James Sherer, and John W. Witters. 

The St. Regis, being a rapid stream, with a deep narrow 
chaimel, affords good water-power, which has been utilized 
to a considerable extent. Li 1822 a grist-mill was put up 
by Samuel Wilson, which was carried away by a flood in 
1830. William Lawrence caused a stone grist-mill to be 
erected in 1820, which was used until 1803, when the 
upper part was removed and the present frame superstruc- 
ture added by A. N. and H. N. Woodard, producing a 
mill 45 by 00 feet, with four run of stones. This is 
operated by B. D. Babcock. Below this mill is a saw- and 
shingle-mill and a sash- and door-factory, giving employ- 
ment to 10 men, conducted by L. Page. On the opposite 
bank Page Bros, have a starch-factory, with a capacity for 
working up 3()0 bushels of potatoes daily ; Griffis & Son 
have a tannery, with 20 vats ; Ezra Hyde operates a card- 
ing- and fulling-mill, *hich was erected many years ago, 



424 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and S. B. Goff has a larpjfi shingle-factory and saw-mill. 
There are also several carriage-shops in the same locality. 
Several miles above Nicholville, on the St. Regis, A. L. 
Blake & Co. have a very extensive starch-factory, a large 
circular saw-mill, and 3 shingle-machines; and on the oppo- 
site bank Harvey Day has an English gang-mill and a 
shingle-machine. Those mills produce several million feet 
of lumber aniiuall3'. 

C. I'almer built the first house on the nortli bank of the 
river at the village in 1827 ; S. Stevens and Daniel Mun- 
ger built soon after. All the buildings were of wood, until 
1866, when the Merritt block was erected. This is an im- 
posing brick .structure, three stories high, 54 feet front and 
45 feet deep. Subseijuently fine blocks of the same mate- 
rial were put up by James Sherer and Hiram Smith. 

The fir.?t store in Nicholville was kept by Zephaniah 
Piatt, in 1828. Lyman Day began trade soon after, and 
continued many years; James Sherer, in 1846, and was in 
active trade until 1874; and Sumner, Sweet & Co. have 
traded continuously since 1857. The New England Pro- 
tective union store. No. 301, was opened in 1846, and dis- 
continued in 1867. In April, 1868, 70 persons associated 
themselves and formed the present Co-operative union 
store company. Jonah Sanford was chosen president, and 
G. A. Burt secretary. The store is at pre.sent managed 
by J. A. Martindale, and its aggregate sales amount to 
$30,000 per year. The village enjoys an enviable reputa- 
tion as a trading-point, and has 3 dry-goods, 1 hardware, 1 
furniture, 3 drug, and several fancy-goods stores, and the 
usual complement of shops and mechanic establishments. 

James Trussel built the first hotel, in 1830, on the site 
of the present house, which was erected upon the destruc- 
tion of the former by fire in 1866, and is the only tavern 
in the place. 

Dr. Henry Sprague was one of the first to engage in the 
practice of medicine about 1843. Dr. H. Smith has been 
here since 1856. 

The attorneys have been Silas J. Pratt, Mark White, 
and D. S. G. Stacy, who has an office here at present. 

The post-office was established Jan. 7, 1831, C. C. 
Palmer, postmaster. The office has been held since by 
George Farrar, Dennis Stacy, Mark White, and by Mrs. M. 
White. There is a daily mail. 

ELK LODGE, NO. 577, F. AND A. M., 

C. A. Fisk, W. M., and G. 0. Merrill, Sec., meets in a fine 
lodgo-room in the Merrill block. 

NICHOLVILLE LODGE, NO. 260, OF GOOD TE.MPLARS, 

was organized Oct. 17, 1874. There are 52 members, and 
E. J. Sanford is the W. C. T. 

The first school at this point was taught in a board 
shanty, in 1843, by Sallie Farrar. The pre.sent school 
building, the third that has been erected for this purpose, 
was built in 1869, is a roomy two-story brick, with a 
cupola, and the school is attended by 100 pupils. 



THE MOUND HILL CEJIETERY ASSOCIATION 

was formed Nov. 10, 1802, with eighteen members. Royal 
Smith, T. S. Simonds, Russel Day, Geo. Pjverctt, B. F. 
Hilliard, Warren Day, Lyman Day, Hosea Carr, and Richard 
Amadon wore elected trustees. The old buryiiig-ground, of 
which M. G. Peck, K. Ayers, and Wm. Ellithorpe were 
trustees, was secured and enlarged to its present dimen- 
sions. The cemetery is neatly improved, has 312 lots, and 
is well managed. The first interments were made in 1833, 
Mrs. Lyman Day and Mrs. Joseph Stearns being inhumed 
the same day. 

THE NICHOLVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 

was formed at Hopkinton, Sept. 11, 1808, by Elder 
Samuel Rowley, with six members; and on the 12th of 
the same month the sacrament was administered for the 
first time. Among the pioneer members were Abijali 
Chandler, Asa Moon, Seth Abbott, Samuel Eastman, Seth 
Putnam, and Thomas Remington. A society was formed 
.soon after the church, with A. Chandler, Jonah Sanfoid. 
S. C. Kelsey, and Samuel Eastman, trustees, which united 
with the Congregational society, in 1815, in building a 
union house of worship at Hopkinton. In 1831 a small 
church was built at Nicholville, which was used until the 
present edifice, erected in 1852, took its place. On the 5th 
of August, 1843, the Hopkinton part of the work was 
abandoned, and the church permanently located at Nichol- 
ville. The present church was dedicated in 1853, ha.s 300 
sittings, and a membership of 84. Among the pioneer 
pastors were Solomon Johnson, B. H. Leach, and Silas 
Pratt. Rev. A. K. Sutton at present sustains this relation. 
A Sabbath-school with 110 members, and a library of 175 
volumes, is superintended by J. A. Martindale. 

THE FIR.ST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

of Nicholville was organized about 1840, with 42 members. 
Rev. Justin Alden was the first pastor. For many years 
the society worshiped in the union church, but in 1876 
the present spacious and handsome edifice was erected, at a 
cost of $5000. The house was formally dedicated in Feb- 
ruary, 1877, by Revs. I. S. Bingham and I. Call. Rtv. 
J. Fletcher Brown is the pastor, and the church has a 
membership of 164. The trustees are H. Iledding, A. 
M. Hawkins, B. D. Babcock, Almon Bibbins, and E. J. 
Sanford. Titus S. Simons is superintendent of a Sunday- 
school having 76 members. 

THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY 

of Nicholville was organized about 1840, some of the prin- 
cipal members having bccTi James, John, and Guy Ferris, 
Elisha Ayers, Hiram and Silas Wood. A Rev. Mr. 
Squires was one of the first pastors. The society was le- 
organized in 1872, and was under the spiritual tutelage of 
Prof. J. S. Lee until 1876, when the membersliip was 50. 
An interest in the old union church, which was rebuilt in 
1857, is held, and occasional services are there maintained. 




^numgll 



Residence or GEO. BE/?(?Y, /<o(?th Lawrence, //ewYopk. 





CAP"^ CAffLTON M'^ZUEN. 



j^A/fl^ ^^^cu^^ 



(fHons.BY H.LSiONE.PoreoAu) 




RES , or A.£". My iuouiv , i-«vvn! -,(,1; , ,ji t -,nrTCM.£ '-.u /v. 






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MHS.D.L.MEF{f^lLL. 



( FhotoB.Bi H L SlONL PorsoAU.S.Y ) 



D L MEffl^lLL. 




Res.8,S70RE or D.L.MLRRlLL.kict.o^. 




HOIST. Ti.. s. :p.a.l:m:ei?.. 

[NORTH LA-WRENCE.] 



Hon. Rufus S. Palmek was born, of New 
England parentage, October 11, 1835, in Bangor, 
Franklin county. New York. He has resided in 
Lawrence, St. Lawrence County, New York, since 
1839, with the exception of two years. 

He received a common-school education, and 
taught schools in winter when quite young. He was 
brought up a farmer, along with his four brothers. 
His father, Leonidas Palmer, was one of the early 
settlers of the town of Lawrence. 

The subject of this sketch began clerking in the 
mercantile business in 1856, which trade he followed 
till 1862. He was deputy clerk of Franklin county. 



New York, in 1863. He was a successful merchant 
from 1864 to 1870, from which titne he has dealt in 
produce, real estate, and securities. In 1867 he was 
elected justice of the peace, which office he has held 
since. He was elected supervisor in 1871, '72, '73, 
and '74. 

Mr. Palmer has always voted with the Republican 
party, and served as a member of the Republican 
county and district committees. He was elected a 
member of the assembly as a compromise candidate 
in 1877, with a majority of 1402, against Sumner 
Sweet, Democrat; but Mr. Palmer never sought 
nor asked for any office. 



HISTORY .OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



425 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

A. E. McEUEN, 

son of Carlton and Phebe JIcEuen, was born in Lawrence, 
J:iii. 17, 1834. His fatlier, Captain McEuen, was born in 
Hiuesburii, Vt., Marcii 25, 1791. Captain Carlton Mc- 
Euen is of Scotch origin. His father, George, was one of 
the pioneers of Hinesburg, Vt., removing there, at the close 
of the Revolutionary War, from Sliafcesliury, Vt. He had 
come originally from New Milford, Conn., his (George's) 
grandfather having emigrated from Edinburgh, Scotland. 
Captain Carlton JIcEuen was one of seven children, all of 
whom lived to be men and women ; he was reared on the 
farm ; he married Miss Wealthy Calkins, of Hinesburg, 
Vt., February, 1816. She was born in Hinesburg, Vt., in 
1797 ; they had three children ; two of them (George and 
Wealthy R.) are living. She died May 10, 1826, in 
Lawrence, N. Y. Mr. McEuen married Miss Phebe Mil- 
lington, of Lawrence, Marcii 11, 1833. She was born in 
Fairfax, Vt., Sept. 27, 1799, and removed to Lawrence in 
1832. By this marriage four children were born ; two only 
(A. E. and Robert H.) are living. 

Mr. Carlton McEuen settled in Lawrence in 1825, and 
located on the farm where he continued to reside till his 
death ; it is now owned by his son, A. E. His first pur- 
chase was four hundred and fifty-five acres, which he con- 
tinued to hold till he gave some to his children. He made 
all the improvements on his farm in Lawrence, a view of 
which may be seen in another part of this work, together 
with his portrait, and that of his son, A. E. 

He was a deacon of a Frce-Will Baptist church, and 
continued to hold it till old age compelled him to resign, 
and his son, George R., was elected in his place; his wife 
is a member of the BaptLst church. Mr. McEuen w;is 
one of the most influential and liberal men in his town, 
and in his death society lost a true friend ; he did what he 
could to make society better. In politics, was at first a 
Whig, then Abolitionist, and then a Republican. He has 
held all the important offices of his town, being justice of 
the peace and supervisor for a great many years ; was also 
a candidate for member of assembly on the Abolition ticket 
when that party was in its infancy. He held the position 
of captain of State militia, and was known as Captain 
McEuen. After living a long and usi^ful life, having lived 
to see the abolishment of American .slavery, for which he 
so long and so earnestly prayed, he passed away Feb. 2, 
1806, and w:is buried in the cemetery at Lawrence Centre. 
His widow, now aged and infirm, is still on the " old home." 
She has had several partial paralytic strokes, and is therefore 
impaired in mind and body. 

A. E. McEuen, son of Captain McEuen, was reared on 
the fiirm, received a common-school education, and was 
married to Jliss Martha Withcrell, of Hopkinton, March 
14, IStiO. She was born in Orwell, Vt., Oct. 7, 1841. 
They have had three children ; one son, J. W., died at the 
age of thirteen, Aug. 27, 1870. Mr. McEueu has held 
several ofliccs in his town, among which is supervisor; was 
elected to that position in 1875, and served two years. He 
is living in the .same house built by hi.< father, aiul owns 
54 



tlie " old home" of two hundred and eighty acres. He 
lias always affiliated with the Republican party since its 
organization. He sees that an honmable mention is made 
of his parents in this work ; also portraits of his father 
and the " old homo" in memory of them. 



DYER L. MERRILL 

was born in Tunbridge, Vt., on June 10, 1809, and was 
the second child of seven children. His grandfather, John 
Morrill, emigrated from England about the year 1750, and 
settled at Concord, N. H. He served in the Continental 
army during the war of the Revolution. Two years before 
the war closed he married Sally Robinson, of Concord, N. H., 
by whom he had si-K children. The oldest, John Merrill, 
Jr., the father of the subject of this sketch, wasliorn at Con-" 
cord in 1784. When John Merrill, Jr., was seven years 
of age the grandfather removed to Tunbridge, Vt., where 
he died in 1812. John Merrill, Jr., married Sally De 
GraV, of Half Moon, N. Y., in 1804, and shortly after- 
wards removed to Tunbridge, Vt., and resided there until 
1832, when he emigrated to the town of Franklin, Frank- 
lin Co., this State. During the war of 1812-15 he was 
captain of a Vermont militia company, and participated iu 
the battle of Plattsburg. He was also stationed there for 
six months. He was a justice of the peace of the town of 
Franklin, and represented it on the board of supervisors for 
several yeare. He died at Franklin in 1874. 

Dyer L. Merrill, the subject of this sketch, resided with 
his father at Tunbridge until he was of age, when he left 
his home with nothing but a new suit of clothes, then called 
a "freedom suit." He lived in Vermont until he was 
twenty-three years of age, when he removed to the town of 
Franklin, where he had the year before located, and taken 
up 200 acres of land. In 1837 he married Susan C. Lam- 
sou, dauichter of Benj. P. Lamson, Esq., a justice of the 
peace of Franklin. The same year he removed to Hopkin- 
ton, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and within five years after- 
wards settled upon the " Baldwin farm" of 230 acres, and to 
which he afterwards added 110 acres of adjoining land, con- 
stituting one of the best farms in town. Upon this farm 
seven children were born to them, four of whom are now 
living. In 1858 he built on the farm a potato-stnrch fac- 
tory, using steam for power, and was engaged extensively 
in manufacturing st,irch there until 1805, when he sold his 
farm and factory, and removed to Nicholville, N. Y., where 
he now resides. Shortly after removing from the farms he 
purchased a staix-ii-factory at Dickinson Centre, N. Y., which 
for several years he carried on successfully. He and his son, 
Goo. O., now own and carry on the starch-factory at Hop- 
kinton village. The year after he removed to Nicholville 
he and a Mr. Kellogg built a large three-story brick build- 
ing on Churcli street, known as the Merrill and KellogTj 
block. 

His oldest son (now living), S. W. Merrill, is eng-aged iu 
business at Nicholville as a furniture and crockery dealer, 
occupying one-half of the above-named block. Is married 
and comfortably settled. His son, Geo. O. Merrill, the 
youngest child (now living), is a farmer, and manufacturer 



426 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



GEORGE BERRY, 

son of Samuel and Rebecca Berry, was born in Brasher, St. 
Lawrence Co., Oct. 8, 1838. His parents were born in 
Cork, Ireland, and wore farmers by occupation. His father 
was married three times, the last wife being the only one 
of them who had children. They had nine, seven of whom 



of starch. Is married and resides in Nicholvillc. The old- 
est daughter married S. 1'. Reynolds, a I'armcr, who resides 
near Nicholville ; and Sarah M., the youngest daughter (now 
living), married M. R. Page, an extensive manufacturer of 
potato-starch, and resides in Nicholville. 

Mr. iVIerrill has also buried three children. James Hiram 
Merrill, the eldest son, was a graduate of the State normal 
school at Albany, N. Y., at twenty years of age, and one of 
the most promising young men of the town of Hopkinton. 
He engaged in teaching, but died at the early age of twenty- 
one years, lamented by all who knew him. 

lie had also two daughters, — Thurra Merrill, aged sis- 
teen years, and Emma S. Merrill, aged three years, — whose 
deaths were singular and unusual, both being taken sick 
with typhoid fever, and died so suddenly as to be both 
buried in the same coffin, leaving their friends plunged in 
the deepest grief. 

Mr. Merrill and wife are now living in one of the 
pleasantest residences in Nicholville, and are enjoying the 
fruits of their early labors and economy. They furnish 
another example of that Yankee pluck, perseverance, nnd 
economy which, starting in life without a dollar, accumu- 
lates at middle life an ample fortune. 



are living. Five of the nine were born in Ireland. Samuel 
Berry and wile emigrated to America in 1831, and settled 
in Brasher, and followed his occupation till his death, which 
oeeurrod Doc. 11, 1872. Mrs. Berry died in 5Iay, 1875. 
They were both buried in the Maple Grove cemetery, at 
North Lawrence. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and re- 
ceived a common-school education. . About the age of 
twenty-two he commenced dealing in live stock, and this, 
in connection with farming, has been his occupation ever 
since. In May, 1869, he purchased his present fine home, 
and rebuilt the same in 1875. He married Miss Mary 
Keeler, a daughter of Wm. C. and Rosanna Kceler, June 
24, 1869. She was born in Augusta township, Grenviile 
Co., Ontario, March 31, 1845. Mrs. Berry's grandparents 
moved from New Jersey to Canada in the year 1794. Her 
father was a native of Ontario, and her grandfather, James 
Keeler, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving 
under General Washington. Mrs. Berry's mother was a 
native of Lewis Co., N. Y. They had eleven children, of 
whom Mrs. Berry is the sixth. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have 
two children, Watson Banks, born June 29, 1870, and 
Blanche Stella, born Aug. 30, 1872. Mr. Berry removed 
into his present home in November, 1869. He has one of 
the finest homes in the town or county, a fine view of which, 
together with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen in 
another part of this work. 

In politics Mr. Berry has always affiliated with the Re- 
publican party, and has filled some of the town offices. 
Mrs. Berry is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Berry 
is an advocate of good schools, and helps to build up the 
best interests of society. 



RUSSELL. 



This town derives its name from Russell Attwater, who 
had made land purchases of McCormick in 1798 in this 
part of the county, and who explored it with the view of 
settlement in the summer of 1SU4. As formed by an act 
of March 27, 1807, from what was then Hopkinton, the 
town embraced the whole of great tract No. 3, except so 
much of township No. 3 as is now included in Pierrepont, 
which by this act was attached to Potsdam. By the for- 
mation of other towns, this area has been reduced as fol- 
lows : Rossie was taken off Jan. 27, 1813; a portion of 
Fowler, April 15, 1815; Pierrepont, April 15, 1818; and 
a portion of Fine, March 27, 1849. The territory of Rus- 
sell was thus limited to a part of De Witt, the north half 
of Sarahsburg, and the whole of Ballybccn, — about 58,000 
acres. The latter township was called aflcr McCorniick's 
native place in Ireland, and it was his wish that the new 
town should bear this name, but the preference was giveu 
to the name which it now bears. 

Russell is south of the centre of the county, and extends 



southward into the highlands of the same, the southern 
portion of the town being rather mountainous. In shape 
it is nearly rectangular, its width extending from east to 
west, and is bounded on the north by the town of Canton. 
The general surface is elevated, and somewhat broken by 
hills along the water-courses, whose summits are often 
crowned with bare rocks, some of them rising to a sreat 
height, and bearing evidence of volcanic phenomena, with 
traces of mineral wealth. 

The northern part of the town is the most level, and 
this entire section was originally heavily timbered with 
the various hard woods of this part of the State. South 
of Grasso river was a considerable quantity of pine, cedar, 
and hemlock, as well as the hard woods. The soil is gen- 
erally very fertile, especially in the small valleys. Indeed, 
it was the evidence of its great fertility which attracted the 
early immigrants, some corn phmtcd among the logs by 
those first coming in having yielded enormously. The 
cereals can be profitably cultivated, and hops are successfully 




UNION BLOCK, RUSSELL, N. Y. 




RES 0? O.G.Wf5TON,fft;5SfiL SrUwifeNcc Co..NY. 









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iiM^^^h^i'.«??*Hw*f->.-'J- 



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Hih'A.M a'AR;..i-;, 



i.^.^; LlkWR€NCC Co.N.Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



427 



grown on the uplands, but the town is especially adapted to 
grazins, and dairying lias become the principal interest. 

Russell is well watered. Grasse river flows nearly diag- 
onally through the town from the centre of the east line, 
where its branches unite and receive the waters of Plum 
creek and numerous tributary streams. Elm creek, in the 
western part of the town, flows north, and Van Ren.sselaer 
creek, in the northeastern part, has a similar course. All 
these afford water-power, and their basins have sufficient 
descent to secure excellent drainage. 

" Of the purchases made in town by Mr. Attwater, all 
but the north half of No. 5 was reconveyed to McCorniick, 
and subsequently became the property of Joseph Pitcairn. 
The Attwater tract comprised about 13,G0Q acres, and was 
purchased at about forty cents per acre. This land was 
surveyed in 1805 by Timothy Blair, from Blanford (Mr. 
Attwater's home), and on it the first settlements were made. 
The party, consisting of Attwater, Blair, Nathan Knox, 
Heman Morgan, Elias Hayden, Loren Knox, Reuben Ash- 
man, Jesse Bunnell, Elihu Morgan, and David Knox, who 
came in the spring and built a shanty in which they lived, 
on a }ilace east of the village, on land at present belonging 
to Enos Gordon, getting their provisions from Canada. 
The entire season was spent in making a small clearing and 
surveying and opening roads. Nathaniel Higgins was the 
first to bring on his family, settling in the same neighbor- 
hood ; and in the fall Joel Clark, from Granby, Mass., 
settled on Plum creek. These families spent the winter of 
1S05-6 in town, the surveyors and young men having 
returned to JIassachusetts in the fall. 

"In April, 180G, Mr. Attwater returned with many 
others who proposed to form a settlement, and proceeded by 
way of the Black river country and the State road to 
Washburn's, in Macomb, and thence crossed to Foote's 
settlement, in Canton, and proceeded thence to their desti- 
nation in the present village of Russell. A Mr. Alvin 
White, from Granville, Mass., lived near the south line of 
Canton, and was the only settler on the route. Deacon 
Joseph Hutchinson, of Shoreham, Vt., Michael Coffin, of 
Vt., Philip and Sampson Viall, John Potter, and John 
Cooper, from Willsborough, N. Y., Calvin Hill, and a few 
others joined them. 

" The settlement wius increased in 18U7 by the addition 
<jf the following families : Simeon Stiles, Eliliu Pheljis, 
Samuel Clark, John Watson, Horace Dickenson, Enos 
Bunnell, Luther and David Phelps, Philetus Clark, and 
others. 

'• Calvin Hill and Harriet Knox were the first persons 
married in town. The ceremony was performed in the 
summer of ISOli by the Rev. Royal Phelps, who also held 
the first religious meeting in Rus.sell. The first child born 
was Russell Attwater Ashman, in October, 18UG, who grew 
to manhood and removed to Ohio. A daughter was born in 
N. Higgins' family in the May following."* 

The favorable reports of these settlers induced a large 
immigration, and as several public works were carried on 
soon after — from 1810 to ISIG — many were led to locate 
in town. There was an activity and eiiterpri.se apparent 

.. * Dr. Hoagb. 



which was not excelled by any settlement in the county. 
Many even predicted when the arsenal was erected that the 
court-hou.sc would also be located at Russell. Prosperity 
reigned on every hand, and the usual lot of the pioneer was 
much lightened by the conveniences which soon abounded. 
A sea.son of adverse fortune followed. In an uni'ortunatc 
business transaction, Mr. Attwater was induced to mortgage 
his lands to the Mohawk Valley batik. Not being able to 
meet the payment.s a foreclosure ensued, and this was tiie 
first intimation the settlers had that their titles were also 
affected. Disappointment and gloom prevailed, and it was 
only with the utmost persuasion that many could be induced 
to remain and redeem their lands. And it has often been 
remarked that if it had not been for the sturdy pioneer 
mothers, who preserved their courage better than their 
husbands, Rus.sell would again have become an untenanted 
wild. Happily, the lands had passed into the hands of the 
philanthropist, Gerrit Smith, who exerted himself to induce 
the settlors to remain, and did not re.sort to any oppressive 
measures to retain his own before giving them an oppor- 
tunity to secure good titles. After a few years of denial 
and privation, prosperity and contentment were again re- 
stored, and the development of the town went on apace. 

Among those who became identified with the interests of 
the town as pioneer citizens, at a later day, were RoUin 
Smith, Philip Viall, Ezra Moore, Stephen Kimball, James 
Williams, Timothy Kiniball, Enos Wright, Consider Hall, 
Benj. Gibbons, James Mathews, John Boyd, Anthony C. 
Brown, Enos Green, David Loop, Wm. Danforth, Elanson 
Ray, Thomas Gibbs, Roj'al and Justus Stiles, Erastus 
Lloyd, H. Van Ornam, Charles and Benjamin Smith, — the 
latter came to the county in 1805, settling in the town of 
Potsdam. He is yet in active business at Russell village. 
Still later came the Hosfords, Fannings, Fanners, Grays, 
Kelseys, Reeds, and Van Brocklins, to swell the population 
and improve the town. 

The comparative population of the town for the past thirty 
years is as follows : 1845, 1499 ; 1850, 1808 ; 1855, 2108; 
18G0, 2380; 1865, 2625; 1870, 2688; and 1875,2417. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

By the terms of the act forming the town, the first meet- 
ing was held at the house of Reuben Ashman. The officers 
elected were as follows: Rus.sell Attwater. supervisor; 
Reuben Ashman, town clerk ; Ezra Moore, Joseph Hutch- 
inson, Philip Viall, assessors; Calvin Hill, constable and 
collector; John Knox, Joseph Hutchinson, overseers of the 
poor; Samuel Eaton, John Wat.son, John Knox, commis- 
sioners of highways ; John Watson, Thomas Gillmore, 
fence-viewers ; Azel Clark, Simeon Stiles, Elihu Morgan, 
and Joel Clark, overseers of highways. 

The supervisors, since the formation of the town, have 

I been: in 1808-9, Russell Attwater; at a special meeting, 
JLirch 27, 1809, Reuben A.shman ; 1810-14, Reuben Ash- 
man; 1815-17, Anthony C. Brown; 1818, Reuben Ashman ; 

t 1819-21, Phineas Attwater; 1822, Reuben Ashman; 
1823-27, James Williams; 1828-33, Rollin Smith ; 1834- 
3S, Elihu Phelps; 1839-40, Holmes Nevin ; 1841-42, 
Rollin Smith; 1843-4G, Benjamin Smith; 1847, Roliiu 
Smith ; 1848, James Williams ; 1849-50, Nelson DooUttle: 



428 



HISTORY OK ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1851-54, Rollia C. Jackson ; 1855, Nelson Doolittlc ; 185G, 
Wm. B. Rose ; Sept. 27, 185G, Jolin GuuJside was elected 
to fill vacancy, 1857-59, Joseph II. Gibbons; IBGO-Cl, 
Charles Smith; 1802-66, Julius M. J'ahncr; 1867-68, 
Wni. E. Boyd; 1869-70, Benjamin Sniitii ; 1871-76, 
Hiram Bartlett ; 1877, Wm. H. Lowi.s, Jr. 

The reeoids of the town liave been preserved from tlie 
time of the first meeting, and contain much interesting 
matter. The following extracts deserve a place in this 
coiinectfon : 

1809. — It was voted that the fccond town-meeting be 
held at the house of Jolin Kno.x. $250 was raised for the 
support of the poor. 

1810. — A pound-roaster elected, and "the /'ow/ belong- 
ing to John Knox be improved for a pound, for the present.'' 
$250 was raised for the poor, to be lent on good security ; 
SI 50 for wolf bounties, to be paid in $5 each for every wolf 
killed in town. At the State election, April 24, 1810, 
Jonas Piatt received 17 votes for governor, and Daniel D. 
Tompkins 20 votes for the same ofiice. 

1811. — The same wolf and poor taxes were raised as in 
1810. "Voted, that the books sent to the town of Rus- 
sell by the Hampshire missionary society be left in the care 
of Moses A. Bunnell, and to be returned to him within 
three months after being taken away." " Voted, that a 
sled shall be four feet wide ; a fine of $2 shall be inflicted 
for going on the public highway with a sled that is not 
four feet wide." The same rule was re-enacted in 1812. 
At a special meeting, January 11, " Voted, to grant the re- 
quest of Benjamin Pike, acting in behalf of the citizens in 
that part of the town called Somcrville, for annexation to 
the town of Gouverneur." 

1812. — At the general election this year 47 votes were 
polled; S5 wolf bounty was voted, and SlOO to be raised 
for this purpose; $250 for the poor; SI penalty for know- 
ingly letting Canada thistles go to seed. 

1813. — 85 wolf bounty, to be paid out of moneys pre- 
viously raised. 

1814. — $250 to be raised for the poor. 

1818.— "Voted, that the town clerk's fees be $10 this 
year." Fifty years later the salary was not more liberal. 

1820. — $5 bounty fyr wolves, payable from the money 
raised for this purpose in 1810, 181 1, and 1812 ; and the 
following year a committee of three was appointed to exam- 
ine and see if there is any money in town raised lor the de- 
struction of wolves in the years mentioned. " Resolved, 
That such balance as may be found due shall be collected 
and paid to the supervisor for the purpose of paying a 
bounty on noxious animals, at the rale of $2.50 for each 
wolf, panther, and bear, and $1 for each fos. The next 
year this balance was ordered to be paid for work done on 
roads and bridges; and in 182H "voted to give up to 
Reuben Ashman $150 of the money raised in 1810, on his 
securing the remainder of the amount raised." 

1830. — At the general election 145 votes were polled 
for governor. 

1832.— "Voted, that the territory called Scriba and 
Bloomsfield be set off into a separate town, on condition 
that they will not call for any of the public funds on hand, 
except road money."' 



1838 — The electors rcmon.stratcd against the pctiticm of 
the inhabitants of the town of Edwards " to have townships 
12 and 14, now belonging to Russell, set off to the town of 
Edwards." 

1843. — "Voted that all orderli/ neat cattle may run at 
large after the Kith day of May next until October 10." 

1849. — "Voted, to separate from the county, in the 
sujiport of the poor, and the town support its own poor or 
paupers." 

1867. — " Resolved, That the .supervisor be instructed to 
oppo.se any mea.sure that may entail upon the town any 
portion of the §35,000 that is by law authorized to be 
apportioned for the construction of the building for a 
normal school at Potsdam." 

1876. — At the State election, in November, Edwin D. 
Morgan, Republican, received 373 votes, and Lucius Rob- 
inson, Democrat, 211 votes, for the oflBcc of governor, a 
total of 584 votes; an increase of 547 votes since 1810, in 
a much smaller territory than the town at that lime 
comprised. 

ROADS AND OTHER rUI'.LIC INTERESTS. 

The first official road surveys were made in November, 
1807, by Philip Vial!, John Knox, and William Jlcrri- 
hugh, commissioners of highways. Five roads leaditig to 
the principal points of the town were located. Number 
one is thus described : " Beginning at a stake on the north 
bank of Grasse river, 70 rods (as the north bank of the 
river runs, i'rom the western extremity of the rock at the 
falls) ea^l of the falls, near the centre of township No. 5, 
and running north 100 rods; thence N. 29° W., 34 rods; 
thence N. 10° E., 10 rods; thence N. 37° E., 43 rods; 
thence N. 30° E., 49 rods ; thence N. 5° W., 55 rods ; 
thence N. 16° W., 48 rods; thence N. 260 rods; thence 
N. 20° W., 291 rods; thence N. 796 rods to the south line 
of the town of Canton. The other roads varied from a 
straight course fully as much as this, all following, as a 
rule, along the hollows leading to Grasse river and its 
tributaries. Later surveys have somewhat modified the 
direction of these roads, but, in the main, their original 
course is well preserved. Provision was early made for the 
improvement of the roads, and liberal appropriations were 
frequently voted to bridge Gras.se river. At present this 
stream is spanned by wooden bridges at Russell village and 
at the Wood form. The town has increased its road dis- 
tricts from 4 to 60, and its highways are in a fair condition. 

Several of the most important Slate roads of the county 
were located through Russell, and at one lime there was a 
prospect for its having the principal thoroughfare to the 
southern part of the State. Provision was made for lo- 
cating such a route, by a law of April 1, 1808, by taxing 
the lands adjoining the road, from Canton to Chester, in 
I'lssex county. The State appropriated further sums, from 
1810 to 1814, and caased the road to be opened under the 
direction of Russell Attwater. A number of miles weie 
made passable for teams, and the route indicated by blazed 
trees to Lake George, by which name the road was known. 
Not being improved its entire length, it soon fell into disu.se. 
Another road was diiec^ed to be opened, from the foot of 
sloop navigation of the St. Lawrence to Albany, June 19, 




WiERS FORDHAM. 





Mrs Wiehs Fordham. 



Charles f.FoRDH AM. 



( Thotos fl- Mrs Or. J Hitchcoch.Cmktvh.) 




Res. OF W/ERS FORDHAM, h 



■iCC County, H. Y. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



429 



1812, which fur .several miles followed the course of the 
other read, south through Russell, then bore to the right, 
towards Albany. This was also improved by IMr. Attwater, 
about 181G, but was never completed, and was soon aban- 
doned. 

The Si. Lnicrence, Tiirnplhe Company, incorporated 
April 5, 1810, and the first organization of the kind in the 
county, in locating its route from Malone to Carthage, 
pas.scd through the town of Ru.ssell, following along the 
foot-liills of Grasse river, and crossing that stream at Russell 
village. The route was favorable for a good road, and from 
its .southern location was the most important thoroughfare 
from cast to west during the War of 1812. This road, 
like the others, was constructed under the direction of Mr. 
Attwater and gave employment to many laborers, some of 
whom became residents of the town. But the more rapid 
settlement of the river towns, and the increased navigation 
of the St. Lawrence, caused the turnpike to lose its import- 
ance, and in 1829 it was divided into road districts by the 
towns through which it passes. The name of Ru.ssell turn- 
pike still attaches to it, and it continues to form one of the 
chief roads of the town. Other State roads were located 
in Ru.ssell in 1816, but were never much improved, nor 
specially remarkable as highways. 

Tlie Jlontrcal telegraph company constructed a line 
through town about 1870, establishing an office at the 
village. 

At the annual meeting of the town, in 181.3, Reuben 
Ashman. Moses A. Bunnell, and Horace Dickinson were 
appointed » committee to improve the cemetery and procure 
a deed for the same from Russell Attwater, and in 1817 a 
committee of ten was appointed to alter the burying-ground. 
This cemetery at present occupies a part of the lot known 
as the commons, on which the old arsenal stands, and is 
kept up by individual subscriptions, although nominally 
controlled by the town. 

THE SCHOOLS, PAST AND PRESENT. 

Believing that "education is the bulwark of the nation," 
the early settlers established schools at the same time that 
they built their own humble homes. The first house dedi- 
cated to this purpose was a commodious log building, at 
first roofed with bark, in the Knox settlement. Phineas 
Attwater was the first teacher of the nineteen pupils from 
the Knox, Clark, Merrihugh, Hutchinson, and other fam- 
ilies. The school was also attended by several young set- 
tlers, who had taken lands the fall previous. Miss Emeline 
Clark taught one of the first summer schools, and Rollin 
Smith followed as one of the early teachers. In 18119, 
•S250 was rai.sed for the support of schools, and from 
1815-19 the town voted three times the amount of the 
aid received from the State for the encouragement of edu- 
cation. In January, 1814, three school di.stricts were 
formed : " No. 1, containing all the land south of the divis- 
ion line between townships No. 5 and 3, as designated on 
the map, and known as No. 3, of Macomb's purchase." Dis- 
trict No. 2 included " all north of town.ships 5 and 3, and 
the south line of the town of Canton. District No. 3 was 
along the St. Lawrence turnpike, from Higgins' land to the 
Fitz Williams tract." These bounds have been modified, 



and at present there are 19 districts in town, employing 20 
teachers. The amount paid by the commissioner to these 
districts was $1985.85, in 187G, and the number of chil- 
dren in town, between the ages of 5 and 21 years, was 861 ; 
the average daily attendance, 348. Most of the districts 
are provided with fair school buildings. 

LIVE-STOCK AND DAIRYING INTERESTS. 

Russell being pre-eminently a dairy town, considerable 
attention has been paid to the improvement of live-stock, 
and there are some fine herds. Among these may be men- 
tioned the held of Jerseys, belonging to 0. G. Weston ; 
the Ayrshires, bred hy A. Doolittle, J. L. Clark, and others ; 
and the short-horns, by C. Halstead and Chauncy Clark. 

There are many private dairies whose products have a 
good reputation, and a creamery, e.stabli.shed in 1877, by D. 
C. Gray and George Oilman, at North Russell. East of 
this factory is the North Russell cheese-factory, established 
in 1809, by C. M. Clark, and at present operated by Leo- 
nard Clark. The products in 1877 were 65,000 pounds. 

The Beach Grove factory, north of the village, was es- 
tablished in 1865, by Bent & Cottrell. The products are 
75,000 pounds per annum, and C. H. Brown is the pro- 
prietor. 

The Russell factory, at the village, was also established by 
Bent & Cottrell, in 1868, and is at present operated by P. 
G. Carr. The milk of three hundred and fifty cows is used, 
and the arrangements for manufacturing are very complete. 

The settlement north of the village to the Canton line, 
and generally known as 

NORTH RUSSELL, 

has from the first been one of the most important in town. 
Here settled the Knox family, with nine members, of which 
Calvin H. and Harry F. still remain as descendants of John 
Knox, who, in 1805, brought their father, Chester Knox, 
to this locality ; and here, the following year, Joseph 
Hutchinson found a home in the forest wild. A son, Ben- 
jamin Hutchinson, remains near the old homestead. In 
1807 came Samuel Clark, making the journey from the 
" Green Mountain State" with an ox-team, with his sons, 
Samuel, Edmund, Lester, John, James, Chauncey, Linus, 
and his daughters Emeline, Hcpzibah, and Rhoda, all of 
whom settled along the Canton road, and became well-known 
citizens. Nearly all have passed away, after a life of toil 
to make the country what it now is ; but James L. still 
lives as a representative of John's family, and Chauncy M. 
and Edmund of the family reared by Edmund. 

At a later d.iy came Rollin Smith and Dr. Elanson Ray, 
the latter practicing medicine many years, as well as follow- 
ing agriculture. North of the.se, in the town of Canton, yet 
near enouiih to share the interests of North Russell, was 
Alvin White, from Granville, M;issachusetts, living in the 
last house .south of Van Rensselaer creek. On this stream, 
half a mile south of the town line, Jacob Huchins erected a 
log grist-mill in 1806. He was an ingenious man, and of the 
right stamp to make a pioneer. Not only did he construct 
the mill, but also the machinery, getting his '■ burr-stone" 
from the ledge near by and dressing it with such rude tools 



430 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



as he could command. The mill had but one run of stone, 
and was used for grinding corn only. 

At a later day, Joseph Pitcairn caused Dr. Ray to erect a 
saw-uiill at this point, which was swcjit away after several 
years' operation. The present mill is known as Gillman's, 
and is complete in its arrangements fur manufacturing lum- 
ber and shingles. At the same point are blacksmith-, cooper-, 
and paint-shops, where those trades are carried on. Farther 
up the stream, near the Pierrepont line, are two saw-mills, 
known as Prue's and Robinson's, both now ojierated by J. 
McFadden, and west, on Gra.sse river, is H. S. Hart's mill. 

The post-office at North Russell was established Feb. 17, 
1848, at the house of John Clark, and his son, Linus A., 
appointed po.stmaster. Subsequently the office has been 
held by John Ray, C. M. Clark, and James L. Clark, the 
present incumbent. At present the mail is carried by the 
neighbors from Canton, the government having discon- 
tinued the old route to Russell. 

The North Russell cemetery is a beautiful little tract of 
ground, on a knoll by the highway, and was deeded for this 
purpose by E. Ray, about twenty' years ago. It has been 
tastily improved, and contains many fine monuments. The 
cemetery is controlled by a board of trustees, selected by 
the citizens of this locality. The present board are Edmund 
Clark, Wm. Moon, and James L. Clark. 

The school in the neighborhood has been reputed one of 
the best in the commissioners' district, and has added much 
to the character of the town. The house is also used for 
religious meetings by the Methodists and other denomina- 
tions. 

RUSSELL VILLAGE, 

near the centre of the town, is a flourishing place of several 
hundred inhabitauts. It is located on both banks of Grasse 
river, the valley at this point widening to affi)rd ample space 
for improvements on both sides, and the stream affijrds good 
water-power. This, in connection with its being the last 
village north of the wilderness, causes it to be the seat of 
an active and increasing trade. There are several fine busi- 
ness houses, and a number of comfortable residences. The 
first settlers located near this place in 1805, and Nathaniel 
Higgins made a permanent home that year just beyond 
the village. Russell Attwater and his family came on the 
following year, and .settled on the south bank of the river. 
Reuben Ashman, Nathan, David, and Loren Knox, Jesse 
and Moses A. Bunnell, Arba CoUister, and a few others 
came the same year. In 1807, the Phelps brothers, Horace 
Dickinson, John Watson, and Dr. Goddard were added to 
the settlers. That year the manufacturing interests of the 
place began by the erection of a saw-mill by Russell Att- 
water. This site has been occupied ever since for similar pur- 
poses, the present mill being owned by R. W. Judson. 
Previous to the erection of Attwater's mill, Joel Clark had 
a saw-mill near the" place, on Plum creek, which was put 
up in the fall of 1805. On this stream are at present lum- 
ber-mills operated by R. B. Gates, J. W. Palmer, and E. 
Whitemarsh ; and on Grasse river, at Monterey, Jlr. Pal- 
mer had a large establishment, which was destroyed by fire 
in 1877. 

About 1810, Russell Attwater put up a small grist-mill 



at the village, near the present mill. This structure is a fine 
brick, 40 by 50 feet, three stories high, with a four run of 
stone, and a large flouring capacity, and was erected in 
180:5, by the proprietor, Hiram Bartlett. 

Clo.sc by a. large building was put up for a fanning-mill 
manufactory, which has been converted into a general ma- 
chine-sliop by Palmer & Boyd. 

About 1828 a man by the name of Skinner carried on 
a small cloth-dressing business, which was taken in 1832 
by George L. Ilosford. and enlarged. The trade is at present 
carried on in a small way by M. Van Brocklin. In 1825, 
Acastus Warren, a tanner, located at the village, and for 
thirty ye.irs carried on his trade, as well as slioemaking, in 
a building near the bridge. 

A forge was erected in 1845, by Benjamin Smith, which 
was operated several years. It had two fires, and was capa- 
ble of making 400 pounds of bar-iron a day. It was 
worked with magnetic and bog-ores, procured from Clifton 
and Van Rensselaer creek, and scrap-iron. An axe-factory 
was established in 1850, to which a small furnace was 
added. These have long since been discontinued. The 
mechanical pursuits are at present limited to the ordinary 
trades, carried on in half a dozen shops. 

Anthony C. Brown, afterwards a lawyer at Ogdensburg 
and a county judge, was the first to engage in mercantile 
pursuits, opening a store about 1814. William Danforth 
and J. P. Moulton came soon after as pioneer merchants, 
and, later, John Goodrich engaged in trade, remaining 
many years. 

Subsequently, Hiry Derby and J. M. Palmer estab- 
lished them.selves, and have remained ever since, being at 
present leading merchants. Charles Smith and 0. Baker have 
also been in trade many years. A destructive fire in 1874 
laid many of the business houses in ashes, but they have 
been replaced by the fine blocks herein illustrated. The 
place has ten good stores in the different branches of trade, 
and the merchants are leputed enterprising men. 

The first tavern in the place was a good-sizt:d brick, put 
up in 1812, by Moses A. Bunnell, and kept by him a num- 
ber of years. Other hosts at the old stand were Nathan 
Knox, George L. Hosford, E. Phelps, and Benjamin Smith. 
This house shared the fate of the neighboring buildings 
in 1874, and was burned. The present hotel was erected 
on the same site in 1875. 

Dr. Pliny Goddard was the first physician in town, 
locating at the village in 1807. He remained in practice 
a number of years, and was followed by Doctors Ames and 
Ashley, and in 1845 by Doctor J. H. (iibbuns, who prac- 
ticed ihini that period until 187G. He died in town in 
1877. Dr. Derby and others were also in practice a short 
time. The present practitioners are Doctors F. S. Baker, 
L. J. W. Miller, and J. S. Howard. 

The po.st-office was established June 27, 1812, with Pliny 
Goddard postmaster. The office has since been held by 
Elisha Phelps, Reuben Ashley, J. P. Moulton, H. Knox, 
Benjamin Stniih, Nelson Doolittle, Hiry Derby, and J. 
M. Palmer; the latter has been the incumbent since 1868. 
There are about 90 money-letters registered per quarter, 
and 400 papers distributed per week. The mail service is 
daily from De Kalb Junction. 





Daniel C.GffAy. 



MffS. OANIELC.GffAY. 



-< 




R£S.OF DAN/EL C. OFIAY. Russhl.St Lawucnce Co.,N. Y 





A.B.Shaw. 



Mrs. A. S.SHAW. 




Rfs. or A. B. SHAW. Russell .Sr. Lawrence Co N. Y. 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



431 



THE ARSENAL. 

" An act was passed Feb. 24, 1809, which directed the 
governor to cause to be deposited, if ho should deem neces- 
eary, an amount not exceeding 500 stand of arms, in such 
place in St. Lawrence County as he should select, with such 
quantities of ammunition and military stores as in his opin- 
ion would be necessary in ease of invasion. The village, 
from its being interior and on tlic St. Lawrence turnpike, 
was selected, and a building erected. It stands on a com- 
manding elevation, a little north of the village, on a lot 
given to the State by Mr. Attwatcr for the purpo.se of an 
arsenal, and is a massive stone building, three stones high, 
30 by 50 feet on the ground, and nriginally surrounded by 
a high stone w.all, bristling witli iron spikes. The lower 
story was designed for artillery, the second for small arms, 
and the third for ammunition. During the war, a guard 
was posted around the premises for its protection, but since 
that period no further supervision has been maintained than 
the care of a keeper, who was a citizen residing in the vi- 
cinity. In the summer of 1850 the ar.senal building was 
sold at auction, in pursuance of a general law, for the sum 
of $525. Tlie arms, amounting to four hundred stand, and 
some twenty thousand cartridges, were sold in small lots at 
the same time.' * 

It had been purposed to convert the building into a high 
school, and one Col. (?) Miller took it with this view. After 
a short career as a principal, it was found that he was simply 
an adventurer, with no other credit or rjualifications than 
polished manners and an unlimited amount of assurance. 
After remaining unoccupied for some time the building was 
purchased by the school district, and has since been used for 
its purposes, although .select schools are occasionally taught 
there. The house is yet in a fair state of preservation, its 
massive walls being unaffected by lime, and with its wooden 
figures of cannon and shot on the upper portion of the build- 
ing is a striking memorial of the exciting scenes of 1812. 
Although Russell was thus made an objective point for the 
incursions of the British, very little fear oi" an attack was 
apprehended, and the guard before alluded to felt itself 
adequate for the defense of the place. As near as can be 
recollected, this guard was composed of Corporal Horace 
Dickinson, Aaron Pratt, Henry Hill, C. I'hclps, Benjamin 
Hutchinson, Joseph Hutchinson, and Jobn Hutchinson, 
and perhaps a few others. 

RUSSELL LOnOE, NO. 5GG, F. AND A. M., 

was orgauLzed under a dispensation in 18G4. On the 26th 
of June, 1865, it was duly chartered, with Samuel V. 
Padget, W. M. ; W. L. Derby, S. W. ; Smith Chase, J. W. ; i 
F. S. Baker, Sec. ; Hiram Burtlett, Treas. ; P. G. Carr, i 
W. E. Boyd, H. Derby, and a few other members. The 
lodge has increa.sed its membership more than fivefold, j 
numbering at present 58. The officers are, S. V. Padget, , 
W. M. ; J. A. Jeuney, S. W. ; James Sheridan, J. W. ; 
W. H. Lewis, Sec. ; and Hiram Bartlett, Treas. [ 

The lodge-room and all its fixtures were destroyed by 
fire, July 26, 1874, but a new and spacious hall has been ! 

» Dr. Hough. ' 



erected by the members, giving them a room equal .to any 
found in country villages. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN AND CONGREGATIONAL CHLRCHE8 
OF RUSSELL. 

The first religious meetings in town were conducted by 
the Rev. Royal Phelps, a Presbyterian missionary, in 1806, 
at the house of Russell Attwater. Occasional meetings 
were subsequently held, and a religious society of this faith 
formed. After the lapse of several years the Congrega- 
tional usage was adopted, and an efibrt made to establish a 
church of this creed. Among the members who were thus 
associated were Deacons James Williams and Enos Wright, 
Eli Stewart, Thomas Gibbs, B. Boyd, John Lampson, Geo. 
L. Hosford and wife, JNLs. Jonas Knox, and Mrs. Nathan 
Knox. The pastoral olBeo was tilled by Revs. Montague 
and Graves, meetings being held at stated times, in connec- 
tion with their labors on other charges. The membership in 
1840 was about 30, and the formation of a society to 
erect a church was contemplated. But the removal of 
.some of the leading members prevented this purpose, and 
the services were soon after altogether discontinued, 

THE SIGN EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

of Russell was formed April 10, 1S19, with Ru.ssell Att- 
water and Jesse Bunnell, wardens ; Justus Ives, Levi 
Frost, John Boyd, Moses A. Bunnell, Reuben Ashman, 
Phineas Attwater, William Attwater, and Nathan Knos, 
vestrymen ; and a small membership from the above- 
named fjimilies. The first meetings of this denomination 
were held in 1807, by Bishop Hobart. The church never 
had a regular rector, and after a few years the work was 
abandoned. 

THE BAPTIST CUUUCII OF RUSSELL 

was organized July 15, 1800, with seven menibers, by the 
Rev. Samuel Rowley, a missionary. An Elder Shaw had 
previously preached in town, the early meetings being held at 
the house of Philip Viall. At a later day they were held in a 
school-house. In 1845 a small frame church was erected, 
being the first church edifice in town, which was formally 
dedicated Oct. 15, 1845. A society connected with this 
church was incorporated Dec. 29, 1846, with H. Van Or- 
num, William G. Gibbons, and Gilbert Stewart, trustees. 
The present board is composed of C. V. Gale, C. P. Smith, 
and A. Vj. Barbour, trustees, and J. M. Palmer, dork. 

In 1874 the old church was thoroughly reconstructed, a 
basement and tower added, and finished off in fine style. 
This improvement was rendered possible by the munificence 
of one of the members, J. M. Palmer. The hnuse was re- 
dedicated in August, 1874, by the Rev. A. W. Barnes, and 
bears favorable comparison with any village church. It is 
estimated worth S400(l. The membership of the church is 
at present 78, and is under the pastoral care of Rev. E. E. 
Brown, of Hermon. Other pastors of the church have 
been Revs. Baker, Wilder, Brand, Maine, Barker, Sheldon, 
and L. G. Brown. 

A Sabbath-school connected with the church has 86 
members, and is superintendeil by Warren Earle. 



432 



HISTORY OK .ST, LAWllKNOE COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONTKllKV 

was organized in that sottleinent, in June, 1877, by Rev. 
L. S. Baker, with about 25 moniber.s, nio.st of whom had 
withdrawn from the above ehureh for tiiis purpose. A. 
Colton and A. A. Baker were elected deaeons. Services 
are held in the school-house, and the membership is steadily 
increasing under the pastoral labors of Elder Baker. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP RUSSELL 

was formed in 1847, of the following eight members: 
Champion Reaves and wife, Caleb Aldrieii and wife, Jlala- 
chi Van Brocklin and wife, and Orrin Case and wife. Prior 
to this. Rev. Wm. D. Moore had preached in town, but Rev. 
Silas Kinney came as the first regular preacher, holding 
services at the village of North Russell and at Elm Creek. 
In February, 1851, the society connected with the church 
was incorporated, wth Hiry Derby, M. Van Brocklin, and 
Charles Rundell, trustees, and the same year a parsonage 
Was erected in the southern part of the village. In 1857 
a substantial frame church wa.s built, and dedicated in the 
fall of that year by Elder C. L. Dunning, the Rev. William 
Harrison being the pastor in charge. Since that time the 
house has been renovated and a session-room added. The 
church has 250 sittings, and with the parsonage is worth 
S2500. The official board is compo.sed of Trustees Richard 
Bennett, Hiry Derby, William B. Hamilton, I. J. Hamil- 
ton, Elijah Law, and Clerk, William Bovitt. The member- 
ship of the church is 160, having Rev. M. R. Pierce as 
pastor, and preacher in charge of the Russell circuit, with 
appointments at North Russell, Silver Hill, Belleville, South 
Russell, and Monterey school-houses, members of the church 
residing in these localities. 

Among the clergy who served this circuit were Revs. 
Kinney, Hitchcock. Graves, Brown, Harrison, Danforth, 
Parker, Lent, Woodward, Smith, Holmes, and Pierce. 

There are on the circuit several prosperous Sunday-schools, 
the one at the village having 100 members. Geo. H. Knox 
is the superintendent. 

The Universalists and other denominations also maintaiu 
services in town, without an organization. 

REBELLIO."^ Ri:C(IRl>. 

The history of the town would be incomplete without an 
account of its record during the late civil war. Every 
effort was made to assist the government, and probably a 
greater proportion of men and money were furnished than 
by any other town in the State. From the report of the 
treasurer of the volunteer fund we learn that 

" Russell claims to be the Banner Town of the State of New York, 
and to substantiate that claim presents the following statement: She 
has had in actual service in the field 31 comuiis^^ioncii officers, as fol- 
lows : 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 8 captains, 8 first 
lieutenants, and 12 second lieutenants. She has furnished 423 vol- 
unteers, as follows: From the connaencinuent of the war to the 1st 
of July, 1862, l.iS; under the calls of July 2 and Aug. 4, 1862, OS; 
under the draft of July, 1S63, 22 responded in person or paid the 
commutation of $300; under calls of Oct. 17, 1803, Feb. 1, and 
March 14, 1804, 71; under call of July 18, 1801, 54; and under call 
of Deo. 19, 1864, 23. Of the above number 72 enlisted for one year, 
22 for two years, and 329 for three years, making in all 1103 years* 
service. 



"The following amounts have been raised by subscription, or paid 
by individuals, aside from all State, county, or town taxes : 

".luly 13, 1801, subscription for benefit of soldiers' families... $1,065 

Aug. 22, 1801, for the Ellsworth Regiment 40 

Sept. 13, 1802, subscription to indeuinify town committee.... 2,580 

t'ommutation paid by individuals 4,500 

Paid lor substitutes by individuals 5,400 

Suli. bountv under eail of Julv IS, 1804 3.200 

Sub. buunty under call Dec. 19, 1864 4,084 

Aid to Sanitary Commission 500 

Total amount $21,309 

" The valuation of real and personal property in the town for the 
year 1863 was $270,000. The entire enrollment-list, as completed in 
thcspringof 1863, numbered 318. The population of the town in 
1860 was 2380. The largest vote polled in the town was in the fall of 
1860, numbering 518. Thus we have furnished to the government 
onc-sl.\th of our entire population, ten-twelfths of the legal voters, 
and 105 more than the entire enrollment-list. 

" In addition to the large town and county bounties which have 
been paid by ta.\, the inhabitants have paid by subscription and 
otherwise eight per cent, of our entire valuation. 

" Had all the towns in the State furnished the same proportion of 
men as Russell, it would have made an army of 075,000 volunteers. 
Anil the same ratio of subscription would have constituted a fund of 
$110,366,385. 

*' Sci-cittt/'Oiic of our brave boys arc now sleeping in soldiers' 
graves, which is a good evidence that our volunteers were always 
found at their post." 

Besides these individual contributions and efforts, the 
town as a corporate body has made a good record. A special 
meeting was held Aug. 30, 18G2, when $2500 was voted 
to encourage enlistments, to be paid in bounties of §50 for 
each volunteer required. A committee of five was ap- 
pointed " to select a committee to see to this tax," who re- 
ported the names of twenty-eight of the leading citizens of 
the town to be charged with this duty. 

Feb. 29, 18G1, at a special meeting, $300 bounty was 
voted for all volunteers raised under that call ; and JIarch 
29, 1864, the above bounty was reaffirmed, and the town- 
board authorized to issue bonds of indebtedness to cover all 
amounts necessary to fill the quota. It is also worthy of 
note, that so liberal had been the individual contributions 
that at the close of the war the treasurer, J. M. Palmer, 
had a surplus of nearly §1000, which was returned to the 
subscribers. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JULIUS M. PALMER. 

Among the prominent business and representative men 
of St. Lawrence County, Julius M. Palmer, of the town of 
Russell, occupies an honorable position. He was burn in 
Wilna, Jefferson Co., N. ¥., Dec. 11, 1830, and at the age 
of seventeen years removed with his parents to Russell, St. 
Lawrence Co., in which town he has ever since resided. He 
received a good common-school education, and at the age of 
eighteen years commenced the study of survej'ing with the 
Hon. Benjamin Smith, and practiced the profession more or 
less for some years. At the age of nineteen years he en- 
tered the service of Captain Hiry Derby, as clerk in a dry- 
goods store, and soon after purchased a half-interest iu the 
business, which he retained two years, when he disposed 
of it. 






cJ^^^o O/i/yh^^ 




'■^rr^ 



Tip in rfJtn rmTTrnT m TT r r i lii riT di n n i n t ii r it rnu' n 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iniUMtiu i' 



tS:'- 



^f^le^'fe^S'Aiv^^itp'i^-^*^'?'*^*^ 





RES. or J. M. PALMEff , ffUSSUL, $'' LAWRENCE CO.HX 





Calvin H. Knox. 



f^RS. Calvin H. Knox. 




RES. of: CALVIN H. KNOX, Russia .Sr. Lawrence Co., t^ Y 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllliNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



4:« 



On April 25, 1852, he inairieJ l\I:iry, a dauLihtei' of 
Hurry A'^aii Orimin, and in tlie same sprinj; built a rcsideneo 
on a f'urni two miles southeast of the village of Russell, and 
removed thereto, where he remained two years, and then re- 
turned to the village and re-entered mercantile life, which 
he has continued in to the present time. He occu]iied the 
store on the corner of Main and Mill streets until 18G0, 
when he sold that location and built a new and more com- 
modious store on the latter street. This store was destroyed 
by the disastrous fire of 1874, together with its contents 
and a new store unoccupied, entailing a loss of $12,000, no 
insurance being carried on the same. Previous to this fire 
Mr. Palmer had associated with him in his mercantile busi- 
ness liis son, Harry F. Palmer, which partnership continues 
at the present time. 

Immediately after the fire, a temporary structure was 
erected for the post-office, which Mr. Palmer then held as 
postmaster, and a new block, now occupied by Smith Bros. 
and Daniel Colton, was begun, completed, and occupied by 
Mr. Palmer in October of the same year. In the spring 
of 1877 the brick block adjoining was built, and occupied 
by the firm August 1 following, which is at the present 
writing as plca.santly and conveniently arranged as any store 
to be found in the county. 

In the summer of 18CS, Mr. Palmer built his present 
residence in Russell village, a view of which we present to 
our readers on another page of our work, together with 
portraits of himself and worthy helpmeet. 

Mr. Palmer has also been an extensive dealer in real estate, 
having purchased, since 1809, five thousand five hundred 
acres in the town of Russell, the greater portion of which 
has been resold, or is now under contract for sale. He has 
also been extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber, 
and is now the proprietor of two suw-mills, planing-mill, 
etc., in the southern part of the town, and also a joint 
owner of the cheese-bos and rake manufactory and plaiiinu- 
mill in the village. 

He has always taken an active interest in the growth and 
prosperity of the town and village, and on the occasions of 
the several conflagrations that have laid waste the busi- 
ness of the village, has been prompt and active in restoring 
the former prosperity of the place. 

He aided largely in rebuilding the very neat house of 
worship of the Baptist society of the village, of which so- 
ciety he has been a member since 1853, and chorister for 
the past twenty-four years. 

In politics BIr. Palmer is a Republican, having been con- 
nected with that party since its organization. Ho has held 
the office of town clerk of Russell for six consecutive terms, 
from 1856 to ISGl inclusive. In 18U2 he was elected 
supervisor of the town, and was re-elected for five consecu- 
tive terms, and, although unaminously nominated fir the 
seventh term, declined further service. As supervisor, he 
dischargod many important trusts satisfactorily to his own 
townsmen, as well as to the people of the county at large, — 
notably his action on the equalizing conimi.ssion of the 
board of supervisors of ISdC, being the author of the re- 
port of that commission. As supervisor, he was chairman 
of the bounty fund of Rus.sell, and recruiting officer of the 
town during the Rebellion, and was earnest and cfiectual in 
55 



filling the quotas of (lie town, leaving the town free from 
debt at the clii.'-o of his official term, with a surplus of 
eight hundred and tliirlysix dollars returned to subscribers 
to the fund. 

He was appointed postmaster of Russell by President 
Lincoln in May, ISGl, which position he has ever since re- 
tained, with the exception of the time between November, 
18GG, and May, 1869, when he Wiis removed by President 
John.son. In 1867, Mr. Palmer was chosen a member of 
the as.senibly from the second as.-^enibly district of the 
county, receiving a majority over W. H. Sawyer of 2121 
votes. He was re-elected in 1868, and again in 18G9. lu 
18G8 he was chairman of the committee on internal affairs 
of towns and counties, and served on other important com- 
mittees during his entire term of service. He is now notary 
public and acting justice of the peace. 

Mr. Palmer and his family spend a portion of the sum- 
mer months at the Thousand Island Park on Wellesley island, 
in the St. Lawrence, near Alexandria bay, he having built 
the first cottage erected on the grounds of the as.soeiation, 
and being one of its first purcha.sers in 1875. 

Mrs. Palmer is the daughter of Harry and Zilpah Van 
Ormun, and was born in Ru.s.sell, December 12, 18:^2. Her 
mother died when Mrs. Palmer was about four years old, and 
shortly after her father removed to the village, where she 
resided at the date of her marriage. Mr. Van Ormun is 
one of the oldest settlers of the town, having removed there 
in the year 1813, when he was but ten years of age. Mrs. 
Palmer is the mother of five children, three of whom still 
survive, aged lespectively twenty-three, fifteen, and ten 
years. 



WIERS 0. FORDHAM. 

Among the substantial and solid fanners of the town of 
Russelh the subject of our sketch holds a prominent posi- 
tion. He is the son of Je.sso Fordham and Lydia AUard, 
the former born in Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1794; the latter 
in New Hampshire, in 1796. Ilis parents settled in Rus- 
sell, when he ( Wicrs) was about ten years of age, on a small 
farm of twenty-one acres, upon whieh they erected a primi- 
tive log shanty. The land was covered with timber, and 
required the hardy toil and perseverance of the pioneer to 
bring it into a state of cultivation. His father remained 
an honest farmer until his death in 18G2. His mother 
followed her husband to the grave in I8G4. They had a 
family of eight children, — four sons and four daughters, — 
all living but one. 

Wiers was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., Feb. 21, 181G. 
He spent his youth on his father's firm, attending the dis- 
trict school in Russell ; but at the age of seventeen went to 
Syracuse, where he engaged in boiling salt, remaining there 
about three years. He then removed to New York city, 
and embarked on a whaling cruise, and followed that 
liazardouj calling for eleven years. After this he settled in 
New York, and remained there sixteen years, acting as 
stevedore for John H. Jones, the owner of a line of vessels. 
In the fall of 18G8 he removed to St. Jjawrcncc County, 
and settled on his present farm in the town of Russell, 
which he had previously bought and paid for. He now 



434 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



OTTiis a finnly-cullivated faiiii of two hundred acres, supplied 
with every modern agricultural inijilement now in use. An 
illu.stratiun of his buildings, with portraits of himself, wife, 
and adopted son, can be seen elsewhere in tliis history. 

On April 14, IhGl, he was united in marriage with 
Alma, daughter of Smith B. and Mima Layton, of Long 
Ishmd, N. Y., who still survives. They have had no children 
of their own, but adopted a son, Cliarles F., a promising 
young man, in whom the worthy couple take a parental in- 
terest. He was born in Lowell, INIass., Aug. 31, 1859. 

3Ir. Fordham is a stanch Republican, and is liberal to all 
religious and educational enterprises, though not a member 
of any church. He is honest and fair in his dealings with 
his fellow-men, and hence is greatly esteemed by all who 
know him. 



CALVIN H. KNOX 
was born Dec. 3, 1824, in the town of Ru.ssell, and is a 
member of the Chester Knox family, and a grandson of the 
late John Knox, who immigrated from Blanford, Mass., in 
1805. IIi.s boyhood was spent under the parental roof; 
but when he attained his majority Calvin began life for 
himself by serving as a farm-laborer at a monthly stipend 
of from ten dollars to twelve dollars per month. This prac- 
tice was continued until he was thirty years old, when he 
applied his earnings to the purchase of a farm of one hun- 
dred and ninety-three acres, at thirteen dollars per acre. 
The land was but slightly improved, and the present con- 
dition, as shown in the illustration elsewhere, was brought 
about by the industry and perseverance of Mr. Knox, 
who is a thorough-going farmer and business man. His 
taste and energy extend beyond his own interests, and have 
resulted to the good of his community. Mv. Knox is an 
active, earnest citizen, and has a deep interest in the wel- 
fare of liis town, which he has served in various trusts. 

His domestic relations began March 2, 1858, when ho 
married Priscilla Barker, having by her two children, Ella 
C. and J. E. He was bereft of his consort, March 9, 18G4, 
but was again united in marriage, March 8, 1865, with Lu- 
cinda, daughter of Hiram and Mary Barber, who settled in 
Potsdam in 1828, who has assisted in making one of the 
most comfortable and pleasant homes in the town. 



HARRY F. KNOX 

is the oldest son of Chester and Sophia Knox. His father 
was a son of the well-known John Knox family, and was 
but a lad six years old when he came to Russell, bavin;' 
been born Oct. 21, 1799, and grew to manhood in that 
then new country. His advantages for obtaining an educa- 
tion were very meagre, and limited to the pioneer school ; but 
he applied himself to study so faithfully that he was fairly 
educated, and able to discharge his duties as a citizen in an 
intelligent manner. On Nov. 26, 1820, he married Sophia 
Fanning, who was born in Russia, N. Y., April Id, 1797, 
and who still survives her husband, who died April 15, 1872. 
The family which this worthy couple reared was com- 
posed of Harry P., born July 19, 1822; Calvin H., born 



Dec. 3, 1824; George C, born Oct. 26, 1827 ; and Elsie, 
born May 27, 1834. The first tlireo are still living, and 
the first named forms the subject of this sketcli. 

Harry F. Knox was bred to the life of a farmer, atid has 
always pursued agriculture on the old homestead, which i.s. 
herein illustrated. He is a man of plain, unassuming man- 
ners, devoted to his occupation, and has the respect and 
confidence of his fellows. He was married July 19, 1802, 
to Sarah L., daughter of Warren and Nancy Read, of Her- 
mon. Mrs. Knox was born Sej)t. 6, 1831. 



HIRAM BARTLETT. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Le Ray, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1821, and is the third son of Phebc 
and Levi Bartlett. They were natives of New England, 
and finally settled in the town of Russell in 1840. Here 
the mother died July 26, 1850, and the father, Nov. 12, 
1873. At the age of seventeen Hiram began life fur him- 
self working by the month, and served in this cajiacity lor 
ten years. After this he worked in a saw-inill until he had 
accumulated enough to purchase a grist- mill in 1856, asso- 
ciating his brother Charles witii him for this purpose. This 
partnership was continued two years, since which Hiram has 
continued alone in the business. In 1863 his mill was de- 
stroyed by fire ; but with characteristic pluck, and that in- 
domitable perseverance which has ntarked all his actions, h'e 
rebuilt it, and soon had the satisfaction of possessing it free 
from every incumbrance, as well as a neat balance to his 
account. 

This same business tact and energy has placed him among 
the representative men of one of the foremost counties of 
the Empire State. Mr. Bartlett is a Democrat in politics, 
and has served his town as .supervisor with credit and effect. 

On December 1, 1857, Mr. Bartlett married Sirs. E. 
Clark, a widow, whose maiden name was Knox, one of the 
oldest families in town. 



ABIJAII B. SHAW 

was born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., JNIarch 20, 
1817. His father, Saiuuel Shaw, was of English descent, 
and a native of Berkshire Co., Mass. There he married 
Delight Barker, whose flimily was of Scottish origin, and 
engaged in his life avocation, — farming. When young 
Shaw was two years of age his parents moved to Warren 
Co., N. Y., where they abode four years, and then became 
residents of the town of Ru,ssia, Herkimer Co., remaining 
until 1851, when they again moved to their final home in 
Russell, St. Lawrence Co. Hero the mother died Nov. 17, 
1856, and a year later, Jan. 12, 1858, the father followed 
his faithful consort to their heavenly liomo. 

Of the family of nine children given to this worthy 
couple, Abijah was the fourth son, and remained with his 
father until he had attained his seventeenth year. He now 
hired out to do farm work at eight dollars per month, the 
wages being paid to his parents. At the age of twenty-one 
he purchased his first tract of land in Herkimer county. 
Several years later, March 12, 1843, he was united in mat. 





.fn.n-'(3.2)-C^L 



.1 



CAPTAIN HIRY DERBY. 



Captain Derby can trace a lino of honorable descent, n-acbing liark on his 
mother's side to the "Mayflower" and "Plymouth Roek," and coming down 
through llevolnti<)nary aires on both sides of the family tren. 

Tilt' Ri-v. ^*mi'-^ Brewster, the ancestor of Captain Derby's mother, was chap- 
Iain of the first Plymouth colony, coming to the Uock with the first Puritans; 
and his grandfather Hrewster arid grandfather Derby were both at Quebec, — the 
former with Arnold, as an officer of infantry, and the latter with Montgomery, 
as major of artillery. At the death of Montgomery, Dec. 31, 1775, be fell into 
the arms of Major Derby, who was with the gallant officer wlien he breathed 
bis last. 

Captain Derby was the son of rtenjamin and Polly (Brewster) Derby, and was 
IxTii in Huntington, Cbitti-ndL-n Co., Vt., Sept. IS, 1817, un<l with his parents 
removed to Jeftereon county when eleven years old. His father had accumulated 
considerable property, of which he Mas strijtped by unfoitumite indoi-sements 
for friends. lie entered the United States army, and held a eonimission therein 
as first lieutenant. 

Captain Derby res tied in Wilna. Jetlfr^.m Cj , until l?i4s. ;it wliieh time he 
purchased a largo tract of land of Oerrit Smith in Uus-cll, St. ^awrence Co., 
and removed to that town, where he has since resided. He has dealt exten- 
sively in land since thiMi, Iniving i)nrihiised up to the present time seventy-fivo 
thousand acres. In ls4'J be cnniuieneed the incrrantile business, in wlucb he 
has been continuously engiiged, witli the exct-ption of about one year and a 
half While a resident of Jefferson county he taught school, liaving prepared 
himself for that profession by an academic coui-su of instructiiui. He also taught 
for a time in St. Lawrence County, and fiir five years was one of the superin- 
tendents of schools in the latter county, and is still connected with schools in 
his town, and lias been ever since his firat re^hlence therein to a greater or less 
degree. 

Captain Derby did not prove recreant to the hlood in bis veins in tlie Mexican 
war or in the War uf ihi' Rebellion. When tin* fornn-r war was dei hired, and 
volunteers were railed for, a company of cavalry wh ch he couunandetl in Le Ray 
offered their services as such troops ; lint tin* offer was declined by the war cle- 
I'.artment unless they wonhl serve as infantry. This the company detdined to 
do, and before the application conl<l be reeonsiilered the nec<-asity for troops was 
ended by the cessation of hostilities. 

In the war for the I'rnon, Captain Deiby recruited several sfpnids of men in 
St. Lawrence County for tlifferent coinnumds; and being ofleied tin- command 
of a Cavalry company niised to ttn maximum in JctVersoii county, he look the 
offer under advisement for a week, vhen, it beconniig kimwn, a company was 
recruited in Russell before the week expired, and Cai t;iin Derby was temii-red 



the command, which be accepted, and led the company to the field. It was 
known ;i3 Company L, 9th New York Cavalry. He, with it, participated in the 
Peninsular campaign, being at Yorktown and West Point, and with Sigel's 
llth corps at Antietam. 

Having become enfeebled in health, he tendered his resignation on the day 
after the battle last named, and, though urged by bis sui)erior officers to with- 
draw it and accept of detached 8<^rvice in Washington, declined to do so, not 
wishing to leave his company while he remained in the service. He accordingly 
left the army after about a year's service, returned to his borne in Russell, and 
re-engaged in business. 

In political affiliations Captain Derby is a Democrat, and entered the ranks of 
the army to preserve the Union his grandfathers fought to create and his father 
to vindicate. 

■ His official stations have been those in the town, which be has filled with 
satisfaction to his townemeti, who elected him to the positions though opixtsed 
to him ptditically. 

His bvisiness ventures liave generally proved successful, and he has anuisseda 
handsunie property, mostly, however, the result of his real estate business. 

On Nov. 1, 1838, Cajitain Derby was united in marriage with Ann Davidson 
Wood, a daughter of Jonathan Wood, of Jefferson Co, N. Y. She was horn in 
Dcerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1810. Ten children were the fruits of this 
nuirriage, viz.: Washington L., Dewitt C, Ednninil Eugene. Benjamin F., and 
Kilmund D , now deceased ; Helen K., Laura A., Mary E., Earl, and H.Stanley, 
nt)w living. 

Washington L. married Martha A.Spaulsbury ; Helen E. married Truman G. 
Hairilin, now deceased, and bassince married Kdgur S. Buridntm; Laura A. mar- 
ried Newman J. Alexander ; Mary E. married Fiauk li. Judsun; Earl married 
Nettie J. Harris. 

The great sorrow of the lives of Cai>tain and Mrs. Derby wns the death of 
their secoml son, Dewitt C. who was accidentally killed while on a hunting ex- 
cursion in vacation, while preparing for cidlege. His older lirotlu-r, Witshing- 
ton L., was with him at the time, and, in Ins ha^te to carry the terrilple news to 
his father and procure assistance, overheated hiniseir, and dietl fn>m the effects 
of bis exhaustive efforts (ui that day about twelve years later. 

Captain Derby has spared no trouble or expense in giving his children an 
excellent and superior education, an<l is gnitified with the results of his endeav- 
ors in that <lirection,so far as his plans have not been interfered with by that 
l>ower whom no earthly hand can slay or fore-ight elude. Mr. and Mrs. Derby 
lire members of the MethiMlist Episcopal church, haviug couQected themielves 
therewith in early life. 



/ 




GERRY KNOX. 




MRS. UERRY KNOX. 



GERRY KXOX 



was the third son of John and Anna Knox, and a brother 
of Harvey Knox, of Canton. He wa.s born in Blanford, 
Mass., and removed with the family to Riis.sell in the 
spring of 1806. Here he at once took a leading position 
among the pioneers of the county, and remained until his 
death one of the most prominent men of his neighborhood. 
In social life his character was stainless, and his public con- 
duct was above reproach. His fellow-citizons recognized 
these admirable qualities, and elected him to the office of 
justice of the peace for twenty-four consecutive years. His 
decisions as a magistrate were characterized with so much 
good sense and sound judgment, that he was fre((uently 
called upon to adjudicate difficulties among his jieighbors. 
Nor was he consulted only as a magistrate. His clear con- 
ception of a case, and his strong love of justice, fitted him 
eminently as an arbitrator, and as such his services were 
sought with satisfactory results, often avoiding recourse to 
a trial according to law. Mr. Knox also served his towns- 
men in other capacities, and always represented them foirly 
and houorabjy, and was a captain in the State militia. 

In his domestic life Gerry Knox was a pure and temperate 
man. He early took a positive position against the use of 
intoxicating liquors, and was known for fifty years as a 
decided and outspoken temperance man. His sobriety char- 



acterized all his relations in life, and made him a loving 
husband and a kind and devoted parent. 

^Ir. Knox was married August 24, 1814, to Mariam 
Brooks, who had come to St. Lawrence County with her 
brother's family in 1813. She was the daughter of Joel 
and Mariam Brooks, of Cheshire, Connecticut. After 
their marriage the Knoxes settled on a farm, then in a com- 
parative wilderness, and which they lived to see changed 
from a forest to the bloom of well-cultivated fields and 
gardens, and which from the privation of the pioneer's home 
was changed to one of comfort and plenty. Three cliildren 
came to bless this home and add joy and happiness to the 
family circle. One of them, Harriet, died in childhood ; 
the other two, also daughters, attained mature years, and 
have become worthy wives of well-known citizens. Elvira is 
the consort of Hiram Bartlett, and to her is due the honor 
of perpetuating the memories of her parents by means of 
this memoir. Mary 0. is the wife of William M. Griffin. 

Mrs. Knox ended her earthly pilgrimage August 6, 1872, 
mourned by a large circle of friends to whom she had be- 
come endeared for her amiable disposition and Christian 
virtues. Five years later, on the 27th of July, 1877, Gerry 
Knox followed his devoted wife, and thus terminated the 
life of a very useful man and worthy citizen. 





HAf?f?Y FKnOX 



Mffs.HARffy r. KNOX. 




HARRY r. KNOKjM 





Ezra Shles. 



Mrs. EZRA Stiles. 





^W^Mi 



Res. or EZRA SJiLES, Russiu.St.Lawrlnu Co,s.r. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



43.-. 



rimony to 3Iary J. Dodge, of Wiliia, Jefferson Co., the 
daugliter of Ebenczer and Susan Dodge, of Booncville, 
Oneida Co., and who were natives of New IlamiLshire. 
JIis. Shaw was born Nov. 17, 1818, and was twenty-four 
years of age at tlie time of her marriage. Their union was 
blest with five children, three of whom are yet living. A 
daugliter, Ellen M., is the wife of Wm. Stewart, of Elyria, 
Ohio ; and Jennie A. and Charles D. yet live at home. 

Commencing life as a farmer in Herkimer county, Mr. 
Shaw had no other capital but that furnished by willing 
hands and a sound judgment; yet he has prospered, owning 
at different times twenty-four farms, and is now reputed one 
of the solid men of St. Lawrence Co., having a pleasant 
home, with all its attendant comforts. A view of the home- 
stead appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Shaw has resided 
at this place since 1874, having removed from the town of 
Potsdam, where he had lived since 1848. He is eminently 
a self-made and self-reliant man, and although having many 
business transactions outside of his cho.sen calling, his deal- 
ings have always been attended with success. In politics 
he is a Republican, having belonged to that party since its 
organization. 



EZRA STILES 

was to the manor born, in St. Lawrence County. His 
parents at that time resided in the town of De Kalb, 
where, in 1837, Ezra was born, the first of four children. 
Tlie following year they moved to their present home in 
the town of Rus.sell, where three more children were added 
to the family, named Niles, Aaron, and Henry. 

When Ezra w;us twenty-one years old he was united in 
matrimony with Juliet Clark, of Canton, who was at tliat 
time aged eighteen years. Tliey at once began a home 
for themselves a short distance from the Stiles homestead, 
where they have since resided, honored and respected as 
good neighbors and worthy citizens. Mr. Stiles has alwaj-s 
been engaged as an agriculturist, and his success indicates 
skill, prudence, and enterprise, as well as industrious, per- 
severin" habits. Three children have come to bless the 
family relations of Mr. and Mrs. Stiles, who were born in 
the following order: Bertie, May 23, 1861 ; Frank, Sept. 
10, 1863; and Addie, Oct. 1, 1877. 

A view of the Stiles homestead, and portraits of its 
master and mistress, may be seen on another page of our 
work. 



-»«-=»&-«- 



H E R M O N. 



Hermon is an irregularly-shaped town situated south- 
west of the centre of the county. It was originally organ- 
ized under the name of Dc-peau, after Francis Dopeau, of 
New York, who was the proprietor of a large tract of land 
in Jefferson county. He was also interested in the middle 
third of this town, which had passed from McCorniick to 
George Lewis, July 12, 1804, who sold to John and Curtis 
Bolton, Aug. 1, 1823, and the latter sold to Depeau, June 
6, 1828, and Depeau conveyed to Sarah, wife of John 
Bolton, ]May 3, 1830. It originally embraced the town of 
Fitzwilliaui, on township No. 4, and a strip one mile by 
si.x, from the southeast side of Do Kalb. On the 17th of 
November, 18.52, the board of supervisors annexed a tract of 
the southeast corner of the town to Edwards, leaving the 
area of Hermon 32,686 acres. 

The name of the town was changed from Depeau to Her- 
mon, Feb. 28, 1834, owing to the similarity of the former 
to Depeauvillc, in Jefferson county, which led to frequent 
errors in the transmission of the mails. A post-office, 
called Hermon, had been established in what is now the 
northeastern corner of the town, Dec. 20, 1828. The name 
is derived from the Scriptures, being Hebrew in its origin, 
and signifying, in that language, cursed, but the bounties 
of Providence have been bc-jtowcd on the town, regardless 
of the signification of its name. 

The surface of the town is generally rolling, in places 
hilly, particularly in the south part, where it is broken and 



sterile. The soil is sandy loam interspersed with tracts of 
sand, and is admirably adapted to grazing. It rests upon 
a substratum of gneiss and white limestone, in which occur 
some interesting minerals. A vein of hematite extends in 
a southwest and northeast direction, and crops out at inter- 
vals for several miles. Mining operations are carried on, 
reference to which is made farther on in the history of the 
town. 

No extensive .streams exist in the town, — Elm, Tanner, 
and Carter creeks being the only water-courses of import- 
ance. Trout lake, so called from the abundance of trout 
it contains, is located in the south part of the town, while a 
little southwest of it is a portion of Cedar lake. 

THE EARLY SETTLEMENT 

of the town constitutes the most important and interesting 
part of its history. A large portion of its pioneers came 
from Vermont, and were an industrious, hardy, and thrifty 
class of people. They underwent the usual hardships and 
trials incident to pioneer life in every new country, and, by 
perseverance and uiiromilting toil, surmounted every obstacle 
which lay between them and success. At first they wore 
content with the primitive log cabin; by degrees, and as the 
country developed through their efforts, the log habitation 
gave place to the comfortable frame house or the substantial 
brick dwelling, which "now abound on every hand, monu- 
ments to pioneer enterprise and industry. 



•136 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



Tlio first white man to break tlic silence of the forest by 
the sound of liis axe was James Taylor, who began a small 
clearing, in the western part of the town, about the year 
1805. Philemon Stewart, Ariel Innian, and Ruftis Hop- 
kins soon followed, but, on the breaking out of the War of 
1812, they left, and never returned. Thomas, father of 
Harry Tanner, came in Mareh, 1809. He is now the 
oldest resident of the town, was born April 28. 1 789, and 
has lived in this town for sixty-nine years. He has held 
various town oflices, — notably that of supervisor, in 1834, 
'35, '36. For a man in his eighty-ninth year, he is re- 
markably well preserved, both physically and mentally, and 
remembers very distinctly many events in the early history 
of Hermon. 

Among other very early settlers were Pavi d McCollum , 
who came in from Canada in 1812; originally from Rut- 
land Co., Vt., and who has four sons — Martin, John, Jef- 
ferson D.,and Samuel — and other descendants in this town, 
and various parts of the county. Samuel now occupies the 
old homestead; Roger Story, in 1813; Germain Suther- 
land, in 1816; whose son, Mo.ses H., resides in Do Kalb, 
and his daughters, — one the wife of H. B. Hamlin, Esq., 
and the other the wife of Rosalvo Healey, of Hermon vil- 
lage ; Joseph H. Baird, Orle Gibbins, who has descendants 
living in the town ; William Teall, the first supervisor of 
the town ; Benjamin Healey, first town clerk, whose repre- 
sentatives are numerous in the town ; Clark Jlain, Ralph 
Fisher, Lorenzo H. Sheldon, Chester Winslow, Shubael 
Parker, Benjamin Healey, father of Rosalvo Healey, Wilkes 
Richardson, one of the first assessors of the town, and Fer- 
dinand* and King R., his sons-:— the latter deceased — his 
son Adolphus T. resides in the town; William D. Gilmore, 
AVilliam H. Underwood, Henry Reed, Orlando Babbitt, Dr. 
H. Alexander, Reuben L. Willson, John Gardner, and Asa 
his son, Frank Jlattcson, Ransom and John Day, Noah 
Hamilton, Ezra Leonard, Alexander Brown, Almon and 
Amos V. Farnsworth, Silas Williams, A. F. Gates, a prom - 
inrnt daiiyman and farmer, William Rasback, Thomas 
Tliornhill,* Alvin A. Corey, William A. Scripter,*, E. J. 
Stewart, son of Philemon Stewart, an early settler. 

The first farm opened in the town of Hermon was by 
James Taylor, in the west part of the town, in 1805. 

The first road opened through the town was from De 
Kalb to Russell, just prior to the War of 1812. The sec- 
ond road was from the present village of Hermon to Dc 
Kalb, in 1818. 

The first store was opened by William Toall, in the 
northern edge of the town, in 1823. 

The first school was kept in the dwelling of David Mc- 
Collum, by Wm. D. Moore, in the winter of lS17-18.f 

The first marriage was that contracted by Asahel Tryon 
and Harriet McCollum, July 4, 182L 

The first death was that of Peter, infant son of Germain 
Sutherland, in 1818. 

The first post-oflGce was established Dec. 20, 1828, at 
Hermon village. The first postmaster was Benjamin 
Healey. The mail-route was from Hermon to old Do Kalb, 



^' Sec in l->iugraj)liieal drpurtnu-nt of our woiU. 
tScu UDdcr bcaU of "Educatiuual and Statistical." 



and the mail was carried on horseback, by Harry Tanner, 
his compensatimi being the proceeds of the postage, which 
was very little in those days. The mail is now carried from 
De Kalb Junction by stage, which connects at Hermon 
with a daily route from Ilus.soll. Four trips a day from 
the former place to the Junction are made, and a daily mail 
from all parts on the line of the railroad is received and 
forwarded. The stage-line is operated by ]'>lisha Burn- 
ham & Son. The present postmaster at Hermon is B. R. 
Stone. 

CIVIL ORGANIZATION. 

Hermon was formed from Do Kalb and Edwards, April 
17, 1830. J The first town-niccting was held at the school- 
house near Nathaniel Kent's, May 4, 1830, and the sub- 
joined is a list of the first town officers elected at that time : 
William Teall, supervisor ; Benjamin Healey, town clerk; 
Wilkes Richardson, Isaac C. Pool, Silas Williams, assessors ; 
Martin L. Cook, John Matoon, overseers of the poor ; Si- 
meon Peterson, JesseWorden. Shubael Parker, commissioners 
of highways ; Wilkes Richardson, Robert Gotham, Hariy 
Tanner, commissioners of schools ; Benjamin Healey, Aaron 
Teall, C. D. jMorehouse, inspectors of public schools; 
Charles C. Redfield, collector ; Ariel Wrisley, Charles C. 
Redfield, constables. 

SUPERYISOUS. 

The names of those who have filled the office of super- 
visor from the organization of the town to the present 
(1877) are as follows: William Teall, 1830-32; Reuben 
L. WiLson, 1833; Harry Tanner, 1834-30; Silas Wil- 
liams, 1837; Henry P. Cook, 1838-39; Nathaniel Kent, 
1840; H. P. Cook, 1841-42; Silas Williams, 1843-47 ; 
Seymour Thatcher, 1848-51 ; David W. Weeks, 1852-53; 
William E. Tanner, 1854-55; Orlando Babbitt, 1856-57; 
Horace Barnes, 1858; Clark Maine, 1859-60; William 
E, Turner, 1861-04; Alan.son A. Matteson, 1804-67; 
Dolphus G. Lynde, 1868-70; Otis Earic, 1871; A. A. 
Matteson, 1872-73; Z. W. Babcock, 1874; A. A. Mat- 
teson, 1875-77. 

PRESE.NT TOWN OFFICEKS. 

A. A. Jlattcsou. supervisor; John J. Ilaile, town clerk; 
William G. Brown, E. B. White, Justus B. Pickit, Ileze- 
kiah B. Hamlin, justices of the peace; Joseph L. Aniin, 
Henry Gale, Abram F. Gates, assessors; Asa Gardner, 
commissioner of highways ; Stanley John.son, overseer of 
the poor; James II. Graham, eollector ; Jay W. Cleghorn, 
Clark JNIain, William I). Gilnioro (apjiointcd), inspectors of 
electi.iu ; William W. JIatteson, George V. Scofield, L. W. 
Cami)bell (appointed), town auditors; Stanley Johnson, 
Dc Grass Foster, Charles D. Rice, James H. Graham, 
Spencer H. Ladd, constables. 

D.\IRY INTERESTS. 
The rolling nature of the surface of the town of Her- 
mon, together with its general adaptability to grazing pur- 
poses, makes it one of the best dairj'ing towns, its arei 
considered, in the county. There are six cheese-factories in 

^Sco further dci^criplion, niifc. 



I 



I 




f^ENRYGALC 




i^^^^i:; 



Business Block or D.S LYND€. 6u6,ncss H< 

Hekmohvilu, Si i./*w«£NC£CoJi'. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



437 



the town, the agurcgiitc annual product of which is about 
700,000 pounds of ehee.sc. Tiic names of tlicso factories, 
witli their owners, number of cows used by each, and 
products, are as follows, viz. : 



No. (tf Cows. Pounds of f'hecsc. 



750 


200,000 


500 


140,(100 


450 


120,000 


JOO 


110,000 


375 


100,000 


100 


.■JOjOOO 


2575 


700,000 


T.S. 





Fuctory. Owner. 

Ilermon Village Cli.arlcs Kislcy., 

Ilcrinon Contrc A. F. (jatcs 

AVfst Hcruion A. F. Gattg 

Sontli llorrnon Geo, La Lono... 

Porti-r Hill Dnniel Hill , 

Parker Factory .Asa Parker 



MIXING INTERESTS. 

The mineral facilities of the town of Ilermon are being 
developed, and the immense deposits of hematite ore that 
abound in it, and the towns of De Kalb and Rossie, are 
beinj;- utilized. Mining operations on an extensive scale in 
this vicinity were commenced by Mr. J. W. Lowden, an 
eastern capitalist, in 1864, who, in addition to his mining 
enterprises, erected a furnace at Cooper's Falls, in the town 
of Do Kulb, and utilized the magnificent water-power that 
there exists. To accomplish this, and to bring his vast un- 
dertaking to a successful issue, required not only a large 
capital, but also great energy and business ability and acu- 
men. All of these qualities Mr. Lowden possesses in a re- 
markable degree. In 1872, Mr. Lowden sold out his in- 
terest to the " Union Iron Company, of Buffalo," Buffalo, 
New York, of which Aro Pardee, the millionaire coal ope- 
rator, is president ; George Beals, treasurer ; T. Guilford 
Smith, secretary ; and James Jenkins, superintendent. John 
Webb, Jr., of Gouverneur, acts as local agent for the com- 
pany. 

The superior quality of the ore found hereabouts is 
shown from the subjoined analysis, made by a professional 
assayer : 

Peroxide of iron (yielding metallic iron, 67.30).... 96.15 per cent. 

Silica 2.50 

Carbonate of lime 35 '* 

" " magucsia • 22 " 

Sulphur 00 " 

Moisture ami loss 10 " 



100.00 



From an experimental blast for one week, made by Mr. 
Lowden, 58i per cent, of iron was obtained, and the gen- 
eral average is about 57 per cent. Materials for mining 
were brought into Ilermon, and twenty-five men were em- 
ployed, a shaft sunk to the depth of 175 feet, and opera- 
tions continued until recently, when, owing to the general 
stagnation of the iron trade, operations were temporarily 
suspended. The engines, lifting- and pumping-gear, and 
the rest of the paraphernalia requisite for mining on an 
extensive scale, are at the mines, and about 8000 tons of 
ore are upon the surface. When the demand for ore returns, 
operations will doubtless be resumed. 

Too mul-h credit cannot be bestowed upon Mr. Lowden 
for the development of the vast mineral wealth of this sec- 
tion of country, and to hiui it is right and proper to ascribe 
the honor on the pages of this history. 

HERMON VILLAGE 

is pleasantly situated on Elm crock, in the northeast angle 
of tho town. The first seitlenient on the present site was 



made by Roger Story, early in the year 181C, who imme- 
diately on his arrival began to build a plain log liouse, 
which was the first house in the village. He was soon fol- 
lowed by Germain Sutherland, who came in the same year. 
He loft two daughters now residing in the village, one the 
wife of Rosalvo Healey, the other the wife of Hczekiah B. 
Hamlin, E.sq., who has held the office of justice of the peace 
for about twenty years. Among the early settlers in the 
village might be mentioned Alexander Brown, Neheniiah 
Barker, Thomas Gihnore, Eli.sha Burnham, David Wcsleyi 
Samuel McCollum, William D. iSIoore, and William Mar- 
tin, the latter having opened the first store in the place in 
1823. From the erection of the first store to the present 
the village has continued to grow steadily, and has become 
a place of considerable business importance. Its pro.?perity 
has been greatly retarded by the visitation of fire, two ex- 
tensive conflagrations having occurred within a few years, 
notably the " great fire" of April 27, 1875, when nearly the 
entire business portion of the village was laid in ashes, in- 
volving a pecuniary lo.ss of upwards of $100,000. With 
promptitude and energy the people of Hcrmon, whose 
property had been destroyed, immediately commenced to re- 
build, and that, too, in a more substantial manner than be- 
fore. As an evidence of the general thrift displayed, it is 
only necessary to point to the elegant structures erected by 
Hon. D. S. Lyndo and Dr. E. G. Seymour, the lower por- 
tion which is now occupied by them for their respective 
stores, and the upper part for various purpcses, especially 
Dr. Sej'mour's hall, for amusements, and similar enterprises. 
An illustration of this beautiful block adorns our pages 
elsewhere. 

The village of Hermon was incorporated by a vote of the 
citizens, which resulted 75 for incorporation and 31 against; 
and the first election of officers was held Nov. 17, 1877, at 
which the following were chosen to serve in the offices op- 
posite their names respectively : W. W. Matteson, presi- 
dent; Elisha Burnham, Martin R. Folsom, William 51. 
Green, trustees; James K. Hale, treasurer; John J. Haile, 
collector. 

The business interests of the village are represented by 
22 stores and places of business, cla.ssified as follows: three 
dry-goods and grocery stores, of which D. S. Lynde's is the 
principal ; one dry-goods store ; three drug-stores, of which 
the most extensive is that of Dr. E. G. Seymour ; four gro- 
cery-stores, the leading one being that of John J. Haile ; 
one hardware, one furniture, and one merchant-tailoring and 
clothing stores, two boot and shoe stores, two millinery es- 
tablishments, three harness-shops, one butcher-shop, and 
two livory-slablcs. 

Its manufactories are one tannery, operated bj- J. Har- 
wick & Son ; one cheese-fijctory. by C. H. Risley ; an exten- 
sive carriage-faotory, by James Kelley ; planing-mill, by G. 
V. Scofield ; grist-mill, by T. A. Sheldon ; saw-mill, by 
John Grandy; four blacksmiths, and various other me- 
chanics. It has three church organizations,* and two 
houses of wor.ship ; a Temperance Reform club, a lodge of 
F. and A. 31 , a .semi-monthly newspaper, a well-managed 
graded school, three resident physicians, three ministers of 

* Sco pages 438, 439. 



438 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



the gospel, three hiwyers, two dentists, and one barber. 
The population of the village is fairly estimated at 800. 
Herman is rightly entitled to a prominent position among 
the most flourishing villages of the county. 

GRIST-MILLS. 

The first grist-mill in what is now the village of Hermon 
was erected by Jlilton Johnson in 1819, and stood on the 
east side of Elm creek, about opposite the present mill ; he 
also built a distillery at the same time, both cjf which enter- 
prises have long since ceased to exist. The present grist- 
mill was built by John Stokc.s, and was operated by him 
several ycare. In 1863, T. W. Sheldon purchased the 
property, and has since continued to operate the mills. 
Tiiere are four run of stones, and he ground during 1877 
thirty thou.sand bushels of grain fur Shut and feed. 

THE HERMON TANNERY 

was first erected by J. H. Harwick, in 1853, and was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1861. It was rebuilt on the original 
foundation by Solomon Powell, since which time several 
additions have been made to it. The present proprietor is 
F. D. Harwick, son of the founder ; and two thousand 
sides were tanned in it the present year. 

CHEESE-FACTORY. 

The Hermon village cheese-factory was built by Charles 
Risley, its present proprietor, in 1868. Its annual average 
capacity is two hundred thousand pounds, and the average 
number of cows of which the milk is used is seven hundred 
and fifty. It is a very successful and important enterprise. 

HERMON LODGE, NO. 500, F. AXp A. M., 

commenced wcirk under a dispensation granted by the 
Master of the Grand Lodge April 4, 1860. A charter was 
granted on the 0th of July, of the same year. The fir.st 
ofiicers were A. P. Sherwin, W. M. ; W. D. Gilmore, S. W. ; 
E. T. Chancy, J. W. ; George Converse, Treasurer ; 0. A. 
nine, Secretary; J. Dillenback, S. D. ; M. R. Folsom, 
J. D. ; Robert Moore, Tyler. The present officers are D. S. 
Lynde, W M. ; E. T. Chancy, S. W. ; Stanley Johnson, 
J. W. ; James Graham, Treas. ; J. J. Hale, Sec. ; James 
Graham, S. D. : H. N. Scott, J. D. ; C. E. Page, Tyler. 
The present membership is .seventy-five. The lodge meets 
over Conant's drug-store, on the first and third Wednes- 
day of each month from Slarch to September, and every 
Wednesday night the balance of each year. 

THE HERMON REFORM CLUB 

was organized Dec. 22, 1876, with forty-five members. The 
first officers wore James Kelly, president ; Edward T. Ciia- 
ney, vice-president; C. P. Day, secretary; E. B. White, 
corresponding secretary ; John J. Haile, trca.surer ; Rev. 
J. B. McCuUough, chaplain. The present (1877) officers 
are James Kelly, president ; I']. T. Chaney, vice-president ; 
Dr. 0. Bliss, secretary; J. J. Hailc, corresponding secretary ; 
Cyrus Fuller, treasurer; Rev. J. B. McCullough, chaplain. 
Membership, one hundred and eighty-three. 



THE HERMON CORNET BAND. 
The Hermon cornet band was organized on the 1st of 
January, 1877, with fifteen members, namely, Charles W. 
Hall, leader ; L. II. Tuller, K. O. Reynolds, J,.hn Wil- 
liams, W. R. Onniston, W. A. Leonard, L. A. McCollum, 
Alden Morgan, M. A. Green, Thomas Given, James Given, 
D. E. Green, Willie Johns, D. M. Dow, and Charles Craig. 

HERMON CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was incorporated Jan. 18, 1851, with Pi'ter Clintsman, 
Calvin Rhodes, P. D. Miller, Chester Winslow, J. B. Miller, 
and R. M. Hall trustees. The cemetery grounds are located 
on the road from Ilermon to Russell, and contain four and 
a half acres, which are ornamented by a number of beau- 
tiful and tasty monuments. The present officers are W. W. 
Matteson, president; Z. W. Babeock, secretary. Benjamin 
Cleghorn, James Kelly, John C. Gibbons, A. A. Matteson, 
Harrison Maine, William M. Green, Eli Beard, and the two 
officers above named compose the board of trustees. 

CARRIAGE-MANUFACTORY. 
Among the important industrial establishments of Her- 
mon is the extensive carriage-manufactory of James Kelly, 
which was established by him in 1856. He employs eight 
hands, and has a capacity for twenty-five. The work he 
turns out is excellent in every particular, and has accjuired 
an enviable reputation wherever used. 

MARSHVILLE 

is a hamlet, situated on both sides of Elm creek, almost one 
mile south of Hermon. The second saw-mill in town was 
erected hereabout 1825, by Abram Fisk. In the following 
year Amos Marsh, father of Horatio Marsh, bought the 
prenii.ses and built a grist-mill. From him the place re- 
ceived its name. Among the early settlers here were the 
Marshes, Clark Main, WilUam H. D&dge, L. W. Campbell, 
J. M. McCollum, and others. 

THE MARSHVILLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was one of the earliest institutions in the place. It was incor- 
porated March 11, 1850, with Edmund Allen, Sr., Martin 
McCollum, Clark Main, Ralph Fisher, Isaac C. Sherwin, 
Thomas Campbell, trustees. The last election of trustees 
.occurred March 14, 1853, when the above were re-elected, 
with the exception of Isaac C. Sherwin, who was replaced 
by Alfred Barnett. Since this time the corporation has 
been allowed to die out. 

The place now contains twenty three dwellings, a church, 
belonging to the Christian denomination ; a common school, 
a saw-mill, a eheese-box-factory, two cooper-shops, a black- 
smithing- and carriage-shop combined, a paint-shop, a car- 
penter-shop, a raiilinery establishment, and almost one 
hundred inhabitants. 

THE FIRST -METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HERMON 

was formed at an early day, probably about 1S20; the pre- 
cise date, owing to the absence of the records, is not obtain- 
able. That there were religious services in this town, 
according to the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal 





WM.M.5CmPTER 



Mrs.Wm. M Scripter. 




f^ES. or WM.SCff/Prtff, HiRMoh J, . Avvntv^i J.. \ 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



439 



church, soon after the cessation of hostilities with Great 
Biitain, there exists no doubt, but the regular organization 
of a class did not occur until about the date above men- 
tioned. Preaching was had in the house of Roger Story, 
by Rev. Mr. Goodwin, in 1816. The society proper was in- 
corporated as the " First Society of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Hermon," November 1, 1847, at which time 
Samuel I. Bingham, Seymour Thatcher, Col. Joseph H, 
Baird, Lorenzo H. Sheldon, Orin Nichols, Timothy B. 
Hatch, and Daniel Mclntire were elected trustees. The 
year i'ullowing the incorporation of the society they erected 
their present church edifice, to which they subsequently 
added a fine-toned bell. The house cost originally about 
S140(). Its present value is $3000. It will comfortably 
seat 325 persons. The present trustees are Joseph McLean, 
Solomon Bixby, Alvin Corey, Charles Loucks, John 
Loucks, Jacob Harwick, and Joseph Firth. The present 
pastor is Rev. J. B. McCullough, under whose ministra^ 
tions there have been added to the church 68 members, 
making the present number 180. The present stewards are 
Jacob Harwick, John Merrill, John Loucks, Joseph Firth, 
Elmer McCollum, David Ames, K. W, Hale. 

There is a flourishing Sabbath-school connected with the 
church, which has 30 officers and teachers, and 200 scholars. 
Its superintendent is Solomon Bixby. 

"Kent's Appointment" is in the Hermon charge. It 
has no house of worship, but the meetings are held in the 
school-house. Its membership is 50. The stewards are 
Benjamin Parker and Darius Briggs; pastor. Rev. J. B, 
McCullough. The Sabbath-school has a membership of 10 
officers and teachers, and 40 scholars. Superintendent, 
Benjamin Parker. 

THE FiasT n.vpTisT church of hermo.v, 

at Hermon village, was organized in January, 1818, having 
at that time thirteen members, A council was called from 
the churches of Gouverueur, Oswegatchie, Rus.sell, and 
Madrid, for the purpose of forming the Hermon church, 
some of the early members of which belonged to the 
churches of Gouverneur and Russell. The society was in- 
corporated December 3, 1845, with Horatio Marsh, Daniel 
K. Babcoek, Edward Maddock, Wm. E. Tanner, Theo- 
dorus Frisby, and Orle Gibbons, trustees. They erected 
their house of worship in 1849 ; it has a seating capacity 
ibr about 400. The first pastor was Rev. Elder Payne ; the 
present incumbent is Rev. E. E. Brown ; the present mem- 
bership is 95 ; number of officers and teachers in the Sun- 
day-school, 13; scholars, 100; superintendent, Charles W. 
Hall. The present trustees of the society are E. Baird, E. 
B. Rhodes, Burton Blandon, and A. M. Philbrick ; deacons, 
E. B. Rhoades and W. E. IIa.skill ; church clerk, A. M. 
Philbrick. 

THE CHRI.Srt.VN CHITIICH OF nERJIO.N 

was first formed by Elder Spooner, in 1826, and in 1827 
we find it with a membership of 30. Elder Spooner was 
followed in the pastorale by Elders Peterson, Smith, Wood- 
ward, and Joseph Starkey, the latter iiaving served the 
church for the past forty years, excepting a short interval 
which was filled by Elders Worden, Saylcs, aod Warren. 



Among the early lay members were Messrs. Day, Reed, 
Cook, Carpenter, and Emons, and in later J'ears, Allen, 
Fisk, Barnet, and Smith. 

In 1859, a meeting-house was erected, which has since 
served the congregation. It is of wood, and located at 
Marshville. The records .show the names of 300 members, 
but death and removals have left the present membership 
at about 30. The present deacon is J. B. Smith ; clerk, 
Edmund Allen. 

THE UNIVERS.VLIST .SOCIETY 

was organized March 8, 1858, with ten members, namely, 
William Freeman, George A. Sheldon, Hubbard Risley, 
Rosalvo Healey and wife, A. P. Sherwin, Sacket Comstock, 
Charles Bisscll, Edward T. Chancy, and M. R. Folsom. 
The congregation meets in Seymour's hall, and have regu- 
lar worship there. The present pa.stor is Rev. F. S. Rice ; 
membership, 26. The Sunday-school has 8 officers and 
teachers, and 30 scholars ; Superintendent, Edward F. 
Chaney. The trustees of the society are Benjamin Clag- 
horn, John Westcott, and Henry W. Haile ; Clerk, Dr. 0. 
Bliss. The society contemplate erecting a house of worship 
as soon as possible. 

A CONGREG.\TION-\L CHURCH 

WRS organized in Hermon about the year 1835, and its 
members used to worship in White's school-house. Elder 
Eastman was the first regular pastor. Among the carl}- 
members of this society, which is now disbanded, were 
Wilkes Richardson and wife, Ezra Leonard and wife, John 
Matoon and wife, and others, most of whom subsequently 
affiliated with the Richville church, which most of those 
professing the Congregational faith now attend. 

EDUCATION.'iL AND STATISTICAL. 

The first school taught in this town was in the house of 
David McCollum, near the present village of Hermon, by 
William D. Moore, in the winter of 1817-18, and the fol- 
lowing winter a school was taught in the same place by 
Wesley McCollum. In 1826 a school was taught in the 
present village by jMi.ss Iliildah Wickerson, the maiu feature 
of interest being the primitive nature of the heating appa- 
ratus. It appears that an inverted potash-kettle, with a 
stove-pipe inserted in a hole through the bottom, was made 
to answer the purpose of a stove. The first school district 
organized in the town after its formation was district No. 1, 
formed on the 10th of June, 1830. It included quite an 
extensive territory, namely, " i'rom the southwest corner of 
lot 4; thence running south to the southeast corner of lot 
42 ; thence west to the southwest corner of lot 47 ; thence 
north to the town-line of De Kalb ; thence along the line 
to the corner of lots 17 and 8; thence along the road to 
the corner, near Smith R. Tucker's, at the corner lots 5, 6, 
12, and 13 ; thence east in the town-line to the place of 
beginning," The formation of other districts has matc- 
riiilly altered the above. The present number of school 
districts is 13; number of school-houses, 13; number of 
scholars, 029; number of teachers, 15; amount of State 
appropriation, S1558 ; amount raised by taxation, 61979 ; 
value of school property, S6000, The village of Hermon has 



440 



HlSTUllV OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a departmental school, with three teachei's, and is governed 
by a board of education. It was oru;aMi'/,cd Oct. IM, 1808, 
and tlie first board eonsi.sted of A. M. Spalding, Oiis Earle, 
Harris Bartholomew, W. W. Jlattesim, and Z. W. Bub- 
cock ; the present board is composed of E. B. Wliite, II. 
C. Main, Benjamin Cleghorn, John C. Gibbons, and W. 
W. Mattoson. 

The statistics of the village school arc included in tlujse 
of the town, as above given, but we divide them so as to 
show the relative statu.s of the town and village schools. 
Number of teachers, 3 ; number of scholars, 205 ; amount 
of State appropriation, $430 ; amount raised by taxation, 
$750 ; value of school property, ?520()(). The population 
of the town of Ilcrmon for each lustrum, from 1845 to 
1875 inclusive, has been as follows: in 1845, 1580; in 
1850, 1G90; in 1855, 1648; in 1800, ](;90 ; in 18()5, 
1667; in 1870, 1792; in 1875, 180G. 

We are under obligations to the following authority and 
persons for iidbrmation and a.ssistancc in the compilation of 
the above history of the town of Ilcrmon, namely, Dr. 
Hough's " History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties," 
Harry Tanner, the oldest pioneer, Ferdinand Richardson, 
C. C. Leonard, Noah Hamilton, Wm. tl. Dodge, A. M. 
Philbrick, J. J. Haile, town clerk, Dr. 0. Bliss, Wm. M. 
Soripter, A. F. Gates, John McCollum, John Gardner, 
Rosalvo Healey, H. B. Handin, Esq., Z. W. Babcock, A. 
A. Matteson, James Kelly, Asa Gardner, Thomas Thorn- 
hill, Wiers C. Fordham, Rev. J. B. McCullough, Elislia 
Burnham, and nianv others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



FERDINAND RICHARDSON. 

This gentleman com'es of a long line of distinguished 
ancestors, dating back in English history .several centuries 
and in the annals of American history for more than two 
hundred years. In the American branch of the family are 
included such men as Wm. A. Richardson, secretary of the 
treasury under President Grant, several soldiers and patriots, 
jurists, and other noted personages. 

Ferdinand Richardson was the third son in a family of 
nine children. His father, Wilkes Richardson, was born in 
Barre, Mass., in 1772; removed to Hermon in 1826, and was 
elected one of the first three assessore of that town at tlic 
first town-meeting, May 4, 1830. He died April 22, 1867. 
He was preceded to the grave by his wife, iMehitabIc, who 
died Dec. 24, 1863. 

The subject of our sketch was born at Champion, Jeffer- 
son Co., N. ¥., July 28, 1811. He moved with his father 
to Hermon in the .si)ring of 1826. On Oct. 28, 1834, he 
was united in marriage witli Louisa Matteson, who was 
born in Clarendon, Vt., Aug. 8, 1811, and removed with 
her parents to Rodman, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1822. 
They had no children of their own, but adopted the follow- 
ing: Chase, born July 3, 1836; married Emma Stevens; 



has two children, Albert and Allic Belle. Ida, born June 
4, 1864 ; now living at home ; attends school. 

Mr. Richardson placed his adopted son, Chase, on a 
fine farm of 150 acres, located near his own homestead. 
The daughter he is educating in a manner which .speaks 
well for the young lady's future. 

By occupation, Mr. Richardson is a farmer, and for many 
years held the position of deacon in the Congregational 
church of Richville (formerly of Hermon). He lia.s been 
assessor, justice of the peace, and always an important and 
wortiiy member of .society. His wife is a lady of kind 
heart and generous im])ulses, and, with her husband as a 
ready coadjutor in charitable enterprise, docs much good. 

An illu.<tration of the homestead, with portraits of Mr. 
and Mrs. Richardson and their daughter, adorn our pages 
elsewhere in this work. 



WILLIAM MANNING SCRIPTER, 

son of John Scripter, who was born in New England in 
1788, and settled on a farm in the town of Oswegatehie, 
at what is known as the " Vermont Settlement," in 1822, 
and there resided till his death, which occurred on Jan. 5, 
1831. The mother of William M., Elizabeth Haywood, 
was also of New England birth. 

William M. Scripter was the third child and second 
son of a family of eight children, — four sons and four 
daughters, — five of whom are now living, three in St. Law- 
rence County, one in Wisconsin, and one in Kansas. He 
was born in Massaciiusetts, Sept. 4, 1815. He spent his 
youth on his father's farm, and attended the common schools 
in O.swcgatchie. On Feb. 23, 1843, he was united in 
marriage with Tirzah G. Flack, of Lisbon, who was born 
in that town on April 23, 1815. Her parents, John and 
Tirzah Flack, were among the pioneers of Lisbon. Tlieir 
union has resulted in the following children, namely : 
Jlarion V., born Dec. 21, 1843, married William Hale, 
of De Kalb; William jM., born Jan. 2, 1846; Lavonia S., 
born March 24, 1847, married H. J. Richardson, of Her- 
mon; Oscar W., born Aug. 15, 1849, died March 6, 1852; 
Warren C, born Oct. 5, 1854, died Dec. 25, 1854; Tru- 
man F,, born Jan. 28, 1856, died April 1, same year. 

On attaining his majority, Mr. Scripter left his father's 
farm, and purchased a piece of woodland in Ileuvclton, 
from. which he took the timber. He continued to live on 
this land until after his marriage, when he removed to 
his present farm, which he had previously purchased from 
bis savings in 1842. It contained 60 acres, to which he 
has added by subsequent purchases adjoining tracts, until 
he now has a comfortable homestead of 230 acres, of which, 
with the substantial buildings thereon, an illustration, with 
portraits of Mr. and 3Irs. Scripter, can be seen elsewhere 
in this work. Whatever they possess is the fruits of their 
individual labor and economy. In politics, Mr. Scripter is 
a licpublican. to which parly he has belonged since he be- 
came a voter. He never sought political preferment. 
Religiously, he believes in universal .salvation. His wife 
was a member of the Presbyterian church at the time of 




rcHDiNAND Richardson 



Mks. Ferdinand Hichardson. 



IDA RlCHAffDSON. 




RES. or FEROWAND R/CHARDSON.Hermon, Sr.iAwsfNCf Co.W.r 



HISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



441 



her marriage, and leans towards the doctrines of that faith 
at present. 

Mr. Soriptor is a good, px'actical fanner, and an accommo- 
datini; neiglibor, and a man of general good character. 
As such, he enjoys the respect of the community in which 
he resides. 



THOMAS THORNHILL 

was the third son of a family of six children of John and 
Mary Tliornhill, of Lincolnshire, England, of which family 
he is the sole survivor. He was born in the town of Lud- 
dington, Lincolnshire, England, June 9, 1803. He spent 




THOMAS THORNHILL. 

his youth on his father's farm, in his native town, and at- 
tended the national school of Luddington. In 1823 he 
married Sarah Backus, of Appleby, in the .same shire, and 
remained in England until he arrived at his twenty-seventh 
year. His marriage resulted in two children, namely, 
Mary, born in England, June 14, 1827, died in Hermon 
in 1867 ; Hannah, born in Be Peyster, Sept. 21, 1832, 
married R. U. Silsby, of Stockholm. His wife died in 
Ogdensburg in September, 1833. On the 19th of April, 
1834, he married Sarah Bean, of Oswegatchie, but formerly 
of England, by whom he had the following offspring, 
namely : Thomas, born June 14, 1835 ; Harriet, born April 
25, 1837, married Lorenzo Monroe, of Worth, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., died April 27, 1875 ; John, born Nov. 25, 1839 ; 
Sarah, born April 18, 1842, married John Holder, of Fine, 
died Oct. 6, 1865; Albert, born May 11, 1844; Henry, 
born Jan. 3, 1848, died Feb. 20, 1848 ; Annette, born Aug. 
6, 1849, married Judson Dewell, of Hermon ; Emma J., 
born Nov. 13, 1851, married Stanley Pickard, of Hermon. 
56 



In 1830, Mr. Thornhill came to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
and leased a farm in the town of Oswegatchie, where he 
remained until 1835, when he removed to Hermon and 
settled on the farm upon which he now resides. It then 
consisted of seventy-seven acres of timbered land, which 
he cleared up himself, and has by various purchases added 
thereto until he now owns two hundred and thirty acres of 
well-improved land in a body, and has also other lands 
amounting to seventy-six acres. Wiien he commenced he 
had no capital but his health, industry, and ambition, which 
he rightfully utilized, with the present gratifying results. 
In fact he was a little in debt when he commenced, but is 
in quite comfortable circumstances. His farm is a fine 
one, while his residence and buildings arc substantial. 

In politics, Mr. Thornhill is a Republican, having joined 
that party at its organization. He served as commissioner 
of highways in his town for two terms. In religious senti- 
ment he is a Methodist, but not in communion with any 
church. He is a man of unblemished character, of a public- 
spirited disposition, and enjoys the respect of the commu- 
nity in which he resides. 



HENRY GALE 



was born in Houndsfiold, Jefferson Co., Nov. 21, 1819. He 
was the fil'th .son in a family of six children, three of whom 
are now living. His father, Nehemiahjjyle, a descendant 
of Solomon Gale, was born in Sutton, Vt., Aug. 24, 1788, 
and settled in Champion, Jefferson Co., N. Y., at the com- 
mencement of the War of 1812. He soon enlisted in the 
United States service, and was engaged in frontier service 
at Sacket's Harbor, and was also in the attack made on 
Prescott. At the close of the war he settled in Hounds- 
field, and in 1829 removed to Le Ray, where he died June 
9, 1844, in his fifty-sixth year. Henry was ten years of 
age when his father removed to Le Ray. Here he spent 
his youth on the farm and in the common schools, except 
the last two years, during which he attended the academy 
at Evans' Mills. On Jan. 12, 1848, he married Miss 
Edith R. Grifiin, of Pamelia, Jefferson Co. The result of 
this union was Lucy A., born May 8, 1849, married J. W. 
Cleghorn, of Hermon, died Oct. 30, 1875 ; Alonzo D., 
born June 30, 1851, died Jan. 10, 1863 ; and Henry P., 
born Dec. 13, 1859. 

After his marriage, Mr. Gale settled in Canton, St. Law- 
rence Co., on a farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres of 
partially cleared land. Here he remained till the spring of 
1855, when he sold his farm and removed to the village of 
Hermon, where he has since resided. 

In early life he was a Whig, but joined the Republicans 
upon the formation of that party. He has filled the oflSce 
of assessor of his town for seventeen years, and has been 
elected justice of the jieace for four years. As a citizen 
and neighbor, Mr. G. is honored and respected by all who 
know him. 



EDWARDS. 



In Great Tract No. 3, of Macomb's purchase, one of the 
fifteen townships iiitu which it was divided received the 
name of Edwards, in honor of Edward McConuick, a 
hrothcu- of Daniel JMcCoruiick, tlie proprietor to whom the 
township was assigned in the division. The township 
(nnni))erod 8 of the tract) was a scjuare, of which the four 
boundary lines indicated the cardinal points of the compass. 

The survey-townships which adjoined it were, Fitzwilliam 
on the north, Sarahsburg on the east, Portaferry on the 
south, and Killarney on the west. The first named of 
these is now Hermon, and the last is Fowler. Sarahsburg 
is divided between Russell and Fine, and Portaferry is the 
town of Pitcairn ; while Edwards retains the name and 
(excepting a small extension at the northeast corner) the 
original boundaries of the township. 

The main branch of the Oswegatchie enters at the south- 
east, from Fine, and flows through the town for a distance 
of more than ten miles; first in a northwesterly course past 
the villages of South Edwards and Edwards, and then, after 
doubling upon itself in one of the abrupt bonds for which 
this stream is so remarkable, it turns at nearly a right angle 
and passes out across the west line, after receiving the waters 
of the south branch, which comes down from Fullerville, 
entering Edwards only a half-mile above the confluence. 
In the southwestern part of the town are Bonner, Beaver, 
Mud, and Clear lakes, out of which flow small affluents of 
the Oswegatchie ; and on the Hermon line, partly in Ed- 
wards, is Cedar lake, which sends its tribute to Grasse 
river. 

In the best parts, along the river and the branches of 
Elm creek, the surface is rolling, but elsewhere it becomes 
more rugged and broken ; and in the northwestern and 
southwestern sections there are vast uninhabited areas, 
which have never been considered eligible for settlement. 

The township was patented to McCormick in March, 
1795. It was surveyed in 1806, by Reuben Ashman, of 
Russell. McCormick transferred it to Joseph Pitcairn 
about 1816. Mr. Pitcairn died in the summer of 1844, 
befjueathing his interest in these lands to Alexander 0. 
Brodic. It was under the proprietorship of Mr. Pitcairn 
that the settlement of Edwards wa.s chiefly made, though 
commenced under that of McCormick. 

THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

Before any white man's habitatimi had been built in 
Edwards, the Russell turnpike was laid out across its terri- 
tory; and it was tlie construction of this road which brought 
the township into notice, and hastened its settlement. The 
original route of this highway crossed the west branch of 
the Oswegatchie, about three-fourths of a mile below where 
442 



Fullerville now is, and running thence in a TiortheastiTly 
course, crossed the island and the two channels of the main 
river at the present site of Edwards village. The section 
embracing Edwards was built by Enos Chapin, contractur, 
who commenced the work in 1810, and completed it in 
1812. In January of the last-named year, Asa Brayton, 
the first settler, brought his family to the town and settled 
on the south side of the new road, near where it crosses the 
creek, about midway between the two branches of the Os- 
wegatchie. During that season and the following winter, 
three families named Johnson, and those of Guy Earl, 
Samuel Jones, John Britton, Joseph JI. Bonner, Elijah 
Jones, and some others, located and built dwellings. Among 
those who came at that time was a Mr. Partridge, whose 
residence here was destined to be but short, for he was 
killed by the falling of a beam, at the raising of a building, 
in 1813. This was the first death among the settlers, 
though it is said that a Mr. Shipman had died in the town- 
ship two years before, while engaged in the construction of 
the turnpike. The first birth in the settlenietit occurred 
in the fall of 1812. The child was a son of Asa Brayton, 
and was named John B. He is now living in the village 
of Fullerville. The first marriage of which there is record 
was that of George Allen and Sally Chapin, in 1821. 

In 1813, Orra Shead came in from Russell and com- 
menced preparations for the erection of a grist-mill, which was 
completed the following year, and was a great acquisition to 
the settlers. It was located on the east bank of the river, 
where the turnpike crossed it. Five years later he built a 
saw-mill just below this, on the spot now occupied by the 
Rushton saw-mill at Edwards village. These were the first 
mills in the township. 

About 1816, Phineas Attwater became Mr. Pit cairn's 
agent for the sale of lands and the promotion of settlements, 
being the first who acted in that capacity for the proprietors. 
In 1819 he was succeeded by George Allen, who came in at 
that time and located at Shead's mills. 

In 1818 and ISl'J, Edwards received a considerable ac- 
cession by the arrival of a number of Scotch immigrants, 
who settled chiefly in the north and northeastern portions 
of the townsiiip. Among these were James Grieve, Robert 
Watson, John Whitehead, Alexander Noble, William 
Andrew, Alexandt'r Kerr, James Wilson, Alexander Laid- 
law, William Clelaiid, and Ivobert Brown. The two last 
named are still living in the town, at very advanced age, but 
the others have passed away, Mr. Grieve having died during 
the present year (1877). 

From 1819-20 the increase was quite rapid, but the 
settlements were confined almost exclusively to the vicinity 
of the river and the line of the Russell turnpike, — a pe- 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



443 



culiar feature which has been noticeable in Etlwaids until 
the present time. In fifteen years from the entrance of the 
first settler the population had become sufiicicnit to accom- 
plish a separation from the parent town of Fowler. 

TOWN OKGANIZ.VTION — LIMITS — OFFICERS, ETC. 

By act of lei^'islaturc, passed April 7, 1827, Edwards was 
erected a town " comprisinu: the original township of Fitz- 
william and Edward,s, formerly included in the town of 
Fowler, in the county of St. Lawrence." At the first an- 
nual meeting, hold at the house of William Martin, May 
1, 1827, the following-named officers were elected: Orra 
Shead, supervisor ; John C. Haile, town clerk ; James C. 
Haile, Asa Brayton, Jr., and William Tcall, assessors; Ros- 
well Lillie, Arba Collistor, Peleg Ilaile, commissioners of 
highways; Warren Strceter, Guy Earl, overseers of the 
poor. 

By the erection of the town of Depcau (afterwards named 
Hcrmon), April 17, 1830, the township of Fitzwilliam was 
taken from Edwards, thus leaving the boundaries of the 
town identical with those of survey-township No. 8 ; and 
so they continued until November 17, 18.52, when, by act 
of the board of supervisors, a rectangular block of land, 
embracing subdivision lots Nos. 32 to 37 of the Ashman 
survey, was taken from Hermon, and added to Edwards, 
upon the north line, and at the northeast corner of the town, 
thus establishing its present limits. 

The oflJce of supervisor of Edwards, from the time of its 
organization until the present, has been filled by the follow- 
ing persons, viz. : Orra Shead, 1827-28, 1830, '31, '32, '33 ; 
Wm. Teall, 1829 ; Hubbard Goodrich, 1834-35 ; John C. 
Haile, 1836 to 1840, inclusive; J. B. Pickit, 1841-42, 
and 1850; Ingraham Winslow, 1843, '44, '45, and 1848; 
James Noble, 1846-47 ; Elijah Shaw, 1849 and 1851 ; 
Horace Barnes, 1852; Mark W. Si)aulding, 1853-54; 
Joseph Brodie, 1855, '56, '57, '60, and '68 ; George Smith, 
1858-59, 1869, and 1870; Thomas Todd, 1861-62; 
Henry Rushton, 1863, '64, '65 ; L. M. Gardiner, 1866-67 ; 
Cornelius Carter, 1871 to 1877, inclusive. Other town 
officers for 1877 arc Cornelius Carter, Ira A. Hammond, 
Charles Murray, and C. K. Raymond, justices of the peace; 
John Cousins, town clerk ; Charles H. Brown, assessor ; 
William Grant, collector; J. McFerran, highway com- 
missioner ; J. H. Winslow, Alexander Kerr, overseers of 
the poor ; Henry Webb, B. F. Noble, David Noble, board 
of audit ; Amos Newton, A. P. Sherwin, K. McCollum, 
board of excise. 

VILLAGE.S AND SETTLEMENTS. 

The erection of Orra Shead's grLst-niill, in 1814, was the 
commencement of the village of Edwards. The site was 
the most eligible in the township, for it possessed not only 
the advantage of the great highway, but also of the ample 
water-power of the Oswegatchie at that point. In a new 
settlement every one is compelled to visit the grist-mill, 
and thus its vicinity becomes a proper point i'or the estab- 
lishment of trade ; and this was the case at Shead's, where 
a store was opened soon after. Then came the building of 
the saw-mill, and, in the same year (1819), the arrival of 
Mr. Pituairn's agent, George Allen, who established here 



his residence and the land-office ; all uf wliich materially 
augmented the importance of the place. 

Tiie first store — a small establishment — was started b}' 
Mr. Shead, who was also the first postmaster, appointed at 
the establishment of the Edwards office, Jan. 4, 1828. 

One of the most enterprising men of the early days in 
Edwards was William Martin, who opened the second 
store, the first hotel, and also a distillery, at the northeast 
end of the present village. The next store was opened by 
J. B. Picket. The second public-house (and the principal 
one in Edwards until the erection of the present fine hotel) 
was opened by Nathan Hunt, on the island, where it is 
still standing, though no longer open to the public. After 
Hunt, it was kept by J. B. Picket, Horace Barnes, W. 
A. Livingston, S. M. Farmer, Earle & Allen, and others. 
For many years after the opening of this house the Lsland 
contained a great part of the business of the place, 
and there were many who believed that this advantage 
would be permanent ; but it became evident that the space 
here was too circumscribed, and so the population and in- 
dustries of the village gradually established themselves on 
its present proper and natural site. It now contains more 
than 400 inhabitants, and is the centre of a prosperous 
local business. Its hotel, the Rushton House, standing 
upon the main street, is one of the largest and most costly 
public-hou.ses in the county. It was built about 1860, by 
Henry Rushton, and its first landlord was E. E. Brand. It 
afterwards passed to the proprietorship of George Converse, 

whose successors have been Baker, John Cole, and 

William Burlingame. 

The mill, standing on the east bank of the river, and now 
operated by Padgot & Co. as a planing-mill and sash-, door-, 
and blind-factory, was built and put in operation by Henry 
Rushton, as a grist-mill, a successor to the old Shead mill, 
which stood a short distance above it. It is still owned by 
Mr. Rushton. The saw-mill and shingle-mill adjacent to 
the above-mentioned is also owned by Mr. Rushton. This is 
the successor (and stands upon the site) of the Shead saw- 
mill, built in 1819. The new and excellent grist-mill, with 
four run of burrs, standing upon the island, and taking its 
power from the western channel of the river, was built 
about five years since, by Mr. Rushton, who is its proprie- 
tor at the present time. The tannery of Gilbert & Co. is 
upon the west side of the river, opposite the island. It 
was built and put in operation by Gilbert & Carr, in 1864. 
In 1871 it was rented to Rice & Emery, of Boston, Mass., 
and by them operated until 1874. It is not now in 
operation. 

Besides the business above mentioned, the village con- 
tains four stores (including drugs), one hardware- and tin- 
store, two harness and saddlery, two blacksmith-shops, and 
one wagon- and cabinet-shop. The checsc-flictory, the 
scliool-houso, and the church we notice elsewhere. 

South Edwards village is near the southeast corner of 
the town, upon the main Oswegatchie, five miles above Ed- 
wards. The first settler here was Job Win.slow, who, 
having explored the locality in 1823 and noted the advan- 
,tages offered by the immense water-power of the river at 
this point, purchased the land around the falls, removed his 
family here from Pot.sdam in 1824, and erected a .saw-mill. 



444 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the following year he also built a grist-mill, and these 
became the nucleus of a village. The .succes.sors of Wins- 
low in the ownership of these mills were John Austin and 

Pasco Whitford, from wlioni the projwM-ty passed to 

Woodbury, then to Almeron Thomas, tluMi to Spaulding 
& Pratt, and was burned about 1850. It was rebuilt in an 
excellent manner by Chester Van Oniuni, but was again 
destroyed by fire a few years since. The first merchant was 
Elijah Shaw, who, with his brother Noah, came in 1825. 
Elijah soon became the most influential man in the settle- 
ment, which received on this account the name of Shaw- 
ville, by which it is still known. Shaw afterwards took a 
Mr. Sears as partner, and they engaged in the manufacture 
of potash and other business outside of the store. Then 
Sears purchased Shaw's interest, and the latter retired to 
his farm, a little north of the village. Sears afterwards re- 
moved to Canton, and the business passed to other hands. 

The post-office of South Edwards was established under 
John Quincy Adam.s' administration, Sept. 16, 1828, 
through the influence of Judge Fine, of Ogdensburg. The 
first postmaster was James C. Haile. Among his immedi- 
ate successors was Roswell Lillie, under whom the oflice 
was for a time kept at the Pond settlement instead of Shaw- 
ville. Afterwards the appointment was held by Abraham 
Van Ornum. The present postmaster is Ira A. Hammond. 

A carding-mill and clothiery was built at an early day by 
Ingraham Winslow. In the course of events its business 
died and the machinery was removed, after which the 
building was destroyed by fire. The hotel was built by 
IMr. Woodbury, the successor of Austin & Whitford in 
the store. In 1871, Messrs. Dickinson & Lawrence, of 
Bangor, Franklin county, built and put in operation here a 
mill for the manufacture of potato-starch, which is still in 
operation under the same proprietors. Its annual consump- 
tion of potatoes is over 30,000 bushels. Besides this fac- 
tory, the post-oflSce, and the hotel above mentioned. South 
Edwards contains a saw-mill, by Jonathan Hendricks, the 
grist-mill of G. & E. Lumley, one store, and two or three 
mechanics' shops. As a village its importance has decreased 
in the past twenty-five years. 

On the main river, four miles by its course below Ed- 
wards, is a point which'was once known as the village of 
Freemansburgh, a name received fi-om Capt. Alfred Freeman, 
who erected a furnace there in 1830. It was operated on 
ores from the Little York ore-bed, and also on those from 
the Kearney mine, with bog-ores obtained in Edwards. In 
1843 a forge was added for the manufiicture of blooms, but 
was not continued in operation for more than three years. 
A store was also opened by Capt. Freeman in connection 
with his works. The furnace was destroyed by fire in 
1847, and since that time no business of any kind has been 
done at this place. It is still the residence of Geo. W. 
Freeman, a son of the proprietor of the iron-works. 

The Scotch settlement, or " Scotland," is a locality in the 
northeast part of the town, peopled by the thrifty de- 
scendants of the Scotch immigrants of 1818. The " Creek 
settlement" is a neighborhood located about two and a half 
miles southeast of Edwards village, on the road to South 
Edwards and Fine. The " Pond settlement" is in the 
southeast part of the town, along the Pitcairn road. Con- 



stant Wells was one of the earliest settlers in this vicinity, 
he having settled here as early as 1823. 

MASONIC. 

Wildwood Lodge, No. 477, F. and A. M.,was organized 
July 6, 1859. The officers under the charter were Amos 
Newton, W. M. ; Otis Earle, S. W. ; Joseph Brodio, J. W. 
The present membership is sixty-two. The officers for 
1877 are James H. Winslow, W. M. ; Amos Newton, S. 
W. ; Alva P. Brown, J. W. ; Harvey Woolever, Treas. ; 
Charles Brown, Sec. ; William Grant, S. D. ; Henry AVebb, 
J. D. ; Cyrus Cleveland and Percival H. Brown, Masters 
of Ceremonies. The lodge meets in Masonic Hall, Kdwards 
village. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The only dedicated house of worship in the town of 
Edwards is the Union church in Edwards village, which 
was erected in 1850, at a cost of $1000, by Methodists, 
Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Universalists, 
by whom it is owned at the present time. It is open to 
all denominations of Christians. 

The earliest worship in ICdwards was by the Methodists, 
their first services having been held in 1819 by Rev. Elijah 
Morgan, a local preacher of the town of Russell. Their 
first class, consisting of five persons, was formed by Rev. 
Ezra Healey, at the " Creek settlement," in 1823. The 
first class-leader was Neheraiah Payne. Their first preach- 
ing was by Rev. E. Morgan. Rev. Hiram May came in 

1825, and was succeeded by Rev. Godfrey Barney. The 
class at Edwards village was formed by Rev. E. Morgan in 

1826, with Asa Brayton as first class-leader. Henry New- 
ton was made leader of this class in 1831, and so continued 
until his death, in 1855. In 1831, Rev. Nathan Crai-y was 
their preacher, and was succeeded by Revs. Lyndon King 
and James Erwin in 1832 and 1833. 

The records of the church were destroyed by the burning 
of their parsonage in 1852, and on this account the names 
and time of service of the diflferent ministers cannot be 
given with absolute accuracy ; but among those who have 
served this church since 1833 maj' be mentioned the Revs. 
John Wallace, Reuben Reynolds, H. Shepherd, L. L. Ad- 
kins, Ora Squires, J. W. Armstrong, Jesse Penfield, L. D. 
Stebbins, A. E. Munson, Benjamin S. Wright, Herbert 

Graves, S. Slater, Woodruff, J. C. Vandereook, Beuj. 

Paddock, E. E. Kellogg, Richey, Zimmerman, 

B. E. Whipple, and D. Simmons. The present pastor is 
Rev. Henry Ernst. Their early meetings were held in 
school-houses, dwellings, and sometimes in barns ; but since 
the erection of the Union church this has been their regu- 
lar place of worship. At South Edwards their meetings 
are held in public school-house No. 4. The present mem- 
bership is about 50. A Sabbath-school was established in 
1831, with Jacob Green as superintendent, and this has 
lived and pro.spered until the present time. 

The Baptist church in Edwards was organized in Jan- 
uary, 1822. Among the few original members were Aaron 
Pratt, Silas Pratt, and William Pratt, and their wives. 
One of their first preachers was Elder Stephens, and others 
following him were Elders E. J. Davis, H. Maine, R. Jones, 
and S. Maltby. Tiicir present pastor is Rev. H. C. Dike, 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



445 



who commenced to serve them Jan. 1, 1866. Like the 
Sletliodists, they held their meetings in rcsidonce.s and 
school-houses for more than a quarter of a century, until 
the erection of the Union church, whidi has since been 
their place of worship. At South Edwards their meetings 
are held in school-house No. 4. 

THE UNIVERS.iLIST SOCIETY. 

Universalism was preached only a few times in the 
school-houses, by Rev. 0. Wilcox, Rev. G. Swan, and Rev. 
Mr. Hickock, before the erection of the Union church in 
1850. This church was owned by the four societies, — 
Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Universalist, — as 
above named. Rev. G. Swan preached the sermon in be- 
half of the Universalists at its dedication. Among the 
Universalists who aided in building the church, and in 
maintaining meetings in it, were James Wilson (2d), 
Alfred Freeman, John C. Haile, Joel White, Guy Earle, 
William Robinson, Joseph Brodie, Harvey Woolever, 
Horace Barnes, Roswell Lillie, Asa P. Brayton, Albert 
White, Geo. W. Freeman, John Rushton, Henry Rushton, 
J. B. Picket, and Otis Earle. The ministers who have 
preached here since the church was erected are Rev. G. 
Swan, Rev. G. S. Abbott (12 years), Rev. J. T. Good- 
rich, and Rev. Prof J. S. Lee, D.D. (13 years), who is still 
supplying. The theological students of Canton have also 
occasionally supplied. The society numbers some 20 
families. 

A Union Sunday-school has been kept up for many 
years. Universalists, instead of maintaining a school of 
their own, have joined with this, and supplied it with 
scholars and teachers. 

The Presbyterian sentiment was brought in by the 
Scotch settlers, and was formerly very strong in the town. 
The " First Congregational Church and Society in Ed- 
wards," an organization composed of Presbyterian and Con- 
gregationalist members, was formed May 10, 1828, with 
Robert Brown, Levi W. Gleason, of Pitcairn, Robert Wat- 
son, Calvin Phelps, John Whitehead, Arba Collister, and 
Orra Sheud, trustees. One of the deacons was Constant 
Wells, now living in Pitcairn. From 1830 to 1837 they 
were very flourishing in point of numbers. In 1852 they 
had diminished to 18. At present they have neither or- 
ganization nor worship in the town. 

The Christian church was organized in South Edwards 
in 1827, under Rev. Isaac Banister, who remained their 
pi).stor until his death in January, 1852. At that time the 
society numbered more than 25 members, but it has .since 
disintegrated, and cea.sed to maintain pul;lic worshijj. 

BlIRIAL-l'LACE.S. 

The most ancient of the burial-grounds in Edwards was 
located upon a spot nearly opposite where the church now 
stands in the village. This has long since been removed. 
A later ground was established near the river, below the 
main street, and is the present place of burial for Edwards 
village and vicinity. The " Edwards cemetery association," 
an unincorporated body of citizens, enlarged this cemetery 
by the purchase of additional ground in 187C, and it is to 



be improved and beautified in accordance witii the modern 
ideas of cemetery adornment. 

The " Pond settlement burial-ground," in the south part 
of the town, near the Pitcairn line, was coninieiiccd as early 
as 1825, and contains the ashes of many of the old settlers 
of that section. The " Harmon burying-grouud," in the 
Creek neighborhood, the '' Gates burying-ground," on the 
Pitcairn road, in the southeast part of the town, and the 
grave-yard on the elevation a little north of South Edwards 
village, are of somewhat more recent date, but have become 
quite populous. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was taught in a log 
house at Shead's settlement, about 1814. A few years 
later a stone school-hou.se was built, which at the time was 
regarded as exceptionally excellent and commodious. It may 
still be seen standing on the southeast side of the main 
street in Edwards, but has long since ceased to shelter ped- 
agogue and pupil. 

From the first, the inhabitants of Edwards evinced a 
rather unusual spirit of liberality in the provision made for 
the support of schools. At their first annual meeting it 
was " resolved, that the town raise all the school money for 
the support of common schools that they can lawfully." 
At the same meeting James C. Haile, Asa Phelps, and 
Wilkes Richardson were elected commissioners, and John 
C. Haile, George Allen, and William Teall, inspectors of 
common schools, these being the first school ofiicers of the 
town. In 1839 it was voted to raise for schools " as much 
as the law will allow," and this vote was repeated at each 
annual meeting for many years ; but is thought by some 
residents in the town that in the later years this liberal 
spirit has experienced a material diminution. 

For the school year ending Sept. 30, 1877, the number 
of children of school age in the town was shown to be 418, 
and the total average daily attendance at school 188.77. The 
amount of public school money apportioned to the town 
was $993.62. The number of school districts is 9. Both 
male and female teachers are employed, but the latter pre- 
ponderate. The highest salary paid is $00 per month, and 
the wages paid to female teachers range from $3.50 to $7 
per week. District No. 1 (Edwards village) owns an ex- 
cellent school-house, erected a few years since at a cost of 
about $2500. 

AGEICULTCRE. 

The town of Edwards contains 38,583 acres, but its area 
of cultivated land is comparatively small. The methods 
pursued by the farmers in their vocation difier but little 
from those employed by their brethren in the other elevated 
portions of the county. The production of grain is not 
great, while that of fruit is still less ; and if more attention 
is given to the cultivation of the potato here than in many 
sections, it is because of the demand created by the manu- 
facture of starch within the town. The ordinary crops are 
produced to a limited extent for home consumption, but 
the source of revenue most relied on by the farmers is the 
manufacture of cheese, which is here a rapidly-growing in- 
dustry, though there aw as yet but two factories in Ed- 
wards. 'J'hese are the North l"]dwards eiiecse-factory, in 



-146 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



tlie northeast corner of the town, carried on by Mr. Mott, 
iuid having a patronage of about 350 cows, and the factory 
owned and operated by Joliii I). Kingsbury, at Edwards 
vilhige, which takes the pro<hict of about 750 cows. 

Tlie Patrons of llusbanchy liavc no organization in the 
town. 

POPULATION. 

The population of Edwards tlirce years after its erection 
as a town was 633. In 1835 it had increased to 739. In 



1840 it was 95G ; in 1845, 1064 ; in 1850, 1023 ; in 1855, 
1180; in 1860, 1287; in 1865, 1180; in 1870, 1076; 
and in 1S75, 1094, 

We are under oliligations to the following: Hon. E. W. 
Abbott, Gouverneur ; Dr. B. F. Drury, Gouverneur ; Hon. 
Cornelius Carter, Esq., and John Newton, Edwards ; Rev. 
H. C. Dike, Diana, Lewis Co. ; Rev. J. S. Lee, Canton ; 
Constant Wells, Pitcairn. 



PINE. 



This town lies in the extreme southwestern corner of St. 
Lawrence County, against Herkimer and Lewis, the towns 
of Pitcairn and Edwards adjoining it on the west, and Rus- 
sell and Pierrepont forming its northern boundary. Its 
territory was included in Great Tract No. 3, of Macomb's 
purcha.sc, embracing the entire survey-townships of Scriba,* 
Bloomfield, and Emilyville,| and the southern half of Sarahs- 
burg. Various proprietors succeeded Macomb, and among 
these were William H. Avcrell, of Otsego, Frederick De 
Peyster, of New York city, and Hon. John Fine, of Og- 
densburg, who, associated in partnership, became purchasers 
of the eastern half of the township of Scriba, then an un- 
broken forest, which bore no mark of civilization, and 
through which there echoed no sound but the weird voices 
of the wilderness and the monotone of the tumbling Oswe- 
gatohie. 

The object of these proprietors was, of course, to promote 
settlements on their tract ; and, on the 24th of October, 
1823, they effected a contract with Elia.s Teall, in pur- 
suance of which the latter entered upon the land at a point 
on the south side of the Oswcgatchie, above the mouth of 
Little river, and near the east line of Scriba, where he 
made a clearing and erected a rude mill. This bold com- 
mencement had the natural efl'ect to attract other immi- 
grants, and for a time it seemed as if the foundation of a 
permanent settlement had been laid ; but they soon sick- 
ened of their remote and isolated location, and one by one 
they abandoned their meagre improvements to seek other 
and more congenial homes. After a time Teall himself fol- 
lowed their example, and the mill, the cabins, and the clear- 
ings were left silent and desolate in the solitude of the 
woods. 

Five years after Teall's entrance upon the tract James 
C. Haile, of Edwards, made a similar contract with the pro- 
prietors (Sept. 6, 1828), under which he erected a saw-mill 
on the main river, and built a house and barn. He also 
soon after built a small grist-mill, with a single run of 
stones, made from the rock of the vicinity, but without bolt 
or equipment for flouring, which indeed was hardly neces- 



* Named in honor of George Scriba. 

t Named for Emily, daughter of William Constable. 



sary, as the settlers who followed him raised little or no 
wheat, depending for food wholly on their small patches of 
Indian corn and potatoes, and upon the wild game, which 
was abundant and easily taken. Very little thrift or enter- 
prise were exhibited by these settlers, and there seemed to 
be little in their surrounding circumstances calculated to 
develop these traits. This second attempt at settlement 
proved not much longer lived than its predecessor, and, in 
May, 1833, 4 years and 8 months after his commence- 
ment, Mr. Haile, having been already deserted by his fel- 
low-settlers, turned his back upon the place, and left it 
again deserted. 

AmasaJ. Brown, afterwards a well-known citizen of Fine, 
was undismayed by the two preceding failures, and on the 
28th of March, 1834, removed with his family to the clear- 
ing and buildings vacated by Haile, he having purchased 
these improvements and an additional tract of land from 
Averell, Fine & Co., and being constituted by them their 
resident agent for the sale of their lands and the promotion 
of settlements. More than 10 miles of pathless forest in- 
tervened between him and his nearest neighbor at the 
Shaw settlement in Edwards, and he must have possessed a 
resolute spirit to plant himself there upon a .sjiot marked 
only by failure and disaster. But before the summer came 
a Mr. Luther had settled near him ; and during the suc- 
ceeding autumn about 20 others had contracted fur lands 
in the neighborhood, of whom two came on immediately, 
making a community of 4 families, who remained there 
through the winter of 1834-35. Several of the purcha.«ers 
of the jireceding year came in the spring of 1835, and it 
appeared as if at last a permanent and prosperous settlement 
had been founded ; but the season proved unpropitious. the 
scanty crops planted by the new-comers turned out badly, 
and these discouragements, augmented by the severity of 
the succeeding winter, caused some to abandon their im- 
provements, so that in the summer of 1836 only 3 families 
remained in the township, these being Amasa I. Brown, his 
nephew Amasa Brown, and George Robinson, all living in 
the vicinity of the place where Haile had located in 1828. 
From this time the number of settlers slowly increased, and 
there was no subsequent general abandonment. In due 
time a road or track of some sort was cut through along the 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



447 



valley nf the river to Shawville (now South Edwards), and 
by 1843 there were in the present limits of the town some 
45 voters, besides several male adults of foreign birth who 
were not naturalized. 

The population having thus increased, the project of 
separate town organization was agitated, and a petition to 
that effect was presented in 1843, but refused. In the fol- 
lowing year it wa.s again petitioned for, and this time suc- 
cessfully. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

The town of Fine, embracing the territory within its 
present boundaries, was erected by act of the legislature 
on the 27 th of IMarch, 1844. It was partitioned from the 
towns of Russell and Pierrepont, and received its name in 
honor of Judge Fine, before mentioned as one of its prin- 
cipal land proprietors. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Charles 
Scott, June 18, 1844, and resulted in the election of the 
following officers, namely, Amasa I. Brown, supervisor ; Jo- 
seph M. Beckwith, town clerk; James Marsh, J. M. Beck- 
with, and Elijah C. Hill, assessors ; Amasa I. Brown, 
Joseph M. Beckwith, and Elijah C. Hill, justices of the 
peace; John K. Ward, collector; William H. Perkins, 
John Marsh, and George Young, commissioners of high- 
ways. 

SUCCEEDING OFFICERS — TOWN-iMEETINUS. 

Following are the names of the persons who have held 
the oflSce of supervisor in Fine, and the dates of their 
election: Amasa I. Brown, 1844-45, 1849, and 1851; 
Daniel Truax, 1846-47-48, 1850, 1852, and 1853 ; Michael 
Griffin, 1854; William P. Smith, 1855 to 1860, inclusive; 
Joseph Anderson, 1861 to 18G7, inclusive; H. E. Ander- 
son, 1868-69; F. L. Whittier, 1870-71-72; and Archi- 
bald Muir, 1873 to 1877, inclusive. The other town 
officers for 1877 are J. H. Church, town clerk ; L. L. Gay, 
P. L. Whittier, and Charles Williams, assessors ; William 
Muir, commissioner of highways ; J. H. Church, Eliakim 
Pickett, Myron Brown, and Marcus 0. Carr, justices of 
peace ; Eliakim Pickett, overseer of the poor ; David A. 
French, collector ; P]. H. Dowling, Thomas Miller, and 
Charles I. Colby, board of audit. 

The town-meetings and general elections in Fine were 
for years held at the house of Charles Scott. The town 
has never erected a hall for this use, and the meetings have 
continued to be held at the hotel until the present time. 

SMITHVILLE, 

the only village in Fine, has usually been designated as 
Smithville, from William P. i?mith, one of its earliest citi- 
zens. Another name which has sometimes been applied to 
it is that of Andersonville, but its post-office bears the 
name of the town. Its location is five miles southeasterly 
from South Edwards, upon the north side of the Oswe- 
gatchie, and its main street is nearly, if not exactly, on the 
old township line between Scriba and Sarahsburg. 

The first improvement here was a saw-mill erected by 
William Hosford, upon the Oswegatchie, at the extreme 
easterly end of the present village. In 1853 this passed 
into possession of William P. Smith, who also opened a 



store adjacent to it. It] this store was located the first and 
only post-office of the town, established in 1853, with 
Mr. Smith as first postmaster. His successors have been 
Stowell Brigham, Benjamin C. Brown, Marcus O. Carr, 
William H. Bradt, and Edwin H. Dowling, the present 
incumbent. The location of the office is now a considerable 
distance farther down the river, in the central ]iart of the 
village. The old saw-mill erected by Hosford was rebuilt 
about 1873, and is now owned by Nelson Mabie. 

The first building erected in what is now the business 
part of the village was the dwelling-house at present 
occupied by Nelson Mabie. This was built in 1855 by 
Marcus 0. Carr, Esq., who came from Russell, and located 
here as the agent of Messrs. Spalding & Butterfield, pro- 
prietors of a large amount of land in Fine, originally 
belonging to the Pitcairn, or Brodie, tract, but by them 
purchased from Oliver A. Morse, of Otsego county. The 
Brodie lands were sold about 1868 to John H. Gilbert & 
Co., of Otsego, who are the present owners. 

The next improvement in the village was a saw-mill and 
manufactory of boat-oars, started by Spencer, Anderson & 
Co., in 1858. Four dwelling-houses were also built in 
connection with these works. Their water-power was pur- 
chased from Spalding & Butterfield. The establishment is 
now carried on by Joseph Anderson. 

A grist-mill was built about 1858 by Henry Rushton, of 
Edwards. Various inhabitants of the village and vicinity 
contributed towards the enterprise an aggregate of ^50(1. 
The mill was afterwards sold to Zaccheus E. Ladd, and 
remained in his possession until destroyed by fire in 1875. 
It was equipped with three run of stones and two bolts. 
The town has now no grist-mill. 

The principal manufacturing establishment of the village 
and town of Fine is the " Scriba Tannery," owned and 
• operated by Rice, Emery & Co., of Boston, Mass. This 
firm purchased in the fall of 1871, from Joseph Anderson, 
a property lying on the river in the easterly part of the 
village, consisting of twenty-six acres of land, with a saw- 
mill and buildings which had been erected and used for the 
manufiicturing of butter-tubs and shoe-lasts. The last 
machinery had been taken out and removed to Utica, and 
the tub-factory was not in operation. The purchasers 
demolished the buildings (except the saw-mill), and in 1872 
erected in their place the extensive works of the tannery, 
with the necessary buildings, and ten dwelling-houses for 
those employed in the establishment. The works were 
located at this place on account of the inexhaustible supply 
of hemlock-bark furnished by the neighboring forests. 
Four thousand cords of this article are consumed annually, 
and this production is no insignificant item in the material 
resources of the town of Fine. Fifty thousand sides of 
sole-leather are annually manufactured here from foreign 
hides, which arc brought by railroad to De Kalb Junction, 
and thence transported to the tannery by horse-teams, which 
return the manufactured leather by the same route. The 
property of Rice, Emery & Co., in Fine, is valued in the 
town assessment at $60,00(1. Their tannery employs thirty 
men, besides numbers of others whose main sujiport is 
derived indirectly from them, such as those engaged in the 
transportation of stock, and in the peeling and hauling of 



448 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bark, etc. ; from wliieh facts it may easily be seen that the 
Scriba tannery contributes far mure to the prosperity of the 
town than all its other manufacturing industries combined. 
The establishment is under the supcrintondcnce of Frank 
M. IJurdick, Esq. 

The first public-house was opened and kept by Charles 
Scott. The present hotel, the Oswegatchie House, wa.s 
built in 1874 by Charles A. Scott, who.so successors have 
been Lewis Knox, David French, and Richard Allen. 
There is no other public-house in the town. 

There are at the present time about 30 dwellings and 
150 inhabitants in the village, which contains, in addition 
to what has already been mentioned, 1 school-house, 1 phy- 
sician, the Pine post-office, 2 blacksmith-shops, and 4 stores. 
Tn the hunting and fishing season its life and activity is 
increased by the presence of .sportsmen from abroad, who 
make this a point of departure and a base for their oper- 
ations in the great south woods. 

The progress of the town in population has been as fol- 
lows : In 1845, the year succeeding its organization. Fine 
contained 243 inhabitants; in 1850, 293; in 1855, 316; 
in 1860, 519; in 1865, 487; in 1870, 603; and in 1875, 
760 ; a very encouraging rate of increase. 

OSWEGATCHIE LODGE, NO. 687, F. AND A. M., 

was chartered in 1868 ; the charter members being as fol- 
lows : A. P. Sherwin, Scth Curtis, Lorenzo L. Gay, E. H. 
Dowling, David Anderson, Richard Allen, Charles A. Scott, 
and Zaccheus E. Ladd. 

The first officers were Azariah P. Sherwin, W. M. ; Seth 
Curtis, S. W. ; Lorenzo L. Gay, J. W. ; E. H. Dowling, 
S. D. ; David S. Anderson, J. D. ; H. E. Anderson, Sec. ; 
Joseph Anderson, Treas. 

The lodge meets in the Masonic hall, Anderson's build- 
ing, Smithville. Present membership, 32. The officers 
for 1877 are Archibald Muir, W. M. ; W. J. Hitchcock, 
S. W. ; D. A. Stevens, J. W. ; Joseph Anderson, Treas. ; 
F. L. Whittier, Sec; D. A. Powell, S. D. ; Edmund 
Chase, J. D. ; Isaac French, Chaplain ; Silas Marshall, 
Marshal ; Albert Forsyth, S. M. C. ; Lorenzo L. Gay, 
J. M. C. ; E. G. Evans, Tyler. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school in the town was at the Amasa I. Brown 
settlement, and was taught by his daughter. Miss Lucia 
Brown. The first superintendent of common schools was 
William H. Perkins, elected in 1844. 

By the commissioner's rejiort for the year ending Sept. 
30, 1877, it is shown that the amount of public school 
money received by the town was $743.61, and that the 
amount raised by tax was $669,83 ; total, 81436.41 ; which 
was apportioned among eight* school districts, in each of 
which school was taught, by licensed teachers, for a period 
of 28 weeks, excepting district No. 7, in which the time 
taught was 30 weeks. No male teachers were employed. 
The wages paid in winter were from $3.50 to $7 per week, 
averaging $5.56. In summer the range was from $3 to 

* A ninth district has been organized, hut too rpcently to be in- 
eluded in this report. 



$4.50, making an average of $3.81 per week. Total 
amount paid for wages, $1136.57. Paid for school-houses, 
sites, etc, $104.31. Total valuation of school-buildings 
and .sites, $3400. The total number of children of .school 
age in the town was 290. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first religious worship in Fine was held by the 
Methodists, who organized a class in the town, about 1845. 
One of their first circuit preachers was Rev. Thomas D. 
Mitchell, and a little later came Kev. M. R. Pierce, now of 
Russell. Thoy have no church building, but, in ccjinnioii 
with other denominations, have always held their wor-ihij) 
meetings in the different school-houses. They are now 
held chiefly in the house at the village, but occasionally also 
at the school-houses in the Colton and Scott neighborhoods, 
and at Vrooman Ridge. The present membership in Fine 
is about 60, and the Rev. Henry Ernst, of Edwards, is the 
preacher in charge. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN FINE 

was organized Oct. 11, 1874, under Rev. H. C. Dike, who 
is still in charge, and has been their only pastor. At its 
organization, the church consisted of seven members, 
namely, Joseph and 3Iary Irwin, Albert and Anna Kil- 
bourn, Lana Stevens, Anna Austin, and Charles Colby. 
The present membership is 22. Their meetings are held in 
the Smithville, Colton, and Vrooman Ridge school-houses. 
They have no Sabbath-school. 

In the west part of the town ai'e a few of the denomination 
known as Seventh-day Baptists, and these hold occasional 
worship under preachers from abroad. There are no or- 
ganized Presbyterians or Universalists in Fine, and the 
town has no church edifice. 

BURIAL-PLACES. 

There are three interment-grounds in Fine, viz. : one 
about one and a half miles from Smithville, on the road to 
Pitcairn ; a second about three miles above the village, on 
the right bank of the river, the lot having been purcha.sed 
from the farm of John Walts. A third is the Colton 
burial-ground, on the south side of the river, and about 
three and a half miles above Smithville. Neither of these 
are very old grounds. 

AGRICULTURE. 

Fine has never held a high rank as a farming town. 
Though perhaps moderately well adapted to the raising of 
wheat, comparatively little of that royal cereal has ever 
been produced. The principal crops raised are Indian corn, 
oats, potatoes, and maple-sugar, though the last-named be- 
longs ;is much in the list of manufactures as in that of ag- 
ricultural products. It is stated that in some of the sugar- 
orchards in Fine ;us many as 1500 trees are annually tapped. 
In the predominant interest of St. Lawrence and JeflTerson 
counties — dairying — the town of Fine takes scarcely any 
part. She has no cheese-factory, sends no cheese to mar- 
ket, and nearly the same is true in regard to the article of 
butter. Her forests are still a principal source of revenue, 
both the bark and the sap of their trees being turned to 
profit, and their wild game being still largely relied on for 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



449 



food. Tlic cleared area is yet comparatively small, and 
there are vast tracts of dense woods where the hemlock 
shadows are as dark as they wore when Elias Teall first 
invaded them more than half" a century ago. 



To the followinp; persons we would exprc&s our obliua- 
tions for information furnished : Marcus O. Carr, Esq., 
J. H. Church, Esq., Frank M. Burdick, Esq., and E. H. 
Bowling, of Fine ; and C. Carter, Esq., of Edwards. 



JM^ 



PITCAIRN. 



The north and northwest linos of Pitcairn are formed 
by the towns of Edwards and Fowler, its southwest line 
by Lewis county, and its eastern and southern sides join 
the town of Fine. Its principal stream is the south branch 
of the Osvvegatchie, which enters across its southwestern 
boundary from Lewis county, and flows through the town 
in a general northerly direction into Edwards. Several 
small tributaries fall into this stream in Pitcairn, the prin- 
cipal of these being Big creek, which takes its rise in Fine, 
and in Portaferry lake, near the northeast corner of Pit- 
cairn, and flows thence in a southwesterly course into the 
main stream. Black creek and Clear creek enter it from 
the west. The southeastern portion of the town is a wil- 
derness, and nearly the same is true of large tracts in the 
north and northwest. The surface is rough and rocky, and 
the natural features generally wild and forbidding, though 
the valleys of the streams in many places are exceptions to 
this rule. 

This town was a part of Great Tract No. 3 of JIacorab's 
purchase, and is identical with the survey-township of 
Portaferry* in that tract, except that in the division of 
Pitcairn from Fowler the northwestern point of Portaferry 
was retained by Fowler, viz. : " a triangular portion lying 
west of a line commencing three miles southeast of the west 
point of said township, and running at right angles to the 
southwest line till it intersected the line of number 7;" the 
number 7 referred to being the survey-township of Killar- 
ney, from which the town of Fowler was formed. In the 
division of the Macomb tract the township of Portaferry 
was assigned to Daniel McCormick, was patented to him in 
March, 1795, and was in 181U or 1817 transferred by him 
to Joseph Pitcairn, in honor of whom the present name of 
the town was given. Mr. Pitcairn was born in Fifeshire, 
Scotland, the son of a clergyman of that country. In early 
life he came to the United States, and subsequently for 
several years resided in the Ea.st Indies. At one time he 
held the oftico of consul for our government at Paris, from 
which oflSce he was removed by Jefierson. Most of his life 
was spent in the capacity of a merchant, at Hamburg, in 
Germany. In 1817 he came into the northern part of the 
State, appointed agents, and took measures for commencing 
settlements in Pitcairn, Edwards, Brasher, and other places. 
At one time he contemplated making the village of Helena, 



* So culled bj tho proprietor from a town in Irt-lanii, his niiLive 
country. 

57 



in Bra.sher, his summer residence. He died in New York^ 
in June, 1844, and by his will, dated May 9, 1837, made 
Alex. 0. Brodie his executor and heir to his estat«, includ- 
ing these lands. The Brodie interest was sold, in 1868, to 
John H. Gilbert, of Otsego. 

SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. 

The first clearing in the woods of Portaferry was made 
by James Strceter, of Fowler, in the fall of 1824. He 
did not, however, remove his family upon his improvement 
until the following year. It is reasonable to suppose that 
his pecuniary circumstances were somewhat straitened, as 
was usual with the pioneers in the wilderne-ss in those days, 
and it may not be uninteresting to recount how he had at 
once replenished his purse, and also gained great fame as a 
hunter, by an exciting and fortunate adventure in these 
same woods during the previous winter. 

He, with one or two companions, had come up from 
Fowler for a deer-hunt, and had encamped in the vicinity 
of Big Creek, a little distance to the northeast of the hamlet 
of Pitcairn Forks. Strceter was hunting along the frozen 
water-course, and apart from his comrades, when, in the 
snow, which lay deep upon the ground, he saw the well- 
known foot-marks of the panther. Upon a closer examina- 
tion he found that no less than five of these beasts had been 
there, and had crossed the creek upon the ice. Without a 
moment's hesitation he followed ou their tracks, which led 
him to a spot where they had pawed a basin in the snow, 
for their lair of the previous night. A short distance 
farther on he started a large male panther, which took to 
a tree, but was brought down by the first ball from Streeter's 
rifle. A little beyond a cub was treed, and killed at the 
second shot, and soon after another young one was found in 
a spruce-tree, and brought to the earth by a single bullet. 
Two of the monsters remained, but darkness came ou and 
they had not been found. Streeter returned to camp, carry- 
ing three panthers" heads as trophies, and at daylight on the 
following morning returned, with a comrade, to renew the 
pursuit. It was not long before they started an old female, 
and dispatched her without difficulty. The remaining 
I brute was now soon brought to bay, and proved to be a 
male, of extraordinary size and ferocity, and of such tenacity 
of life that it was not until he had been shot through again 
1 and again that he yielded his head to the hunters. As the 
[ bounty on panther .scalps was then §25, Streeter probably 



450 



IIISTOIIY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



realized more money from this hunting expedition than 
from the yearly product of liis farm. 

A considerable number of other settlers came to select 
lands duriiij:; tlie autumn of 1824. Among these were 
Nathaniel, Elisha, and Joseph Lamplicar, Joshua Sloper, 
Aaron Geer, Dayton Merrill, George Peabody, Levi W. 
Gleason,* Nathaniel C. Scovil, and Nathan Dickenson, with 
his five sons, — Nathan, Justin, Anson, Leonard, and Hub- 
bard Dickenson. Most of these came from Potsdam. The 
elder Dickenson located in the nortlioast part of the town, 
on lot No. 4, where E. W. Gleason now lives, a short dis- 
tance west of the East Pitcairn post-office. The lands of 
Lis sons were taken in tiie same vicinity. Levi W. Glea- 
son also selected a location in lot No. 4, a short distance 
northwesterly from Dickenson. N. C Scovil purcluised a 
little farther south, on lot No. 7, land now owned by E. W. 
Gleason. The Lamphears settled on the east side of the 
river, near the mouth of Big creek, in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of the spot selected by .lames Streeter. Aaron 
Geer located on the west side of the river, above Clear 
creek, and not far from the southwestern line of the town. 
His sons, George, Lorenzo, and Richard, are still living in 
the vicinity. 

Most of those who came in 1824 made small clearings, 
and commenced tiie erection of log dwellings, but none 
brought their families to occupy them in that year except 
Justin Dickenson, who removed to his new home in Decem- 
ber, and was the only actual inhabitant of the towuship of 
Portaferry through the winter of 1824-25. And to-day 
he is the only one remaining in Pitcairnf of all those first 
settlers. He is now eighty-two years of age, and resides 
with his daughter. Mis. Fenton, at Eust Pitcairn, near the 
place where he settled more than half a century ago. Mr. 
Constant Wells, who came to Pitcairn only two years later 
than Mr. Dickenson, is still living in the same neighbor- 
hood, and is the only one remaining of the immigrants of 

1826. Samuel Gustin, George P. Burdick, Samuel Wall- 
ing, and Freeman Anderson were among the settlers of 

1827, and Stephen Seabury came in the following spring. 
The first white male child born in the town was Calvin 

Scovil, son of Nathaniel C. Scovil, born in June, 1825. 
He became a physician, and died in Michigan. The first 
female child was Harriet, daughter of Levi Gleason, born 
Sept. 24, 1825, and now living in i^lcndota, 111. The first 
death among the settlers was that of the wile of Daniel 
Woodcock, in 1828. The first marriage was that of Aaron 
Bingham to Caroline, daughter of Nathan Dickenson, in 
1830. Mrs. Bingham died in Michigan, in May, 1877. 

For a considerable time after the commencement of settle- 
ments they were most numerous in the Gleason neighbor- 
hood, in the northeastern part of the town ; but the ad- 
vantage in this particular was afterwards gained by the other 
portion along the river and Big creek. No locality within 
the town, however, has ever attained to the importance 
of a village, and scarcely any industry but that of agricul- 
ture has been prosecuted. The erection of grist-mills usually 

*Mr. Glca80n died ;it Gouvenicur, in November, 1875, aged seventy- 
eight 3'ears. 

t The writer has been informed that Mr. Xalluiniel Lamjiliear is 
etill living at Carthage, JelVerson county. 



follows close upon the planting of new .settlements, but 
tiiere are none of these in Pitcairn, although water-power 
has not been lacking for the purpose. 

A SAW-MILL, 

the first in the town, was erected in 1828, by Blaj. P. 
Jcnne, upon the creek which now bears his name, a short 
distance above its confluence with Big creek. Another, 
known for many years as the " Charles Harris mill," was 
built a few years later on a small, failing stream near East 
Pitcairn. Mills are still in operation on both these sites, 
and a good saw-mill has recently been completed and put 
in operation by Lorenzo D. Geer, Esq., on the river, in the 
southwesterly part of the town. These are the only milks 
now in Pitcairn. 

A rUBLIC-HOUSE 

was opened at a comparatively early day by Nathaniel 
Laniphcar, and was kept by him and others who succeeded 
him for several years. This house was frequently designated 
as the place for holding town-meetings. It stood, and still 
stands, at the road-cro.ssing on the east side of the river, 
near the line of Lewis county, but it has ceased to be kept 
as a public-house. The project of a hotel was started a few 
years ago at " the Forks," by two brothers named Griffiths, 
but was abandoned before completion, and still remains as 
they left it. Thereis now no public-house in Pitcairn. A store 
was in existence for some years near the Lamphear tavern, 
and another at " the Forks," which last named still survives, 
— the only mercantile establishment in the town. At this 
point, which, on account of the store, is more important 
than any other at Pitcairn, there is also a blacksuiitli-shop, 
a wagon-shop, and a saw-mill, — the successor of that built 
by Maj. Jenne in 1828. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

Although no villages were formed and few industries 
established other than that of agriculture, new immigrants 
slowly spread themselves over the limited portion of Porta- 
ferry township which was eligible for settlement, until, at 
the end of twelve years from the commencement, they had 
become, as they believed, sufficiently numerous to demand 
a separate town organization. Steps were, therefore, taken 
in that direction, and on March 29, 1836, the town was 
erected, with its present name and boundaries, as mentioned 
and described above. The first town-meeting was held in 
June, 1836, at the house of David Brown, near Pitcairn 
Forks, and resulted in the election of the following persons 
as officers of the new town, namely: John Sloper, super- 
visor; Stephen Seabury, town clerk; Levi W. Gleason, 
Sylvester Bacon, and Aaron Geer, justices of the peace; 
Samuel Gustin, Almond Howard, and Robert Leach, as- 
sessors ; Matthew M. Geer, collector ; John Williams, Geo. 
P. Burdick, and Levi Gleason, commissioners of highways; 
George P. Burdick and Almond Howard, overseers of the 
poor; Matthew M. Geer and Constant Wells, constables. The 
succeeding incumbents of the office of supervisor, and the 
dates of their election, have been as follows: John Sloper, 
from the first election to the year 184(1, inclusive ; Sylves- 
ter Bacou, 1841-42; Horatio N. Dickenson, 1843-44; 
Asaph Green, to fill vacancy in 184i, '45, '46, '47, '51, 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



451 



'52, '53, and '54 ; Eli R. Paul, 1848, '49, '50, and 1855 ; 
Lorenzo D. Geer, 1850, '57, and 1869 ; Volney M. Cartter, 
1858, '59, and 1870 to 1877, inclusive ; G. M. Gleason, in 
18()(), '(J4, '65, '67, '68; Joel Manchester, 1861, '62. '6:5; 
and Thomas P. Geer in 1866. The town officers for 1877 
are, Loi'enzo D. Goer, supervisor (appointed in place of V. 
M. Cartter, who was elected, but declined to serve) ; Aaron 
Hosmer, clerk ; E. W. Gleason, A. G. Shipman, S.ift'ord 
Royce, and Lorenzo D. Geer, justices ; John W. Laidlaw 
and Geori^e Miller, assessors ; Hernion Parmelce, collector; 
Wm. W. Sivcr, commissioner of highways; Aaron Hosmer, 
E. A. Lamphear, overseers of poor ; Simeon Wells, Charles 
Harris, auditors; Vincent Lamphear, Silas Bacon, commis- 
sioners of excise; C. L. Bacon, N. J. Hosmer, inspectors of 
elections ; J. H. Siver, D. 0. Manchester, C. M. Manches- 
ter, Hcrmon Parmelee, con.stables ; William Lawton, game 
constable. Pitcaini has no town-hall. The meetings and 
elections have at various times been held at David Brown's, 
at Nathaniel Lamphear's hotel, at Reuben Streeter's, at 
John Miller's, and other houses; also at the school-houses 
at East Pitcaini, at the river, and at the Forks. They are 
now held in the building erected by Griffiths Brothers at 
the Forks. 

POST-OFPrCES. 

There are two post-offices in the town, Piteairn and East 
Pitcairn. The former was established June 5, 1840, John 
Sloper being the first postmaster. The position has been 
held by several persons since that time, among whom may 
be mentioned Henry C. Pierson, Eli R. Paul, and the pre- 
sent incumbent, George Miller. The office is now kept in 
Mr. Miller's store at Pitcairn Forks, but has in past years 
been sometimes located on the river-road near, the Lam- 
phear tavern. The East Piteairn office was established 
Jan. 15, 1850, with Charles Bowles postmaster. His suc- 
cessor was Levi W. Gleason. Afterwards the office was 
kept by Mrs. W. R. Chadwick, and at the house of Porter 
Johnson. The present postmiister is Simeon Wells, and 
the office is located in the northeastern part of the town, 
near the point of the first settlement by Justin Dickenson. 

RELIGIOUS. 

For more than half a century from its first settlement 
the town of Pitcairn contained no church edifice, and all 
denominations met for worship in private houses, barns, or 
school-bouses. But in 1875, Mr. Constant Wells, one of 
the oldest .settlers, impelled by public spirit and a sense of 
duty, erected a building which he designed (to use his own 
expression) '' as a house for all who love and try to serve 
God," and which he named " The Union Church of East 
Pitcairn." It is a building 40 by 26 feet, of which the 
cost was $1000. It stands in East Pitcairn, upon a lot of 
one acre donated by Charles H. Bowles for the purpose, and 
this, with a contribution of six dollars from a gentleman of 
Brooklyn, was all the aid received by Mr. Wells in the 
construction of the church, all the remainder having been 
furnished by him from his own resources. It was com- 
pleted early in 1876, and was dedicated June 9 in that 
year, with a very numerous attendance, the services being 
conducted by Mr. Streeter, of the Methodist denomination. 
Mr. Wells has since deeded the church, as a gift, to the 



three adjacent school districts, to be used as a free house 
of worship, and it is so used for all religious meetings in 
that part of the town. 

The first religious organizations here were by the Bap- 
tists and Congregationalists The first Baptist church wa.s 
formed in 1826, with the following members : Rev. Jona- 
than Paine, Pattie Painc, Nathaniel C. Scovil, Betsey 
Scovil, Anson Dickenson, Eliza Dickenson, Caroline Dick- 
enson, Charles D. Merrill, and Jonathan Paine, Jr. Their 
first preacher was Rev. Jonathan Paine. Their church 
existence continued for about seven years, the last recorded 
meeting having been held Aug. 31, 18.33. 

The present Baptist church was formed in Pitciiirn, in 
18 12, by Rev. Samuel Pomoroy. of Gouverneur, with Ho- 
ratio N. Dickenson and wife, N. C. Scovil and wife, Susan 
Fenton, and Miranda Hosmer as members. Their fii-st 
minister was Elder E. J. Davis, who was succeeded by 
Rev. R. Jones. In 1852 their membership was twenty- 
four. In 1855, Rev. H. C. Dyke was ordained their pa.stor, 
and is still serving them, in connection with the churches 
in Edwards and Fine. The present membership is 
seventeen. 

The Congregationalist church in Pitcairn was organized 
about 1829 by Rev. James Murdock, of Gouverneur. 
Constant Wells, and about fifteen others, were original 
members. By death or removal, all are gone, except Mr. 
Wells, and there is now no Congregational worship in 
Pitcairn. 

A Methodist class was formed in the town about 1830, 
by Rev. Godfrey Barney. There is no record found of the 
snccession of preachers. The society at present numbers 
about twenty-five, who worship in the union church, and 
are under charge of Rev. Henry Ernst. 

A society of the denomination known as Disciples exists 
in the west part of the town, under the preaching of Rev. 
Mr. Cooper. About 1872 their number had reached sixty, 
but has since decreased materially. There are also a small 
number of Frce-Will Baptists, wlio hold occasional meetings 
for worship. 

BURI.^L-GROUNDS. 

The two oldest burial-places in Pitcairn were located one 
on the spot where James Streeter made the first clearing, 
on the road which runs along the east side of the river, and 
the other in East Pitcairn, on the farm of Chas. H. Bowles, 
upon the road leading from Pitcairn Forks to Edwards. In 
both these the pioneers of the town were laid to rest. The 
former is still in use, but ths; last named has been discon- 
tinued, and the remains transferred to a newer one, which 
was laid out a little farther to the northeast, on the road to 
Fine. A burial-ground has recently been commenced on 
the road, a little to the eastward of Pitcairn Forks, on land 
purchased from Mrs. McDonald by individual subscriptions. 
The first interment here was that of Mr. N. A. Cartter, in 
1876. 

SCHOOLS. 
The first school in the township of Portaferry was taught 
ill 1S26, in a log building, erected for a dwelling-house, not 
far from the present school-house of district number three. 
The first teacher was Caroline Dickenson, afterwards Mrs. 
Bingham, who died in Michigan durina 1877. Among 



452 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tlio oarlipst toaoliors tlioro woro also ]\Iis(! Ty. Griffin, Miss 
Lydia Bacon, Ilastin;:-* Bacon, and a Miss Harlow. 

A liberal sjiirit, as regards the maintenance of public 
schools, has, from the first, been manifested by the people 
of Pitcairn. At the first towii-niccting it was " resolved that 
we will raise double the amount ol' money which we receive 
from the State for the support of schools." This amount 
was j)robably not large, but it .should not bo forgotten that 
the resources of the few inhabitants of the little town, which 
was two-thirds wilderness, wore necessarily .small. Constant 
Wells, Jonathan Paine, and Elijah Anderson wore at that 
time elected the first commissioners of common schools, and 
Sylvester Bacon, Jonathan Paine, and David Brown school 
inspectors. 

By the report to the school commissioner for the year 
ending Sept. 30, 1877, it is shown that there are in Pit- 
cairn eight entire school districts, in each of which there 
was sujijiorted a school, taught for an aggregate period of 
twenty-eight weeks, by licensed teachers. The total number 
of children for whom the town receives an appointment of 
public school money is 32(5, and the total number who at- 
tended school during the year was 251 ; the total average 
daily attendance being 126.54. The whole amount of 
public school money apportioned to the town was $811.40 ; 
amount raised by tax, .$338.72 ; total, 81150.18, of which 
$1078.45 were paid for teachers' wages. Two male and 
12 female teachers were employed during the year; the 
wages paid in the winter term ranging from $4.50 per week 
(in district No. 6) to $10.50 per week (district No. 3), the 
average being $5.91. For the summer term the range was 
from $3.50 per week (district No. 3) to $4.00 (in district 
No. 7), averaging $3.90 per week through all the districts. 
Each district is in charge of one trustee. The total valua- 
tion of the school-houses and sites is $2040. For a town 
of the size, resources, and location of Pitcairn, her schools 
are very creditable. 

MINER.\LS. 

Depo.sits of minerals, which may in time become valu- 
able, are known to exist in various parts of the town, but, 
with the exception of some excavations for lead, which only 



resulted in pecuniary loss, and the experimental working of 
a bed of iron ore, no development has been attempted. The 
ore bed referred to is located in an un.settled portion of the 
town, near the southeast corner, and was opened a few 
years ago by Fullers it Peck, of the Fullervillc iron-works. 
The ore is of the kind known as magnetic or primitive ore, 
and jirodueed good results in the furnace, but the working 
of the bed was found unprcjfitable, and was abandoned by 
the firm about 1801. A little ore has since been taken out 
in the vicinity by Z. H. Benton and others, but work has 
been susjiended for some three or four years, and now seems 
unlikely to be resumed. 

AGRICULTURE. 

Though Pitcairn cannot be said to hold a high or even a 
medium rank as an agricultural town, it contains a number 
of good farms, these being chiefly along the valley of Big 
creek, — a narrow region extending diagonally across the 
town from the northeastern to the southwestern part. In- 
dian coin, oats, hay, and potatoes are the principal products, 
and some wheat is raised. Maple-.sugar is produced in 
some poitions to a considerable extent. In the neighbor- 
hood of East Pitcairn attention is being turned towards 
dairying, and a cheese-factory, the only one in town, has 
been started under the management of Mr. Bates. The 
proprietors of this are Messrs. W. & J. Grant, of Edwards. 
The town has no grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

POPULATION. 

The population of Pitcairn at the end of each lustrum 
since its organization has been as follows: in 1840, 390; 
1845, 553; 1850, 503; 1855, 531; 1800, 577; 1805, 
558; 1870,007; 1875,808; these last figures being very 
gratifying, especially as contrasted with those of some of tlie 
neighboring towns, which in the same time show an actual 
decrease. 

Our thanks are due, for information furnished, to the 
following: Hon. G. M. Gleason, Daniel Peck, Esq., Gou- 
verneur; V. M. Cartter, Esq., L. D. Geer, Esq., Mr. Con- 
stant Wells, Pitcairn ; Aaron Ilosmer, Esq. 



CLIFTON. 



The town of Clifton was organized by act of legislature 
passed April 21, 1808, being taken from the town of Pierre- 
pont, and consists of the townships of Clifton and Chau- 
tuont. It is an interior town, lying south of the centre of 
the county, and contains 01,930 acres. It is watered by 
the Grasse and Oswegatchie rivers and their tributaries. 

The first town-meeting was held in the school-house 
owned by the Clifton iron company, in accordance with the 
provisions of section 1 of the act of organization, and Gen. 



G. R. Myers, D. W. Baldwin, and E. W. Kingsland were 
appointed by the provisions of said act a board to preside 
at the first town-meeting, which meeting was held on the 
first Tuesday of June, 1808. P. H. Kennedy was appointed 
clerk of said meeting. The following-named officers were 
duly elected at that time: Eneas Ingerson, for justice of 
the peace ; John Negus, for assessor and collector; John 
Baker, for constable; Alexander Ell wood, for constable; 
Wm. R. Bishop, poor-master; and Walter Robb, P. II. 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



453 



Kennedy, and Wm. R. Bishop, inspectors of election. The 
meeting failed (by a tie vote) to elect a full board of town 
officers, and on June 30, 1868, at the office of Benjamin 
Smith, in the town of Russell, a meeting was held for the 
purpose of appointing the officers for the town of Clifton 
whicli were not elected. The following-named justices were 
present at said meeting: Benj. Smith and Wm. E. Boyd, 
of the town of Russell, and Eneas Ingerson, of the town of 
Clifton. And the following-named officers were appointed, 
viz., Charles C. Snell, for supervisor; Hugh M. Gordon, 
for town clerk ; Charles C. Snell, Wm. D. Murray, and 
Col. Chas. R. Brundage, for justices of the peace ; for com- 
missioners of highways, John De Lalaneett and Chas. R. 
Brundage. There were 27 votes polled at tlie first general 
election held in the town of Clifton. Tiie first school dis- 
trict was organized Oct. 31, 1868. 

The first white settlers were the men brought by the 
Clifton iron company to work their mines, in 1866, and 
the first men who took up farms were Joseph Carlyle and 
' Chas. Gotham, in 1866. Tlie first log house was erected 
in 1865, the first hewed log house and the first frame 
house in 1866. Tiie first road survey was made, Aug. 29, 
1868, by D. W. Baldwin, Esq. 

The first saw-mill was built in 1866. There are no 
flour-mills in the town. The first ii-on-furnace was built in 
1866, but, owing to the depression in iron, is idle at pre- 
sent, operations ceasing in 1870. The first stores wei'e 
kept by H. M. Gordon, Hubbard & Snell, and Charles R. 
Thompson & Co. The first hotel was kept by Guy Dun- 



ham. Fir.st blacksmith-shop was built by the owners of 
tlie furnace, the Myers Steel and Iron Wire Co. The 
first physician was Dr. L. B. Baker. The Clifton iron 
company built a wooden railroad from East De Kalb to 
their iron mines, which was completed in 1868, but, prov- 
ing a failure, was discontinued in 1870. There is a small 
village in Clifton, called Clarksboro', from which the post- 
office is named. There has always been a good school 
kept, generally 32 weeks in each year, since the district 
was first organized. There are no churches of any de- 
nomination in the town, and never were. 

There are extensive iron mines in Clifton. The Clifton 
iron company opened their mine, but never did much 
underground mining, doing principally surface mining. 
The mines are now owned by the Clifton mining company. 
J. D. Judson, of Ogdensburg, owns a good iron mine in 
the town of Clifton, known as the Parish ore-bed. There 
are good roads in the town. Grasse river runs through 
the town, and there are several fine water-power privileges 
on said river, all owned by the Clifton mining company. 
Some of the falls are 50 feet in height. There is bog-ore 
and excellent brick-clay on the land owned by the Clifton 
mining company. There is not over 1500 acres of cleared 
land in the town. Population in 1870, 220; in 1875, 85. 
While the iron-works were in operation, the population of 
the town was about 700. 

We are indebted to James Sheridan, Esq., the super- 
visor of Clifton, for the foregoing sketch of the town. 



— "I ) iij ftC I 



c o L T o isr. 



This town was formed from Parishville by an act of the 
legislature, April 12, 1843, and embraced towns No. 10, 
Matildavale, No. 7, Granshue, No. 4, Harewood, and No. 1, 
Sherwood. The town of Parishville at the town-meeting 
of 1843 voted for the formation of a new town, to be named 
Springfield. Colton derives its name from the middle name 
of Jesse C. Higley, an old and esteemed citizen of the 
town. A post-office, called Matildavale, had been previ- 
ously established, but was soon changed to agree with that 
of the town. In November, 1851, that part of Parishville 
known as mile squares, or lots, Nos. 1, 6, and 12 were 
taken from that town and annexed to Colton. Agaiu in 
February, 1876, on petition of the inhabitants of this town, 
towns No. 8, Hollywood, No. 5, Jamestown, and No. 2, 
Oakham, were taken from the town of Hopkinton and an- 
nexed to Colton. It is now the largest town in the county. 
It contains 220,084 acres. 

Town 10, or Colton proper, is well adapted to grazing. 
The surface is hilly and rocky, and the soil is sandy, the 
land lying back from the river, on each side about one mile, 
being the be.st and most productive. The timber on the 
hills is maple and beech ; in the valleys elm, j)ine, and cedar. 
The princij)al business of the inhabitants is dairying and 
lumbering. 



The Raquette river runs through the centre of the town, 
in a west and northerly direction, and at the various falls 
and rapids affords excellent water-power. Towns 7 and 8 
are sparsely settled in the northern parts. These and the 
other towns, 1, 2, 4, and 5, are covered with forest, and 
watered by the Raquette, Oswegatchie, and north, middle, 
and south branches of Grasse river and their tributaries. 
Cranberry lake is the principal lake in the southern part. 

The earliest settlement in this town was that made by >^- 
Abel Brown and his son, James Brown, who moved in ■^''n 
from the town of Parishville in March, 1824. They moved 
from Vermont into the latter town in 1812-13. In Colton, 
then Matildavale, they located on lot 7, on the west side of 
the Raquette river, about one mile above what is now the vil- 
lage. James Brown must have been something of a rover, 
as he afterwards moved to Oregon. Soon after the Browns 
came, Asahel Lyman, from Vermont, moved in and settled 
on the east side of the river, on lot 2, at what is called the 
Corners ; also Wm. Bullard, from Potsdam, where in 1807 
he was projector and agent of a community styled " the 
Union." V/hen this dissolved he moved to Colton, and 
settled at the Corners. It is related of him that lie dug a 
well on his place, and when nearly completed, as the work- 
men were laying the stones on the top of the wall and the 



454 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWREiNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



old man was levelins^ the dirt about the well, he fell in, 
head first, falling nearly fifty feet, but was " fished" out 
more scared than hurt. He lived several yeare after that. 
Pliny Hepburn, father of Mrs. Simon D. Butler, came into 
town in April, 1825, and located on lot 2. He was one of 
the officers elected at the first town-meeting, in 1844. 
Zina Hepburn came in at the same time with his brother 
Pliny, and settled near him on lot 2. His son, Hon. A. 
Barton Hepburn, is the present member of assembly from 
this district. The present is his third term, having been 
re-elected the present fall. Another son, Hawley S. Hep- 
burn, is a druggist, and also the postmaster in the village. 
The homestead is in possession of the family. 

Jesse Colton Higley was a pioneer, and located his land 
— 98 acres — on lot 7, Nov. 10, 1824. Another old settler, 
and who is yet living on his farm, is Abial Smith. He lo- 
cated on lot 7, on the west side of the river, about one mile 
above the village. Hiram Pierce, another of the early set- 
tlers, and yet living, came in in 182(5, and bought property 
on the east side of the river. He has held various offices 
of trust in his town, all of which ho has filled to the satis- 
faction of the people and with personal credit. Paine Con- 
verse, an early settler, settled on the east side of the river, 
near the end of the bridge. A daughter, Mrs. S. Harvey, 
is living at Crary's Mills, in Potsdam. Mr. Converse was 
the first supervisor of the town, and for many years super- 
intendent of the poor of the county. Silas Hawley was an 
early settler, moving in in 1832. A blacksmith by trade, 
his ability and industry placed liini in comfortable circum- 
stances. He was prominent in all public improvements, and 
served his town as magistrate and as supervisor for several 
years. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic 
lodge. When he died he had nearly completed the " three- 
score years and ten," and was buried with Masonic honors. 

Among the pioneers of South Colton also may be men- 
tioned Ezekiel French, who moved from Potsdam in 1836, 
and settled on Cold Brook. The farm is now in possession 
of his son. 

Silas Wait moved from West Potsdam in 1837, and is 
still living in the village. R. C. Miles, an early .settler, is 
living on the Colton road, on a form on lot 21. Simon D. 
Butler lived on lot 21, and carried on milling and general 
merchandising at South Colton, and now lives at Colton 
village. 

Hiram Leonard, now living in the village of Colton, 
moved from Pierrepont in 1837. He has the reputation of 
being the first white male child born in the town of Canton. 
He was the first constable and collector of this town. He 
is now in his seventy-fifth year, and still possesses the 
activity of a much younger man. 

From the town records we take the following : 

The first town-meeting was holden in the town of Colton, 
on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1844, for the purpose of appointing 
town officers for such new town. Paine Converse was ap- 
pointed by the legislature of the State of New York to 
preside at such meeting, and Jesse C. Higley and Hiram 
Pierce were appointed by the town as his assistants; James 
H. Bridge was appointed clerk by said board. Tlie follow- 
ing were the officers elected : 

Supervisor, Paine Converse; Town Clerk, James H. 



Bridge ; Justices, Zina Hepburn, Silas Hawley, Hiram 
Pierce; Inspectors of Election, S. Hawley, J. C. Higley; 
Assessors, J. C. Higley, J. S. Ellis, C. D. Norris ; Superin- 
tendent- of Schools, J. C. Higley; Commissioners of High- 
ways, Israel C. Draper, Pliny Hepburn, H. Gibbins ; 
Overseers of Poor, Zina Hepburn, Hiram Pierce ; Consta- 
ble and Collector, Hiram Leonard; Sealer of Weights and 
Measures, Wait Perry. 

In 1844 the poor-moneys coming from Parishville were 
voted for the support of schools. In 1848 the town voted 
against the division of the county. 

Supervisors. — Paine Converse, 1844 ; James S. Ellis, 
1845, '46, '47 ; James H. Bridge, 1848-49 ; Silas Hawley, 
1850-51 ; L. Chamberlain, 1852-53; H. Averell, 1854-55; 
M. F. Collins, 1856 ; J. F. Bugbee, 1857, '58, '59 ; E. H. 
Butler, 1860-61 ; Geo. T. Stuart, 1862, '63, '64, '65 ; Wm. 
N. Jaquis, 1866-67; E. H. Butler, 18(58, '69, '70; Silas 
Hawley, 1871-72; C. B. Fisher, 1873, '74, '75, 76. 

Town Officers for 1877. — Supervisor, C. B. Fisher; 
Town Clerk, J. A. Ayres; Justices, Charles An.sted, E. H. 
Butler; Commissioner of Highways, Simon D. Butler; 
Assessor, R. F. Flint; Collector, A. M. Robertson; Over- 
seer of Poor, Geo. W. Stuart ; Constables, Daniel Dailey, 
Robert H. Cooper, B. F. Reade, M. A. Jewett, Edson 
Potter ; Inspectors of Election, district No. 1, Silas Hawley, 
J. W. Morrison, J. W. Spears ; district No. 2, J. L. Arm- 
strong, Wm. Close, E. Jenney ; district No. 3, S. C. Cha- 
ney, I. H. Bi.xby, W. H. Ober ; district No. 4, Je-sse Irish, 
M. G. Dodds, John Cook ; Town Auditors, James P. Howe, 
James Cook, Wm. Potter ; Commissioner of Excise, D. L. 
Flint ; Game Constable, Joseph Mathews. 

COLTON VILLAGE 

is situated on both sides of the Raquette river, in the north- 
west corner of the town, ten miles south of Potsdam and 
thirteen miles southeast of Canton. The river here has a 
fall of about sixty feet in forty rods, and is said to have a 
fall of two hundred feet within one mile. The wildncss 
and grandeur of these rapids, when the river is swollen by 
the spring freshets, cannot be sufficiently admired. In 
favorable circumstances, the roar of these falls may be 
heard to the distance of six or seven miles. The village at 
present contains three churches (Baptist, Roman Catholic, 
and Methodist), one hotel, nine stores, one grist-mill, saw- 
mill, butter-tub factory, tannery, starch-factory, furniture- 
factory, and also the usual number of mechanic shops. The 
first frame house in the town was built by James Brown, 
and is still standing at the west end of the bridge. The 
second frame house, a large one and two stories high, was 
built by Hiram Pierce on the east side of the river in 
182(), and is still standing. The first school in town was 
taught in the wood-shed of this hou,se by Miss Young, in 
1826. The first death was in 1829, and was a child of 
James Brown. The only accident occurring at the falls 
was that of Silas Barker, who, while at work on the tim- 
bers of the boom, was caught between the logs of the boom, 
and in the effort to release him the rope broke and he was 
carried over the falls and drowned. 

The population of the village is about 700. 

MtiHiifiictiives. — In 1825, Horace Garfield, from Pots- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



455 



dam, became proprietor of the land on the west side of tlie 
river at the falls. He laid out his land into village lots, 
and erected the first saw-mill. In 1828, Jonathan Culver 
erected the first arist-mill. Samuel Partridge, also from 
Potsdam, built a forge at the head of the falls, on the east 
side of the river, in 1828, which had two fires. In 1829 
it was purchased by Hiram Pierce, who kept it in operation 
until 1840. The products of this forge wore flat and square 
bar-iron, made ciiiefly from magnetic ores. Bog ore was 
sonic used, but proved unprofitable, and was abandoned. 
Good ore has been lately taken out of the hill about a 
quarter of a mile southwest of the village. The Messrs. 
I'ari.sh in selling their lands reserved all the mineial rights. 

In 1844, Mr. Pierce built the first potato starch factory 
erected in the State. It was run a few years, and made 
aboiit thirty tons each year. At this present time a new 
factory is iu operation here, employing seven men, and 
turning out about the same quantity. The factory is owned 
bj' parties at Bangor, N. Y. The completion of the North- 
ern railroad gave a fresh impetus to the lumbering interests, 
and the immense forests in the south part of the county 
became of increased value. The excellent water-power at 
Colton and other points on the Raquette river were made 
available, and the village more than doubled its population 
in two years. In 185U a gang-mill, having about seventy 
saws, was erected on the east bank of the river. This mill 
turned out a large amount of lumber daily. In 1852 an- 
other large gang-mill was built on the west bank of the river, 
which had .sixty saw.s. It was burned a few years after. 
The first mill is still standing, empty and idle, its machinery 
having been removed. In 1852 a gang-saw mill was built 
on the west bank of the river, two miles above the village. 
The logs which supplied these mills, and others on the 
river, came from the remote recesses of the forest on the 
south border of the county and from the counties adjuining. 
The logs were cut and banked on the Raquette and on 
the streams tributary, and were run down in the spring 
floods. The decay in the lumbering interests of this vil- 
lage is owing to the distance which the manufactured 
lumber has to be hauled by teams before reaching a ship- 
ping-point. The supply of logs seems to be undiminished. 
They are now run down the river to the railroad, and there 
sawed into lumber. 

Tanning now takes the place of lumbering, and is exten- 
sively carried on here by E. Spaulding, of Boston, owner 
of the St. Lawrence tannery, one of the largest in the 
State. The main building is 400 feet long by 42 feet 
wide. It contains three leaches, each 18 feet in diameter, 
8 feet deep, and capable of holding 22 cords of bark. 
There are 320 vats iu the building; 35 men are employed, 
and 5000 cords of heudock bark are used annually. Sole 
leather is made exclusively. The capacity of the tannery 
is 40,000 hides per year. A large nund)er of buffalo-hides 
are tanned here, some of them coming from Calcutta, India. 
Over 10,000 were received from the western plains iu 
1877. The tannery is warmed throughout with steam, and 
is under the superinteudeuce of Mr. Alexander Young. 

The population of Colton town, in 1845, was 400; iu 
1850, 500; iu 1855, 1040; in 1800, 1400; in 1805, 
1481 ; in 1870, 171U; iu 1875, 1580. 



The first religious meetings were held by the " Christian" 
sect, at the house of Asahcl Lyman. A Mormon mission- 
ary found his way to this town, and in course of time suc- 
ceeded in making a number of converts, who were duly 
baptized by immersion in the river. 

The Uni verbalists organized a society Dec. 15, 1851, 
and chose as trustees Alonzo Squares, K. H. Butler, and 
J. S. Ellis. In 1852 they erected a church edifice, but 
being few in numbers, they discontinued services, and their 
house of worship was sold. 

St. Patrick's CiufRcii (Ro.man Catholic j was or- 
ganized with 144 members in October, 1804. The society 
purchased the Universalist church at a cost of 81200, with 
a capacity to seat 275 persons. Rev. P. J. McGlynn was 
the first priest ; the present priest in charge being Father 
McDonald, of Potsdam. 

The Baptist Church (Regular) was organized Feb. 
25, 1860. J. II. Dorothy, Abel Turney, and J. Reynolds, 
Jr., were the first trustees. They had then 15 members. 
I. N. Hobart was the fir.st pastor. A church edifice was 
built in 1870, at a cost of $2500. At the present time 
they have no pastor. 

The Methodist Episcopal church edifice was erected 
in 1852. At this time they were connected with the Par- 
ishville circuit. July 26, 1856, they separated, having 
then seventy members. The first presiding elder was Rev. 
Peter D. Gorrie ; the first pastor. Rev. D. Ferguson. The 
present charges connected with this circuit are High Falls 
and South Colton. The following have been pastors since 
the organization : Revs. A. S. Barter, R. E. King, F. C. 
Jlillington, G. W. Elwood, W. R. Helms, Alex. La Clair, 
W. H. Goodwin. The present pastor is Rev. E. Briggs. 
The church was erected at a cost of §2000, and will seat 
300 persons; present membership 110. The Sunday-school 
is under the charge of Geo. Stuart, superintendent, and 
the number of pupils in attendance is 150. 

HIGH falls lodge, no. 428, f. and a. m. 
The only secret society of the town is in Colton village. 
High Falls Lodge was organized in 1854. The lodge-room 
and papers were destroyed by fire in 1873. The present 
officers are M. B. Hawley, W. M. ; A. M. Robertson, S. 
W. ; James Cook, J. W. ; J. W. Morrison, Treasurer; 
George A. Whitmarsh, Secretary ; L. B. Casey, S. D. ; 
M. Cardinall, J. D. ; Silas Ilawley, Tyler. 

SOUTH COLTON VILLAGE, 

about five miles above Colton, was formerly known as Three 
Falls. The Raquette river here at the falls is wild and 
picturesque. Christopher Ripley was the first purchaser of 
the village site. The first saw-mill was built by Edward 
Crary, from Pierrepont, about 1837. The first tavern was 
built by a man named Knapp. The first school in this vil- 
lage was in a log shanty, and taught by Nelson Gurley, 
about 1841. J. C. and J. Irish built and kept the fii-st store. 
The post-office was in this store, and Thomas >L-igary was 
the first postmaster. The present postmaster is L. Robin- 
son. Albert Town built the first grist-mill, in 1801. The 
village contains 1 union church, 4 stores, 1 tavern, 1 grist- 
mill, 1 saw-mill, and mechanic shops of various kinds. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 



LIST OF REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS— EVENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812 15, WITH LIST OF SOLDIERS 
— THE PATRIOT WAR IN CANADA, 1837-40 — WAR oF TlIK GREAT REBELLION, 18(;l-li.-,, WITH 
MUSTER ROLLS. 



This chapter has been made iis complete iis all the means of 
information ut our command would allow. Tliu list of Kevo- 
lulioiiary pensioners living in the county in 1840 is from Dr. 
Hough's history, and is compiled from the United States 
census returns for that year. Additional information con- 
cerning these veterans of the "days that tried men's .eouls" 
will be found in the histories of the several towns where they 
resided. This list may possibly include some of the pensioners 
of the War of 1812-15. 

NAMES, AGES, AND RESIDENCES OF PENSIONERS. 
Parishville.— Joseph Armsby, 76; Hepsebah Mitchell, 78; 
Simeon Howard, 79; Elijah Allen, 82. 
Hopk'mton. — Solomon Crittenden, 78. 

Stuckhdbn. — Ephraim Knapp, 83; Mercy Dunham, 78; 
LuUo Fletcher, 81; Martin BrocUway, 79; Rhi>da Sl<inner, 
83; Win. Burrows, 81; Tbomas Scott, 80; Elizabeth Whis- 
ton, 83. 

Lawrence. — Elizabeth Sanders, 78; Sarah Barnes, 74. 
Norfolk. — Daniel Bradish, 79; Tryphena Collamer, 70; 
Tlieodorus Woodard, 79; Elizabeth Lawrence, 81; Elijah 
Brown, 84; Jemima Sawyer, 75; Griffin Place, 78; Guy 
Carpenter, 56; Russel Attwatcr, 79. 

Massena. — Daniel Kenney, 80; Elijah Flagg, 80; Daniel 
Kinney, 80; John Policy, 79; Ebcn Policy, 53; John Pol- 
ley, 55. 

Louisville. — Asa Day, 80; Oliver Barret, 79; Asher Blunt, 
81 ; Elias Kingsley, 79. 

Pierrepont. — Frederick Squire, 45; Reuben Butler, 45; 
Joseph Dirnick, 73; Nathan Crary, 78; David Bradley, 81. 

Russell. — Miles Cook, 75; John Knox, 81; Samuel Bar- 
rows, 73; Abraham Wells, 83; Gilbert Ray, 76; John Gill- 
more, 87. 

" Fowler. — Ebcnezer Parker, 84 ; Jacob Deland, 78. 
JSrf«'a?-rfs. — Abel Pratt, 83; Comfort J(>hu>on, 87. 
De Peyster. — Jose])h Shaw, 79 ; Jonathan Fellows, 78. 
Oswegutchie. — Sarah June, 81 ; Benjamin Salts, 78; Esther 
Dollestun, 78; Richard Van Ornum,82; Noah Spencer, 87 ; 
Daniel Chapman, 81. 

Mnrrisiown. — Phineas Maxon, 85; M. Demming, 80; 
Stephen Smith, 84; Sarah K. Thurber, 91 ; Win. Lee, 74. 
Hammond. —Emanuel Dake, 80. 
Jlossie. — Henry Apple, 80. 

Gouoerneur. — John Garrett, 85; Poll)' Ilulbert, 72; Solo- 
mon Cross, 82; Eli Skinner, 81 ; Stephen Porter, 79. 
Herman. — David Page, 57; Aslier Williams, 79. 
De Kalb.— John C. Cook, 27. 

Lisbon. — Isaac Mitchell, 80; Samuel Wallace, 80; Hughey 
Willson, 84 ; Amon Lawrence, 49; Jane Turner, 89. 

Canton. — Asa Briggs, 88 ; Eber Goodnow, 75; Joshua Con- 
key, 80; Lucy Tuttle, 95; Isaac Robinson, 79; Lydia Low, 
72; Olive Tuttle, 07; John Daniels, 80. 

Potsdam. — Wm. Carpenter, 87; Eunice Perigo, 93; Elijah 
Ames, 79; Ebenezer Atwood, 74; Mary AiUins, 74; John 
Bowker, 85; Jane Dailey, 88; Stephen Chandler, 80; Lucy 
Chandler, 70; Daniel Shaw, 86 ; Nathan Estabrook, 80; Na- 
thaniel Parmeter, 51; Nathan Purmetor, 81; Ku h Brush, 
456 



77; Dyer Williams, 81; Giles Parmelee, 76; John Fobes, 
78; John Moore, 82; Ammi Courier, 75; Sylvanus Willes, 
84 ; Thomas Palmer, 80. 

Madrid. — John Erwin, 59; Samuel Daniels, 78; Abiram 
Ilurlbut, 70; Peter Eaton, 68; Rebecca Packard, 60; Lucy 
Byington, 80; James Corry, 78; Isaac Buck, 77 ; Manasseh 
Sawyer, 81; Isaac Bartholomew, 78; Margaret Allen, 86; 
Jacob Redington, 81. — Total number, 118. 

EVENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812-15. 

The county of St. Lawrence furnished quite a large number 
of troops for the War of 1812-15, many of the stirring in- 
cidents of which occurred within or near her borders. 

Subsequent to the war several acts for the relief of volun- 
teers, in various forms, were passed by the State legislature. 
The lirst was passed April 21, 1818, and entitled " An Act for 
the relief of certain volunteers and militia called into serTlce 
for the defense of the frontiers of the State in the late war, 
and for other purposes." 

Another act was passed, April 9, 1819, entitled " An Act to 
authorize the payment of claims for services rendered and 
supplies furnished by the militia and volunteers of the State 
called into service during the late war." Laws were also 
passed by the United States in 1850, 1855, and 1850, entitling 
soldiers to bounty lands. 

An act was passid covering the above subjects by the legis- 
lature, April 15, 1859, of which Sec. 3 reads as follows: 

"The jirnof to autlienticatc bucIi services and expenses shuU Ije tlie state- 
ment, on oath, of the servk-e'* rentleied and expenses incnrred by the person 
ehiinting eonipensalion, stating t!ie time of snch service, tlie place or places 
wliere sucli service was rendered, and tlie names of the officers commanding, 
and that the claimant has received or is entitled to bounty lands by virtue of 
the laws of the United States, passed in the year ]8.^0 and the years 18r>.'j and 
IS.'iG, to be slated to the satisfaction of the adjutant- and inspector-generals, 
which may be verified before any officer authorized to take affidavits, to be 
read in tlie Supreme Court of the State of New York, and such olher proof iia 
tile aiijutant- and inspector-geueials may deem necessary in order to obtain tlie 
facts relating to said services and expenses." — Lmcs 0/ New \urlc, 1839, cbali. 
17G, page 4'2.^. 

It would a|ipi'ar that under this act a large numbiT of the 
men who had been in the service made application for the re- 
lief provided for ; not strictly sis relief, but as a matter of 
right. We herewith furnish the names and residences in 
1860 of one hundred and sixty-one of these applicants from 
St. Lawrence County, obtained from the records of the adju- 
tant-general's office at Albany. This does not of course in- 
clude all those who served during the war. Many of the 
soldiers of 1812 will be found mentioned in the history of the 

various towns. 

SOLDIERS OF 1812. 

1 Bedell, Seneca, Braslior. 



Alexander, .Tames, Blorristown. 
Allen, Nathaniel, Hu-sell. 

A s, Khjah, Jr., ('anion. 

Ames, Sleplien K. 
Armstrong, Robert, Tdsbon. 
Austin, Isaac, llojikinton. 
Bubbet, Samuel G., ilermon. 
Hacon, Jacob P., Canton. 
IJailey, .\nsel K. 
ltarkl^r, Daniel, Macomb. 



Beebe, Richard, Fine. 
Belmont, John D., Fowler. 
Berry, John, PierrelKint. 
Bigelow, Ira, Hammond. 
Bingham, Samuel, Canton. 
BowliHll, David, ilermon. 
Bowball, Demarkis, Madiil. 
Boynton, Kphraiiii, .Jr., Potsdam. 
Briggs, Joseph, Hammond. 



Oath of allegiance of early militia OFFiCfffs. 




I 



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yo-yyv. 






d'oc^.^ e</^ .**.zr7^ /^^^ac^ o/ J<^uAlSc^^ \ 



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IlISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOUK. 



457 



lliirlinghiini, Alfrnl, RiiRsell. 
Itti:^li, .T()se[ih, ItiipUititon. 
Clark, Shul'iX'-l, Cnnlnn. 
Clark, WaiTfii, I'otsihim. 
Colo, Ira, Kowlrr. 
Coiikey, A-^a, Canton. 
Cotton, Woodly, Potsdam. 
Cramlall, Fiuncis, Ouiiverncur. 
Culver, Amos. 
Dailey, Uenjaii'iin. Pot-tilam. 
Daile.v, Hiizon, Potjidani. 
Dake, .Shailracli, Macomb. 
DanieM, Aaron, Pierrrpont. 
Daniels, Miclnid S., ();;<lenslmrg. 
]»avis, Joseph N.. Potsdam. 
Day, Benjamin, Fowlei-. 
Do Lan.l, Dav.tl, E.lwanl-». 
De LoHf^, Francis, Hammond, 
Dewe3', KK'azer, Gonvorncnr. 
Dowey, Lucins, I'otsdam. 
Dickinson, Justin, Piicairn. 
I>ings, Peter, Lislion. 
Dnnlajs K.bert, Puts-lam. 
EIilo, John, Morristoun. 
KlUworth, Lyman, Canton. 
Evort-^, Josso, Stockholm. 
Fainier, Eheiiezer, Cmton. 
Farmer, Levi, Riissi-11. 
Farmer, William, Fowler. 
Faville, Cor^., De Kalb. 
FnlltT, Levi, Pai-ishville. 
Gill, Unt:h, EiUvanis. 
Gillcf, Jehi.'l, Fowler. 
Gooilenongli, Jonathan. 
(»(.n>liien, Thomas, Madrid. 
Gotham, Enorli, Canton. 
Gonld, Jool, Hopkititon. 
Gn.-ene, John, Fowlor. 
Griffin, NathaTiiol. Pierrepont. 
Hiiskins, Jomithan, Gonvernenr. 
Ilawley, Je-se B., Madrid. 
Hepburn. Roderick C, Madrid. 
Hepburn, Patr.ck, Parishville. 
Hig-^ins, Arthibald, Hermon. 
Hildreth, Amos, Fowler. 
Hilts, George G., Gonvernenr. 
Htnian, Boni.(Ad'x), Waddingtun. 
llor, Peter, Gtiuvorneur. 
Hongli, Enistns A., Racketville. 
Hntchinaon, Benjamin, Russell. 
Johnson. Sleiihon, JLidrid. 
Jndson, Framis N.. <)swegat»"hie. 
Kel-ey, Sidney, Stockholm. 
Kennedy, James R., Russell. 
KiUmor, AVilliam, Grmvernour. 
King'bniy. Ziba, Gonvernenr. 
Klock, Abraham, Morribtown. 
Knox, Nathan, Russell. 
Krako, John, Morristown. 
Lawyer, David, Do Peyster. 
Lent, John, Morristown. 
Lobdoll, Jacob, Pierropont. 
Lobdell, Lurins, Pierrepont. 
Lockwood, Joseph. 
Luther, Martin, Fine. 
Lytle, James I,, L'sbon. 
Lytlo, William, Lisb<.n. 
Mathowaon. .\ndn'W, Canton. 
fliattison, Thoruius, Fine. 
Mifler, Tintmas, MorriBtown, 
Rlinnick, El. as. Fowler. 
Moore, -Samuel St., Russell. 



Moore, Charles E. (by Ad'x), Lisbon. 

Nelson, Ro^well, Stockholm. 

Nichols, Aaron, Norlh Potsdam. 

Northiup, Enistns, Morristown. 

O'Riley, John, .Mjussena. 

I*agc, Elias C, Canton. 

Paige, Isaac C, (Canton. 

Parker, John, Fowlei-. 

Parka, Elijnh, Morristown. 

Patridge, Jacob, Stockholm. 

Payne, Pardon, Fowler. 

Payne, Sammons, HL-tssena. 

Phelps, Samuei W., De Kalh. 

Polly, Eben, Massena. 

Polly, John, Miissena. 

Potter, William A., Gouvernour. 

Proctor. John, Madrid. 

Randall, Samuel (by Ad"r). 

Raught, Jacob, Morristown. 

Rich, Christopher C, De Kalb. 

Richards, Jitseph, Massena. 

Robinson, John, Rosbio. 

Robinson, SaniPiel, Morristown. 

Ru'isell, Chester. 

Sanders, Jacob B,, Lawrence. 

Sawyer, Williani M., Madr.d, 

Scarborough, Michael, Massena. 

Schoughlon, James. Russell, 

Scott, Joseph, Lisbon. 

Scriptur, Benjamin. Lawrence. 

Sears, Elijah, MadriiL 

Shaver, John, Gonvernenr. 

Shaw, Salmon, Potsdam. 

Sheldon, Timothy, Gouvernour. 

Shipman, Frorlerick, Pierrepont. 

Sly, John, De Kalb. 

Smith, Stephen, Gonvernenr. 

Smith, Tliadden-*, M:is-ena. 

Starling, Adam P.(by widow), Morris- 
town. 

Strphena, William F., Massena. 

Sterrburgh, Peter, Do Kalb. 

Stewart, Eli, Rus>ell. 

Stewart, James S., Massena. 

Stewart, Nichohis, Pitcairn. 

Stuwe, Christopher G., Norfolk. 

Taggert, Joseph, Canton. 

Tamblin, Timothy, Canton. 

Tanner, Harry, Hoi mon. 

Tanner, Isaac, Jr., Do Kalb. 

Timmerman, J. C. [by Ad'r), Potsdam. 

Tucker, Jo-<epli, Massena. 

Turner, Mile*, De Kalb. 

Turner, Ren!>en. Lisbon. 

Tntliill, John, Gonvernenr. 

Van Buren, Thomas H , Gonvernenr. 

Van Zant, Joseph, De Kalb. 

Wagner, Jos. P. (by widow), De Kalb. 

Walling, Almon, Gonvernenr. 

Warren, Cyrus D,, I'olsdam. 

Wheeler, John, Wad<Iington. 

Whipple, Eli>ha, De Kalb. 

Winno, Cornelins, nojtkinton. 

Winlers, Asa, Brasher. 

Woodbridge, Jos. E, (by .\d'x), Wad- 
dington. 

Worden, William, Potsdam. 

Worthen, Nathan, Potsdam. 

Worthen, David, Potsdam. 

Young, John C, Morristown. 

Young, Robert, Massena. 



The followincr account of ojiorations alonij; the iiorthci 
border duriiii^ tlic war witli Gfeut IJritain is taken from D 
II«mjj:irs Ilisliiry of St. Lawrence nnd Franklin Cininlies, wil 
additions and CDrroctiona : 



■rn 
Dr. 
ith 



dditions and CDrroctiona : 
On the 5tli of April, 180'>, a regiment was for 
Lawrence County, with Alexander J. Turner, 
colonel commanding; Joseph Edsall, tirst major 
Ford ' • ■ ■ 



•mod in St. 

ieutenanl- 

major, and David 




pointmont-* were niado in Turncr'.s regiment. I*aac Reach, 
adjutant; John King, paymaster; D. W. Church, quartcr- 
tnaster ; Josi'ph W. Smith, surgeon ; Powell Davis, surgeon's 
mate; Louis Hasbrouck, Timothy Pcipc, Timothy Cresset, 
Nathan Stone, William P<'rry, Thomas IJ. Benedict, Solomon 
Linsl('\', Jr., Isaac Bartholomew, Ilichard Flack, Eliisha 
Deniston, and Benjamin Stewart, captains ; Jehiel Dimmock, 
Kelsey Thurbor, Samuel Arri.strong, JSIartin Pliilips, Mrdad 
Moody, P(»tter Gott*, Setli (Jates, John Ilawley, John W. 
Lyttlo, Calvin Hubhard, and Benjamin Bailey, lieutenants ; 
and Jacob Arnold, Jr., Thnmas Lee, John A. Armstrong, 
Abner Wright, Jame:* Parkil, Jr , Joel Woodhouse, Daniol 
Greene, Nicholas Reynolds, Hubert Jackson, Seth Matthews, 
and David French, cn>igns. An artillery company was formed 
April 6, 1807, with Alexander Kichard, captain ; Amos W^ells, 
tirst lieutenant; Joseph Freeman, second lieutenant. A bat- 
talion of fttur companies, under Alrlc Mann, major command- 
ing, was formed in Franklin county, June 4, 1808, and be- 
longed to Gen. Benjamin Moore's brigade. Our space forbids 
the use of the details collected in relation to subsequent organ- 
iz:iti<ms. The location of our counties upon the frontier 
made them the theatre of events that will be briefly enumer- 
ated, and cheeked their growth and settlement to a most 
lamentable degree; not so mucli by the actual as the dreaded 
evils of war, and the entire ces>ation of trade, which liad 
mainlj^ focmd an outlet by the St. Lawrence. With business 
stopped, the industry of the country jtalsied, and the brightest 
prospects of the future blighted, it is not surprising that the war 
was to a considerable degree unpopular, especially with those 
classes whose business was interrupted by the measure, and 
whose property was depreciated, and, in some instances, ren- 
dered valueless, by its occurrence. The measures which pre- 
ceded and led to hostilities belong to our national history. 
Grievances had existed for several years, and cftbris iiad been 
made to settle the difficulties between the two nations by dip- 
lomatic arrangements, but these failing, a resort to arms be- 
came the only means eliectinil in attaining these ends whicii 
could not be accomplished peaceably. 

Dec. 22, 1807, congress laid an embargo upon all ships and 
vessels in the ports of the United States, and directed that no 
clearance should be furnished to any sliip bound to any foreign 
port or place, except under the immediate direction of the 
president. In the event of the suspension of hostilities between 
the belligerent powers of Plurope, or of such changes in their 
measures as would render the commerce of the country safe, 
the president was authorized, by an act passed on the 8th of 
April following, to suspend in whole or in part the operations 
of the embargo. This applied to the lakes as well as the sea- 
board. Earl}' in 1809, Capts. Samuel Cherry and Tliomas 
Anderson were stationed at Ogdensburg to enforce non-in- 
tercourse, and occupied temporary barrarks erected for their 
use. These two companies of troops are represented as the 
worst setof men that ever lived, and were charged with being 
needlessly officious in searching persotts crossing the river, 
which led to jealousies that almost ripened into hostility with 
the citizens. The latter, for their own protection, organized 
a nightly patrol to protect their gardens and hen-roo<tl^; and 
thus, between the preservation of national and personal right.*, 
the village bore the discipline of a camp nntil, to the great 
joy of the citizens, the news arrived that the soldiers were to 
be withdrawn. This was too desirable an event to pass un- 
noticed, and preparations were made to celebrate it, which 
coming to the knowledge of the other party, an attempt was 
made in the night-time to seize an old French cannon, belong- 
ing to the village, which was to be fired on their departure, and 
to throw it from the bridge into the river. The plot was dis- 
covered, nnd the party sent was arrested by the citizen guard, 
and in the morning marched back to their quarters, and re- 
leased at the solicitation of their officers. As they were leaving, 
a citizen, who went down to their boats to recover some stolen 



458 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



proporty, was seized and tlirown overhoiird, wliieli ins-tanlly 
raised an cxoileniint, and, as tlicy left, lli^y were fnllowed by 
the liodtings and cries of the irritated crowd. Tlie <dd iron 
cannon, and tlie discordant music of a luindred tin Iiorns with 
as many cowbells, assisted in expressinj; the general satisfac- 
tion. The books of a mercantile lirm show an unsettled bal- 
ance of $300 agiainst one of the?e wortliies. Congress, April 10, 
1812, required 100,000 men to be raised in anticipation of the 
war, which were to be oflicered with present militia officers, 
paid at the same rates as the regular army, and were not com- 
pelled to serve longer than six months after arriving at the 
place of rendezvous. It was stipulated that no non-commis- 
sioned officer, musician, or private should be subject to cor- 
poral punishment by whipping, but stoppage of pay, eonfiiie- 
ment, and deprivation of rations should be substituted. One 
million dollars was appropriated for this jiurpose. Gen. Jacob 
Brown, whoso brigade included the county, wrote. May 2, 
1812, to Col. Benedict, to raise 43 men, including non-com- 
missioned officers, to be held ready at a minute's warning, and 
two competent men as lieutenant and ensign. These he re- 
quired to be embodied and stationed in the village of Wil- 
lianistown [De Kalb], as soon as possible. Col Stone, of 
Herkimer county, was also instructed to raise 37 men and one 
lieutenant, to join the above. A company was accordingly 
raised, of about 80 men, with Darius IJawkins, of Herkimer 
county, captain ; John Policy, of Massena, and Elisha Griffin, 
of De Kalb, lieutenants. These were tent on to Ugdens- 
burg. 

These troops arrived on the last of Jlay, and for a few days 
were quartered in the court-bouse. The citizens, from their 
former experience, disliked the idea of having troops among 
them, and it is said tbat difficulty was experienced in getting 
their bread baked from this cau>e. The declaration of war, 
in June, 1812, was made known by the arrival of Major Darby 
Noon, to erect barracks, which were temporary, and located 
a short distance below the village. No sooner was the news 
of the declaration of war received, than the greatest alarm 
was immediately created on both sides of the lines, from mu- 
tual fears of hostile incursions from the other side of the 
boundary. 

In St. Lawrence County, especially, this fear was greatly 
increased by rumors that parties of Indians were about to fall 
upon the settlements, then young and feeble, and lay waste the 
country with fire and tomahawk ; but before the close of the 
season the minds of the settlers had become accustomed to 
these rumors, and they were but little regarded. 

As soon as war was declared. Gen. Brown drafted six com- 
panies in the regiments of Cols. Benedict and Stone, wbiih 
were under Capts. Griffin, of De Kalb, Armstrong, of Lisbon, 
Cook and Hovey, of Lewis county, and Bell and Weaver, of 
Herkimer county. Oliver Bush, of Turin, was tirst major, 

and Whitman second major, of Benedict's regiment. 

Col. Stone's regiment arrived soon after with several com- 
panies, among which was an independent rifle company, under 
Capt. Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion. The militia captains 
on duty during a considerable part of the summer of 1812 
were as follows, in tlie order of their commissions: Nathan 
Adams, Nathan Cook, Imri Case, Jost Bell, Moses A. Bimnell, 

Howland, Jacob Hovey. When war was declared, 

eight schooners were in Ogdensburg harbor, which, on the 
29lh of June, attempted to cscajie to the lake. Mr. D. Jones, 
an active partisan, residing near the present village of Mait- 
land,on the Canada shore, seeing the inovement, and appre- 
ciating the advantage tbat would result to the British interests 
if this fleet could bo prevented from reaching Lake Ontario, 
raised a company of volunteers, and pursued them in boats till 
he overtook them near the foot of the Thousand islands, above 
Brockville. Two of the vessels, the " Sophia" and " Island 
Packet," were taken without resistance, as they were litted for 
trade onlv, and had on board nourmaincut. Several emigrant 



families on board, with the crew and n [lart or the whole of 
their efl'ecis, were set I'n an island, and the ves>els burnid. 
The crews of the remainder immediately steered back to 
Ogdensburg. 

Very soon after, the " Prince Regent," a new vessel of 10 
guns, came down from Kingston, and fears were apprehended 
that an intention of attacking the town was entertained. On 
the 20th of July, Brigadier-Gen. Stephen Van ljens>elaer ar- 
rived, and a rumor prevailed that two more vessels were 
coTuing down to destroy the fleet. As afterwards appeand, 
several plans were laid to take the vessels, but none were at- 
tempted ; as a further security, they were taken above the 
bridge, and during an armistice that occurred in summer 
were got up to the lake. Soon alter the arrival of the " Prince 
Regent," the " Earl of Moira" and " Duke of Gloucester," 
the former of 18 and the latter of 10 guns, arrived at Prescott. 
A scheme was laid for destroying the " Duke of Glou- 
cester" on the night of July 23, and from the original vol- 
unteer list before us it ap)iears that about GO men offered 
themselves for the service, who were to act under Cols. T. B. 
Benedict and Solomon Van Ri'n.sselaer. Tliiee parties were 
to co-operate, but before night the vessel changed her positiin 
and the attempt was not made. In July, Gen. Brown dis- 
patched the schooner "Julia," of the navy, armed with ono 
18- and two iron 6-pounders, and laden with military stores, 
under the command of Lieut. H. W. Wells, of the govi^rn- 
nient brig "Oneida," and accompanied by Capt. Noadiah 
Hubbard, with a rifle coinjiany, in a Durham boat. She sailed 
July 29, and on arriving at Morristown she was met at three 
o'clock on the 31st by tlie "Earl of Moira," which, soon as 
they came alongside, dropped their anchors, brailed up their 
canvas, and commenced a cannonade which lasted three and 
a quarter hours without intermission, but, singularly enough, 
wiihout loss of life, and with but little injury to the vessels. 
The " Earl of Moira" was hulled a few times, and the " Julia" 
received a slight injury from one shot. Neardark, the enemy's 
vessels were warped up to Elizabethtown (now Brockville), 
and the guns taken out and placed in battery on shore. The 
"Julia" weighed anchor and fell down the current, and by 
being towed by the Durham boat and the schooner's yawl, 
reached Ogdensburg before morning. She lay oft" in the 
stream, between Prescott and Ogdensburg, until the .5th of 
September, imder the command of Capt. William Vaughan, 
sailing-master in the navy; Samuel Dixon and Abram Shoe- 
maker, volunteers, acting master's unites. Lieut. Wells re- 
turned the day after the aflair to Sacket's Harbor. 

A scout had been sent to notify the "Julia" of her danger 
from the two armed vessels, but did not anive seasonably. 
The firing being heard at Ogdensburg, and the occasi<in of it 
being surmised, Adjutant Church was sent by Col. Benedict 
to proceed with a party of volunteers to ofl'er any assistance 
that might be possible. 1 hey hastily nnirched to the scene of 
the engagement, but did not arrive until after the aflair was 
over. From Mr. Church the foregoing account was derived. 

Samuel Dixon, who was on board the " Julia,'' and partici- 
pated in this aftair as a volunteer, had been in the employment 
of David Parish, as captain of the schooner " Collector." The 
principal merchant vessels on the lake were bought up by 
government on their reaching the lake, and fitted up with an 
armament. Capt. Mayo's schooner, the " Genesee Packet," 
had its name changed to the "Hamilton." "The E.xperi- 
ment," one of Mr. Parish's vessels, became "The Growler." 

About the middle of September it was learned that a num- 
ber of bateaux were coming up the river, laden with stores, 
and a party under Capt. Griffin, in a Durham boat, accom- 
panied with a gun-boat, having eighteen men and a brass 
six-pounder under D AV. Church, left Ogdensburg in the 
evening, and late at night landed on Toussaint island, oppo- 
site the town of Lisbon, and near the place where the enemy 
lay. The only family on the island was secured, but the man 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



459 



mnnaged to escape by svvimming and gave the nliirni, and Uie 
provincial militia wcrp hastily rallied Tlic l)»tcaux lay unilor 
the north shore, behind the islanl. The party under Capt. 
Griffin took a position near its head, wliile Cliurcli was di- 
reeti'd to station his ;;iin-boat near its foot. A sharp firing soon 
began and was continued for some time, when the boat was 
abandoned with the loss of one man (Macomb), and one 
wcinnded It drifti'd down the channel, and was taken up by 
the enemy before it reached the foot of the island. The gun- 
boat about sunrise came to anchor, and was immediately tired 
upon, at the second discharge having five of the eighieim 
wounded; but before the third shot the cannon was brought 
to bear, and very shortly after the regulars, who accompanied 
the enemy's boats, broke and ran. Failing in its object the party 
returned by land, and the gun-boat was sent to Hamilton. 
Adjutant Filz Gibbon was said to have charge of tlie British 
party, two of which at the time were rejwrted killed and 
several wounded. We had but one man killed. 

Towards the close of the season Capt. Benjamin Forsyth, 
with a company of riflemen, arrived at Ugdensburg. Gen. 
Brown was frequejitly in the place. On the 2d of October 
about forty British boats, escorted by two gun-bnats, were 
proceeding up the river towards Prescott, when a cann')nade 
was commenced from the enemy's batteries upon the village 
to cover the boats, which was returned a short time, until it 
was found that long shots had but very little eft'ect. On the 
3d the firing was renewed, but not answered. On Sunday 
morning, the 4th, an attack was made by twenty-five boats 
and two gun-boats, which had proceeded up the river nearly 
a mile, and were then seen to turn their course towards the 
village. The morning parade had just been dismissed, but 
the order to rally was instantly issued, and a wooden battery 
near the stone warehouse was manned with the brass si.^c- 
pounder, under Adjutant Church, and an iron twelve-pounder, 
under the orders of Joseph York, a volunteer citizen. There 
was but one embrasure, which was occupied by the brass piece, 
the other being stationed at its end, and without protection. 
The regiment, under the orders of Gen. Brown, and Forsyth's 
riflemen, which then lay encam|ied west of the Oswegatchio, 
was drawn up with the militia. The Americans numbered 
1200 men. Firing commenced from the enemy's batteries 
with the embarkation of the troops, and continued as they 
advanced, and was returned by our troops as soon as the boats 
arrived within musket-range. The flotilla approached to 
within a quarter of a mile, when, one of their gun-boats 
having been disabled ami tw > of their number killed, they 
returned to their own side. It was reported that one of their 
baleau.x was sunk, hut of this fact the author's informant was 
not certain. Not a drop of blood was lost on the side of the 
Americans, but some little injury was done to property and 
buildings by the shot of the enemy. About thirty rounds 
were fired from each of the two pieces at the wooden battery. 
The firing continued nearly two hours. The assailants in this 
attempt were commanded by Col. Lethbridge, and, according 
to the accounts published by the British, they numbered 7oO 
men. 

After this unsuccessful attempt of the enemy ncithing further 
of consequence occurred till the close of the year. The winter 
set in early, and was very severe. The drafted regiment re- 
turned home, and left the place under the protection of Capt. 
For.-yth, with his rifle company, and a snndl detachment of 
Capt. Kellog's artillery company of Albany vidunteers. The 
remainder of that company had been detached to Sacket's 
Harbor. 

On the 0th of February, 1813, about a fortnight before 
the attack upon Ogdensburg, Captain Forsyth being told, 
by spies and friends in Elizabethtown (Brockville), that a 
large number of Americans were confined there in jail, and 
pressing news being repeatedly received that they were treated 
with severity, that some wore claimed as liriti^h deserter.-^, 



although they had hecomc citizens of the United States, and 
that some of these would be executed b_v the authority of the 
British courts-martial, it was rcscdved to attempt their rescue. 
A parly consisting of Capt. Forsyth's companj', and citizen 
volunteers to the number of about two hundred, was organized 
and ready to start about nine o'clock in the evening, and, 
leaving the town in the care of Capt. Kellog, of the Albany 
volunteers, and a few citiz'-ns, they proceeded on foot and in 
two or three sleighs (the latter in the rear) to Morristown. 
The expedition took along one light gun, but we'e obliged to 
leave it on account of great fissures in the ice. Having halted 
here a few moments and procured a guide,* they crossed in two 
divisions, marching in open order on account of the weakness 
of the ice, Capt. Forsyth leading one division and Col. Bene- 
dict the other. Flank-guards were dispatched to each side nf 
the town, to arrest such as might attempt to escape, while the 
main body marched into the village and slaticmcd themselves 
in the square in front of the jail, which then occupied the 
same site as at present. Adjutant Church was ordered to 
detach platoons from the main body and station them at the 
corners of the streets and those points best calculated to pre- 
vent resistance or a combimition of forces. Lieut. Wells ciun- 
manded the right flank-guard, and Lii'Ut Johnson the left. 
Sergt. Foster, of the main-guard, who had been stationed with 
a few men on one of the corners, on hearing the approach of 
a company of men, hailed them with the challenge, " Who 
comes there?" He was answered by the reply, " Not friends 
of King George." Not hearing the first word in the reply, 
he fired and wounded one man. The party proved to be the 
left flank of the Americans, and an understanding was soon 
regained. AteanwhiU' Capt. Forsyth, with a few men, entered 
the jail and detnatuled the keys, which were surrendered with- 
out resistance, and every prisoner, with the exception of one 
confined for murder, was removed. He naturally begged hard 
to share the fortune of the others, but was left. Some of the 
more prominent citizens were taken prisoners and (with the 
exception of one physician, who was paroled at Morristown) 
taken to Ogdensburg, at which place the party arrived before 
daylight. The rescued prisoners and citizens brought back 
numbered about fifty-two, of whom six or seven were officers. 
One man was wounded by a shot from a window, with which 
exception no resistance was ottered. The countersign of the 
party on this aft'air was Americims. Among the prisoners was 
Maj. Carley, three captains, and two lieutenants. 

The following is a list of those taken, except officers: 
Stephen Chipinan, David Wheeler, Charles French; Benja- 
min Gould, Wm. Graves, Winthrop Tufts, Zea Castle, Ichabod 
Wing, George Allen, Henry Staats, Timothy IJucd, Abiam 
McCue, Thomas Da<dinhani, Alex. Campbell, John D.ivis, 
Daniel McMullen, Richard Mcliane, Joseph Trader, Isaac 

C (name illegible), Uri Stone, Archibald Ladd, David 

Wheeler, John W. Easton, Peter Whitman, Joseph Howard, 
Levi Stone, Thomas Thornton, Isaac Mather, Samuel Elliot, 
Joseph Wo(dley, James Smith, Horatio Bradshaw, Gamaliel 
Tiiltle, John Green, Joseph Ryon, Norris Loverin, David 
Stevenson, Jehiel Smith, Thomas Kamhley, Wm. Kobinson, 
Kichard.'^on Cameroi\, Henry Smith, Cleveland Safioid, John 
Joy, John Whitlesy. Total, 4,'), besides olficers. 

They also seized and brought away one hundred and twenty 
muskets, twenty rifies, two casks of fixed ammunition, and 
Some other public stores, but no private property was either 
taken or destroyed. 

This atlair led the enemy to take measures for retaliation, 
and it was determined that Lieiit.-Col. Pearson sh<aild pro- 
ceed the ensuing morning to Kingston, while Lieut.-Col. 
McDonnell, second in command at Prescott, should make a 
demonstration upon the ice in front of Ogdensburg, as well 
with the view of engaging the attention of the troops as, by 

* Arnold Smith, who kept a pnblfc-houso in the place. 



460 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



drawing out tlu'ir fcircos, to iistcitiiiii the slieiigtli of tlie 
garrison. 

To iifterd tho dnta from wliicli to estimate the relative merit 
of tlio defense, the following account of the arnnimnnt aiid 
force in garrison at Ogdmsburg is given, as derived Imiii llu: 
memories of citizens then in town. It had been learned from 
spies that the British were i)re|i«ring to atlack the town, and 
Ciipt. Korsyth had written to (!cn. Di'arhorn, at Plattsburg, 
soliciting a-sistance. To this (Jen. Dearborn sent word that 
he could afford liim no help, and that he must do as well as 
ho was able. If he could not defend tho place, lie was at 
liberty to evacuate it, and it was left optional with him to do 
this before or after making an attempt to defend it. In his 
letter he said that the loss of the place might arouse the 
American spirit, intimating that the town was to be made a 
sacrifice for the good of the country. 

Upon receiving this letter, ('apt. Forsyth nssembled the 
officers around him, to whom he read the Idter of (jen. Dear- 
born, and solicited their advice. The result of the deliberation 
that ensued was, that it was expedient to defend the place as 
long as appeared practicable, and to abandon it only when 
compelled. 

The defenses of the place were as follows: Near the inter- 
section of Ford and Eu|ihamia (now State) streets stood an 
iron twelve-pounder, under the coniniiind of Capt. Kellog, of 
the Albany volunteers. It was mounted on a wheel-carriage, 
and was one of the trophies won in the Kevohitiouary war 
from Burgoyne at Saratoga. In front of the arsenal,* in Ford 
street, was a brass six-pounder, on n wheel-carriage, belonging 
to the State of New York. It was under the command of 
Joseph York, with a few men, mostly citizens and volunteers. 
A short distance north of the northeast corner of Parish's 
store was a rude wooden breastwork, defended by an iron 
twelve-pounder, which was mounted on a sled-carriage. It 
was also one of the trophies won from Burgoyne, and was 
under the command of Capt. Joshua Uonkey, of Canton, but 
it is said was not fired, although it was so placed that it might 
have done the enemy much injury, and perhaps have checked 
them altogether. On the point where the light-house now 
stands was a brass ninc-poundcr, which is said to have been 
mounted on a sled-carriage, and was under the command of 
a sergeant in the company of Capl. Kellog. This piece was 
fired repeatedly wilh effi'ct, and its commtinder was one of the 
last who retreated when the place was finally evacuated. Back 
of the old stone garrison were two old-fnshioned iron six- 
pounders, which were mounted on sleds. They had formed a 
j)arl of the arn)anient of some gun-boats that had been dis- 
mantled the fall before. These pieces were under the orders 
of Daniel W. Church and Lieut. Baird, of Capt. Forsyth's 
company. In front of the gateway, between the two buildings 
which formed the stone garrison, was a six-pound brass piece, 
on a sled-carriage. This piece had been in the village during 
the summer, and for some lime jirevious had been used in their 
exercises by a company of flying artillery then being formed, 
but which was absent or scattered at the time when the place 
was taken. About twenty feet to the left of this was a six- 
pound iron cannon, on a sled-carriage, which had been taken 
from a gun-boat. Besides these, there were several cannon 
which had been thrown from gunboats upr>n the beach in 
front of the stone garrison, which were frozen into the ice, 
and which, together with all of those above enumerated, were 
taken by the enemy, and were never recovered. 

Below the town, and not far from the present brewery, was 
an unfinished redoubt, which had been commenced towards 
the close of the season previous, bvit which was at tlic time 
not occupied or defended. It had been commenced under the 
orders of Gen. Brown, and was planned by M. Ramee, a 
French engineer, who had been in the service of Bonaparte, 

* A store on tbe west side of Fuiii, l)€twfcn State and Isabella afreets. 



and was to have been quadrangular in form, and bore the 
name of Fort Oswegatchie.f 

Thedrafted militia had long since returned home, and Capt. 
Forsyth's company alone remained. Lieut. Lytic had received 
orders for raising a company of volunteers, and Joshua Con key, 
of Canton, had arrived a little before wilh thirteen men to- 
wards a company. On the evening previous to the attack, an 
arrangement had been nuide that, in this case, Adjulant 
Church was to have charge of the piece at the garrison, and 
Sheriff York the brass six-pounder near the arsenal. Karly 
in the morning of Feb. 22 the governor departed, and at the 
same time Lieut. -Col. McDonnell marched out on tho ice in 
two columns, with an in;enti(m, as stated by British authori- 
ties, of only making a demonstration, but which he turned 
into a real attack. Oneof these, said to be !}(M) -trong, directed 
their march to a point where the breastwork had bi en thrown 
up below the village, but which, at the time, was witlurut 
defense, and the other, of about 300, approached from a 
point aliove the stone garrison. Besides the regulars, there 
were not more than 50 to show their faces to the cm-mj-. Capt. 
Forsyth had drawn up his men in the rear of tho garrison 
and facing the column that was approaching from that (puirter, 
and, when within half nuisket-shot, he walked down in front 
of his men, and directed them to reserve their fire until the 
word of command was given. Near the right of the lino 
Lieut. Baird was stationed with an iron six-pounder, and 
Adjt. Church was about two-thirds the way down the line, 
with a brass six. No order was given to fire until tho enemy 
had nearly reached the bank, where the snow luid drifted 
about knee-deep, and here they first fired, but without effect. 
Capt. Forsyth then ordered his troops to fire, and a volley 
was at once discharged from the rifles and the two cannon. 
Upon hearing the- order, the soldiers of the enemy fell pros- 
trate, and immediately after the discharge the company 
jumped up and ran oil" without ceremony, leaving eight of 
their number dead cm the ice. This detachment consisted of 
|irovincial militia and volunteers, under British oflicers. Tho 
column of 500 from below, under McDonnell, marched into 
the village without resistance. York and Kelh^g each lired 
upon them, but the gun of the latter was disabled by the 
breaking of the elevating screw at the first fire, which pre- 
vented it fnuu being again used. York continued to tire till 
two of his menj were mortally wounded, and himself and 
party taken prisoners. Kellog and his men, after the accident 
which deprived them of further means of resistance, retired 
across the Oswegatchie, and joined Capt. For.syth. Meanwhile, 
the greatest confusion and alarm pn^vailed throughout the 
village, and numbers of citizens were hastening away, nuist 
of them in the direction of Heuvelton. The nine-pounder, 
which was posted on the point under ihe charge of a sergeant, 
was fired wilh eft'ect upon the first column, the moment they 
began to show disirdiM- and commence retreat, but its posiliiui 
was such that it could not nndi'St the other lower body. Capt. 
Conkey surrendered himself without resistance. These threo 
cannon being in their possession, together with the village, 
the eniMuy next diiected his efiorts towards the position of 
Forsyth. 

There were jilsnted in front of the stone garrison, occupied 
by him, one iron and a brass cannon, both sixes. These were 
loaded by Church and Baird, but when about to be fired a 
white flag, borne by two men, was seen approaching. One of 
the bearers was Duncan Frazer, and the other Jonas Jones, 
who has since filled a high judicial station in Canada. Tho 



t " Tlie ti-oojis statioiipil here linve been employed since bust TbulNdiiy in build- 
ing a fort ; it liroitresset) prelty fust, considering tbe nnmber of men eiti|dt)ye)I. 
It ia believed, however, that it will not be finished before tbe winter j'ets in. 
Tlie plunof tbefort, we nnder.stund, was tbe prLHluction of Mr. lianiee, a French 
gentleman, w ho resides in this village.'' — Ogdensburg Palhulium, vol. ii. No. 4(i, 
Nov. Ill, 1812. 

J. Joseph Klieeland and Hyde, both citizens. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



461 



object of their vi^it was to present the oompliiiient? of Col. 
MoDoiincll, and the conditional alternative of "if you sur- 
render, it shall be well ; if not, every nuin shall be put to the 
bayonet." Capt. Forsyth promptly replied, "Tell Col. Mc- 
Donnell there must be more fii;lning done first." The bearers 
of the cornrnunication inimediati-ly returned, and had no 
sooner entered the ranks, which were drawn up in Ford strei't 
near the Hasbrouck place, when the two cannon before the 
gateway were immediately discharged. The brass piece was 
loaded with case-shot, and disabled eight men; but being a 
little too elevated, it had but little of the eifeet that would 
have been witnessed had it been properly pointed.* 

Immediately after this discharge the enemy retreated be- 
hind the stone store of Hr. Parish for .shelter. Up to this 
time there had been none of For.syth's company killed, and as 
there remained no enemy in sight the latter ordered his men 
within the gates, as the British began to Are at his company 
from behind various objects, by which several were .wounded, 
among whom were men by the names of Squires and Clark. 
They were not so badly wounded but that they were able to 
retreat. Lieut. Baird lingered behind after the order for re- 
treat was given, and onl\- retired when a messenger was sent 
with a secimd command for him to leave. Soon after some of 
the party, among whom were Church and Baird, went out to 
load the cannon in the rear, which had been tirst used, hoping 
that some chance might occur for discharging them with ef- 
fect, but on returning both were wounded, the latter severely. 
Deeming further resistance useless, Capt. Forsyth issued orders 
for his men to retreat and to rendezvous at Thurber's tavern, 
on Black lake, and thence they proceeded to De Peyster Cor- 
ners, where they arrived in the evening. The British took 
prisoners all the men in the h<ispilal, eight in number, and 
Sergt. Carr, who had care of the arsenal. Lieut. Baird was 
too badly wounded to retreat, and was conveyed to the house 
of Judge Ford, where he was taken prisoner. Adjutant 
Church, with the assistance of two of Forsyth's men, re- 
treated. None of this company were killed, and with the 
above exceptions none taken prisoners. There were on the 
side of the Americans five killed and eighteen wounded. As 
the enemy were marching down Ford street some of the num- 
ber, on entering the store-room used as an arsenal, were met 
hy a lad at the door, by the name of Jones, from Canton, who 
discharged a musket and severely wounded one of their num- 
ber, and was in the act of reloading his piece when the soldiers, 
enraged at this resistance, fired a volley upon the courageous 
boy, and finished their work with him by a thrust of a bayo- 
net, which pinned him to the counter. Further resistance not 
being oft'ereil, the enemy proceeded to ransack the town for 
public property and pillage, carrying off or wantonly destroy- 
ing private property to a great amount. Fifty-two prisoners 
wore taken over to Canada, where citizens were mostly pa- 
roled and allowed to return home, excepting those who had 
been found under arms. Conkey and his men, Sergt Rogers, 
Lieut. Baird, and a few others, believed to be about twenty, 
were sent as prisoners of war to Montreal, and thence by- 
water to tlalifa.t, until exchanged, except fourteen, of whom 
Rogers was one, who escaped from jail at Montreal and re- 
turned home. 

The enemy continued through the day to seek and carry- 
away whatever commodities their caprice or their wants in- 
dicated, among which was a large quantity of ]irovisions from 
the stone store, of which they were said to be much in need 
and for which they paid the value. The prisoners in the jail, 
upon their own assertion that the}- were confined for political 

• The anondote i3 rotated, tfiat as Mr. Cliurcli was about to firo Ihis CAnrion, 
Cnpt. Furcytll slejiped forwanl ami onlcied liini to oU^vatf it more. The former 
replied that it was high onongh; but the coniuiauder, iukpatioiit of coutia- 
dictioti, peleTuptorily retiewed his ordiT, w liiih wa-i sullenly obeyed. It has 
been 8u;;f;L'3te'l Unit an aiiiiitiotml turn of tin- screw was given to prove tlie 
BuundiiesS of his argument, and thus tlie lives of many of the enemy were saved. 



rea-ons, w-ere set free; but upon a true representation being 
made afterwai'ds, several were pursued, recaptured, and given 
up to the sheriff. 

The wanton destruction of private property, which is said 
to have ext<'nded to every house in the village except three, 
was perpetrated by swarms of the abandoned of both sexes 
from Canada and by numbers of the di.<solute class who be- 
longed to the Ameri.-an side, and who seized this opportunity 
to gratify a morbid passion for gain and for wanton ruin. 
The barracks were burned, and an attempt was made to tiro 
the bridge, but without effect, as it was covered with ice and 
snow. The citizen prisoners captured at this incursion were 
exchanged for thosi' taken at Brockville. It is but just to ob- 
serve that the wanton plunder of the enemy was disclaimed by 
those in command, and some efforts were made to procure the 
restoration of a few of the articles stolen. 

The British official account of this engagement gives the 
losses as follows : " 1 sergeant, G rank and file, killed ; 1 lieu- 
tenant-colonel, 2 captains, 4 subalterns, 3 sergeants, and 38 
rank and file, wounded. Xumesof officns itio«H(/ct/— Glengary 
Light Infantry, Lieut. -Col. McDonnell, Ctipt. Jenkins, se- 
verely; Lieut. McKay. M'dHUi — Capt. J. McDonnell, Lieut. 
Empy, severi'ly ; Lieut. M'Lean, and Lieut. JI'Dermott." 

Capt. Forsyth announced to the secretary of war the event 
at Ogdensburg in the following letter, dated Feb. 22, 1813: 

" Sir, — I have only time to inform yon that the enemy, with a very supe- 
rior force, succeeded in Liking Ogdeusbrjrg th's morning, about nine o'clock. 
They had about two men to our one, exclusive of Indians. Numbers of the 
enemy are dead on the field. Not more than twenty of our men killed and 
wounded; Lieut. Beard is among tlie latter. 

" I have luaile a saving retreat of about eight or uiue luiles. I could not get 
all the wounded fitf. 

" We have kdled two of the enemy to one of ours killed by them. We want 
ammunition and some provisions sent to ns. also sleighs for the wounded. If 
you can send me t'lree liundrfd Trt'ji, nJl s/iuU be reUiken, and PretcoU too, or I wdl 
lose my life in the attempt. 

" I shall write more particular to-<lay. 

'■ Yours with due re-peet, 

'*Benjami.\ Foksvth, Cap. Ritle reg. com'g." 

The following extracts convey additional facts in rehiiion to 
this affair, and from having been written soon after the occur- 
rence of the events, possess additional interest. The tirst is 
from Mr. Kosseel, and the second is understood to have been 
written by Mrs. York to a brother in New York, and was 
published in Niles' Wcckli/ Register : 

" By the middle of the afternoon, having rigged out anajnilogy for a one-horse 
sleigh, I left Ogdensburg, with the land-office papers, to rejoin my family, who 
left it the moment the place was being taken, and came withiti an ace of re- 
ceiving the contents of a ;i2-pounder,t loaded with grape and can"Ster, which 
stood at the Four Corners (near St. Lawrence tJivern), in front of which the sleigh 
in which my family were was driving furiously along, undistingui-hi.d from 
the enemy, and the dread etfect of which discharge I witnesseil from my window. 
Several of the Britis) fell at the corner of Mr. Parish's premises (in the fence, 
of which, what remains, niayyet he seen to this day the marks made by the 
grape-shtit ). I had received from General Arnold, of the milit a, who was hero 
prisoner on parole, a commission for (?jipt. Forsyth, that he prepare for an at- 
tack that night. Forsyth and his ride corps were at Kellog's [alumt a mile 
sonthwestof De Peyster Corners, on State roiull, and I found the militia at 
Remington's ( Heuvelton]. They would not allow me to go farther till I told 
them my cnimd. The teamster who drove me Wiis very drunk, and never 
minded the challenge fitim the pickets placed here and there along the rwnd, 
which was narrow. I sonudimes feeling their rilles touching our bodies. At 
Kellog's I fomid almost all Og.lensburg, soldier and civil an, all iH-tl-mell. But 
after I ct>inmunicated to ('apt. Koi-svtli my message fmm Gen. .\rnold, the sound 
of the bugle cleared the nnun of rillemen. aiul the people lireathed more freely. 
Alter placing my family in safety, I retnrnesl to (.Igdensbui'g, between which 
place and Uossie iron-works my altentitui was dividwi." 

The following extracts are from the letter above nicnlioned, 
dated Feb. 20, 1813: 

" I did not leave the house until the British were close to it, and not till thoy 
had shot a great ninuber of balls into it. I took ni>lhing with mc but stmio 
money and my talile-s]K>ons, and ran ;ls fast as possible, with a number of other 
women ; unr retreat wiui to the distance of about fifteen utiles. The next day I 

-f This gun wtia A 12-iK)Undcr. 



462 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



retiirnwl; our house was plundered of almost everything:, and my hnshand a 
prisoner on the other sitlo. Yon e.in cjisier imagine my feeling-i than I can 
deserilte Ihem. They did not leave any arli'-le of clothint;, not even a hand- 
kerchief, — tltey took all my beddinp lint left the heds: they hnike my looking- 
^hussesand even my knives. Thus sitnated, I dete mined It) };o over to Canada, 
and accordingly went to a flax of truce, which wa^ then in this village, for 
permission, which I oV>tuined. I went to one of my at'iinaintance* on the other 
side, where I wa-t favonthly receivetl. I applied to the commnmling officer for 
the purpose of ascertaining whether I ci>nld prticure any of my clothes; he 
Assured me tliat I should have them if I could And Ihem, hut did not trouble 
liimselrto make any in«iuiry. My journey was not lo^t; 1 prv>cured the release 
of my hn^lianil. who was j^irided and rernrneil with me. Mo t of the houses 
ill Ilie village were plundered, . . . You will he ii.*toni>heil whenllell yon that 
they were not contented with what the Indians and soldiers could ptuuder during 
the battle, but after it was over, the women un the other side came across, and 
took what was left."' 

The partisan spirit of Mr. York, wliiili wits woll known to 
the enemy, may have rendered his lunise an object on wliieh 
to expend their antipathies. 

Captain Forsyth having retired with his company to De 
Peyster, the place was thereby left defenseless, and the same 
day evacuated by the British. Gen. Brown having received 
news of the atfair arrived the next day, but did not enter the 
town, and soon returned home, and Forsyth proceeded to 
Sncket's Harbor, in order to join the forces at that place, 
which a few months after participated in the descent upon 
Little York. 

Most of the citizens who lied on the attack returned home, 
and the place was left entirely without military defense or 
any semblance of resistance during the remainder of the war. 
This defenseless condition occasionally exposed them to insult, 
and in May, 1813, some deserters having come over from the 
enemy, an officer was sent across with a flag, with a threat to 
commit- the village to the flames if they were not restored. 
To this requisition Judge Ford, with his usual promptness, 
replied that they would do no such thing, for no sooner should 
he see them landing, l/inn with his oicn hands he would set fire 
to his own house, rail;/ his neighbors, cross (he river with 
torches, and burn every house from Prescott to Brockrille. The 
Briti-h officer seeing the consequences that might ensue, after- 
wards apologized for his conduct. 

The following additional items were furnished by Mr. James 
W. Lytic, a citizen of Ogdcnsburg, still living, in his eighty- 
fourth year, who was a soldier and an actor in the events of 
those days. During the winter of 1812-13 a company of horse 
under command of Capt. Jehiel Dimick was stationed at Og- 
densbnrg, and performed patrol-duty for some time on the 
river-roads and on the ice. On one occasion two men, J. W. 
Lytlo and Joseph Brooks, were sent out on the regular patrol 
for the night. They proceeded up the river to Millis' tavern, 
about four miles above Ogdensburg, where they found two 
mounted men, one named Hanson, an officer in Capt. Forsyth's 
company of regulars, and the other named Dnimmond, who 
nominally belonged to Capt. Dimick's horse company, and 
became afterwards quite distinguished. After a short time 
the four men mounted and crossed over to the Canada side, 
and rode for some distance down the river, where they struck 
on the ice and moved down towards Ogdensburg. 

They had not proceeded far when they discovcreil a party 
of fifteen or twenty men approaching upon the ice from an 
opposite direction. The larger party hailed, " Who comes 
there?" "Friends!" replied one of the smaller party. 
" Friends to whom?" Fearing they were British, and hoping 
to conciliate or escape them, Hanson answered, "Friends to 
King George 1" In an instant the whole party tired upon 
them, killing the horses of Hanson and Brooks, and wounding 
the former by a buck-shot in the leg. The horse of Lytle 
sprang into the air, as the old gentleman expressed it, " about 
fLur feet, and made the best time he ever knew away from the 
spot," while Drummond immediately rode forward towards 
the firing-parly and, by timely explanation, prevented any 
additional damage. Quite a niimher of the veterans of the 
Kcvuluiion had assembled at Ogdensburg, and were doing 



duty as volunteers somewhat independent of military restraint, 
and this parly was composed of a portion of them. 

Mr. Lytle had been engaged rn the affair at Brockville, where 
ho captured a Col. Sherwood in a cellar, and, notwithstanding 
his liberal oiler of money, turned him over as a prisoner to 
the commander of the expedition. 

Hanson eventually recovered from bis woiuid and did good 
service at Sacket's Harbor and other places, though ho rc- 
mtined ever after somewhat crippled by the shot. 

Uoliert Lytic, thi' father of James W. Lytic, w.ts a Hevolu- 
tionary soldier, and resided at the breaking out of that war in 
Washington county, N. Y'. He was engaged in the battle of 
Bennington, and served in the campaign which ended with 
the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, in October, 1777. He 
was among those who turned out to do duty at Ogdensburg, 
where ho contracted a cold which terininat'd in sickness 'hat 
caused his death in January, 1813, at the age of fifty-four years. 
The famil^v were originally from Ireland, having emigrated 
to this country about the year 17lJ8. At the lime of the War 
of 1812 they resided in Lisbon, St. Lawrence County. 

In the fall of 1813, Col. Luckett, with a regiment of dra- 
goons, forming a part of the regular service, was sent in 
advance of the army of Gen. Wilkinson, to examine the coun- 
try and report. Ho is believed to have been instructed to 
make no demonstration that would create alarm to the enenty 
or lend to an attack. On the day of his arrival, Oct. 11, 1813, 
the town was filled with people, who had come to attend court, 
which was to commence its session on the following day. It 
was secretly reported the same evening, to persons still living, 
that there would be a flurry next day, the meaning of which 
in due time became apparent. The court met and had begun 
business, Benjamin Kaymond presiding as judge, assisted by 
Daniel W. Church and John Tihbits, assistant justices. The 
grand jury had received their charge and retired, and a case 
was being tried, when a cannonade was heard from the fort 
at Prescott, which led to much uneasiness, and, after a little 
discussion, the session of the court was interrupted for the day 
by the withdrawing of a juror, and the room was hastily 
evacuated. The grand jury also hearing the cannonade, ad- 
journed for the day, and left the house. Their room was 
above the court-room, in what is now a Masonic hall. In pass- 
ing out the room was hardly cleared, and the last person of 
the number in the door, when a 24-pound shot entered the 
room, shattering an end beam in the house, cut obliquely 
across the seals, — but a moment before occupied by the jury, — 
and lodged in the partition beyond. Fortunately, no one was 
injured by the cannonade, but some damage was done to 
houses. As soon as the firing commenced Col. Luckett re- 
tired into the back country, and there are those who believe 
that a display of his force was designedly made to get up an 
excitement with the enemy. 

In August, 1813, a direct tax of $3,000,000 was apportioned 
throughout the United States, of which $770 was drawn from 
Franklin, $3000 from St. Lawrence, §4010 from Jefl'crson, and 
$1900 from Lewis counties. 

Early in 1813 a plan of operations for the reduction of Can- 
ada was discussed in the cabinet. Gen. John Armstrong being 
the secretary of war, and Maj.Gen. Uenry Dearborn at the 
head of the northern armies. 

July 8, 1813, Gen. Dearborn was withdrawn from the com- 
mand of the northern army, and on Aug. 5 a communication 
was addressed to Gen. James Wilkinson, proposing a plan of 
operations, which he approved and undertook to execute. 
This was to bring a combined force upon Canada, a part to 
descend the St. Lawrence, and another portion by way of Lake 
Champlain, which were to unite and co-operate as circum- 
stances might dictate. The tiirmer of these was to be under 
the command of Gen. AVilkinson, and the latter that of Gen. 
Wade Hampton. It remained to be discussed whether King- 
ston was first to be reduced, and in the advice of the secretary 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCK COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



463 



of war lliis incasiire wii< strongly roccinimi ndod. Gin. Wilk- 
insdii :irrived ut Sacki'l's Harbor towards the la^t of August, 
and |iroceeded to the head of the lake to make preliminary 
arraiif^cmeiits for concentratinc; his forces. A series of un- 
pardonable delays hindered him from elfeetin:; this object or 
of retnrniiii; to SaeUei's Harbor before the 4th of October. 
The seori'lary of war was at that post, and on the day follow- 
ing a discu.ssion was held betwei-n Gens. Armstrong, VV ilkinson, 
Lewis, and Urown, at whieli the reasons for and again.-t mak- 
ing Kingston the first point of attack were brought forward 
and examined in detail, but at length abandoned. The same 
delays and embarrassments continued, and were increased by 
the storms incident to the lateness of the season. The forces 
assembled at Grenadier island. 

The following account of the |)rogress of the expedition 
down the St. Lawrence is derived from the journal of Dr. 
Amasii Trowbriilge, of Watertown (who attended in a profes- 
sional capacity), and occasionally from the published diary of 
Gen. Wilkinson : 

"On the 29th Gen. Brown's brigade, with the light and 
heavy artillery, emt)arked and proceeded down the St. Law- 
rence, tile entrance of which was about six miles from Bason 
harbor, and arrived safe at French creek the same evening. 
On the .'Jlst orders were issued directing the remainder of the 
army to follow, but a severe storm prevented the embarkation. 
The winds continued unfavorable until November 2, when 
the whole embarked and arrived at Cape Vincent, nine mib-s, 
the same day, and encamped. Gen. Brown, with the van of 
the expedition, had been attacked by the enemy's armed 
schooner and gun-boats, but were repulsed with loss, and were 
compelled to move up the river, and take a position eight 
miles below Cape Vincent. In the evening, about ten o'clock, 
Com. Chauncey came into the river from the lake, and an- 
chored near the encampment. The army appeared much 
gratified at the appearance of the fleet. 

" On the 3d the fleet weighed anchor and stood down the 
river. At seven the troops embarked and followed, with a 
favorable wind, and at nine passed our fleet at anchor, at the 
junction of the British channel with that on the south, in 
such a position as to oppose the enemy should they attempt 
to annoy the army in descending. At three P.M., joined Gen. 
Brown at French creek. The 4th was spent in waiting for 
boats with provisions and troops from Sackel's Harbor, and 
making necessary arrangements for the expedition. The 5th 
was a charming day, and in the morning orders were issued 
for sailing, and at six the whole army was under way, in about 
300 small crafts and boat", and arrived the same evening at 
Morristown, a distance of forty miles; a favorable landing 
was selected, and the boats put in good order. On the Olh 
the expedition proceeded on to within three miles of Ogdens- 
burg, and preparations were made for pa-sing the fort at 
Prescott. At this place Gen. Wilkinson issued the following 
proclamation to the Canadians: 

• 
*" The army of tlic United St,ite3, wtiicli I have the tioiior tt} command, in- 
vades tlie^e provinces lo cominer, and not to dc troy ; to snlidile tlio forces of liis 
Britunnic majesty, not to war against tiis unotTending subjects. Those, there- 
fore, among you who remain quiet at home, sliould victory incline to tlie Aincr- 
iiau standard, sliull lie protected in tlioir pcreons and jtroperry. Itut tlioso who 
are found in arms must necessarily he treated as avowed enemies. To menace 
is iinjuht, to^edllce dishonoiahle ; yet it is Just and humane to place these alter- 
natives before you. 

" ' Done at tlie headi|uartera of the United Slates army, this sixth day of No- 
vember, 1813, near Ogdonsburg, on the riv»T St. Lawrence. 

(Signedj '"James Wilkisso.v. 

"' By the general's command, 
(Signed) *"N. PiNKXi^v. 

"' M.jjor and A id -de -camp.* 

"The powder and fixed ammtinition were debarked and 
placed in carts, to be transported by land, imder cover of the 
night, beyond the enemy's batteries. As soon as the general 
returned, orders were issued for the debarkation of every man 



(except so many as witc necessary to navigate the boats), who 
were directed to march under cover of the night, to fuve use- 
less exposure to the enemy's cannon, to a bay two miles below 
I'rescolt, and arrangrnients were made at the same titne for 
the passiige of the flotilla by that i>liice, the siiperintendency 
of which devolved on IJrig. Gen. Brown, the general officer 
of the day. About eight o'clock i'. m. we had so lieavy a fog that 
it was believed we could pass ti)e British fortress unobserved, 
and orders were accordingly given for the army to march 
and the flotilla to get under way. The general, in his gig, 
proceeded ahead, followed by his pn>Siige-boat and family | 
but a sudden change of the atmosphere exposed his passiigc- 
bont to the garrison of the enemy, and near fifty-two twenty- 
four pound shot were fired at her without effect, while tlie 
column on land, di.-cov(;red by the gleam of their arms, were 
assailed with shot and shells without injury. General Brown, 
on hearing the firing, judiciously halted the flotilla until the 
moon had set, when it got into motion, but was perceived by 
the enemy, who opened U|ion it, and continued their lire from 
front to rear for the space of three hours ; and yet, out of 
more than three hundred boats, not one was touched, and only 
one man was killed and two were wounded. Before ten next 
morning, the whole of the flotilla, exce[)t two vessels, reached 
the place of rendezvous." 

Another account states that the general resorted to the ex- 
pedient of sending some old boats forward, on which the 
British expended their long shot ; and the army passed harn)- 
less, except from tmc shot, which killed two men and wounded 
three others. 

" About noon this day, Col. King, ailjutant-general of the 
army of Gen. Wade Hampton, arrived, smd waited on the 
commander-in-chief, whom he informed that In- had been to 
Sacket's Harbor, with a dispatch from Gen. Hampton to the 
secretary of war; that he htid no communication, written <ir 
verbal, from Maj.-Gen. Hampton (the commander-in-chief), 
but that not finding the secretary of war at Sacket's Harbi>r, 
he had thought proper on his return to call for any commu- 
nication which he (Gen. Wilkinson) might have to make to 
Gen. Hampton. The general had intended, in the course of 
the day, to send an express to Gen. Hampton, with an order 
to him to form a junction of his division with the corps de- 
scending the St. Lawrence, and availed himself of the ojipor- 
tunity presented by Col. King to send the order. In passing 
Prescott, two of our largest vessels, loaded with provisions, 
artillery, and ordnance stores, either through cowardice or 
treachery had been grounded in the river near Ogdensburg, 
and opposite Prescott. 

" The enemy kept up so constant a cannonade on them thtit 
we found it difficult, and loit half a day to get them out. We 
perceived the militia in arms at Johnstown, directly opposite 
us, and several pieces of field-artillery in motion. Under- 
standing that the coast below was lined with posts of musketry 
and artillery at every narrow pass of the river, Col. Macomb 
was detached, about one o'clock, with the elite corps of about 
I'iOO men, to reinovo those obstructions, and the general got 
under way about half-past three o'clock 

" JVur or five miles below, we entered the first rapids of the 
river, and .soon after passing them, two pieces of light artil- 
lery, which Col. Macomb had not observed, opened a sharp 
Are upon the general's passage-boat, but without any further 
efl'ect than cutting awtiy -"ome of the rigging. 

" Lieut.-Col. Eustis, with a jiarty of our light gun-barges, 
came within shot of the pieces of the enemy, and a cannonudo 
ensued without injury to either side. In the mean time Maj. 
Forsyth, who was in the rear of the elite of Col. Macomb, 
landed his riflemen, advanced upon the enemy's guns, and had 
his fire drawn by a couple of vedettes, posted in his route, on 
which their pieces were precipitately carried off. 

"The genertil came to at dusk, about six miles below the 
town of Hamiltou, where he received a rejiort from Col. 



4G4 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRP^NCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Maconil), wlio Imil routed i\ piirty nt ii IjlucU-linuic nlxnit )wi) 
mill'? Iic'low, luul fa|>tiire(l iin oHicer." 

On llie ni'iriiiri!; of the "ill, inform. itioii liiid been received 
that the ciiernv had lalceii a position on tlie river aliovc Ham- 
ilton, at a narrow pass, and !iad fortified it to annoy the (lolilla 
in passing. These were dislodged by Maj. Forsylli A body 
of dragoons had assembled here for crossing, and the whole of 
the 8th and following niglit were devoted to transporting these. 
About noon, advice was received that two armed schooners, 
and a body of the enemy in bateaux, estimated at 1000 or 
loOO men, had descended the river from Kingston, and landed 
at Prescott ; that they bad immediately sent a flag of truce 
across the river to Ogdensburg, and demanded the surrender 
p{ all ]iublic property tbere, under the penalty of burning the 
town. Not long after, information was received that the <'neniy 
bad re-enibarked nt Prescott, in their bateaux, ami were bil- 
lowing w'itb seven gun boats. 

While the expi'dition lay at the narrows near Ilaujiltoii, (m 
the 8lh,n council of war was held, — Gens. \Vilkin>on, Lewis, 
Boyd, Covington, Porter, and Swartwout being present,— in 
which the commander-in-chief stated that bis f.irc.'C consisted 
of 7000 men, and that he expected to meet 4000 more, under 
Gen Hampton, at St. Regis; that bis provisions amounted to 
ten days' bread and twenty days' meat ; that from the best of 
his information the enemy's force was 600 under Col. Murray, 
troops of the line, at Coteau de Lac, strongly fortitied with 
urlillcry; "200 mi the island opposite, with two pieces of ar- 
tillery, and about the same number on the south shore, with 
two pieces of artillery ; 200 or 300 men of the British line of 
artillery, but without ammunition, at the Cedars; at Mon- 
treal, 200 sailors and 400 marines, with the mililia, numbers 
unknown ; no fortifications at that city or in advance of it; 
2-300 regular troops expected daily from Quebec ; the militia 
on the line reported at 20,000 men, Canadians chiefly. This 
information was procured by Col. Swift, who employed a secret 
agent for the purpose Under the.se circumstances, Maj -Gen. 
Wilkinson submitted to the council the following proposition, 
viz. : Sliall the army proceed with all jiossible rapidity to the 
attack of Montreal? The above information was given by a 
contidential agent of reputed integrity, who left Montreal on 
the 3d instant ; it was added that two British armed vessels, 
with sixty bateaux with troops, had arrived at Prescott this 
morning, and that 400 were the last evening at Cornwall, 
about thirty-three miles below this point. With these facts 
before them, the question was asked, "Shall we proceed to 
attack Montreal?" to which Lewis, Boyd, Brown, and Swart- 
wout decided in the affirmative, and Covington and Porter 
expressed strong apprehensions from want of proper pilots, 
etc., but saw no other alternative. 

A body of 300 provincial militia had the evening before the 
arrival of the main army been driven by Forsyth from a 
block-house, with two 6-pound cannon, and this he hud 
burned. On the evening of the 8lh the passage of the cav- 
alry to the north shore was accomplished, and on the 9th, at 
six A.M., the 2d brigade, with two companies of the 2d artillery, 
the rifle-corps and cavalry, commenced their march by land to 
Williamsburgb, and in the afternoon the flotilla moved down 
the river. Very early in the morning, the enemy in the rear 
had a slight skirmish with the riflemen, in which we had 
one man killed, and the enemy retired. The object of Gen. 
Brown's being sent forward with a part of the army was to 
clear the shore of any annoyances which the enemy might 
have erected opposite the rapids and narrow defiles of the 
river. The flotilla passed down eleven miles, and anchored in 
the river, and the army encamped on ground selected by 
Gen. Boyd, guards were posted, and all remained quiet for the 
night. The enemy continued to follow up the rear, and on 
arriving at Hamilton sent to that village a peremptory demand 
for the restoration of some iner(;handise that luul been caj)- 
tured under the following circuiiistunces : 



In October, ISl-S, siune six or eight bateaux laden with mer- 
chandise, and owne<l in Kingston ami Toronto, were passing 
along up the river, under the Canadian shore, and were nioori'il 
for tin; niglit, not far from opposite the head of Ogden's island, 
when they were siirpri-ed, while most of the crews were sleep- 
ing, and captured without resistance. This expedition wijs 
planned and executed mostly under the direction of Benjamin 
Richards, of Hamilton, acting under a letter of marque, and 
assisted by a voluntei'r party of citizens. A part of the cap- 
tured goods were stored in a w:ireboiise in the village, and tho 
cloths and lighter articles were taken to Madrid (Columbia 
village) and in other parts of the town for greater security. 
So(m after Gen. Wilkin.son with his army bad passed, Col. 
Morrison, of the army which hung upon the rear of the 
Americans, stopped at the village, landed a part of his force, 
and demanded a surrender of the merchandise. No resist- 
ance could of course be oftVred or attempted, and be was pro- 
ceeding to take what might be found of the properly. AVhile 
engaged in this, be heard a cannonade below, which made 
him impatient of delay, and he hastily spiked a G-pound iri>n 
cannon which he found in the village, and ordered the goods 
and building in which the}- were to be set on fire. The day 
was beautifully dry and sunny, and the building, if burned, 
must have consumed a considerable part of the village. The 
principal citizens begged of the commandins officer of the 
enemy to consider this, and succeeded in getting the order 
countermanded, under the stipulation that all the goods in the 
village which had been captured should be the next day 
landed (m the Canada shore. 

This agreement was fulfilled, but the portions which bad 
been sent back to the Grasse river were slill in the hands of 
the captors. Some barracks belonging to the village of Hamil- 
ton, and which had been used by detachments of troops, were 
burned. 

On the morning of Nov. 10 information was received that 
the enemy had collected at or near the foot of the Long .Saul, 
determined to oppose the passage of the flotilla. To dislodge 
these. Gen. Brown was sent forward, and about noon was en- 
gaged by a party of the enemy near a block-house on the Saut, 
erected to harass the flotilla in its descent. At the same time 
the enemy were observed in the rear, who commenced a can- 
nonade, which obliged the general to order two 18-pounders 
to be run on shore and formed in battery, which soon com- 
pelled them to retire up the river. These operations had so 
far wasted the day that the pilots were afraid to enter the 
Saut, and thej' came to anchor opposite the premises of John 
Chrysler, about nine miles above the head of the Long Saut 
rapid. At four p.m., a party of 50 men, under Capt. Biirbank, 
fell in with a jiarty of the enemy in a grove about a mile in 
the rear of the camp, who were dispersed by a few volleys, 
losing one man and killing two. A few minutes after this, a 
small body of mounted men appeared in the road near the 
river, who were fired upon by our rear-guard of gun-boats, 
and disper-sed. At five o'clock, a body of men appeared at the 
same place, with two 6-pounders, and opened a lire on our 
gun-boats, which was returned, and kept up for some minutes. 
Gen. Boyd advanced against these, who retired. As it was 
considered important to hear from Gen. Brown whi'lher the 
passage was clear before committing himself to the Saut, from 
which tbere was no retreat, the American flotilla fell down a 
short distance, and came to under Cook's point,* about a 
mile below Chrysler's. 

During the whole voyage, and especially nt the time of the 
battle, Gen. Wilkinson was very ill, and much of the time 
confined lo his cabin. Word having been received about ten 
o'clock that Brown had dislodged the enemy and was pro- 

* The rivor at tliis place is very narrow, and in tlie fullowing summer a small 
fort nf ciirtli soul tiinl.er wjis erected. It inchised a qaarterof an acre, and was 
liiiill luidiT I.k-tu. In^'los, from whom it received the name of Ingles' fort. It 
liaa since been leveled. 



HISTOIIY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



4G5 



cooding clown, orders were issued for tin; fl-iiillii to siiil, wlien 
eightof tlie enemy's gun-boats appe:iied iti (he rear, and com- 
menced a smart fire upon the n-ar-guard of gun-boats. Sev- 
eral shots were directed at the flolilbi, but none took effect. 
A large ruw-i^alley, carrying a 32-poimd carronade, was the 
n>ost formidable in the enemy's line. Tlie following is an 
extract from Gen. Wilkinson's official account of the events 
of the llth of November: 

" A vmii'ty of repoiia of thi-iv movement'^ ami coiuiler-muveniuiits were 
brought to nie in sucressioii, which cmivinceil nie uf tlieir detfrminaiioii to haz- 
ard an attack wlien it cuuhi be done to the greatc'^t iidviiniagc; and therefuro 
1 resolved to anticiiwite them, Dircctiuns were accordingly sent by that diaiin- 
gui-hedutticer, (Jol. Swift, of the engineers, to IJtig.-Gcm. Boyd, to tlirow the de- 
tachm'^nts of hiA command assigned to him in the order of tlie preceding day, 
and compo94'd of his own, Covington's, and Swartwoiit's brigades, into tliree 
cohimns, to march upon tlie enemy, ontttank tlieni, if possible, and take their 
artillery. The action soon after commenced witli the advanced body of the 
enemy, and became extremely sharp and galling, and wiih occasional pauses, 
not stistaiueil with great vivacity in open space and fair combat, for upwaids of 
two and a half hours, the adveree line* alternately yieUliiig and advancing. It 
is impossible to say with arcuraoy what was our numl-er on the fii-ld, because it 
consisted of indefinite detaelitnents taken Iroui tlie boats to render safe the pas- 
sage of the Saut. Gens. Covington and Swartwont voluntarily took part in the 
action, at the head of detachments from the r respective brigade-*, and exiiibited 
the same courage lliat was disjdayed by Bn'g.-Gen. Boyd, who happened to be 
the senior ofticor-on the ground. Onr force engaged might have reached IG^O 
or 1700 men, but actnally did not exceed 1800; tliat of the enemy was estimated 
from V200 to '!(»)(), but did not probably amount to more than l.'iOO or 1600, con- 
sisting, as I am inrormed, of detachments from tlie 4yth, 84th, and 104th regi- 
ments of the line, witli three companies oftlie Voitigeurand GIiMigary corps, and 
the militia of the conniry, wlio were not included in the estimate. 

" It would be pre:*uniptnous in me to attempt to give a detailed account of the 
affair, which certainly retlecis high lionor on the valor of the American soldier. 
as no examples can be produced of undisciplined men, witli inexperienced offi- 
cers, braving a fire of two hours and a lialf without quitting tlie field or yield- 
ing to their antagonists. The information is derived from otficjrs in my confi- 
dence, who took active parts in this conflict; fjr, though I was enabled to order 
the attack, it was my liard fortnnc not to be able to lead the trooi)8 I commanded 
the disea-^e with which I wa-f assailed on the '2d of SeptemSer,on my journev to 
Fort George, having, with a few short intervals of convalescence, preyed on me 
ever since ; and at the moment of this action I was coufineil to my bed, and 
emaciated almost to a skeleton, unalde to sit on uiy horse, or move ten paces 
without assistance. I must, however, be pardoned fjr trespassing on your time 
a few remarks in relation to the affair. 

"The objects of the British and American commanders were precisely op- 
pose il ; the hist being bound i>y the instructions of his government, and the 
most Solemn obligations of d«ty, to precipitate his designs on the St. Lawrence 
by every practicable means, because, this being effectei, one of the greatest 
difficulties opposed to the .\merican arms wotdd be surmounti'd ; and the fir^t, 
by duties eijually impeiiou-j, to retard and, if possible, prevent ^uch descent. 
He is to be counted victorious who efl"rcied hii> purpose! The British com- 
Diander, having failed to gaiu either of his objeits, can lay no claim to the 
honors of the d ly. The battle tluctnated, and seemed at ditTerent tmes in- 
clined to the c intending corps. The Iroiit of the enenty were at first forced 
back more than a mile, and though they never regained the ground they lost, 
their stand w:is perm;nieiit and th -ir courage resolute. Am dst these charges, 
ami near the close i»f the cont"St, we lost a field-piece by the fall t»f an oflSci-r, 
who was serving it with the same coolness as if lie had been at a panide or a 
review. This was laent. Smith, of the light artillery, who, in point of merit 
stood at the head of his gi-ade. The enemy having halted and our troops 
being again formed into battalion, front to Iront, wo resumed our pos tion on 
the bank of the river, and the infantry being much fatigued, the whole were 
re-enibarked iind proeeedetl down the river without any further annoyance 
from the enemy or their gnn-lioats, while the dragoDiis, with five pieces ol light 
artillery, march'-d down the Canada shore without m.ilestation. 

"It is due to Ilia r,arik, to his w»irth, anrl his services that I should makepir- 
ticular mention of Brig-Gen. Covington, who received a mortal wound directly 
through the body while animating his men and leadng thi-m to the cliarg-'. 
He fell where he fought, at the head of his men, and survived but two days. 
The next morning the flotilla pis^eil Through the Sarit, and joined that excel- 
lent officer, Brig.-Gen. Brown, at Barnliart'.-', near Cornwall, where he had 
been instructed to take po t and await my arrival, and where I confidently ex- 
pected to hear of Maj.-Gen. Hamptiin's arrival on the opposite shore. But 
immediately after I halted, Col. Atkinson, the inspector-general of tiie division 
under Maj.-Gen. Hampton, waited on ine «-ith a letter from that officer, in 
which, to my unspeakable regret and surprise, he declined the junction ordered, 
and informed me ho was murching towards Lake Clianiplain by way of co- 
operating in the propiwud attack upon M<)ntreal. This letter, together with a 
copy of that to which it is an answer, was immediately transmitted to a coun- 
cil of war, composed of my general officers and the colonel commanding the 
itit", the chief engineer and the adjnlant-geueral, who unanimously gave it :is 
their opinion that tin- attack upon Montival should be abandoned for the pres- 
ent season, and the army near Cornwall should be immediately crossed to the 
American shore for taking up wintei-iiuarter*, and that this place HfTordod an 
elig ble [lOHition for such quartwrs. 

59 



" I acquiesced in thes* opinions, . . . because tho loss of the division under 
Maj.-Gt'n. Hampton weakened my force tort sensibly to justify the attempt. In 
all my measures and movements* of moment I have taken the opinion of my 
general officei-s, which h ivo been in accord with my own. 

"I remained on the Canada shore until next day, without seeing or heaririB 
from the ' powerful force' of the enemy in onr neighborhood, and the same day 
reached the po-ition with the aitillery and infintry. The dnigoons have been 
ordered to Utica and its viciiuty, and I exp?ct are fifty or sixty miles on tho 
march. You have under cov<*r a summary abstract of the killed and wounded 
in tho aff^iir of the llth inst., which shall sooti be f»)llowed by a particular re- 
turn, in which a jnst regain! shall be paid to individual merits. 

"The ilead rest in honor, and the wounded bled for their country and deserve 
its gratitude." 

The losses were: Killed, ip2 ; wounded, 237; total, 389. 
The fidlowing are the names of the eommissioned officers 
killed and wounded: Killed, Lieut. Wm. W. Smith, of the 
light artillery; Lieut. David Hunter, of the 12th Infantry; 
Lieut. David Olmstead, 15th Infantry. Wounded, Brig.- 
Gen. Leonard Covington, mortally (since dead); Maj. Talbot 
Chambers, slightly ; Maj. Darby Noon, aid-de-camp to Brig.- 
Gen. Swartwout, slightly ; Col. James P. Preston, of the 23d 
Infantry, severely, his right thigh fractured; Muj. W. Cum- 
mings, 8th Regiment, severel}^ ; Capt. Edward Foster, 9ti» 
Infantry, slightly; Capt. David S. Town^end, 9th Infantry, 
severely {taken prisoner); Capt. Mordecai Myers, 13th In- 
fantry, severely; Capt. John Campbell, 13lh Regiment, 
slightly; Capt. John B. Murdock, 2olh Infantry, slightly; 
Lieut. William 8. Heaton, llth Infantry, seveiely; Lieut. 
John Williams, 23d Regiment, sligiitly; Lieut. John Lynch, 
23d Regiment, severely (taken prisoner) ; Lieut. Peter Pelliam, 
2Ut Regiment, severely (taken prisoner); Lieut. James D. 
Brown, 25th Infantry, slightly; Lieut. Archibald C Crary, 
25th Regiment, severely, in the skirmish the day before the 
action. 

The British official account of this battle, dated Nov. 15, 
1813, placed their loss at 1 officer, 2 musicians, and 10 privates, 
killed; and 1 captain, 9 subalterns, 6 sergeants, and 131 rank 
and file, wounded. 

The preeeding reports were made the subject of severe com- 
ments by the American press generally. 

The following account of the battle was prepared by Dr. A. 
Trowbridge, of Watertown, N. Y., who was present: 

"Night came on, and all schem -s for meeting or attacking the enemy wiTo 
chan;^ed foi' making suitable a^^ltlgenlent^ for the sifctyof the camp. The 
troops were marched back and posted on the s ime ground they occupied the 
night befoie. Strong guards were sent out in diffjrent directions, the iroopd 
Were posted in line of battle, and directed to sleeji on their arms. The night 
passed uninterrupted by alarms. It appeared eviileut from th* movements of 
the enemy that a considerable force was advancing to atUick us or pa-iS our 
rear by land. The morning td tlie llth was spent in making the usual prepara- 
tions for marching. At H' orders were issued for d.-tiicliments of Generals 
UoytTs, Cuvinij,ton"8, and Swartwout's biigades, with -i pieces of ligiit artillery, 
atid the remaining body of dragoons, to march to join Gen. Brown, who, it was 
understood, had dispersed the enemy and taken a position at Cornwall. Tlio 
lUoveuieuts had begun when the rear was atticked, the boats were brought to, 
and General Swartwout sent back to meet the enemy. Ho dtuihed into tho 
woods w.tli the '.id Regimtnit Infintry, romruanded by Col. Kipley, who, after 
a short skirmish, drove tlieni back to a ravine, where they kept up a sharp fire 
upon uur advancing columns, which chirged upon the enemy, killed and 
wounded several, and took 2i) prisoners. The encaiy retieated in a f^cattered 
condition in varbms directions. The main body of the enemy were now seen 
advancing in colimins on the west ext emity of Cliry>lui's field. They opened 
u fire ot musketiy, and from a si\-pounder, which was heavy and galling npuii 
our troiips, conii>osed uf the Ut Kvgiment and a d<-tachnieut from the tii'ttt 
brigade, commanded by Col. Cole. This body wtis now ordered to flank tho 
enemy's left. This was promptly done under a heavy fire from the enemy. 
Gc '. C«»vinglon having b'-en ordered up, now took the jw-ition just left by 
Kipb-y and Coles, neai ly in front of the enemy and within riflu->hut •listtnce. 
The fight now became genentl and ciulte stationary. Gen. Covington soon re- 
ceived a mortti wound by a litle-rthot. Col. Pre-slon, next In command, waa 
soon after wounded in the thigh by a ball, fracturing the bone. Major Cumina 
was next wounded, and was oliliged to retire. Many platoon offlcerj were 
wounded or killed, and within 30 minute?i after, the whole br>gade vras in coi.- 
fusion anil left the li dd. A few minutes previous 2 six-iK>unders were brought 
up by Lieut. Smith and posted ueai' ^onle houses occupied by the enemy. Tin ir 
position wiiH lavorable, and (her fire destructive tti the enemy, but the lieu- 
tenant WHS Hiioii killed, and ninxt of his men wounded, by innskeiry from tho 
houses, and our piece taken. The enemy's fiie was now turtie<l upon Uipley 
and Cide's flanking party, retiring from their position. About thi^ tnic a 



4GG 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Bquitdroii of 'lnij;«H>n», coliinuilKloil }>y Miij. "Wiioiirnnl, todk n r****'''' n '" the 
ri'iiriiinl siiffrrr<i iinu-h ti't>ni tlio ciicmyV lire. Tlicj- w i n- niiiill} oidcicd to 
cliui>;<t till) iMiouiy. TiiiH wttH iii'tili' iti tlic- riuiil upuii tli<^ <'iu-lii,v in hunt^iK iind 
hchinil liiKinl ft-nccB. Tin? whole IhmIj' wuhti rchiriicd with ;Hi hnrscB wilhuiit 
ritiors. The eiieniyN nttt'iitioii wiw sti nmrli (livfitod f'rmu Itiplcy Hmn'oU''8 
n'lpMting iletichnieiit thnt.liy pa-wnj^, jnirtly covcrctl hy I lie tci*'^!, th<-y iimde 
g Hxl thuir retroat. Tti*! K"i»r>t 'L-ft at tlio h<> i ts w;iH orilercil up, comiiialiiletl hy 
C»l. U)khaiii. Tht-y occupied a iHK^iliuii a fuw ]i)iiailc'» in fruiit of tliu enemy, 
whu reiuitiiictl Htationui-y in cohunri, keci»in^ upa »t<>atly fire from 2 Hix-pi>inid- 
ers upon cvfrylhiiig tliiit appcaiird on the Held to annoy llwln, ^lany of onr 
wounded liad l>een talion Ixick to tlie boats; alioiit 40 were left in a nivine 
and liiUeii hy the enemy. Uen. Ihiyd was the senior oflieer on the Rlound. 
(ieu. NVilkinson wag sick and contiin-d to his 1 out and hed, and unalde to nius- 
tt-'r forces w ithont assistance. Gen. Lewis, next in command, was tick and un- 
alde to do duty. 

"The American tnM»ps were stationed on the nini'<;in of the river, near the 
flo[illa,and were re-einharktHl with the woundml am) sick, and proceede<I down 
the river wilhout further annoyance from the enemy or their gun-hoats, while 
the ilragoon--, with fifteen iiiecw of artillciy, ninrclied liown the Canada shore 
wilhout molestation. The tlotilhi arriveil at tlie head of the Situt at 9 o'clock 
P.M., ami encamiied on the Amertcau side of the river. The hailly woundeil 
wei e placed in barus and log houses, and maiie as comfortahle ;is ciriuin6tanct« 
would permit. The weather was C))ld, with snow and sleet, with storm and 
wilul. The next morning the flotilla passed IlieSant aiul joined Gen. Brown at 
B;irnhart"8, near Cornwall. A council of officers was called, which styun unani. 
inously gave their opitiiou that the attack on Montreal should he ahatidoned, 
and that the army should be imnu^diately crossed to the American shore for 
taking np winter quarters. The dnigisms were retrossed and marched for 
Ulica the same day, and the flotilhi iai>ceeded ilirei tly to French Mills, where 
they arrived the sime night at :J o'clock .\.M. On the arrival of Ihe army ut 
Fr-ncli Mills the weather leaime intensely severe, and reiiiaiiied so till the 23d 
of Jannaiy. The soldiers have been subject to great fiitigue; many had lost 
their blankets and cxtm clothing. The sick and wouniled had no covering or 
shelter, except tents, in the severe latitude of 45 degrees. In the vicinity of 
French Mills the country wjis a wilderneiis. Provisions were scarce and of a 
had tiuality. Medicine and hospital stores were not to be found, an<l a supply 
could not be obtained short of Aliiany, a distance of 2.'>0 miles. It was ascer- 
tained that these stores were abundantly provided at Sacket's Harbor,htit were, 
instead of being placed on board of separate boats, distributed thoughout the 
boats of the flotilla, for which no tifHcer could he made accountable. The want 
of these necessaries for the sick and wounded was severely felt. Under these 
circumstances sickness and mortality was very great, and excited general 
alarm." 

On November 11, Hnmpton wiote to Wilkinson that ho 
'would be unable to meet him at St. Jlcgis, but would return 
to Luke Chiimplain and co-operate by a descent front that 
place. "Thia reached Wilkinson at Harnhart's island. A 
council was convened, and it was resolved to cross to the 
American shore and ttikc up winter quarters at French Mills, 
and accordingly the flotilla entered Salmon river and took 
possession. There a frightful mortality occurred, which is 
described by Dr. Lovell, a surgeon, as follows: 'The weather 
soon became intensely cold, and remained so all winter. In 
addition to the gretit fatigue to which the soldiers had been 
exposed, especially the division from Fort George, most of 
ihem had lo-t their blankets and extra clothing on their 
march or in the action of the 11th. Even the sick liad no 
covering, except tents, from the period they debarked at the 
Mills until the 1st of January, in the severe latitude of 45°. 
Provision? were scarce and of a bad qmility. Medicine and 
hospital stores were not to be found, having been lost or de- 
stroyed in the passage down the St. Lawrence. Under these 
circumstances the sickness and movtiility were verv great. A 
morning report now before me gives 75 sick, out of a small 
corps of 160.'*. . . 

"In the vicinity of the Fren h Mills the country was a 
wilderness. Huts and hospitals were ni;eessary to render the 
(irniy cotnfortable. The erection of these was a work of great 
luhor, and required several weeks to complete it. A supply 
of hospital stores could not be obtained nearer than Albany, a 
distance of 2-50 miles. The want of these necessaries for the 
support of the very wretched and enfcchlcd soldier was most 
severely fidt. The poor sub.sistcnce which the bread of the 
first quality aft'orded was almost the only siijiport that could 
be had for nearly seven weeks. These accumulated evils the 
army encountered with much patience and heroic fi>rlitude." 

For supplying the army of Gen. Wilkinson an immense 

* Mauu's Medical Sketches, p. 119. 



quantity of stores had been forwardid from Platlsburg and 
Sacket's Harbor at great expen.'-e. A porticn of the latter 
was deposited at U(>]ikinton and Malone, and these were con- 
stantly arriving wh( n the older to evacuate tlie place was 
received. On the week before leaving about 1400 barrels 
of pork and beef, ICO casks of whisky, and other parts of 
rations, were sent by James Campbell, assistant store-keeper 
at the Mills. About 00 tons of hard biscuit, being considered 
not worth removing under the circumstances, was sunk in 
Salmon river, in a hole cut in the ice, besides which about ten 
tons were distributed among the inhubittints, to keep from the 
enemy, but much of this was so<)n after seized by the British. 
The troops on evacuating burned their hnals (3"28 in nuinher) 
down to the hvel of the ice, together with their barracks. 
The expenses to governiiKnt during the time that the army 
tarried at French Mills is said to have been $800,000. 

"On February 9, 1814, orders were issued to leave the can- 
tonment. One division, under Gen. Brown, moved up the St. 
Lawrence to Sacket's Harbor ; the other, under the iminedititc 
commtind of the conimander-in-chiif, directed its uiarch to 
Plattsburg. In consequence of the retmgrade movement of 
the army from French Mills, the hospital at Malone, at this 
time under good regulations, was broken up, and the sick wcro 
ordered to proceed on routes destined for their respective regi- 
ments. . . . The few accommodations on the routes were 
wretched. The inhtibitants, although kind, were not under 
circumstances to furnish me:ins to render the situation of the 
sick men even comfortable. Nothing was omitted within their 
abilities to meliorate their iniserable condition. Knowing that 
so large a detachmenlof sick and invalids could not be covered 
at night if they moved in a body, the sleighs that transported 
them were successively put in motion in small divisions. Their 
line of movement, three dajs forming, extended the whole 
distance from Malone. The tirst division arrived at Platts- 
burg, the place of their destination, alout the time the last 
commenced its progress. About 20, very sick, who were left 
in the hospitals, under the care of a citizen physician, were 
made prisoners of war by the Uritish, who immediately fol- 
lowed the retrograde march of the army as far as Malone. 
Those left in hospitals were not molested in their persons, but 
were only obliged to sign their paroles, the greater part of 
whom, alter live or six weeks, joined the hospital at Uur- 
linglon. 

" The last of the American army had scarcely left French 
Mills, and a few teamsters were employed in removing what 
they might be ableof tl.e stores, when a detachiuent of British 
troops, marching in columns, and preceded by a horde of sav- 
ages, entered the village to plunder whatever of public prop- 
erty might be left. 

" Oneunlucky teamster, having lingered behind, was shot by 
the officer who commjindcd the Indians. The ball lodged in 
the muscles of the neck, ai\d still remains ; the man, contrary 
to all expectations, having survived. He still lives to relate 
the narrow and htiztirdous escape which he ran. An account 
of this incursion was published, soon after, m the jiaper from 
which we quote the following : 

"'On Saturday, the 19th, the enemy, hearing that mtr troops had niartdied, 
ventured to cross the St. Lawrence, with a motley tribe of reguhirs, proviti- 
cials, and a detiichment of the devil's own, — sedentiry mililbi, and their breth- 
ren, a Viauil of s;iviiges. This martial body amused thenu*elves at French Mills 
iintil one o'clock I'.M., and then niarclied, with eight pieces of artillery and twi> 
cart-loatls of Coiigreve rockets. At the fork of the rvmds, eleven miles from 
the mills, a detachment was sent off to Malone, and the main liody pjissed on li> 
Chaleaugiiy, wliere it arrived about four o'clock in the morning of the 2llth. 
There, it is reported, a scene of plumler began, which greatly distressed several 
of the inhabitants, and every pitrtiele of beef, pork, or flour, with every drop 
of wlii>ky which could be found, was seized on as public projierty and carried 
away. Ity this gleaning, without discrimination between the individual and 
the public, it is believed the enemy carried ofl" between l.>0 and 2U0 barrels of 
provisions of all sorts, — good and bad, public and private.' " 

During the winter some ten or fifteen teamsters had been 
hired in Lewis county, and many more from Jell'erson, to 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



467 



convey flour from Sacket's Hnrbor to French Mills. Tlioy 
perform(»(l one trip, and witc returnini^, wln'n tlu'y were 
pressed at Cliateaugay, and ii'^ain corn|iell('d to return to 
Plattsbur^, with loads of provisions and stores. This they 
accomplished, and had got as far as Chateaugay, where tliirty- 
two teams had stop})ed at a tavern in the village for the night. 
There was a report in circulation that the enemy were over, 
and tlie horses were I(^ft in their harness, ready (or instant 
retreat if necessa^3^ Meanwhile the party within, unmindful 
of danger^ were singing and drinking to pass away the night, 
for sleep among such a crowd was out of the question, when 
their gayety was suddenly .arrested by the entrance of a 
British officer (Major Sherwood), who inquired of the land- 
lord who these genllemen were, and, on being told that they 
were American teamsters, he informed them thatthcy were ail 
prisoners of war. There were but twenty-eight British sol- 
diers, who were under the immediate command of Captain 
Conklin. The night was spent in searching for military stores 
and provisions, which were placed in the sleighs, and in the 
morning they commenced a retreat with whatever they could 
jiick up of public property.* 

Gen. Hampton's movements have been alluded to. He had 
been ordered in September to proceed to Burlington, and raise 
recruits to join Gen. Wilkinson in his proposed operations. 
He advanced a short distance into Canada, and returned to 
Chaz}', from whence he proceeded to Chateaugay. 

His artillery consisted of 8 six-pounders, I twelve, and 1 
howitzer, but was deficient in military supplies and pro- 
visions. On the 1st of October an attack was made with 
300 or 400 regulars, and as many Indians, upon Col. Snelling, 
an outpost, but was repulsed. On the '21st of October an in- 
cursion was made into Canada, but without accomplishing its 
object. An intervening forest of eleven or twelve miles 
existed before reaching the Canadian settbmients t)n the Cha- 
teaugay, and the obscure road through this had been blocked 
up by fallen timber, and was defended by the Indians and light 
troops of the enemy. The following is an extract from the 
otficial account of Gen. Hampton: 

" IJri<:.-Gpn. Iziird, with the Hjilit troops ami on'- reg'ment of the line, was 
detached early in the muriiin}^ to turn these imiieiiiinent-* in flmk, and tu seize 
the more open country below, while the army, pieceded by a Btrotig working 
party, advanced on a more circuitous route for a road. The measure comph'tely 
sncceedeil, and the main tjoily of theai'my readied the advanced position on the 
evening of the 22d. The 2 Id and 24th were employed in completing the road 
and getting up the artillery antl stores. I hud arranged at my departure, under 
the direction of Mnj. Parker, a line of cimimunicatiou as lar up the St. L-aw- 
retice ns OgilfUNbuig, for the purpose of liastening to me the first notice of the 
progress of our army down. I had surmounterl tweury-four miles of the more 
difficult part of the route, and had in advance of me seven miles of ojien coun- 
try, but at the end of that distance commenced a wood of S"me miles in extent, 
which had been formed into an entire abatis, and filled by a succes-sion of 
wooden breastworks, the rearmost of which was supplied with ordnance. In 
front of these defenses were placed the Indian force and light corps of the en- 
emy, and ill the rear all bin disposable force. As the extiMit of this force de- 
pended on bis souse of danger on th<' St. Lawrence, it was a cause of regret 
that all communication from yourself or Maj. I'arker seemed to be at an end. 
As it was, however, believed that the enemy was hourly adiling to his strength 
in tliis pusition if free from the apprehension if danger from above, an effort 
was judged necessary to dislodge liini, and if we succeeded we sliould be in pos- 
session of a position which we could hold as long aa any doubts remained of 
what was passing above, and of the real part to be assigm-d us. Our guides 
assured us of a shoal and practicable fording- place opiHtate the lower llauk of 
the enemy's defenses, and that the woods on ihe opposite side of the river, a 
distance of seven or eight mites, were practicable for the passage of the troops. 
Col. Piirdy, with the light cor|}S and a strjug body of infantry of the line, was 
detach<-d at an early hour of tli» night of the iiritb, to gain this ford by the 
morning, and to comniL-nce hia attack in the rear, and that wjw to be signal for 
the army to fall on in fmnt, and it wns believed the pass might bo carried before 
the onemy*s distant troops could Uo brought forward to its support. . . . The 
army was put in motion on the morning of the 2iitli, leaving it.s baggage, etc., 
on the ground of eucaini>ment. On advancing near the enemy it was found that 
the column on the opposite side wius not as far advanced iis had been aulicipateil. 

• Among other stores they took off a largo cask, supposed to contain rum, but 
which, when they reached French M.Ils, wiu-i found to hold nothiug but water. 
The unforiunate oisk was instantly knocked in the head, miicli to tho amuse- 
ment of the teamsturfi 



Tho guidtra hud nrsled it, and finally failed in finding the ford. We could not 
communicate w.tii it, but only waiter! the attack below. At 2 o'clock thf firing 
commenced, and our troo]>s atlvanc-d rapidly to the attack. The enemy's light 
trooiw commenced a sharp fire, but IJrig.-Oen. Izard advanced with his brigad<*, 
drove him everywhere behind his defenses, and silenced the fire in the fronL 
This brigade would have pu-hed forward as far iut courage, skill, and perse- 
verance could havit carried it, but on atlvancing it w.is found that the firing 
had commenc'Ml (in tb'- opposite side, and the lonl had not bi-en gainr-d. The 
eni'iny retired behind his defense-*, but a renewal of his attack was expected 
and their troops remained some time in their position to meet it. The troops 
on the opposite side were excessively fatigued, Tlie enteri"'iso had failed in itfl 
main point, and Col. i'urdy was ordered to witlidniw his column to a shoal four 
or five mili'9 above, and cross <iver. The day was spent, and (Jen. Ixurd was or- 
dered to withdraw liis brigade to a jiosition three miles in the rear, to which 
place the baggage had been ordered forward. The slowness and order with. 
which (Jen. Izai'd retired with his brigade cmibl but have inspired the enemy 
with rcsix'ct. Tliey presumed not to venture a shot at him during his niovt*- 
ment, but the unguardednessof some ]xnt of Pnrd>'scomnmnd expo?c<lhim toa 
rear attack from the Indian", which was repe.aled after ilark, and exposed him 
tosomeloss. These a* ticks were always repelle<l, and must have cost the enemy 
a-* many lives as we lost. Our entire loss of killed, woun<led, and missing does 
not exceed fifty. In its new ixfsition, within three niiles of the euemy's i«>9t, 
the aru»y encanipe 1 tm the night of the 2Gtb, and remained until 12 o'clock of 
the 28th. All the deserters, of whom there were four, having concurroil in the 
infiirmation that Sir George Provost, with three other general olliccrs, had .ir- 
rived with tbe wliole of his disposable force, and lay in the rear of these de- 
fenses, and a letter from Major Parker (by expre-s received in the evening of 
the 2*ith) having informed me that no movement down the St. Lawrence had 
been heard of at Ogdensbnrg, and for some distince alaive, the following 
questions were submitted to tho commanding officers of the brigades, regiments, 
and corps, and Ihe heads of the general staff, in a council convened for the pur- 
pose : 'Is it advisable, under existing circumstaiu-es, to renew the attack on tbe 
enemy's position? ami if not, what position is it advisable for the army to lake, 
until it can receive advices of the advance of the grand army down the St. Law- 
rence?' The opinion of the council was expresseil in the following words: 'It 
i" the unanimous opinion of this council that it is necj^ssary, t>r the preserva- 
tion of this army and the fulfillment of the ostensible views (W the governuieut, 
t!iat we immeiliately return by oiderly marches to bmcIi a position (Chateauguy) 
as will serve our communicsitions with tho United States, either to retire into 
winter quarters or to be ready to strike below.' In jmrenance of this opinion 
the army has returned by slow marches to this place, and now awaits tlie order 
of the government." 

As soon as news reachnd Pbittsburg that the enemy had fol- 
lowed, a body of troops was sent back to meet them, but they 
were soon informed that the invading party had retreated. In 
our accounts of Ho]ikinton, Malonc, and Fort Covington, are 
given tlie details of this affair. 

The unsuccessful issue of the military operations of the 
northern army in the campaign of 1813 created much dissat- 
isfaction throughout the Union, and the conduct of the gen- 
erals who had conducted the enterprises became the subject of 
severe censttre, and both became the subject of investigation 
by courts-martial. That of Gen. Wilkinson was, by an order 
of the secretary of war, assembled at Utica, in January, 1815, 
and adjourned to Troy. He was charged, 1st, with neglect of 
duty and unoffioer-like conduct, stated in eight particulars; 
2d, with drunkenness on duty, with two specifications; 3d, 
conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, with six in- 
stances; and 4th, in countenancing and encouraging disobe- 
dience of orders. To all of these he plead not '/u'tffj/y and 
after a protracted trial, during which his actions and motives 
were severely canvassed, he was discharged. The official cor- 
respondence of the campaign was published by order of con- 
gress. 

On the 2r>th of March, 1814, tho citizens of Franklin 
county held a public meeting at Malone, to unite in a petition 
to the legislature for protection against the insults and ravages 
of the enemy. AVilh glowing and expressive latiguage they 
represented their mi-eries, and invoked aid to protect their 
[iroperty from ravage and themselves from insult. 

By an act of April 0, 1814, the sheriff of St. Lawrcnco 
County was directed to remove tho prisoners in the county 
jail to tho Lewis county jail fur safe-keeping. 

In the summer of 1814, Capt. Thomas Frazcr crossed tho 
St. Lawrence at Hammond with sixty men, and proceeded to 
Kossie to apprehend some horse-thieves who were said to bo 
lurking in the vicinity. ^Ir. Jatnes Howard was at the time 
holding a justice's court, which was hastil)' dissolved, and the 



4G8 



HISTOIIY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pnrtips soiia;bt wore not secured. Tliey made inquiries into 
the operations of tlie furnace then buildini;, and are said to 
liiive exacted a ]iledi;e tliat munitions of war sliould not l)e cast 
there. In returning, several persons volunteered to row tliem 
down the lake to the narrows, from whence they crossed to 
Canada. A plan was formed to attack tlicm as they passed 
down the river, but this was discountenanced ns only calcu- 
lated to excite retaliation. This event, occurring ut about the 
time of the taking of Washington, gave rise to the presage, 
"that since the bead anil tail of the nation had both been 
captured, the remainder of the body would follow as a natural 
consequence." 

The War of 1812-15, which principally grew out of the 
British claim of the right of search, was prosecuted on land 
with very little energy on the part of the American govern- 
ment during the first two years of the war. In the west 
Gen. Hull disgraced his profession and the land of bis birth 
by a most cowardly surrender of an important post and garri- 
son ; and with the exception of the gallant di'fciise of S;icket's 
Harbor by the few regulars under Gen. IJrown, and the cap- 
ture of Little York (Toronto) by the lamented Pike, the cam- 
paigns of 1812 and 1813 were little calculated to kindle the 
pride of the American people. The operations of the army 
along tile northern frontier of New York were especially dis- 
astrous, and the names of several connuanders are to this day 
S|ioken of with anything but respect. In fine, the operations 
on the whole line of the St. Lawrence demonstrated nothing 
save the unreliahility of the militia and the imbecility of the 
commanders, and it was not until Gen. Harrison's defeat of 
Proctor, late in 1813, and the crowning victories of Brown at 
Niagara, and Macomb at Plattsburg, with the accompanying -:^ 
naval triumphs of Perry and McDonough, that the American 
people began to bold up their heads. 

It was found, after bitter experience at Fort Meigs, Niagara, 
and Sackel's Harbor, that the militia enlisted for a few 
months, no matter whether educated or ignorant, are not 
soldiers, and are as useless against di.sciiilincd veterans in the 
field as nn unorganized mob. The success of Brown at Ni- 
agara was simply due to the hard and constant drilling of the 
troops for months under competent officers. The same lessons 
were learned in the War of the Kebellion, where success only 
followed systematic organization and thorough discipline of 
the troops. 

The AVar of 1812 left the frontiers of New York, and es- 
pecially the four northern counties lying along the St. Law- 
rence and the Canada line, in very impoverished circumstances, 
which it required years of patient labor to improve and re- 
place with a better order of things. Many of the best por- 
tions of these counties were comparatively deserted, and the 
consequences were apparent for many years. The war was 
entered into without adequate preparation, and for nearly two 
years badly conducted iji the field ; in fact, along the whole 
frontier it may be summed up as having been a series of pi- 
ratical reprisals and counter-reprisals across the noble dividing 
stream which should forever " go unvexed to the sea." 

THE PATRIOT WAR OF 1837-40. 
Many of the exciting incidents, and the most considerable 
battle of this military faux pas, occurred in the vicinity of 
Ogdensburg, and there was probably more excitement and 
more interest manifested in St. Lawrence County than perhaps 
any other along the whole frontier. Much bitterness was en- 
gendered upon opposite sides of the St. Lawrence, and it is pos- 
sible that had not the civil and military officers of the United 
States Government promptly interposed with acompetent force, 
bloodshed would have resulted, and even war between the two 
governments. The presence of the governor of New York, 
;ind such officers as Gen. Winfield Scott and Col. W. J. 
Worth on the American side, and of Governor Arthur, Col. 
Young, and others on behalf of the British government, un- 



doubtedly prevented open hostilities, and allayed the pnssi<iii3 
of the reckless portions of both nationalities, and hap]iily 
averted a storm which might have involved the most serious 
consequences. We find in Dr. H<jugh's history of the county 
an interesting and very reliable account of the difficulties in 
this region, and make the following abstract for the benefit of 
our readers : 

There iiad existed for several years in the Canadian pro- 
vinces u ] arty which labored to obtain Krertain reforms in 
government, among which were the extension of the elective 
franchise and the procuring of a responsible elective council. 
This aroused a bitter feeling, and late in November, 1837, the 
press of the reformers was destroyed by a mob, which but in- 
creased the excitement, and at length the aid of the military 
force was called out to arrest certain prominent leaders of the 
reform party. The jirisims became filled with persons charged 
with treason ; martial law was proclaimed in the lower pro- 
vince, and numerous instances of wanton violence on the part of 
the soldiery occurred. Numbers fled to the Slates for an a.syhim, 
and the popular riots that ensued were only aggravated by the 
efforts made to fup|)ress them. It is not our purpose to nar- 
rate the details of the causes or merits of the movement, but 
however much justice there may have been in the demand.s of 
the reformers, it will be the duty of the future historian to re- 
cord the fact that the pretext was seized by sundry American 
citizens as a favorable opportunity to push forward their pri- 
vate schemes of personal aggrandizement and pecuniary specu- 
lation, and the planning of enterprises which they had neither 
the honor nor the courage to sustain when their support in- 
volved personal danger. The masses who acted in these move- 
ments were doubtless actuated by sincere motives, and were 
blinded and misled by a few designing villains. The sympa- 
thies of our citizens have ever been on the side of political 
liberty, and our past history is filled with examples of its ex- 
pression towards those seeking it; and this was the more sen- 
sibly felt from the vicinity of the arena of operations, and 
the belief that the sentiment of revidution, and aspirations 
for an independent republican existence, were entertained by 
the masses of Canada. Refugees from the provinces were 
scattered through the northern States, who related, with ex- 
cited language, their version of the movements, and these 
causes, with many otliers concurring, led to efforts having for 
their avowed object the indrjjrndcnce of the Canndas. The 
destruction of the American steamer " Caroline" Dec 29, 
1837, excited this feeling to an extraordinary degree, and pub- 
lic meetings were held throughout the country to express an 
honest indignation at the outrage, and invoke the executive 
arm to protect our national rights. In this movement there 
was no political or sectional feeling. The subject became the 
absorbing topic of the press, and every mail was eagerly 
awaited to learn the news from the seat of the disturbances. 
Feb. 12, 1838, Wm. L. McKenzie, a prominent leader of the 
movement, addressed the citizens of Ogdensburg on the Cana- 
dian question, and in the evening and following morning a 
cannon was fired several times, with a view of honoring the 
speaker, but with the eftect of a.ssembling crowds of excited citi- 
zens. In the evening several persons from Prescott crossed to 
ascertain the cause of the firing, who met a company of the 
Patriots (as the friends of the movement were called), who 
arrested and detained them till morning. This illegal pro- 
ceeding irritated the Canadians, and increased the hostility. 
Feb. 18, 1838, the State arsenal at Watcrtown was robbed, 
and a reward of $250 offered for the burglars. Active meas- 
ures were taken to assemble arms and munitions of war along 
the frontier, and secret associations, styled Hunters' todiyrs, 
were soon formed in the large villages, to organize a plan 
of resistance, and circulate early intelligence of the move- 
ments. 

On the night between the 29th and 30th of May, 1838, the 
British steamboat " Sir Robert Peel," on her passage from 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



409 



Picsor>lt ti) tile head of tlifi lnko, wliilc taking fuel at "Wells' 
i.-^land, in Jftierscin county, was boarded by a company of 
armed men, the crew and passengers driven on shore, and tlie 
steamer burned. 

An outrage .so flagrant as tins conld not pa.ss without the 
notice of government, and the most prompt and decisive 
measures were adopted by the authorities, on both sides of the 
St. Lawrence, for the arrest of tho authors of the act. The 
loader of the part}' that boarded and burned this steamer 
jiublicly acknowledged the act, with the motives which in- 
duced him to the attempt, in the following proclamation, that 
was circulated through most of the newspapers; 

" To nil iflitim It mail coiifcm: I, ^Vilii,^m Julin-'^ton, n natiinij-born riTizpn of 
Upper Cuiia'lii, certify timt I holil a coniniissiun in tiie P;itriot st-rvice of Upper 
Canada, as commaiider-iii-cliief of tlie Duval forces and flotilla. I coniiiiaiided 
the ex])edition tliat attacked and (le-.tro3ed Itie steamer 'Sir I^il'crt Peel.' The 
men under n)y coniniand in tliat expedition wore nearly all natural-born 
EnKli>li Mil'jects; tlie exceptions were volunte<Ts for the expedition. 

■' My headquarters were on an island in the St. Lawrence, witliont the jnris- 
diclion of the t.Inited States:, at a place named by me Fort Wallace. I am well 
acquainted with tiie boundary line, and know which of the islands do, and 
which do not. belong.to the United States, and in the selection of the island I 
wished to lie positive, and not locate within the jurisdiction of the United 
States, and had reference to the decision of the commissioners, under the Gth 
article of the treaty of Glient, done at Ulica, in the State of New York, l:lth of 
.lune, 1S'J2. I know the number ol islands, and by that decisicjn it was Br.lisli 
territory. 

"I yet hold possession of that station, and we aI>o occupy a station some 
twenty or more miles from the boundary of the United States, in what was his 
majesty's domitiimis, until it was occupied by us. I act under otders. The 
object of my movements is the Jiirfepcndewce o./"i/te Canadtiit. I ani not at war 
with the commerce or property of citizens of the United States. 

"Signed tliis lOth ilay of June, in the year of our Loril one thotisand eight 
hundred and thirty-eight. 

"WiLLn.M .JonNSTON." 

On the 4th of June, 1838, Governor Marcy issued a procla- 
mation ofl'cring a reward for the arrest of certain persons, 
alleged to be concerned in the burning of the " Robert Peel," 
viz. : for William Johnston, SfiOO ; for Daniel McLeod, Sam- 
uel C. Frey.and Ri>bert Smith, each §2o0 ; and iJlOO each for 
tlie detection and delivery of other otl'enders. In a letter to 
the secretary of war, dated Watertown, June 3, 1888, he ad- 
vised the co-operation of the government of Canada with 
the United States, in endeavoring to clear the St. Lawrence of 
the Patriot forces, said to be lodged among the Thousand 
islands. 

It was estimated that at least 500 men, well armed, and ac- 
commodated with boats adapted to the object to be accom- 
plished, would be required to effect this purpose. The governor 
of Canada also offered a reward of £1000 lor the conviction 
of any person or persons concerned in the outrage. 

On the morning of the 2d of June, 1838, the American 
steamboat " Telegraph," while leaving Brockville, was hailed 
by two sentries belonging to the volunteer militia, and fired 
upon with balls, three of which struck the steamer. About 
the same time, several shots were fired frtmi another wharf. 
Upon an examination which ensued, it appeared that the firing 
was not justilieil by orders, and it was as.serted tliat no inten- 
tion to hit the steamer existed. The .sentries stated that they 
fired them as alarm-guns. They were discharged, and no 
further action was taken in relation to the matter. 

In a message from President A'an Btiien to congress, June 
20, 1838, it is stated that the outrages committed on the steam- 
boat " Sir Kobert Peel," and upon the " Telegrajih'' at Brock- 
ville, had not been made a subject of formal demand for re- 
dress by either government, as these acts were considered 
criminal oflenses, committed within the jurisdiction of tribu- 
nals competent to inquire into the facts and to |iiinish those 
engaged in their perpetration. 

Directly opposite the present depot of the Ogdcnsburg and 
Lake Champhiin railway at Ogdcnsburg, stands a tall but 
massive stono tower, with a tin-covered dome, whose enor- 
mous but dilapidated appendages indicate the purposes of its 



eriction as a wind-iitill. This has been the theatre of a san- 
guinary ctMiflict, the details of which were as follows:* 

Karly in November, 1838, the Patriots, who h;id previously 
rallied in clubs and secret lodges, which had free and constant 
communication with each other, began to exhibit an intention 
of making fresh demonstrations upon Canada, at some point 
which was known only by those who were in their confidence. 
Unusual numbers of strangers wjere .seen about Syracuse, Os- 
wego, Sacket's Harbor, Watertown, etc., and large quantities 
of arms, many of which were of most beautiful workmanship, 
were collected and concealed. 

About the lOtli of November, twi> schooners, named the 
" Charlotte of Oswego" and the " Charlotte of Toronto," were 
noticed as being freighted at Oswego, from boats that had ar- 
rived from Syracuse, by the Oswego canal, under circumstances 
that were suspicious. After being laden they left the harbor, 
taking a northerly course. The steamer " United Slates" had 
been in port from Tuesday, the Gth instant, undergoing somo 
repairs, which were not completed till Saturday the lOth. The 
"United States' left Oswego about 9 o'clock on Sunday 
morning, the 11th instant, to continue her regular trip down 
the lake tind river. On her leaving Oswego, she took about a 
hundred and fifty passengers, according to the ti;stimony of 
"Wm. Williams, the first mate All of these, except one, were 
men passengers, without any baggage, except small budgets, 
and two or three trunks. There was a nail-keg put on board, 
which fell in handling, and the head came out, when it was 
found filled with lead bullets, which rolled over the deck. 
There was also ii number of boxes taken on board, marked for 
Cape Vincent. The steamer arrived at Sacket's Harbor between 
one and two o'clock, and lay there three-fourths of an hour, 
and here about twenty or thirty passengers came on board, all 
of whom were men. 

The "United States" passed the "Telegraph" (then in the 
service of the Uuittid States government), about eleven miles 
from Sacket's Harbor, opposite Point Peninsula. The passen- 
gers were on deck, and in open view of those on the govern- 
ment steamer. The mate of the " United States'' testifies that 
he heard some of the leaders of the men tell them to keep out 
of sight. The steamer stop]ied at Cape Vincent about half an 
Hour, and here some ten or eleven passengers canic on board. 
On iirriving near the foot of Long island, below Millen's bay, 
the two schooners that had left Oswego on the 10th were dis- 
covered, and Capt. James Van Cleve, upon the request of a 
respectable-looking passenger, who represented that they 
hehmged to him, and were freighted with merchandise for 
Ogdcnsburg, consented to take them in tow. These schooners 
were lashed one on each side of the steamer. The steamer 
touched at French Creek a few niituitcs, and seven or eight 
men came on to the schooners. Soon after leaving this port, 
the nature of the business of the passengers became evident, 
and swords and pistols were openly taken from boxes on board 
the steamer. The boxes on board the steamers were here 
transferred to the schooners, which had not been long in tow 
before great numbers of men came from the latter on board 
the steamer. A consultation was now held between the cap- 
tain and two of the owners of the steamboat present, and 
Hiram Denio, one of the bank commissioners, who was on 
board as a passenger, as to what was best to be done under the 
circum.s-tances ; and it was concluded to stop at the wharf at 
Morristown (the next American port), and cause information 
to be given to a magistrate of the character of the passengers 
on board of the steamer, and of their supposed objects, and of 
the steamboat having towed down the schooners, and also to 
send an express with like information to Ogdcnsburg, with 
instructions to communicate the same to the marshal, if he 

• The old wiod-niill lm« «ince been stuccoed, and remodeled into a Rovern- 
ment 1 ght-house. Slost of the buildiuKS that slootl nejir have l>ecn removeil, 
Kud consideriilile of the ccdur which once covered the slope of llio bank has 
been cut away. 



470 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



should be there, or if not, to a mngistriitp ; and for the said 
.steamer to remain at Morri.sto\vn until the express should 
have had time to arrive with the intclligi nee. 

Just before the steamer reached Morristown (about 11 
o'clock on Sunday ni^ht, Nov. 11) the schooners were unfast- 
ened and dropped astern, and were seen no more by those on 
board the steamer until tlieir arrival in Os^dcnsburg on the 
next morning. An express was sent on, as had been agreed 
upon. It is also believed that information was sent over to 
the village of Brockville, to the same effect. It bad now be- 
come quite certain that Prescott was the point again.-t wliieli 
the expedition was to I'e directed. The " United States" re- 
sumed her course to Ogdensbnrg, wliere she arrived about 
tliree o'clock on Monday morning. Tiie tires were put out 
immediately on entering the port, a< usual, and the hands, 
with the exception of the custonniry watch, retired. The 
schooners, after ])arting company with the " United States," 
proceeded on their way, and, the wind being favorable, reached 
Prescott during the night. They contained, as has been above 
suggested, and as afterwards appeared, a military armament 
under the command of Gen. John W. Hirge, but which were 
under the more immediate command of one Von Schonltz, a 
Polish exile, who bad seen much of military operations in his 
own country, and who donblless had been induced to join this 
expedition from siiieero motives, to promote a cau-e which he 
had been made to believe was just and honorable. Upon their 
approaching Prescott, (me of the schooners was made fast to 
the upper wharf, and Von Schouttz urged his men to land, 
with bayonets fixed and muskets unloaded, march into the 
village, and take possession of the fort at once. A hesitation 
on the part of some of the leaders, and a difl'erence of opinion 
as to the mode of attack, arose, which led to a delay, and the 
schooner was soon after east off. Those who were conversant 
with the condition of the town, and the strength of the garri- 
son at Fort Wellington at that time, have' expressed an opin- 
ion that but little difficulty would have been experienced, at 
the first moment, in taking eft'ectnal possession. Soon after, 
the "Charlotte of Oswego" grounded on the soft slimy delta 
of mud which the Oswegatchie has deposited in the St. Law- 
rence at its confluence with the great river. About sunrise, 
on Monday morning, a crowd assembled on the dock at which 
the " United States" was moored, and, from the movements 
and conduct of those who took a leading part in the proceed- 
ings, it was evident they intended to seize that steamer, in 
order to assist in promoting their enterprise. Early in the 
morning, an iron six-pounder cannon, belonging to the village 
of Ogdensburg, and a brass four-pounder, belonging to the 
State of New York, and in charge of an artillery company 
under Capt. A. 15. James, were seized by the Patriots, and 
afterwards conveyed across the river, in a scow, to the wind- 
mill. Several of the owners of the steamer, upon perceiving 
that the demonstrations on shore, and the movements of the 
armed men, threatened the seizure of the boat, endeavored 
to obtain of the civil and military authorities assistance in 
preventing it. The marshal of the district was absent ; the 
collector (Mr. Smith Stilwell) made strenuous and diligent 
cflTorts to prevent the proceedings which ensued, but without 
effect. Meanwhile the streets were filled with armed men, 
and it was perceived that the village of Prescott was alive 
with the bustle of preparation to resist the movements which 
were in progress against them. The leaders of the Patriots 
in Ogdensburg proceeded to muster a volunteer company to 
man the steamer, and openly derided the efforts of the civil 
authorities in preventing them. Having obtained a crew, 
partly it is said by volunteers and those whom they hired of 
the crew, and partly by those from on shore, the fires were 
kindled, and as soon as steam could be got up they left the 
wharf, with loud cheers from the cr(;wd, to go to the assistance 
of the schooner that had run aground. The schooner "Char- 
lotte of Toronto," after casting off from Hut ujiper wharf, fell 



down the stream, and took a position early in the morning, 
nearly opposite the wind-mill, about a mile below. The walls 
of th's were thick and massive, and the interior was divided 
into several stories. It had been formerly used as a grist-mill, 
but for several years previous to this time it had been deserted, 
and its machinery had fallen to ruins. Here, from the schooner 
and from a number of small boats that crossed the river, a 
lodgment was made, and a portion of the armament of the 
schooner was landed. The steamer " United .Slates" did not 
succeed in gettin){ off the grounded schooner, and presently 
returned to the American shore. The "Experiment," a 
lirili-h steamboat, was lying at this time at the wharf at 
Prescott, and being armed with cannon, fired U]ion her with- 
out effi'ct. Additional hands were now procured to navigate 
the steamer, which had herself grounded for a short time on 
her first trip, and she was again worked into the river, near 
where the schooner " Charlotte of Oswego" lay aground, and 
soon after again returned. A demand was here made, from 
one on board to those on shore, for a longer hawser, which 
was promised from a neighboring store, and a quantity of 
bread and other provisions was conveyed aboard. On again 
leav ng the dock, she went out into the channel, going between 
the grounded schooner and the British shore, and passed down 
the river nearly or quite to Wind-Jlill point, and was twice 
fired upon by the "Experiment," but it is believed without 
effect. After arriving at Wind-Mill point she remained 
there some time, and about this time the 'Charlotte of To- 
ronto," having remained opposite the wind-mill till about the 
middle of the day, sailed up the river, and came to anchor near 
the American shore, not far from where the other schooner 
subsequently anchored, and remained till dark. The move- 
ments of the "United Slates" had consumed nearly half of 
the daj', and she came uji at about the same time with the 
" Charlotte of Toronto," and apparently with a view to cover 
her from the fire of the British steamboat. She again went 
down to Wind-Mill point, at each time of passing receiving 
a fire from the " Experiment," which shots were cheered by 
those on board, who were assembled on the promenade deck ; 
but as she was coming up on her last trip, with great speed 
and apparently under a great press of steam, a cannon-shot 
from the British steamer entered the wheelhou.se, and in- 
stantly beheaded a young man by the name of Solomon Foster, 
who stood as a pilot at the wheel. Upon arriving in port this 
time, the " United States" lay during the remainder of the 
day near the wharf. During this time the boat was appar- 
ently under the orders of one Oliver B. Pierce, and had im 
board John W. Birge, of Cazenovia, Madison county, the re- 
puted commander of the invading forces. Hiram Denio, who 
was personally acquainted with the former, was requested by 
the owners of the boat to go on board iind solicit the peaceable 
surrender of the property, which, after some consultation, was 
done, and the parties who had taken possession withdrew 
from it. 

During the last trip which the steamer made it was particu- 
larly observed that but a small part of those who went over 
returned. The others were, it is said, landed at or near the 
wind-mill. 

Nathaniel Garrow, of Auburn, the United States marshal 
for the northern district of New York, arrived from Sacket's 
Harbor between seven and eight o'clock on Monday evening, 
and between eight and nine made a formal seizure of the 
steamer " United Stales." In the afternoon of Monday, the 
" Paul Pry," a small steam ferry-boat, went over to the 
stranded schooner, in charge of a company of the Patriots, 
and succeeded in hauling her off". Not long after being re- 
lieved, she passed down and took a positiim near the other 
schooner, and in performing this service encountered a brisk 
fire from the steamer " Experiment," which was returned with 
small arms. In the evening she was also seized for a violation 
of the neutrality of the frontier. Duriu'' the whole of Mon- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



471 



day there wns frequent crossiiis; of the river in small hoiils, 
and no iilteni]it (c> [irevent it was made or di'emed praetieahio 
by the civil authorities. Diiriny the night everything re- 
mained quiet, but reports of cannon wire heard at Iniii; 
intervals. 

Kunior-s of every kind floated through the town, and a 
meeting was held to concert measures for defense, but such 
WHS the novel and perilous crisis that had arrived, that nothing 
was eflected. Some of the citizens warmly sympathized with 
the movement, while another part, embracing most of those 
of influi^nce and property, looked upon the proceedings as 
tending to nothing b\it ruin, and as calling upon the patriotism 
of every good citizen to aid in discouraging the prosecution 
of the enterprise, and in proteeling the national honor and the 
interests of the village. Such, however, was the influence of 
the armed strangers in the streets, that this sentiment could 
scarcely be found to operate in efficient exertions. Monday 
night was spent by the Patriots at (he wind-mill and adjacent 
premises, in fortifying it, as they might be able, under the 
direction of Von Schoultz, upon whom, in the absence of the 
superior officers, devolved the defense of a position which, it 
has been strongly insinuated and Hrmly believed, those who 
bad incited and encouraged them to it had nut the courage to 
share with them. 

On the following morning, Nov. 13, the two schooners were 
seized at about 10 o'clock by the marshal. They at this time 
lay in the American waters, about thirty or forty rods from 
the pier or abutments of Creighton's brewery. 

The " Charlotte of Oswego," at the time of her seizure, had 
on her deck two or three cannon, also boxes and small casks, 
which contained guns and munitions of war. There were 
about half a dozen men, who were the captain (Sprague) and 
crew. The other vessel had on board some barrels of apples, 
but most of the munitions had been removed from her and 
landed at the wind-mill. Capt. Quick and three or four 
men, supposed to be her crew, were on board. These were 
put in charge of Col. W. J. Worth, of the 8th U. S. Infantry, 
who had arrived in the steamer "Telegra]ih" on Monday 
evening, and subsequently sent to Sacket's Harbor for safe- 
keeping. 

This steamer had visited the place on Saturday to bring 
Cols. Totten and Thayer, of the engineer service, and was 
under the command of Capt. Hill, of the U. S. Army. After 
the " United States" had been seized her machinery was taken 
apart, so that she could not be used without the assent of the 
owners. The eflorts of the military authorities were directed 
to the prevention of all further communication with the Pa- 
triots and the American shore, and the arrival of the troops 
ati'orded the lirst means that the authorities had possessed of , 
enforcing the laws. The testimony that was taken in a case 
growing out of this aflair concurs In proving that on Monday 
the arm of the civil law was powerless, and that there did not 
exist the means of preventing the proceedings which ensued. 
Col. Worth had under his command two companies of govern- 
ment troops. On Tuesday the British armed steamers "Co- 
Durg" and " Victoria" having arrived at Prescott with a rein- 
forcement of troops, at about 7 o'clock, they, together with 
the " Expel iment," opened a discharge of cannon, and com- 
menced throwing bombs at the Patriots in the wind-mill, 
who fired with field-pieces from their batteries on shore in 
return. These exciting and novel proceedings very naturally 
drew a large crowd of spectators from Ogdensburg and the 
adjacent country to Mile jioiiit, the present site of the railroad 
depot, and the most eligible jioint from which to observe the 
doings of the liritish in their attempt to dislodge the Patriots. 
On Tuesday morning a ileta<'linienl of 10 men of the 83d 
regiment, under Lieut. Johnson, and ^iO marines under Lieut. 
Parker, were landed, and joined by detachments of militia. 
At G.45 the British advanced in two columns. The left, under 
Col. D. Fraser, consisting of the marines, Capt. G. McDon- 



nell's company of L. G Highlanders, Capts. Jones' and 
Eraser's coujpanies of 2d regiment Grenville militia, and 1(X) 
men of Col. Martle's regiment of Storniont militia. The right 
<oUunu was le<l by Col. Gowan, of the Queen's borderers, and 
liiO of Col. Martle's regiment. Soon after a lino of fire 
blazed along the summit of the hill, in the rear of the mill, 
for about eighty or a hundred rods, and the report of small 
arms made an inces.sant roar. The morning being dark and 
lowering, the gleam of the discharges became the more ob- 
servable, and tended to heighten the horrors of the dramatic 
events that were transpiring. The Patriots were mostly pro- 
tected by stone walls, and comparatividy secure, while the 
British were fully exposed in the open field, and sutTered 
greatly from the sharpshooters that were posted in the upper 
stories of the wind-mill. The officers on horseback were seen 
distinctly to fall here and there on the field, and the ranks of 
the soldiers to waste away under the unequal contest. The 
British did not at that time have at Prescott guns of sufficient 
weight to make a sensible impression upon the massive walls 
of the tower, and their shot rebo\inded from the surface with- 
out producing clfcct. 

After twenty or thirty minutes one party gave way, and 
retired out of sight over the hill, and at about 9 o'clock the 
firing had ceased, apparently leaving the Patriots in possession 
of their stronghold, but without the ability to pursue or to 
return to the American shore, or to maintain their present 
position for any great length of time, from want of provisions 
and munitions. At the time when the action commenced, the 
Patriot forces are supposed to have numbered about 180, but 
during the engagement a party consisting of 52, who had 
pursued the retreating militia over the hill, were separated 
from their comrades, scattered, pursued, and captured in 
detail. The Patriot loss on this occasion is said to have been 
5 killed and 13 wounded, while that of the British was said, 
at the time, to have been about 100 killed and as many 
wounded. The official return of Col. Young gave 2 officers 
and 11 rank and file killed, and 07 wounded. It has been 
generally believed that their loss e.veecdcd this number. 
Finding that the stronghold of tlie Patriots resisted any 
means of impression which they possessed, the British re- 
solved to await the arrival of heavier cannon, and took pre- 
cautions meanwhile to prevent any reinforcement of the 
invaders. From 9 till 3 there was but little cccitemcnt. An 
irregular firing was kept up on the wind-mill, and a body of 
regulars tired an occasional vollev at a stone house, in which 
a portion of the Patriots were established. At 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon a barn was burnt by the Patriots as sheltering the 
British. During this time the Patriots occupied the wind-mill 
and several of the houses adjoining, and the brow of the hill. 
On the evening of the 13th a requisition was sent to Sacket's 
Harbor for more troops to be ready, if necessary, to assist 
those already at Ogdensburg in restraining any attempt at 
reinforcement. Lieut. W. S. Johnson, of the British army, 
belonging to the 83d regiment, was among the killed. The 
dead and badly wounded lay on the field till the morning of 
the 14th (Wednesday), when the British sent a fiag of truce 
for permission to bury the dead, ami both parties were lV»r a 
short time engaged in collecting and carrying off from the 
field the slain. The night between the 13th and the Hth was 
quiet, and the wind blew so rough that all attempt at crossing 
the river, had nothing else prevented, would have been 
hazardous. At half-past 9 troops were again marched to Fort 
Wellington, but no engagement ensued. In the forenoon of 
Thursday, Col. Worth sent for several of the prominent citi- 
zens of Ogdensburg to come on board the steamer, who ac- 
cepted the invitation. His object in doing this was to ask 
their opinions and advice on the propriety of a course which 
he proposed, of applying to Col. Plomer Young, the Briti>h 
commander, to ask of him the privilege of staying the further 
crt'usion of blood, by being allowed to remove the Patriots, 



472 



lUSTOllY OF ST. LAWllKNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and become responsible that they should !itt(!in|it no further 
dislurbiincc on this frontier. The humuiio intuiilioji of this 
measure commended itsidf to tln^ iipprohation of those to 
whom it WHS explained, and a citizen of hiijh standing in the 
ci>mmunity, who was personally aociuainted with Col. Y'oung, 
ottered his services to procure an interview between Cols. 
Young and Worth, and accordingly visited Prescolt, where 
he was politely received by the British officer, who accom- 
panied him back to the steamer, and a private interview was 
held between the two officers. The delicacy of the measure 
proposed and the obvious charges that would be brought 
against the official character of an officer who would consent 
to the escape of an ejiemy who was entirely within his power, 
rendered the compliance with the request a thing to be not 
for a moment entertained. lie pointedly denied the favor 
asked, but from an intimation that was dropped, either from 
inadvertence or design, that the machinery of the " E.xperi- 
mcnt" (the " Coburg" and " Victoria" having gone up the 
river the night previous) needed repairs that would prevent 
her being used until 2 o'clock the next morning, it was very 
naturally inferred that no means of annoyance would be in the 
possession of the British during the early part of the night. 
This opportunity Col. Worth wished to have improved, and, 
having consulted some of the citizens on the subject, it was 
understood that early in the evening the steamer " Paul Pry" 
should be at the service of a party of volunteers, who might 
safely approach the windmill and rescue the inmates if they 
could be induced to improve the opportunity. This delicate 
and responsible service was intrusted to Preston King, the 
postmaster of the village, who was selected as possessing the 
requisite qualifications for the duty. 

A sufficient number of volunteers was raised for the occa- 
sion, and the steamer repaired to the vicinity of the wind- 
mill. Among the volunteers was a man connected with the 
Patriots, who was said to be an officer of their organization, 
and to know their pass- words; he was for these reasons recom- 
mended as a suitable person to open the communication witli 
them, and was sent on shore in a small row-boat, to com- 
municate the errand of the steamer. 

By subsequent information it was ascertained that some 
person, who went ashore in the first boat, reported that a 
reinforcement of men and supplies might soon bo expected by 
the Patriots, and they were advised to maintain their position. 

Mr. King then took a small boat, with one man, and 
repaired himself to the wind-mill, made known the nature of 
his errand, stated the folly of looking for reinforcements 
which there was no reason to expect, and earnestly requested 
them to avail themselves of the onl^' chance of escape that 
would be offered. 

The delusive hope and divided councils ari-^ing from the 
report of reinforcements produced delay and uncertainty in the 
movements of the Patriots to avail themselves of the oppor- 
tunity to retire from their position. The men on board of the 
steamer became impatient at the delay, and insisted on the 
return of the steamer to Ogdcnsburg. Mr. King was thus 
reluctantly compelled to return without having accomplished 
his purpose, further than to bring off 11 or 7 men from the mill, 
one of whom had been wounded in the thigh by a musket- 
ball. He had scarce returned to port, when the British armed 
steamer was seen going down the river, and all chance of pass- 
ing between the American shore and the mill was cut oft'. 
The persons first sent on shore to communicate with the 
Patriots did not return to the steamer, but were left, and 
returned to the American shore in their row-boat. 

During the time the " Paul Pry" lay near the wind-mill, 
firing along the line by the British picket-guards was kept up 
by musketry, which rendered the men on board the steamer 
impatient of inaction and delay. Had it not been for the 
false expectation of reinforcements, it is believed the Patriots 
might at once have availed themselves of the opportunity 



offered for escape, and the sad events which subsequently fol- 
lowed might have been avoided. 

On Thursday evening, the steamer " United States" (Capt. 
Van Cleve), in charge of Capt. Vaughan, sailing-master of the 
navy, with a party of troops under Capt. Wright, started for 
Sacket's Harbor, having alongside in tow the two Patriot 
schooners, and manned by a company of United Stales troops. 
The schooners had ontheirdecks thecannon which had formed 
a part of their armament. Apprehending that they should 
meet a British force expected from Kingston to complete tlie 
capture of the wind-mill, and believing it to bo prudent to be 
provided against any emergency that might arise, Capt. Wright 
had caused the cannon to be loaded, and the military to be 
held in readiness. When they had arrived at a point just 
above Oak jioiiit, they met the British steamer " Brockville," 
having two gun-boats in tow. Tlie "United Stales" was 
hailed, and ordered to " lie to and send a boat aboard." 

The peremptory and insulting tone in which this was ex- 
pressed forbade compliance on the |iart of the officer who had 
the flotilla in charge, and the reply was made that they might 
"come aboard." The demand was again repeated, and an- 
swered with a coolness and pointedly laconic brevity that did 
the highest credit to the courage and ability of Capt. Wriglit. 
The ])arties having passed, tlie British steamer turned and 
followed for some distance, but no furtlur notice being taken 
of her by the " United States," the pursuer shortly resumed 
her original course. 

On the morning of the 16th (Friday), the British having 
been reinforced with a regiment of 400 regulars, and by gun- 
boats armed with ordnance sufficient for the reduction of the 
place, set themselves at work syslematically for this purpose. 
An 18-pounder was posted back of the mill, under Jlaj. Mc- 
Bane ; a gun-boat was posted below the mill, and a heavily- 
armed steamer above it, so that the shot from these thn-e 
points might not interfere with each other, and still have the 
mill in their focus They were beyond the range of rifle-shot, 
and sufficient to accomplish, ere long, the demolition of the 
tower. 

During the whole of Thursday a white fl.-ig had been dis- 
played from the mill, but no attention being paid to it, it 
was finally fastened on the outside. Three or four flags were 
sent out, and the bearers shot down as soon as seen, as the 
British appeared to bo inclined to receive no terms. At length, 
on Friday in the forenoon, the firing ceased, and an uncon- 
ditional surrender being made, the prisoners (for as such they 
were received and regarded) were marched outbelwei n files of 
regulars and conducti'd to Fort Wellington, from whence they 
were sent to Port William Henry, at Kingston, for trial. Had 
it not been for the interposition of the regulars, the prisoners 
would have been torn in pieces by the enraged militia, who 
exhibited a vindicliveness and animosity that has scarcely 
found a parallel in the annals of French and Indian warfare. 
Every species of abuse and insult was heaped upon the un- 
fortunate band. During the firing that ensued in celebrating 
the surrender Capt Drummund, of the Brilish army, was 
accidentally shot. The British burnt, at once, four dwellings 
and two barns in the vicinity of the wind-mill. Von Schoultz 
was said to be opposed to ottering the enemy a flag of truce, 
and besought his men to rush upon the enemy and die in the 
contest, but their ammunition and provisions were exhausted, 
and the fatigue of five days and nights incessant watching and 
labor had made them indifferent to their fate. 

The British loss in the action near Prescott, Nov. 13, 
181^8, was as follows: Killed, 2 lieutenants, 11 rank and file. 
Wounded, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 ser- 
geant, fj2 rank and tile. 

The board of supervisors were in session at Canton at the 
time, and the cannonade of the battle was distinctly heard at 
that place. Some of the board were warm sympathizers in 
the movement, and resolutions condemning British tyranny. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



473 



and expressing sympathy with the Patriots, were brought for- 
ward for action repeatedly, but failed to pass. On one occa- 
sion the resolution of Isaac Ellwood was called up, but, on 
motion of Mr. Buck, seconded by Mr. Doty, it was " Kesolved, 
that the above resolution lie on the table until the same shall 
be again drawn up." The resolution was never called up from 
the table. 

Bill Jiihnston, the avowed leader of the party that boarded 
and burned the " Robert Peel," had been seen publicly in the 
streets of Ogdensbiirg for several days, and no one ventured 
to arrest him until, on the 17th, shortly after tlTe surrender of 
the band in the wind-mill, he was seen to enter a boat with 
his son, and leave the harbor; the collector of the district 
seeing him depart called the attention of a deputy marshal to 
his movements, and advised that an attempt should be made 
to arrest him. Failing in this, he entered a boat belonging 
to the office, hoisted the revenue flag, and pursued him, in 
company with several others. Johnston and his son landed 
about three miles above the village, was pursued, headed, and 
finally induced to surrender, on condition that his arms might 
be received by his son. He was armed with a Cochran rifle 
and two large rifle-pistols, witli several smaller ones, and a 
bowie-knife. The merit of arresting Johnston has been 
claimed by dift'erent parties, and tlie bounty offered for his 
apprehension is said to have been paid to C. T. Biiswell and 
A. B. James, who pursued on horseback as soon as he had 
landed, and were present when he .surrendered his arms. The 
steamer " Oneida," in the service of the United Stales govern- 
ment, was in the river when the boat in which Johnston and 
his son were escaping was run on shore, and the captured 
party was conveyed on board the steamer and taken to Sacket's 
Harbt>r. 

On the Monday after the capture tlie Hon. John Fine, in 
company with Charles G. Myers, consented, at the solicitation 
of Slime of the friends of the prisoners, to visit Kingston to 
carry a contribution of several hundred dollars to .-supply their 
wants, make inquiries into their condition, and oB'er legal 
counsel. The season of travel being past, and there being no 
direct communication with Kingston, they wrote to Col. 
Worth, at Sacket's Harbor, asking if he could be sent over 
from thence, and furnished with a letter to the commanding 
officer at Kingston ; both of these requests were declined. 
They then crossed the river to Prescott, to confer with Col. 
Young, and, on being escorted from the wharf to his quarters 
by a sentinel, they were kindly received, and furnished with a 
note of introduction to Col. Dundas at Kingston. The next 
morning they called upon Col. Dundas, who stated that he 
had delivered the prisoners to the care of the sheriff, and that 
application must be made to him. He was told that the sheriff 
had positively refused, underany circumstances, any interview, 
under orders from the governor, to several similar ap|ilications. 
They then added, as a last resort, that, being botli lawyers, 
they had some right to serve the prisoners in the capacity of 
legal counselors, having been employed by their friends for 
that purpose. It was the boast of the English law, which the 
Americans had inherited from the mother country, that every 
one was presumed innocent of a crime until proved to bo 
guilty, and that the prisoners had a right to legal advice in 
this case, and the privilege of obtaining witnesses for their 
defense. Upon this the colonel arose and accompanied them 
to the fort, introduced them to the sheriff, and requested that 
they might be jiermilted to see the ]irisoners. The sherilf said 
tliat the governor bad sent orders that no one be permitted to 
visit them, but the colonel said that he would risk the respon- 
sibility, and requested the keys, which were given him. 
Several military officers were introduced, and joined in the 
visit to the different rooms. These were above ground, largo, 
cleanly, and contained about fifty prisoners each. Inquiry 
was nuuio of those from St. Lawrence County, of their want 
of clothing, etc., which was afterwards procured and sent to 
CO 



them. They said that they were furnished with good and 
sufficient food and wore well treated. In one room was a 
companj' of about fifty boys under twenty-one years of age, 
and some as young as sixteen. Several of them alluded to 
the late events, and the causes which had induced them to en- 
gage in the foolish enterprise, with sobbing and tears. Several 
of the officers present were much affected, and proposed to 
leave. The Ogdensburg citizens remarked to the boys that 
there was hope in their case. The power of England was not 
so feeble as to fear the loss of Camida by the hands of boys, 
and the glory of England would not bo enhanced by their 
sacrifice. They were advised to plead thoir infancy, and throw 
themselves upon the mercy of the government. 

The court-martial was organized, and one of the prisoners 
was on trial. Solicitor-General Draper conducted the e.\ami- 
nation of the prisoners with fairness. He allowed the accused 
the opportunity to state all the extenuating circumstances, 
which he wrote down, and said he would send to the governor. 
In the evening an interview was had with Mr. Draper, at the 
rooms of the council, and, at the suggestion of some of the 
citizens, an application was made to the governor-general of 
Canada, through the medium of Judge Jones of the Queen's' 
Bench, for the pardon of the boys. An answer was returned 
that if the friends of the boys would exert their influence to 
prevent further aggressions, they shcnikl be released, and, as 
an earnest of the perl'ormauce of this promise, six were set 
free. From time to time others were liberated, until most of 
those under age wei-e allowed to return to their friends. 

The issue of this expedition did much to render the Patriot 
cause unpopular, and a healthy reaction was soon felt along 
the fiontier, but a spirit of jealousy and hostility had been 
engendered that led to much difficulty. On Dec. 21, the village 
trustees resolved to organize a company, to be held ready at 
a minute's warning, to act in preserving order, and repel if 
necessary any aggression. Arms were to be procured for them 
from Russell. On Dec. 31, a crowded meeting was held to 
unite in a petition to congress for protection of the frontier 
and intervention in favor of the prisoners. In support of the 
latter they asserted for our government an equal merit in the 
capture, inasmuch as the Patriots had been cut off from their 
supplies by the official seizure of the schooners and armament. 
A becoming tribute was paid to the valor and courage of the 
misguided youths who had been seduced into the measure. 
Jan. 2, 1839, another public meeting was held to discourage 
all further invasion of Canada. The call for this was signed 
by nearly seventy prominent citizens of all parties, and it was 
addressed by several of the inhabitants and by Maj-Gen. 
Winfield Scott, in a very able manner. In his address, Gon. 
Scott, after conceding that a feeling favorable to Canadian 
independence pervaded the country, went on to inquire what 
act of that people had evinced their desire for a change, and 
pointed out in a masterly manner the folly of attempting to 
force upon them a measure which their acts proved that they 
did not desire. A series of resolutions was passed embodying 
the sentiment of the considerate of all jmrties, and appealing 
to all good citizens to aid in putting an end to these proceed- 
ings so destructive to the public peace an J so perilous to our 
national welfare. 

As the steamboat " United States," Capt. AVhitnoy, was 
leaving Ogdensburg, on the evening of April 14, 1830, with ii 
large number of passengers, from six to leu rounds of musket- 
shot were fired frcmi a wharf in Prescott, at which a crowd 
was assembled, but a subsequent inquiry failed to fix upon any 
one as the culprit, and the same evening she was fired upon 
from the wharf at Brockville. These insulting measures were 
greatly aggravated by a high-handed outrage upon the schooner 
" G. S. Weeks," on May 17, 1839, at Brockville, where she 
had stopped to discharge some merchandise. The usual papers 
were sent to Iho custom-house, and a permit to unload was 
issued by the deputy collector. There was lying on deck 



474 



UISTOlir OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a six-pound iron cannon belonging to the State, consigned to 
Capt. A. B. James, to replace the one that had been seized by 
the Patriots, upon discovering which an attempt was made to 
seize it, but was resisted by tlie crew until the collector of the 
district came up, and took piisscs-sion of the vessel under some 
alleged irregularity of her pajiers. The gun was then taken 
by the mob, who paraded the streets with it, and fired it 
rei)entedly. Word was imniediatily sent to Col. Worth, at 
Sacket's Harbor, who repaired without delay to the place, in 
the steamier "Oneida," and sent a respectful inquiry to learn 
on what grounds the schooner was detained. To this the 
deputy could give no direct answer, and, from what he could 
learn, Col. Worth inferred that the seizure was without jus- 
tilicalion, and resolved to vindicate our national honor in 
recovering the cannon that had been taken from it. On Satur- 
day evening he repaired to Prescott, and peremptorily de- 
manded of Col. Frasier a release of the vetsel and her cargo, 
to which at 10 o'clock the next day answer was given that the 
vessel and her cargo should be released, but doubts were ex- 
pressed whether the cannon could be got from the mob. To 
be prepared with an intelligent and prudent witness in case 
the necessity for extreme measures should arise, the colonel 
invited Bishop Perkins, a legal gentleman of high standing in 
his profession, to accompany him to Brockville. He had on 
board a company of about 100 regulars, who were well sup- 
plied with a double number of muskets and ammunition suflB- 
cient for the occasion. The steamers took up a position along- 
side the schooner, and a demand for the restoration of the gun 
was sent. The wharves and block-house were densely crowded 
with an excited and furious mob, many of whom were armed, 
and all of them partaking of the excitement which the occa- 
sion called forth. The civil authorities endeavored to procure 
the restoration of the piece, but found themselves incapable 
of persuading or compelling the rabble to surrender it quietly. 
Had any of the crowd on shore in the excitement of the 
moment fired upon the steamer, there is little reason to doubt 
but that the fire would have been promptly returned by the 
regulars on board the "Oneida," and the etlect upon the 
crowded masses upon the wharves must have been signally 
fatal. Matters thus remained several hours, during which a 
collision was momentarily expected. At 4 p.m., a steamer 
from Kingston, with British regulars, arrived, which had been 
sent for by the magistrates of the town, with the aid of which 
several of the ringleaders of the mob were arrested and lodged 
in the guard-house. Having waited sufficiently long. Col. 
Worth notified the authorities for the last time that the can- 
non must be instantly returned, which was doue with the ut- 
most haste, and the prize was released. Col. Worth expressed 
the opinion that the civil magistrates evinced commendable 
zeal in their eflbrts to restore order and recover the cannon, 
but the utmost insolence was shown by the rabble towards 
the bearers of messages from Col. Worth. The tidings of 
this event brought his excellency Governor Sir George Arthur 
to Brockville, where he was presented an address signed by 
2GG persons, as an attempted justification for the recent out- 
rage. They protested against the manner in which the gun 
had been given up at the demand enforced by the presence of 
an armed steamer in their harbor, and declared that they sub- 
mitted only through the improper interference of some of his 
excellency's jyrominent and courayeous ofiScials in civil au- 
thority. In his reply the governor admitted that the seizure 
was illegal, and regretted tluit greater caution had not been 
exercised before that act. The stop once taken he regretted 
that the seizure was abandoned without due authority, and 
more especially under the circumstances, although he admit- 
ted that some magistrates had acted with honest zeal and from 
a sense of public duly to advise the measure. He declared 
the seizure and firing of the cannon after it had been taken 
by the revenue officer was a lawless proceeding, and regretted 
that personal abuse had been uflVrcd to the f.ireign officers who 



had entered the country on public duty. It is due to the 
Canadian press, and the more considerate portion of the in- 
habitants, that they mostly denounced the seizure as wholly 
unjustifiable. The collector of Brockville was removed from 
office by Governor Arthur. 

On Tuesday, June 25, 18S9, a party from Prescott attempted 
to abduct a deserter from Ogdensburg, but their plans being 
discovered, the gang was surrounded by a large concourse of 
people, covered with tar, and marched back to their boat under 
an armed guard. The leader of the gang was said to have 
committed suicide the next day. The British steamers com- 
menced touching at Ogdensburg in the latter part of June, and 
were well received. It was hoped that a renewal of friendly 
intercourse would do much to allay the animosity existing 
between the border inhabitants of the two nations. 

As the American steam ])acket "St. Lawrence" was passing 
down Oil her rc^gular trip, Aug. 4,1839, she was fired upon by 
ail aruii'd British schooner lying in the stream opposite Brock- 
ville. The particulars of this infamous outrage, committed not 
by a lawless rabble, but by a government vessel, became the 
subject of a correspondence between the officers of the two 
governments in command of the naval and military forces 
along the frontier, a copy of which is before us. It appears 
that the steamer, having numbers of passengers of both sexes, 
was passing at about 5 p.m., when, on approaching her ma- 
jetty's armed schooner " Mcmtreal," she was hailed and ordered 
to show her colors, which being disregarded, several musket- 
balls were fired by order of W. N. Fowell, commander. This 
being coninumieated to Col. Worth, an explanation was de- 
manded, and the act was feebly attempted to be justifii'd on 
the gro\ind that they were afraid the steamer contained Patri- 
ots, that they wanted to know to what nation it belonged, 
etc. These frivolous excuses, some of which would have 
been applicable on the high seas, when applied to the St. Law; 
rence became extremely ridiculous. 

On Aug. 10, 1840, Gen. Scott arrived at Ogdensburg in the 
" Telegraph" steamer, then in thescrvice of government. He 
was on his way to Plattsburg. 

The continuance of secret lodges for the agitation of the 
Patriot question led President Tyler to issue a proclamation 
Sept. 5, 1841, calling upon all good citizens to discountenance 
them as tending to evil consequences. 

LIST OF THE rlUSONERS TAKEN .\T THE WIND-MILL, AND TRIED 
AT KIXCiSTON. 

The following notes and abbreviations are used: (/., plead 
guilty ; >i. ()., plead not guilty ; i'., transported to Van Diemen's 
Land ; /;., hung at Fort Henry ; a., acquitted ; xb , wcmnded in 
the battle ; /•., released without trial ; jt., pardoned. Numerals 
denote the ages of prisoners. All, except those in italics, were 
sentenced to be hung. 

Dorephus Abbey, 47 (Watertown), n. </., h. Dec. 12 ; I'hilip 
Alger, 23 (Bents, N. Y.), w., r. ; Charles Allen, p.; David 
Allen, 24 (Volney), t.; Duncan Anderson, 48 (Livingston Co.), 
h. Jan. 4; Oliver Aubre (Lower Canada), w.,r.; Samuel Aus- 
tin (Alexandiia, N. Y.), p. ; Thomas Baker (Winder, N. Y.), 
t. ; Hiram W. Barlow, 1!» (St. Lawrence Co.), /;. ; Rouse Ben- 
nett, 17 (Herkimer Co.), p ; Ernest Berentz (Poland, Eu- 
rope), ;). ; John Berry, 40 (Columbia Co.), t. ; Orlin Blodget, 
23 (Jefferson Co.),^., i. ; George Bloudeau, 19 (Canada),/).; 
John Bradley, 30 (Ireland), t. ; John A. Brewster (Hender- 
son, N. Y.), /). ; Charles S. Brown (Oswego Co.), p. ; George 
T. Brown, 23 (Le. Ray, N. Y.), k. g, t. ; Brumley (died of 
wounds in hospital); Cliristoi)her Buckley (Onondaga Co.), 
h. Jan. 4; Chauncey Bugbee, 22 (Jefferson Co.), t. ; Hugh 
Calhoun (Ireland), t; Paschal Cerventes (Y crmunl), p. ; Levi 
C/iipmnn, r. July 29 ; Truman Chipman, ;). ; Culver S. Clark, 
19 (Fulton Co.), /). ; Eli Clark (Oswego Co.), ;). on account of 
age and infirmities ; Robert G. Collins, 34 (Ogdensburg), t. ; 
rhilip Coiidrat (Germany),;).; Hiram Cutittmaii, 19 (Jefler- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



475 



son Co.), w., r. ; Peter Cranker, 19 (Jeflerson Co.),/).; John 
Cronkheit (Otsego Co ), t. ; Churlcs Grossman (Jert"crson Co.), 
p ; James Cummiiigs (Canada), ;■. on account of insanity; 
Lysander Curtis, 33 (Ogdensburg), u'., ;■. (ditnl in Van Die- 
men's Land) ; Luther Darby, t. ; Leonard Delimi, 2.5 (Jeffer- 
son Co.), t. ; William Denio, 18 (Ls Kay), y.,p. ; Joseph Dodge 
(Montgomery Co.), p.; Aaron Dresser, Jr., 22 (Alexandria, 
N. Y.), t. (released in 1843) ; Joseph Drummond (Oswego Co.), 
p.; David Dufeld,22 (Upper Canada)/).; Mo.ses A. Diitcher 
(Dexter, N. Y.), t. ; John Elmore (Jefferson Co.), /;. ; Shelah 
Evans, 3-5 (Jeflerson Co.), ;■. ; Ebon Fellows, g., t.; David 
Field (Granby, N. Y.); Lorenzo F. Finney, 21 (VVatertown), 
V). ; Michael Friar, 23, t. ; Francis Gagnion, 18 (Canada), p. ; 
Emanuel Garrisim (Vermont), t. ; William Gates (Lyme, N. 
Y.), t. ; Daniel George (Lj-me), h. Dec. 12 (paymaster) ; John 
Gil man, t.; Cornelius Goodrich (Salina,N. Y. ),/)., seven years' 
penitentiary; Gideon A. Goodrich (Massachusett?), t. ; Price 
Gould, 21 (Jefferson Co.), p.; John Graves (Plattsburg), r. .' 
Jerry Griggs (Connecticut), t. ; Nelson J. Griggs (Onondaga 
Co.), t. ; Hiram Hall, 15 (Jefferson Co.), seven years' peniten- 
tiary, /). ; Jacques Herod (France), w., r. ; Garret Hicks, 27 
(Jefferson Co.), t. ; Edward Holmes (Syracuse),/).; Charles 
Hovej- (Lyme),/).; David Houih, 24, t. ; Daniel D. Hiistaee, 
27 (Watertown), t. ; James Ingles (Scotland), t. ; Henry Jant- 
zen, 29 (Germany),/). ; John M. Jones (Philadelphia, N. Y.), 
p.; George H. Kemble, 18 (Brownville), w., p.; Juhn O 
Koinski (Cracow, Poland),/).; Hiram Kinne3',20 (Onondaga), 
/). ; Oliver Lanton (Albany),/).; Sylvester A. Lanton, 23 
(Lyme), /i Jan. 4; Andrew Leeper, 42 (Jeflerson Co.), t. ; 
Jose]ih Lee, 21 (Oswego), p.; Joseph Lefort, 19 (Cape 
Vincent), i. ; Lyman N. Lewis, n. <;. ; Daniel Liscomb 
(Lyme), t. ; Samuel Livingston (Lisbon, N. Y.), v.; Hiram 
Loop, 26 (Oswego Co.),n.g., t. ; Foster Martin (Ox Bow), 
i. ; J. H. Martin, t. ; Calvin Mathers (Salina), t. ; Chauncey 
Mathers, 24 (Onondaga Co.), t. ; Frederick Meals, 21 (serv- 
ant of Von Sehoultz, ip., died of wounds); Alonzo Mignoieih, 
r.? Phares Miller (Watertown), p.; Justus Meriam, 17 
(Sacket's Harbor), v.; John Marri-set, 26 (Canada), w., t.; 
Andrew Moore, 26 (Malta, N. Y.), «.'., t. ; Peter Met/er {Syra- 
cuse),]: ; Sebastian Meyer, 21 (Bavaria),/).; Joseph Norris, 
a. ; William 0' Neil, 38 (Alexandria), n. g., a. ; Alson Owen, 
24 (Oswego), t. (died in Van Diemen's Land) ; Jacob Paddock, 
17 (Jefferson Co.), t ; Joel Peeler, 50, n. g., h. Dec. 22; Law- 
ton S. Peck, 20 (Jeflerson Co.), /). ; Ethel Penny, 18 (Jefferson 
Co,),/) ; Russell Phelps (Watertown), h. Jan. 4 ; James Pierce 
(Oneida Co.), t. ; Ira Polly (Jeflerson Co ), t. ; Lorenzo Phin- 
ney, w., r.; D S. Powers (Brownville) ; Gains Powers, r. ; Asa 
Priest, 43 (Auburn), w., t. (died in Van Diemen's Land) ; 
Jacob Putnam, 19 (Montgomery Co.), p.; Levi Putnam, 21 
(Montgomery Co.), /). ; Timothy P. Ransom, 21 (Alexan- 
dria), /). ; Solomon Reynolds (Salina), t. ; William Reynolds 
(Orleans), t. ; J. B. Jiazcau (Lower Canada), r., very young ; 
Asa H. Richardson, 23 (Oswego), t. ; Andrew Richardson 
(Rossie), /J. ; Lawrence Riley, 43 (Vermont) ; Edgar Rogers; 
Orson Rogers, 23 (Jefferson Co.), r. ; Hiram Sharp (Onon- 
daga Co.), t. ; Henry Shaw, /. ; Truman Shi/mum (Horrh- 
town); Andrew Smith, 21, p.; Charles Smith (Lyme), /). ; 
Owen W. Smith, 26 (Watertown), t. ; Price Senter, 18 (Ohio), 
n. g., p. ; James L. Snow, 21 (Oswego Co.), r. ; William Steb- 
bins, 18 (Jefferson Co.),/).; Joseph Stewart, 25 (Miftlin Co., 
Pb.),^; Thomas Stockton, 20 (Felt's Mills), i. ; John G. Swan- 
berg (Alexandria, N. Y.), t. ; Dennis Suete (Alexandria, N. 
Y.), n. g., t. ; Sylvanus Sweet, 21, ,7., h. Dec. 22 ; Giles Thomas, 
34 (Onondaga Co.), w., r. ; John Thomas, 26 (Madrid, N. Y.), 
i. ; John Thompson (England),/). ; Abner Townsend, 17 (Jef- 
ferson Co), g., p ; Nelson Truax, 20 (Antwerp); Oliver 
Tucker, 17, n. g.,p. ; George Van Ambler, 17 (Jcft'erson Co.), 
p.; Charles Van Warner, 21 (Ellisburg), /). ; Martin Van 
Slyke (Watertown), a. ; Hunter C. Vaughan, 19 (Sacket's Har- 
bor), /). (fmm interi'C>siiin of father) ; Nils Szoltcreky Von 



Sehoultz (general), jr., A. Dec. 18; Joseph Wagner (Salina), 
/). ; Saul Washburn (Warren Co.), <. ; Simeon II. AVc-bstcr, 
p. ; James M. Whrclock, '£1 (Jeflerson Co ), w. ; Patrick White, 
22 (Irish), t.; Riley Whitney (Vermontl, t. ; Nathan Whit- 
ney (Connecticut), t ; Hosea C Wilkie (Orleans, N. Y.),/>. ; 
Charles Wilson, p.; Edward A. Wilson, 23 (Pompey), <.; 
Sampson Wiley (Watertown),/).; Charles Woodruff, 19 (Sa- 
lina), g.,p- ; Martin Woodruff, 24 (Onondaga Co.), h. Dec. 19; 
Benian Woodbury, 24 (Cayuga Co ), ?«., t. ; William Wool- 
cot, 20 (Madison Co ), w.,p.; Stephen S. Wright, 25 (Den- 
nnirk), t., released 1843. 

All of those who were transported were after several years 
pardoned, and most have since returned. While detained in 
the penal colonies they sutt'ered incredible hardships, and 
numbers of them died. Those who survived mostly came back 
with impaired constitutions from privations and the hard labor 
to which they had been subjected. 

"WAR OF THE REBELLION— 1801-65. 

St. Lawrence County, in common with every other in the 

State, contributed her full quota of men in the service of the 

Union. Her patriotism was at flood-tide, and her gallant 

sons turned out promptly at the call of the government, and 

well maintained the renown won on the battle-fields of 1812- 

15. The total number of troops furnished was about 5300 in 

the three arms of the service. A large proportion of this 

force perished in the field and the hospitals, and some in the 

prison-pens of the Confederacy. The following jiages contain 

the history of the different organizations, from the most 

authentic sources of information obtainable. 

1 1. 
SUPERVISORS' PKOQEEDIXGS— FUNDS RAISED AND DISBURSED. 

On Julv l!i, 1864j)a general recruiting committee was ap- 
pointed by the board of supervisors, consisting of the follow- 
ing gentlemen : Calvin T. Hulburd, Hiram H. Peck, Charles 
Shepard, George Robinson, and John R. Brinckerhoff. A 
finance committee was also appointed, as follows: Ela N. 
Merriam, T. S. Clarkson (2d), and Charles Anthony. 

This finance committee in the discharge of their duties dis- 
bursed §1,008,350, for which they negotiated the bonds 
of the county, or at least the greater part of them. Upon the 
final settlement of their accounts they produced vouchers for 
every penny disbursed, their books showing every transaction 
clear and explicit. In this connection T. S. Clarkson, who 
acted as secretary and cashier, performed his duties to the 
entire satisfaction of all concerned. 

Bonds were issued by the county covering the entire amount 
disbursed, as before stated, all of which have been called in and 
cancelled, with the single exception of one of the denomina- 
tion of ?100, held by a lady, and not yet matured. The total 
amount of interest paid on these bonds has been about $358,000. 
This is a remarkable showing, and exhibits the determination 
of the people to carry the war to a successful termination, no 
matter what the cost might be. 

The indignation nninifested at the attack upon Fort .Sumter 
proclaimed everywhere throughout the land that the rebellion 
would be put down at whatever cost; that the attempt to 
found a slave oligarchy in the southern portion of the Union 
could never succeed. Meetings were called, or rather assem- 
bled, spontaneously at various points in St. Lawrence County ; 
but perhaps the first, and certainly among the first, was the 
one at Ogdensburg, on Wednesday evening, April 17, 1861. 
It was held in Eagle hall, lion. John Fine presiding. 
Speeches were made by Hon. C. F. Hurlburd, R. W. Judson, 
I. C. Spencer, D. Magone, Jr., and others, and the enthusi- 
asm was at fever-heat. It was propo.sed to raise a company 
at once, and David A. Nevin opened a recruiting oflice. A 
second meeting was called at Lyceum hall, at which largo 
numbers assembled. Music and banners paraded the streets, 
and business was suspended to give attention to the all-absorb- 



476 



UlSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



.^^' 



ing question. At tlio second moeling Gen. Koscius W. Jud- 
soii presided. The liall wiis lillcd to oveitlowing, and the 
assembly showed at a glance by its earnest demeanor that 
business was on hand, and there must be no trifling. 

The object of the meeting was slated, in few words, to be 
the raising of men and means for the war. The president 
led with a subscription of $100 ; others followed rapidly, until 
about ?.30OO was subscribed, and foriii-four men enlisted at 
once. These were believed to have boon the first enlistments /or 
the war in St. Lawrence County. Meetings were continued, 
and in tliree days from the beginning of enlistments Capt. 
Kevin's company left for the seat of war, and was subsequently 
assigned to the lUth New York Infantry 'S'olunteers, in whose 
ranks it did good service. 

lliTll INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Albany, May 10, 1861, 
from companies recruited in the northern part of the State, 
and was known as the " First Northern New York Regiment." 
The following companies were raised in St. Lawrence County, 
viz.: Comjiany A, at Ogdensburg, by Capt. D. A. Nevin; 
Company B, at Potsdam, by Capt. J. M. Pomeroy ; Company 
D, at Gouverneur, by Capt. George Parker ; Company F, at 
Potsdam, by Capt. J. ('. Gilmore; Company G, at De Pey- 
ster, by Capt. N. M. Curtis ; Company H, at Stockholm, by 
Capt. W. Gibson. These companies were accepted by the 
State as follows: Company A, on the 24th of April ; B, on 
the 30th of April ; D, on the 2d of May ; F, G, and H, on 
the 7th of May. On the 9th of May the regiment was ac- 
cepted and numbered, and an election of field-officers ordered 
to be held. On the 10th the election of Thomas A. Davies as 
colonel, Samuel Marsh as lieutenant-colonel, and Buel Palmer 
as major, was confirmed, and on the 1.5th it was mustered into 
the service of the United States, by Capt. L. Sitgreaves, for 
two years. May 30 the regiment was sent to " Camp Mor- 
gan," near Norman's Kill, in the town of Bethlehem (Albany 
county), and while here was partially supplied with arms and 
ammunition, but was not completely armed until the 24th of 
June, when four hundred smooth-bore muskets, pattern of 
1842, calibre Gf), were issued to it in addition to the three 
hundred previously received; and on the same date one 
hundred common and eighteen wall tents were ordered, but 
not fully issued until the regiment reached Washington. 

Most of the companies, through the liberal assistance of the 
communities in which they were organized, received colors 
before their departure for Albany, at which place they were 
furnished clothing, knapsacks, and general outfits from the 
Slate. 

The regiment loft Albany June 25, 1801, and proceeded by 
steamer to New York, where, on Washington parade-ground, 
it received a pair of flags from Mrs. Joseph Howland through 
Mr. Robert S. Hone. From New Y'ork it proceeded, via 
Elizabcthport and Easton, to Harrisburg, and leaving that 
city on the 28th, passed through Baltimore and reached Wash- 
ington in the forenoon of the 2'.)th. At Washington the regi- 
ment went into camp, on a plain three-fourths of a mile dis- 
tant from the cai)itol, and for nearly a fortnight remained 
under instruction. It was then assigned to the second brigade 
(Col. Davies) and fifth division (Col. Miles). Crossing the 
Potomac from the navy-yard on the 11th of July, it landed at 
Alexandria and encamped a short distance west of the city, 
under the guns of Fort Ellsworth. It was scarcely settled in 
its new camp, however, when it was ordered to join the ad- 
vance against the enemy at Manassas. In this movement it 
was commanded by Lieut. -Col. Marsh, Col. Davies being in 
command of the brigade. It marched from camp on July 17, 
bv way of liraddock road, and encamped near Fairfax station. 
On the march it had srjme skirmishing with the enemy's pick- 
ets, and came, upon the camp of the 5th Alabama regiment, 
which had been ftb:<ndoni'd and partially destroyed. It biv- 



ouacked on the night of the 17th, and marched early the next 
morning to Little Rock run, near Contreville, and halted until 
the morning of the battle, but took no part in the action of 
the 18th. On the morning of the 21st it marched over Cen- 
treville Heights and down to Blackburn's ford, where the 
reserve (the fifth division, of which it was a part) held the 
left bank (pf Bull Hun until dark. Itwas butslightly engaged, 
the movement of the enemy in the direction of the ford having 
been cheeked and driven back by the artillery. It arrived at 
Centreville about dark and took position for the night, but at 
10.30 I'.M. was ordered to retire towards Alexandria, which 
order was obeyed, and the regiment reached its former camp 
at 9 A.M. of the 22d. 

In September its camp was changed to Fort Lyon, where it 
was assigned to the second brigade (Gen. H. W. Slocuin) of 
Gen. Franklin's division. This brigade was composed of the 
16th and 27th New York, the 5th Maine, and the 'Jdlh Penn- 
sylvania, and was not subsequently changed during the period 
of service of the 16th, except by the addition of the 121st New 
York early in September, 1862.* The position of the brigade 
in the Army of the Potomac, however, was changed. Under 
the organization of March 13, 1862, it was the 2d brigade 
(Slocum's), 1st division (Franklin's), Ist corps ( JIcDowell's). 
In ilay following it was the 2d brigade, 1st divition, 6th corps 
(Franklin's; ; and in this last relation it remained until it left 
the field, at which lime Gen. Bartlett was in command of the 
brigade, Gen. Brooks of the division, and Gen. Sedgwick of 
the corps. 

The winter of 1861-62 was spent at "Camp Franklin," 
near Fairfax seminar3', the former location having proved 
unhealthy. After vaiious movements the regiment, on the 
lUlh of .V|iril, 1802, embarked on tlie "Daniel Webster No. 
2," from Maine, and was transported to Ship Point, near the 
mouth of York river, where it landed on the 22d, and re- 
mained on shore until the evacuation of Yorktown, May 3. 
On the latter date it re-embarked and moved up to Yorktown, 
where it remained until the battle of Williamsburg, on the 
5th. On the 6th it moved up the Y'ork river to West Point, 
landed at Brick House point, on the south side, just at night, 
bivouacked near the shore, and sent out a detachment on 
picket. On the 7th was fought the battle of West Point. 
Companies C, F, G, and K were, upon that occasion, on picket 
and engaged as skirmishers, and the remaining six companies 
of the regiment were engaged in supporting Ayer's battery. 
The only losses were among the skirmishers, of whom six 
were killed and sixteen wounded. 

The loth wore straw hats, jiresented the men by a friend of 
the regiment, and were therefore easily distinguished from 
other regiments. In the battle at Gaines' Mills, June 27, 
1862, it was actively engaged, — distinguishing itself in u 
charge by which it recaptured two guns of a battery, which 
had previously fallen into the hands of the rebels. In this 
battle the regiment lost about 230 in killed, wounded, and 
missing. On the next day (June 28) the 16th was on picket 
on Garnett's hill, and the line was attacked and driven in by 
the enemy with a loss of 2 killed and 4 wounded. The rebels 
were finally repulsed, however, and the line re-established. 
At Charles City Cross-Koads, on the SOlh, the regiment sup- 
ported the 1st Massachusetts battery, and had two men killed 
and seven wounded by one of Hexamer's guns, but sustained 
no loss by the enemy. The 16th marched about midnight and 
reached Malvern Hill, but took no part in the battle, the divi- 
sion having moved on and established a picket-line near James 
river. On the 3d of July marched to Harrison's Landing, 
where it remained until the 16th of August. By subsequent 
marches and by steamer, it proceeded through Charles City 



*Tho brifCiuie was at tliis time composed of tbe ICth, 26th, ami 27lh New 
York atul tlio ;>tli Maiiio. A lew weeks later the 20th was assigned to some 
otlier ln-igaile. atid tlie ^C.tli reiiiiJsylvania took its place. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



477 



Court-House, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Newport News 
to Alexandria, and afterwards to Annandale (August 28) and 
Fairfax, taking dinner at the latter place on the 30lh. That 
night it stood on picket on the left of Warrenton turnpike. 
Having fallen back to Contreville Heights, Fairfax (lourt- 
House, and Alexandria, it went into camp at the latter place 
Sept. 1, at Fort Lyon. The regiment was not permitted to 
renniin inactive, and, after several days' marching, became 
engaged at South Mountain on the 14th of September, losing 
in the early part of the day one color-bearer killed and one 
wounded, and two sergeants and one lieutenant wounded. In 
the charge ordered by Gen. Newton (temporarily in command) 
at 5 P.M., the 16th was the first to reach the crest of the moun- 
tain, and the first to drive the enemy down the west slope. 
This charge was made by the division in three lines. In this 
action the regiment lost 03 in killed and wounded, and cap- 
tured the flag of an Alabama regiment. On the 17th the 
battle-field of Antietam was reached at noon. The corps was 
not engaged here, but was considerably annoyed by sharp- 
shooters, who killed one man and wounded three in the 16lh. 
The regiment, afti'r various movements, was finally engaged 
in the attack on Fredericksburg, on picket duty and skirmish 
line. On the 19tli it went into winter camp, and remained 
until the " mud march" of Januarj-, in which it participated. 
It then returned to camp, and remained till April 29, 1863, 
when it again went into active service, crossing the Rappa- 
hannock at Pollock's Mills under fire, and moving with the 
division against the rebel rifle-pits, from which the enemy 
was driven. In the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3, the 
llith met the enemy at Salem Churcli, having its position in 
the front line, on the right of the brigade. In this engage- 
ment the regiment lost 20 killed, -19 missing, and 87 wounded. 
Early in May the regiment was ordered home, and left Fal- 
mouth by railroad on the 10th. It arrived at Albany on 
the 14th, and was mustered out May 15, 1863. It went out 
with 798 men; received 163 recruits; had 587 killed and 
wounded, and returned with 281 men, leaving its three-year 
recruits in the field, in a battalion with similar recruits from 
the 18lh and 27th regiments, under Capt. C. S. Hall. 

50th INFANTRlf. 

St. Lawrence County furnished a number of men for this 
regiment, which was organized at Elmira, N. Y., in the sum- 
mer of 1861, by Col. Charles B. Stuart. It was afterwards 
changed to the 50th Engineers. The regiment was mustered 
into the United States service Sept. 18, 1861; and, after the 
22d of October, was detailed, by order of Maj.-Gen. McClel- 
lan, for duty as sappers, miners, and pontoniers, and spent 
the time until JIarch 19, 1862, in perfecting its men in the 
ponton drill, in supping and mining, in the construction of 
batteries, and fitting them in every way for the service to which 
the regiment had been detailed. They were actively employed 
during the siege of Yorktown, and greatly exposed to the 
enemy's fire, though no serious casualties occurred. The 50tli 
participated in all the operations in front of Richmond under 
McClellan. and throughout its entire service acquitted itself 
nobly, winning many compliments from officers. In Decem- 
ber, 1863, more than three-fourths of tlie men re-enlisted for 
the war. After much trying service in. the campaigns of 1804 
and '65 the regiment was sent to Elmira, where it was mus- 
tered out on the 30th of June, 1865. 

18TK INFANTRY. 

Company K of this regiment was raised at Ogdcnsburg, 
St. Lawrence County, and mustered in with the regiment at 
Albany, May 17, 1801. The organization left Albany on the 
18th of June, and proceeded to New York. At Jersey City 
it received its arms (Enfield rilles), and at once continued to 
Washington, by way of Philadelphia and Baltimore. At 
New Bridge, on the peninsula, Springfield riUes were fur- 



nisl)ed in lieu of the Enfield, and no further change was made 
while in the service. Moving to Alexandria on the 12th of 
July, the regiment encamped at "Camp Myers," and on the 
16th joined in the advance against the enemy at Manas-as 
Junction. On the 17th, Company K, with Companies A, H, 
and G, were thrown forward as skirmishers, and were soon 
engaged with the 6th Alabama regiment, which was in retreat 
before the advancing column of Union troops, yet keeping 
up a constant fire. Sergt. John Watcrson, of Company A, 
and Sergt. John Allen, of Company K, were killed. In the 
engagement of the 21st, the regiment, with the balance of the 
2d brigade, was engaged as a support for Green's and Hunt's 
batteries of the 2d U. S. Artillery. The loss of the 18th was 
three men prisoners. 

At the battle of West Point, May 7, 1862, (,'ompany K was 
again placed on the picket line. The regiment suffered no 
loss in this engagement. At Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862, the 
18th lost 180 men in killed, wounded, and missing. In the 
battle of Charles City Cross-Rouds, June 30, the 18lh suffered 
no loss At the second Bull Run fight, August 30, they were 
again engaged. At South Mountain, Sept. 14, the 18th was 
savagely engaged at Crampton Gap, and, according to the re- 
port of Lieut.-Col. Meyers, displayed great gallantry and 
heroism. Its loss was 1 captain (Horsfall) and 10 men killed, 
2 lieutenants and 40 men wounded, and 2 men missing. The 
regiment here captured a flag and about 100 prisoners. At 
Antietam the loss was slight. 

After numerous engagements of more or less importance, 
it was sent to Albany in May, 1863, arriving at that city on 
the morning of the 10th, the term of service having expired. 
Its three-years' men, about 30 in number, had been trans- 
ferred to the 121st N. Y. During its entire service, the 18th 
had lost but 15 men by sickness, but its ranks had been re- 
duced by the casualties of war to 425 men. It left .\lbany in 
May, 1861, with 834 men, and had received a considerable 
number of recruits, and its return was with a most honorable 
record of arduous and faithful service. 

OOra INFANTRY. 

Tlie 60th Regiment N. Y. S. Vols, was formed under an 
order issued by Gov. Morgan to Col. Charles R. Bourdage, 
July 5, 1861, to rendezvous his regiment (the 33d N. Y. S. 
Militia) at Ogdensburg. The work of recruiting began at once, 
and the regiment was organized as follows, by companies: 

William B. Goodrich, William Montgomery, and Capt. 
Benj. R. Clark recruited in the towns of Canton, Hermon, 
Potsdam, Russell, Madrid, Colton, Parishville, and Gouver- 
neur, St. Lawrence County, and reported at Camp AVheeler 
with 405 enlisted men, 101 of whom were accepted and mus- 
tered. This company, designated as Company A, was organ- 
ized by electing William B Goodrich captain, Benjamin R. 
Clark 1st lieutenant, and William Montgomery 2d lieutenant. 

Capt. David Day (2d) and Lieut. John Snyder recruited in 
Macomb, Gouverneur, and De Peysler, St. Lawrence County, 
and went into camp with 40 men. Designated as Company B. 
The company organized by electing David Day (2d) captain, 
John Snyder 1st lieutenant, and James Horst 2d lieutenant. 

John C. O. Redington, a private in the 18lh N. Y. S. Vols., 
Thos. Hohart, a private in the 7th Mass. S. Vols., John E. 
Wilson, and Nehemiah Wiley recruited in Hammond, Morris- 
town, Oswegatchie, Edwards, Rossie, Russell, and Fowler, St. 
Lawrence County, and reported with 32 men. Designated as 
Company C. The company elected J. C O. Redington captain, 
James Young 1st lieutenant, and Thomas Hobart 2d lieu- 
tenant. 

Lieut. Jiinus JI. King, Winslow M. Thomas, and George 
M. Glcason recruited 33 men in Russell, Edwards, Pierrepont. 
and Canton, St. Lawrence County. Company D was organ- 
ized by the election of Winslow M. Thomas captain, James 
M. King 1st lieutenant, and George M. Glcason 2d lieutenant. 



478 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William II. Ilyile, ]'. Sliflly Siiiolair, niul George J. Cor- 
nish recruitod 51 men in Jlnlone, Bangor, and Brandon, 
Franklin county. Wni. H. Hyde was chosen captain, P. S. 
Sinclair 1st lieutenant, and Hosea C. Heynold.s 2d lieutenant. 
Company E. 

Thomas Elliott, a private in the 7th N. Y. S. Militia, re- 
cruited, under special order of the president, 54 men. He 
was elected captain, .John Delancy Ist lieutenant, and Mil- 
ton P. Spencer 2d lieutenant. Company F. 

Capt. Hugh Smith recruited 27 men in Madrid, Wadding- 
ton, Louisville, Massena, and Norfolk, St. Lawrence County. 
He was chosen captain of Company Q, with Orson M. Foot 
1st lieutenant, and John Dundon, Jr., 2d lieutenant. 

James M. Kansom, Lowrey E. White, and Marcellus L. 
Fitch recruited 45 men in Champlain, Moocrs, EUenburg, 
Altona, Chazy, and Saranac, Clinton county, and Lisbon, St. 
Lawrence County. James M. Ransom was elected captain, 
Lowrey E, White Ist lieutenant, and Marcellus L. Fitch 2d 
lieutenant. Company H. 

Rev. Jesse H. Jones and Guy Hogan recruited 55 men in 
Lawrence, Stockholm, and Brasher, St. Lawrence Co. Jesse 
H. Jones was made captain, Guy Hogan first lieutenant, and 
Lyman M. Shedd second lieutenant, Ccmipany I. 

Abel Godard and Capt. Henry C. Eastman, of the 34th N. 
Y. S. M., recruited 42 men in Stockholm and Richville, St. 
Lawrence Co. Abel Godard was elected captain, Henry C. 
Eastman tirst lieutenant, and Abner B. Shipman second 
lieutenant, Company K. 

On Oct. 25, Hon. Wm. B. Wheeler, for whom the camp 
was named, presented to the regiment a national flag. On 
Tuesday, Oct. 29, Col. William B. Hay ward, late of the 102d, 
reported at camp as the commander of the COtli. Oct. 31, 
Hon. John Fine presented a State banner to the regiment, on 
behalf of the ladies of Ogdensburg. The regiment left Og- 
densburg for the seat of war Nov. 1, 1801, and shortly after 
reaching Washington was assigned to duty in guarding the 
railroad between Baltimore and Washington. Jan. 12, 1862, 
Col. Haj'ward was honorably discharged, having tendered his 
resignation to the War Department, and on Jan. 27, Col. Geo. 
Sears Greene, a graduate of West Point, took command. In 
Jlay, Col. Greene received a brigadier-general's commission, 
and Lieut. -Col. William B. Goodrich succeeded to the com- 
mand, Maj. Brundage becoming lieutenant-colonel, and A. B. 
James,* adjutant of the 50th N. Y. S. V., receiving a com- 
mission as major of the GOth. May 11, 1862, Companies A, 
1), E, F, H, and K were ordered to Harper's Ferry, leaving 
Companies B, C, G, and I on railroad duty. On June 21 
these four companies joined the regiment. Brig. -Gen. Greene 
had returned and taken commaiul of the brigade, in place of 
Maj. -Gen. Sigel, relieved. 

The 60th sutfered severely from sickness during the hot season 
of 1862. It shared in the retreat of Gen. Banks through Vir- 
ginia, and in September was engaged in the memorable battle 
of Antietam, where the gallant Col. Goodrich was killed by 
a rifle-ball in the right breast. Lieut.-Col. Brundage made 
the following report of this engagement, and the part taken in 
it by the 00th : 

" HEADtiUAUTKRS TniRD UlClU.\I)F., Ldudon Hkigmts, V,\., Sept. ^5, 1862. 
" Tu IJrio.-Grn. GtORQF. S. Grf.enk, commandiTiy '2d Divieion^lItU Armi/ Corps: 

"I huvc the lionor to rcpurt that on the morning of Sept. 17, 18C>, Col, Wni. 
B, Goodrich, being in coinnninii ttf tliis brigiide, wiw ordered to tiiko tlie loigjide, 
then composed of the Cdlli nnd "8th N. Y. S. V., :id Delaware, and PurnoU 
Legion, into the tleld on the right of the line of bnttle. Before getting into 
po-sition, tile Pnrnell Legion was ordered to Bonio otlior position in the field, 
which reduced the line of tliis brigade to tlie three firijt'nnnied regiment;*. 
On getting into i)o..ition sUii-miNhers were thrown out on tlie right and left, 
wlio cleared tlio woods of the eneno'a sharp-shootei-y. While thus engaged, 
aiul about an hour after the c.tmniencenient, the colonel c^ inritling was mor- 
tally wounded and borne from the field. The command then devolved on 



Lieut.-Col. Austin, of the 78th New York, who remained in command during 
tile day. About un hour and u half from this time orders were received to 
withdraw the brigaiie from the field. This was done, and tlie line shortly after 
reformed about a mile to the rear of its former positicui. The brigade remained 
in the line till near dark, when tiiey were ordered liy yourself to rejttin the 
division. Tliis report is made from rect)llecIion mily, no data being kepl.aj the 
coninuind was not handed t.ver to me till late in the evening. I <leern it just, 
however, to make honorable mention of the cotdness and bravery of the officers 
and men in action, especially of the true soldierly bravery of Col. Goodrich 
the daring and courage of Lieut,.(Jol. Austin, and the valuable services of Capt. 
Uedinglon, of the Outh New York, and First Lieut. McGreggor, of the 78th 
New York ; the two latter having charge of the skirmishers. 
"Respectfully submitted, 

"CIIAELES R. BRUNDAGK, 
*' LienUitttiit colonel, cminririndifly 3(/ Ijrigade." 

Early in November, 1802, Lieut.-Col. Brundage resigned, 
and (Japt. J. C. 0. Redington was promoted to take his place. 
At this time the GOth was a part of the 2d division, 12th army 
corps, and was brigaded with the 140th and 19oth New York, 
the 3d Delaware, and the Purnell Legion, under Gen. A. J. 
Jackson. Maj. Godard resigned in December, and Capt. W. 
M. Thomas was appointed major 

On the morning of May 1, 1863,t the regiment had just 
begun mustering for pay, when the sound of artillery firing 
was heard but a short distance away, and the men were ordered 
into line and were soon marching in the direction from whence 
the sound came, which was towards Bank's Ford. After 
coming u]) so as to bo under an uncomfortable fire they were 
ordered to fall back, and after retiring about a mile threw out 
skirmishers and drew back towards cainp. Soon after they 
repulsed a fierce cavalry charge on the right, and immediately 
after a second attack on the left. In the night a line of rifle- 
pits was dug and breastworks constructed, their only tools 
being two or three spades, as many axes and picks, the bayo- 
nets of their guns and tin plates from their haversacks. On 
the 2d the regiment rested until about 4 P.M., when it became 
engaged again, the enemy having attacked away on the right 
with great fury. They were finally repulsed and driven around 
nearly in the rear of the Union troops. The cannonading at 
this time and during the night, the rebels massing their forces 
and twice attempting to force our lines, is mentioned by an 
eye-wilnessj as " the most fearfully grand sight he ever 
beheld." The following day (Sunday, May 3) witnessed the 
most severe fighting of tlie battle, and the slaughter was great 
on both sides. Maj. Tliomas and Capt. Elliott, of the UOth, 
were slightly wounded, and later in the day a grape shot 
struck the steel scabbard of the adjutant's sword and severely 
wounded him, although the scabbard undoubtedly saved his 
life. The regiment fought against overwhelming odds, and 
was obliged to fall back, but did it gradually, contesting every 
inch of ground. On the 4th they were again in the trenches, 
which they repairtid and greatly strengthened. Heavy skir- 
mishing was going on at the right and an attack was momen- 
tarily apprehended, but the enemy was repulsed and held in 
check, so it did not come near the intrenchments of the OOth. 
" At this time Gen. Kane, of the 2d brigade, came down and 
congratulated us on the completion of our breastworks, and 
said be would like to see five thousand of the enemy attack 
that position, held just by our regiment alone. Said he, ' I 
have h'-ard of the valor disjilayed by you in the field yester- 
day ; you were not contented to dance with the girls all day, 
but had to go down below and smoke in the enemy. J' " 

On July 2, 1803, the COth moved towards Gettysburg, in 
cuimand of Col. Godard, with Lieut. Nolan acting adjutant, 
and 10 lino officers and 255 enlisted men in action. In the 
balilo of this day it captured 2 flags from the enemy, and 50 
])risoners, including 2 officers. In the battle of the 3d 2 en- 
listed men were killed, Lieut. Stanton mortally wounded. 



oilier l.Li 



t Battle of ClmncoUorsville. Loss of regiment during tlie three days was 11 

killed and 50 wounded anil missing. 

J K. .\. M'Tr.tt, regimental »iuaiteruuister. 
■)A .il ..f Ij'i.irt.- mast,. M' r ilt 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



479 



and another lieutenant and 19 men wounded more or less 
severely. On this day the fiOtli occupicil position on the ex- 
treme loft of the 12th corps, joining the right of the 1st 
corps. In the fight of llic 2d 9 men were Ivilled and l(j 
wounded. 

Sept. 25, 1863, the (iOth Kegiinent was transferred, with the 
12th army corps, to the department of the Cumberland, par- 
ticipated in the battles of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain 
(where it lost 5 killed and 32 wounded), and captured Gen. 
Walthall's sword, his battle-flag, 2 pieces of artillery, and 
about 200 prisoners. At Missionary Kidge, Ferine Creek, 
and Ringgold, the regiment won high praise, losing in the 
latter battle 4 killed and 13 wounded. It re entered as a 
volunteer command Dec. 24, 18G3, and served under Sherman 
in the battles of Eesaca, Mount Hope Church (where it had 
8 killed and 52 wounded), and Peach-Tree Creek, and it was 
the tirst regiment to plant its banner over the court-house of 
Atlanta, contesting for that honor in a race with llie llltli 
Pennsylvania ^'olunteers. 

At Clumcollorsville the 60th was in charge of Lieut. -Col. 
Redington, but in all the subseijuent buttles above mentioned 
it was commanded by Col. Abel Godard. On the march from 
Atlanta to Savannah it was commanded by Maj. Thomas 
Elliott, and was one of the first regiments to enter the city of 
Savannah, belonging, as it did then, to the od brigade, 2d 
division, 20th army corps. 

This regiment was proudly remembered at home as the "St. 
Lawrence Regiment," and no better tribute can be paid to it 
than that embodied in the following letter, addressed to Gov. 
Seymour by Hon. R. W. Judson, in transmitting its war- 
worn flags to the adjutant-general after the re-enlisted "vet- 
erans" had marched a second time to the defense of their 
country : 

" OcDF.NSBCnG, N. Y., Sept. 8, 18G4. 
" To His Excellency Gov. SEYSioen : 

" Col. Godard, the able commander of the gallant 60th Kegimeiit N. Y. Vet- 
eran Volunteers, at the re-enlistment (tf his rej^iment and their departure lor 
the seat of war, confided to my care their tattered and battle-scarred flag, to be 
transmitted to our capitol and placed in the arciiives of our State. 

"It niiiy not be inappiopriale for me to say that the bravo men of the OOtli 
parted with their tliig as from a fhend indeed. When first they marched with 
it to the field, they loved it for its hrigljtness and beauty, and the Uind feelings 
that attended its presentation ; and, as they bore it home scarreii and torn wilh 
the hostile implements nf war, their love strengthened into sacredness and de- 
votion. It had been their companiiin through yeai-sof hai'dship and sulleriug; 
for its defense many had fallen. It hail waved its defiance to rebels on the 
bU»ody fields of .\ntietiim, Fredericksburg, ChancellorsviUe, Gettysbuitr, King- 
gold, and Lookout Mountain. 

•'The 60th was a regiment of brave and noblo men, and their record is with- 
out blot. They have borne the brunt of battle and ravages of disesiae without a 
murmur of discontent. Many, very many of their original number sleep w.th 
the fallen on the battle-fields of the Union, and the noble veteran remnant of 
tloit onee large body nf men confido to your care this monument of their glory 
and reciird of their honor. 

" With feelings of pride and pleaaiire I perform my trust, and in the name 
of those heroic men who have gone again to tight the battles of their country, 
and stand as a wall of fire between us ami those who seek to destroy our goodly 
land, I now commit, sir, this war-worn banner to your care. 
" I have the honor to be, 

"Very respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

"B. W. JUUSON." 

78TII INFANTRY. 

Companies G and H of this regiment were partially re- 
cruited in St. Lawrence County. The organization of the 
78th was commenced in the fall of 1861, bj- Col. S. Mc- 
Ken/.ie Klliott, of New York, under the synonym of " Cam- 
eron Highlanders." It wtis subsequently consolidated wilh 
companies recruited by Gen. G. A.Scrogg9,at Hutliilo,and by 
Col. Daniel Ullman, for the Eagle Brigade, and took the field, 
under the officer last named, in the spring of 1862. Its regi- 
mental organization was continued until tluly 12, 186-1, when 
it was consolidated with the 102d N. Y. Veteran Volunteers. 
The 78lh served with distinction at Harper's Ferry, in the 
at;liunsof May, 1862, and at Cedar Mountain, Sulphur Springs, 



Centreville, South Mountain, Antietam, Winchester, Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, and several skirmishes in Virginia. 
In the fall of 1863 it was transferred to the west, and took 
parts in the battles of Waubatchie, Lookout Mountain, Rcsnca, 
Dallas, Lost Mountain, Pine Knob, Kenesaw, Peach-Tree 
Creek, and Siege of Atlanta. Was one of the first regiments 
to enter the city of Savannah; shared in the Carolina cam- 
paign. 

tlin IXFANTRV. 

This regiment was organized at Potsdam, St. Lawrence 
County, and was made up principally of men belonging to 
the county, although numbers enlisted from the adjoining 
county of Franklin. The 92d left the State Feb. 17, 18C2, 
and that portiiui of it which remained to be mustered out re- 
turned Jan. 10, 1865. The regiment was mustered in Jan. 1, 

1862, and out, by reason of expiration of term of service, on 
Jan. 7, 1865. It was engaged in 16 battles and in several 
skirmishes and reconnaissances, and repeatedly received the 
special comniendations of its commanding generals for the 
gallantry of its men. In its lists of engagements are num- 
bered the following : Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Chickahom- 
iny, White-Oak Swjimp, Jones' Ford, Bottom's Bridge, 
Charles City Cross-Roads, Black Water, Kinston, Whitehall, 
and Goldsboro'. 

98th INFANTRY. 

This regiment was mostly made up of men from the coun- 
ties of Franklin and Wayne, but contained a considerable 
number of St. Lawrence County men. The regiment served 
in the Peninsular campaign, and formed the advance-guard of 
the 4th corps in the preliminary occupation of Seven Pines, 
sufl'ered severely in the battle of Fair Oaks, and was engaged 
in the Seven Days' battles in the Wilderness. In December, 

1863, it accompanied the expedition under General Fo^ter to 
South Carolina. Here it was consolidated into five com- 
panies. In the winter of 1863-64 it re enlisted and came 
home with General Ledlie's brigade, received several new 
companies and recruits, and again took the field in the cam- 
paign against Richmond as a part of the Army of the Janie.s. 
It was in action near Fort Darling (May 16, 1864 1, at Cold 
Harbor (May 1, 2, and 3), and in several minor engagements, 
and was the second regiment that entered the city of Rich- 
mond on its capture. It was engaged at White-Oak Swamp, 
Drury's Bluft", Gaines' Mills, Petersburg, Chapin"s Farm, and 
other and less important actions. The original members, ex- 
cept veterans, were mustered out on the expiration of their 
terms of service, and the balance, composed of veterans and 
recruits, inustered out, in accordance with orders from the 
War Department, on Aug. 31, 1865. 

10211 INFANTKV. 

To this regiment, which was organized in the city of New 
York, St. Lawrence County sent a few men. The 102d was 
for a short time at Harper's Ferry, in command of Lieut.-Col. 
William B. Hayward, afterwards commanding the OOlh for a 
time. At Cedar Mountain the regiment was exposed to a 
heavy fire of musketry and artillery, and lost 1-11 otKcers and 
men in killed and wounded. At Antietam it was under lire 
for four hours. At Cbancellorsville it captured 3 oflicers and 
40 men, together with the color-sergeant and the battle-flag of 
the 12lh Georgia. At Gettysburg it was one of the New York 
regiments that successfully resisted Ewell's corps, and left 
more of the enemy's dead outside the rifle-pits than there 
were defenders in them. In September, 1863, the regiment 
acciunpaiiied its corps (the 12th) ti> Nashville, Tenii., and 
subsequently took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, 
Missiomuy Ridge, Ringgold, Rocky-Faced Ridge, Resaca, 
Dallas (where it was seven days and nights in the trenches, 
and expended 20,000 rounds of ammunition), Altoona Bridge, 
Acworth Village, and Pine Hill. In this campaign llio 



480 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



regiment lost over one-foiirtli of its whole number of fighting 
men. On July 12, 1864, about two miles from Atlanta, it 
was consolidated with the T8th N. Y. S. V. (the new organi- 
zation retaining the old number, — 102), united in the siege of 
Atlanta, marched from Atlanta to Savannah, and served in 
the subsequent movements of the army under the command 
of General W. T. Sherman. 

105th INF.\NTRy. 
This regiment received but a small detachment of men 
from St. Lawrence County, the recruits being principally 
from the counties of Madison and Genesee. It was raised 
in the fall and winter of 1861-62. It left the State March 31, 
18(12, and, before it had been in the field nine months, partici- 
pated in nine battles. It became greatly reduced in num- 
bers, and was finally consolidated with the 94th X. Y. S. \^. 

106TU INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Ogdensburg, N. Y., to 
serve three years, and was raised almost entirely in St. Law- 
rence County. It was mustered into the service of the United 
States Aug. 27, 1863, and participated in the battles of Fair 
Oaks, Martinsburg, Wapping Heights, Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania,Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy.Opequan, Fisher's 
Hill, Cedar Creek, and nunicrous skirmishes. It was mustered 
out of service June 22, 1865, in accordance with orders from 
the War Department. 

142l> INFANTRY. 

This regiment was raised by R. AA^. Judson, of Ogdensburg, 
principally in the counties of St. Lawrence and Franklin. It 
was mustered into the service of the United States Sept. 29, 

1862, and on October 6, thirty-live days from the time re- 
cruiting was begun, it left Ogdensburg for the front. Orders 
had been received from the governor to march at ten o'clock 
A.M., and to give notice that the regiment would leave at 
noon. This was done in order to avoid a crowd. As it was, 
those who assembled to witness the dejiarture of the men 
numbered 5000 or 6000. The regiment embarked on twenty- 
eight cars, and proceeded to House's Point over the Northern 
railway, thence by boat to Whitehall, and from there by train 
to New York, where it was quartered in the City Hall park. 
Proceeding to Philadelphia, it met with a warm reception 
and was given a good breakfast. From Philadelphia the route 
was via Baltimore to Washington, thence across the Long 
bridge to Camp Chase, on the southwest side of the Potomac. 
After moving to Upton Hill, Munson Hill, and the Chain 
bridge, it stayed at the latter place nearly a year, and was then 
assigned to the command which engaged in the operations 
aroimd Charleston, S. C, and was transported to Folly island. 
It was afterwards assigned to the Army of the James, under 
Gen. B. F Butler. Col. Judson returned home, and in Feb., 

1863, N. M. Curtis was appointed to the command of the 
142d. He was afterwards promoted to the rank of brigadier- 
general, and the command of the regiment devolved upon A. 
M. Barney. The 142d participated in the battles of West 
Point, Cedar Creek, Chapin's Farm, Fort Fisher, Drury's 
Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg, Fort Gibson, and 
numerous minor engagements. The men were mustered out, 
in accordance with orders from the War Department, June 7, 
1865. On their return home a grand reception was given in 
their honor, and speeches were made by Gen. Judson and 
others, and the occasion was one of much enjoyment. 

1D4II1 INFANTIty. 

This regiment was organized in New York city, to serve 
three years. The companies of which it was composed were 
raised in the counties of New York, Kings, Erie, Niagara, 
and St. Lawrence. It was mustered into the United States 
service Nov. 19, 1862; participated in the battles of Suffolk, 
Black Water, Spottsylvania, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, Pe- 



tersburg, Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, 
and Boydton Road, and was mustered out, in accordance with 
orders from the War Department, on July 15, 1865. 

193d infantry. 

This regiment was organized at Auburn, N. Y. , to serve 
for one, two, and three years. The companies of which it 
was composed were raised in the counties of Cayuga, Oswego, 
Onondaga, Oneida, Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Franklin. It 
was mustered into the service of the United States from April 
6 to Jul}' 2, 1865. It was mustered out of service Jan. 18, 
1866, in accordance with orders from the War Department. 

2b ("BLACK HORSE") CAVALRY. 
The second regiment of cavalry, known as the " Black 
Horse Cavalry," was organized at Troy, N. Y., to serve three 
years. The companies of which it was composed were raised 
in the State of New York at large. Company D consisting 
partly of men from St. Lawrence County. The regiment was 
mustered into the service of the United States from Oct. 8 to 
Nov. 6, 1861, and was mustered out, in accordance with 
orders from the War Department, on March 31, 1862. 

6th cavalry— "2d IBA HARRIS GUARD." 
This regiment was organized at New York city, to serve 
tliree years. The companies of which it was composed were 
raised in the counties of New York, Dutchess, Columbia, 
Rensselaer, Washington, Jefferson. Allegany, Broome, Mon- 
roe, Steuben, and St. Lawrence, Company K being recruited 
in the latter. The 6th was mustered into service from Sept. 12 
to Dec. 19, 1801. The original members (except veterans) were 
mustered out on the expiration of their term of service, and the 
organization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in 
service. On June 17, 1865, it was consolidated with the 15th 
New York Cavalry, the consolidated force being known as the 
2d New York Provisional Cavalry. The list of engagements 
in which this regiment participated embraces the following: 
South Mountain, Antielam, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, 
Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Middleburg, Upperville, Get- 
tysburg, Brandy Station, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, 
Mechanicsville, Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Hawe's Shop, 
Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar 
Creek, Appomattox Station, Siege of Richmond. 

llTU CAVALRY— "SCOTT'S 900." 

The companies of which this regiment was composed were 
raised in the Slate of New York at large. Companies D, I, 
L, and M were made up partly from men from the county of St. 
Lawrence. The regiment was mustered into the United States 
service in June, 1862. On the ex|iiration of their term of 
service the original members, except veterans, were mustered 
out, and the regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, re- 
tained in service. They were consolidated into a battalion of 
four companies, and mustered out Sept. 30, 1865, in accordance 
with orders from the War Department. 

12th cavalry- "3d IRA HARRIS ODARD." 

This regiment was organized at New York city, to serve 
three years. The companies composing it were raised in the 
counties of New York, Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Clin- 
ton, Franklin, Oswego, Onondaga, Erie, and a portion of 
Company B from St. Lawrence. The 12th Cavalry was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States from Nov. 10, 1862, 
to Sept. 25, 1S03, and was mustered out, in accordance with 
orders from the War Department, on July I'.i, 1865. 

ISrn C.WALRY. 

Companies G and H of this regiment contained men from 
St. Lawrence County, while the balance of the regiment was 
made up of men from the counties of New York, Albany, 
Franklin, and Erie. The 13th was mustered in from Febru- 
arv, 1803, to March, 1864. On June 23, 1865, it was consoli- 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



481 



dated willi the 16th New York Cnvalry, and the consolidated 
force known as thfi 3d New York Provisional Cavalry. 
Among the engagements in which the ISlh took part were 
Aklio, Fairfax Station, C'entreville, Cul|icppor, and Pied- 
mont. 

ir.Tii ("SPKAGUE LIGHT'') CAVALUY. 
This regiment was organized at Plattsburg, N. Y., to serve 
three years. The members from St. Lawrence County be- 
longed principally to Company F. The balance of the regi- 
ment was recruited in the counties of Clinton, Erie, New 
Y'ork, Westchester, Monroe, Oswego, and Rensselaer. It was 
mustered into the United States service from June to October, 
1863. Juno 23, I860, it was consolidated with the 13tli New 
York Cavalry, the consolidated force being known as the 3d 
New York Provisional Cavalry. 

18th ("CORNING LIGHT") CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized at the city of New Y'ork, for 
the term of three years. The companies of which it was com- 
posed were raised in the counties of New Y'ork, Albany, Jef- 
ferson, Lewis, Franklin, Herkimer, Erie, and a few men from 
St. Lawrence, in Company L. The regiment was mustered 
into the service of the United States from July 18, 1803, to 
Feb. 3, 186-1. On Juno 12, 1865, it was consolidated with the 
14th New Y'ork Cavalry, retaining its original number (18th), 
and remained in service until May 31, 1806, when it was 
mustered out, in accordance with orders from the War 
Department. 

2(>rH (" McCLELLAN'-j CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized at Sacket's Harbor, New 
York, to servo three years. Recruits from St. Lawrence 
County were assigned to Companies H and I, and the balance 
of llie regiment was recruited in the counties of Jetfcrson, 
Lewis, Oswego, Onondaga, and Albany. It was mustered 
into the United States service from Sept. 3 to 30, 1863. July 
31, 186.5, it was nui.^tered out, in accordan<e with orders from 
the War Department. 

2GTn ("FRONTIER") CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized in the States of New York, 
Vermont, and Massachusetts, under special authority from 
the Secretary of War, to serve on the northern frontier for 
one year. Five companies were raised in New York, in the 
counties of St. Lawrence, JetTerson, Lewis, Franklin, Clinton, 
Essex, and Eric. The 1st and oth companies contained men 
from St. Lawrence County. The regiment was mustered into 
the service from Dec. 29, 1864, to Feb. 22, 1865, and was mus- 
tered out by companies from June 29 to July 7, 1805, in 
accordance with orders from the War Department. The 
duties of this regiment were light, and small squads were 
stationed at different points along the frontier to watch sus- 
jiicious characters in the shape of rebel sympathizers, " bounty- 
jumpers," etc., which infested especially the northern portion 
of the State of New York. 

IST ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was organizeil at KImira, New York, to serve 
three years, and consisted of men recruited in the counties 
of Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, Chemung, Steuben, Monroe, 
Wayne, Erie, Niagara, Jetlerson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, and 
Herkimer. It was mustered into the service of the United 
States from Aug. 30 to Nov. 19, 1861. The 14lh New York 
Independent Battery was assigned to this regiment Sept. 7, 
1863. On the expiration of it.s term of service the original 
members, except veterans, were mustered out, and the organ- 
ization, composed of veterans and recruits, retained in service. 

Battery D consisted principally of St. Lawrence County 

men, and stands recorded as having participated with merit 

in the following engagements: Yorktown, Williamsburg, 

Seven Pines (battle of June 25, 1862), Peach Orclnird, Savage 

61 



Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendalc, Malvern Hill, Freder- 
icksburg, Chancellorsvillc, Gettysburg, Rappalumnoek Station, 
Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolo- 
potorny, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Chapel House. The battery was mu.stcred out, in accordance 
with orders from the War Department, on June 16, 1866. 

l.lTn ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was organized at New Y'ork city, to servo 
three years. St. Lawrence County was represented by men 
in Company G. The regiment was mustered into the United 
States service from August, 1803, to September, 1804. The 
organization was consolidated into a battalion of five com- 
panies and transferred to the 6th New York Artillerv June 
27, 1805. 

Htb ARTILLERY. 

St. Lawrence furnished men for nearly every company of 
this regiment, although volunteers were also raised for it in 
the counties of Monroe, Jefferson, Lewis, Steuben, Oneida, 
Livingston, and Cattaraugus. The regiment was organized 
at Rochester, and mustered into the service of the United 
States from Aug. 29 to Dec. 17, 1863. It participated in the 
battles of Spottsj-lvania, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar 
Spring Church, Cold Harbor, and Hatcher's Run, and was 
mustered out Aug. 20, 1805, in accordance with orders from 
the War Department. 

I6TII ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was raised and organized in the State of New 
Y'ork at large, St Lawrence County having volunteers as- 
signed to Companies A, D, and H. The regiment was mus- 
tcre.I into the service of the United States from Sept. 28,1863, 
to Jan. 28, 1864, and was mustered out, in accordance with 
orders from the War Department, on Aug. 21, 1865. 

MEMORIAL DAY. 
'* And wliLi is he for whom to-djiy 
We gruun ourselves in irnitid urray, 
And on whose tomb these honors lay ? 
What nnme incites this love of aU? 
What deeds these sympathies enthrall? 
Why does his grave tliese tributes claim? 
How has ho linked himself to fume? 
What dill he do? How did he die? 
List to the question and reply. 

" Fell he in the front of battle, 

Pressing through the deadly tight. 
Breasting Indd the musket's rattle. 

Dashing on the bayonet bright? 
Died he on the instant stricken. 

Act and thought at once suppressed. 
Leaving neither word nor token 

As he sank to sudden rest? 

" Diopped he im his hidden picket, 

Smitten l>y a ntndom ball ? 
Crept he to the quiet thicket. 

Far from reach of comrades' call ? 
Died he then so lonely, aching. 

Wrestling with his fearful pain. 
Moans alone the silence bn'aking. 

Until all was still again? 

" Lay he like so tminy oUiers, 

Nnrscd liy gentle woman's hand. 
Where the wounded were as hrothera 

To the daughters of the land? 
Sick anil weary, though befriended. 

Slowly sinking day by day ; 
Vain all skill ; his sorrow endeiL, 

Did his soul thus jiass away? 

** Friend, I know not, and I care not; 

Light I view the shrine of fame ; 
Ho is crowned as moimrchs arc not, 

U.siON SoLDiEn was his name. 
AU this world contains of merit 

This young hero died to give ; 
.\ll our children may inherit 

Takes its title frtim his grave. 



482 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Bring then Naturp'M nuoHt tdkcn, 
(Inrlaiuls WL-avo uf vai'ieil liuo, 
For tlio lives so early brulcon, 

For tliy men wlio died fur yon. 
And forever anil eternal, 

Wliile tlie lire of freedom l.nrns, 
nie.sMJiigs pare and llow'rrts vernal 
Itrigiit bliall re«t npuii tln-ir nrns," 

Gen. John Tii^iox, Qnincy. 111. 

Tlio citi/.ons of St. Liiwreiico C'diinty fiiithfully observe 
" Memorial Day," and decorate with clioicest (lowers the last 
resting-places of the fallen heroes who are buried in the 
respective cemeteries. At no place in the county, perhaps, is 
the day more sacredly observed than at Ogdeasburg, and we 
give an extract from the account of the proceedings at that 
city on the occasion of the si.\th annual observance of Deco- 
ration Day. May 80, 1874. 

"The work of the sfddier is ended, 

His limbs are forever at rest. 
And, itsluu'S will, the foliage Idendod, 

The grass billows green o'er his breast. 
Then tender we tears for the fallen, 

And eover their tombs with bright flowers. 
Whose langnage speaks eloquent volnlnes 

For these lowly-laid heroes of ours." 

"At 2 P.M. the soldiers nnd sailors who had served in the 
recent war for the Union assembled at the town -hall to the 
number of fifty. Among them were four who hobbled on pcg- 
or cork-legs, and two with only one arm each." A procession 
was formed of soldiers, civilians, and the Ottawa Independent 
cornet-band, and in its midst were a fine American flag and 
the battle-flags of the lOCth and 142d Infantry regiments, all 
drajied in mourning. "The surviving soldiers bore upon their 
shoulders each a large wreath of evergreens nnd choice flowers, 
and carried in their hands handsome bouquets." Proceeding 
to the solemn tread of dead-marches, by way of Ford and State 
streets, to the Ogdensburg cemetery, the exercises were there 
opened with a dirge by the band, prayer by Kev. H. W. Beers, 
D.D., and an opening hymn by the choir, after which the 
graves of the following-named s<ildiers were decorated ; 

In Ogtlensbm-g Cemetery. — Maj. S. N. Sherman, surgeon of 
volunteers ; Col. S. F. Judd, 106th N. Y. ; Maj. J. S. York, 
11th U. S. ; Capt. Stephen Cornell, U. S. steamer "Chase;" 
Adj. Ebenezer Bacon, 78th 111.; Lieuts. James W. Hopkins, 
Charles W. Shepard, and W. A. Merry, lOOth N. Y.; Lieuts. 
Charles A. Vilas and R. P. Ewart, 142d N. Y. ; Lieut. James 
Wheelock, 113th Ohio; Lieut. Charles S, Glass, engineer 
steamer "Brooklyn;" 2d Lieut. Gardner B. Chapin, Co. B, 
78th N. Y. I Sergt. John S. Allen, 18th N. Y. ; Sergts. Frank 
Bartlett, Robert Shaw, and Otis C. Goodrich, 142d N. Y'. ; 
Private James Green, 16th N. Y. ; Privates Frank Jones, 
David Lawler, and George B. McAuley, 24th N. Y. Cuv. ; 
Privates Robt. Aust and Samuel Paine, 106th N. Y. ; Pri- 
vates John S. Olmstead, Newell Abar, Charles Burt, Alfred 
Pearson, C. Farnsworth, and Joab Seelcy, 142d N. Y. ; Pri- 
vate Andrew Truell, 8th Ind. ; Private H. Nichols, 14th N. 
Y. Heavy Art.; Private Louis Harbison; Private A. A. 
Kelly, .TOth N. Y. ; Boatswain Aaron Silver, U. S. steamer 
"Chase." 

In Catholic Cemetery. — Capt. John Delanej-, 00th N. Y. ; 
Lieut. Austin Gibbons and Private George Hatfield, 24th N. 
Y. Cav.; Private Frank Goodness, 10th N. Y. ; Privates James 
Spring and John O'Hagan, 142d N. Y. ; Private Timothy 
O'Neill, 14th N. Y. Heavy Art. ; Private Joseph Monchan, 
11th U. S. ; Private M. Ryan, 142d N. Y. ; Private John 
McCall, l:Uh 111.; William F. McLaughlin, 142d N. Y. ; 
George Mullany, U. S. steamer " Mississippi. 

In Potter's FieW.— Private John Bishop, 142d N. Y. ; Pri- 
vate William Stevens, 92d N. Y. ; Private D. McMurray, U. 
S. steamer "Chase;" Lieut. Charles Monroe, 106th N. Y. 

French Cemetery.— Private Philip King, 88lh N. Y'. ; Pri- 



vate John Marccau, 142d N. Y. ; Private Anthony Gokey, 
10th N. Y. Art. 

On returning to the speaker's stand. Gen. K. W. Judson was 
introduced, and delivered the following oration : 

" Friends, — What mean all these scenes pa.'sing before us? 
This music and song, these banners and flowers, this long pro- 
cession, this mass of people, from prattling infancy to Irem- 
bling age, — man in all his strength and vigor, woman with her 
sympathy and grace, — this solemn and impressive invocation 
for a blessing from our common Father? What mean these? 
The answer is in all our hearts : 

'* ' Four hundred thousand men, 
The brave, the good, the tnie. 
In tangled wood, in mountain glen. 
Lie dead for me and you I 
Four hundred thousand of the brave 
Have made our ransomed soil their grave 
For me and you I 
Good friends, for me and you 1' 

" Comrades, citizens I It is a mournful yet pleasing duty 
we have assembled to perform The brave men whose resting- 
places we have just strewn with flowers have gone from among 
us forever. But a few short years ago they went out from us 
in the full tide of glowing youth and vigorous manhood. 
They took their lives in their bands, and marched at the call 
of their country, to meet a powerful and brave, but alas! a 
misguided and not always a generous foe. They, with thou- 
sands of others, left us, and in southern prisons, on the picket 
line, in hospitals, and on hundreds of battle-fields they fell, 
and they sleep the sleep that knows no waking. And all over 
our broad and beautiful land, in every city and village, town 
and hamlet, lie in deep and silent sleep the men who bravely 
fought and nobly fell that you and 1 might enjoy the price- 
less heritage bequeathed us by our fathers. Our purpose in 
assembling here to-day is to honor the memories of those of 
our country's defenders and martyrs who repose in this beauti- 
ful city of the dead, and though they are far from needing our 
help, yet it is a graceful and appropriate tribute of gratitude 
that we to-day pay to their memories. For them their work 
here is done. Their battles are all over. Some duties yet 
remain for us, and we are now performing one of them. 

" ' And ever^" patriot's heart will swell 

With thoughts no human tongue can tell, 
As bending o'er each lowly gnive 
We pay our homage to the brave. 
Should War's diead clarion sound again, 
Their ears were silent to the stntin. 
And Freedom's voice no more can thrill 
These pulseless hearts, so cold and still.' 

"There is a language more potent than words. Actions 
often speak that which words strive to conceal. Labor, suf- 
fering, and sacrifices speak the language of sincerity. How 
have all these fallen proved their sincerity I How great the 
suffering I How noble the sacrifice ! 

" Surviving soldiers of the War of 1801 ! You do well to 
be here to-day to devote at least one day in each year to per- 
petuate the memories of those who stood side by side and 
shoulder to shoulder with you on many bloody fields and 
long and tedious marches. And while it was your lot to pass, 
if not unharmed, at least with life, through the dangers that 
surrounded you, it was theirs to fall. They gave all they had 
for their country, even life itself. They acted on the principle 
that 

" ' Whether on the scaffold high, 
Or in the battle's van, 
The fittest place for man to die 
Is where he dies for man.' 

" What wonder that our dear land is so beloved by all her 
own patriotic citizens,— that we all prize as a rich legacy the 
privileges and freedom we enjoy? If the old Roman could 
so justly rejoice in the title of a ' Roman Citizen,' with how 
much more of just pride and dignity can we exult when we 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



483 



exclaim ^ I am an American Citizen I' And to iimiiitiiiii imr 
rit;lits iind preserve our liberties, our nation, tliou^li iu its in- 
fancy, has passed through three long and cruel wars. First, 
the War of '76,— the Revolution, — for theestublishmentof our 
Nation; second, the War of 1812, for the maintenance and 
perpetuity of the liberties achieved in the Kevolution ; third, 
and I trust the last, the War of 1801, which all cannot forget 
to remember, — that for the suppression of the most gigantic 
and cruel rebellion the world ever saw. The heroes of our 
first war have all long since passed away, and they now live 
in history and in the hearts of evcTy American. Standing 
upon the old hattle-tields, we call the roll of honor, and the 
hills reply that they have passed awa}'! 

" ' Thi\t on old Bunker's lonely height ; 

In Ti'enton iind in Monmouth's ground, 
The grass grows green, the harvest bright, 
Above each soldier's mound.' 

"Of the many thousands of gallant men who participated 
in our second war but few remain. Only two or three are 
here to-day to honor, by their presence, this great occasion. 
And here lie, side by side, the defenders of our country in 
these three great struggles for the rights of man. And I am 
glad to meet so many of the noble men who left business and 
pleasure, friends and sacred home, and, under the guidance of 
a benign Providence, were the saviors of our Republic. It is 
well that congress has appointed and set apart one day in the 
year to this sacred duty, and that our legislature has made this 
a holiday, and thus signalized it for this solemn purpose; 
and may it never be forgotten I But as years roll by let this 
sacred dut}' ever be performed. 

"'Cover thcni over, — yes, cover tliem over, 

Parent, husband, brother, lover; 

Crown in your hearts these dead heroes of ours, 

And cover theni with beautiful flowers. 

Cover tbem over with beautiful flowers, — 
Cover them over, these heroes of ours.' 

" Fifty-three resting-places of our heroes have been strewn 
with flowers. Ah I how man\' chords of .sympathy and love 
are touched ? Acijuaintance, friend, lover, uncle, aunt, cousin, 
brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, father, and mother 
dear. Oh, how many hearts have been wrung with anguish 
by the contemplation of the scenes by which woaresurroutided ! 
But thoughts of the principles for which they fought and fell, and 
the numberless blessings coming to us and ours, to our beloved 
country, and to the oppressed and down-trodden of every land, 
through their valor, tend to assuage our grief, and turn it into 
half-joy, as we stand here amid these scenes, — the mournful, 
half-suppressed song, the slow, measured notes, the muffled 
drum, the solemn prayer, numbers of comrades with us, some 
hale and strong, but many feeble in health, broUen in consti- 
tution, unsteady in gait, battered and bruised, limbs shattered 
and body pierced, many with empty sleeves, and others hob- 
bling through life upon their crutches; flowers and wreaths, 
and crosses and bouquets, in rich abundance, strewn upon 
these mounds, and over each are bright emblems of that en- 
sign under whitMi they fought and conquered. And here, 
resting so (juietly now, are Xha precious oldflarjs of two of our 
gallant regiments, the lOOth and the 142d, — gifts of afl'ection 
and love, — draped in the garb of woe for their fallen defend- 
ers, always borne aloft, and under the shade of the glorious 
old banners, pierced with bullets, and marred by hard service, 
and while rallying around them many of your comrades fell. 
All these speak more than tongue can tell of the wonderful 
events through which we passed in the gigantic struggle to 
preserve our Union, and the debt of gratitude due to the heroes 
of those times who survived the contest, and the martyrs who 
scaled with their lives their devotion to their country. 

" And such scenes are at this moment being witnessed in 
thousands of cities, and towns, and villages, and hamlets in 
our land, — yes, from the Pine-Tree State, where the sun rises, 



to the golden gates of California, the land of perpetual flowers. 
Patriotism and afl'ection of the purest kind, gushing warm 
and fresh from the heart, are performing these sacred duties 
of decorating the graves of the ' heroes of the Republic,' and 
ah, often searching in vain here and there among the mounds 
'nameless,' or marked 'unknown,' not knowing where to 
place the sweet flower or drop the tear in memory of the 
loved and lost ! All these scenes speak to us to cherish, as the 
palladium of our country's glory, the liberties and blessings wo 
enjoy, purchased at so great a sacrifice of blood and treasure. 
And oh, if it be permitted them to mingle in the atfairs of 
mortals here below, with what joy, methinks, do the sainted 
spirits of our country's martyrs mingle in these sacred scenes, 
bending, as it were, from the battlements of heaven to view 
the sublime spectacle of a great nation bowing down at the 
gravesof their departed heroes I In all the dangers and perils 
through which our beloved country has passed, happy is he 
who can lay his hand upon his heart and solemnly say, ' I did 
what I could for my country.' No matter what our calling, 
our creed, our standing, or our official position, patriotism 
knows no royal rank, no noble blood. All who ignore self, 
whose motto is ^Ood and our country,' stand side by side upon 
an upraised jilatform, in defense of right, truth, justice, and 
the sacred and eternal rights of man. Such, pre-eminently, 
were our comrades, whoso memories we this day perpetuate. 
Here lie our heroes, representing all arms of the service, and 
every sect and creed and party, together in sweet repose ; hus- 
band and father, son and brother, lover and friend, every name 
enrolled high on the scroll of fame. And may the green 
leaves and bright flowers which we have left on their lowly 
mounds be symbols of the ever fresh and green and bright 
memories in all our hearts,— of their wonderful achievements, 
their heroic deeds, and their glorious deaths. 

" ' A debt we ne'er can pay 
To them isjustly due; 
And to the nation's latest day 
Our children's children then shall say, 
They died for me and you.' 

" Yes,— 

" ' Four hundred thousand of the brave 
Miide this, our ransomed soil, their grave. 
For me and you, 
Good friends, for me and you.' 

" And here by the graves of our fathers, among the tombs 
of patriots and statesmen, with their monuments looking 
down upon us, and surrounded by warriors and heroes living 
and dead, let us all renew our devotion to our dear old land I 
Ye honored dead I A nation's benediction will be yours to 
the end of time. May your gallant deeds, your toils, your 
suflerings, and your sacrifices in your country's cause ever be 
remembered by a grateful re|iublic. Let your memories be 
cherished in the heart of hearts by every one rejoicing in the 
proud appellation of ' American Citizen.' As years, centu- 
ries, and ages march down the long line of time, your deeds 
of vtilor and patriotism shall be held in grateful remembrance. 
We thrice honor ourselves by honoring you who so heroically 
fought, 80 nobly died. Rest in peace, ye honored braves I 
Your work is done ; you have fought your last battle ; you 
have suftered your last defeat; your last victory is won. 
Heroes of 'Gl, hail and farewell 1" 

After General Judson finished speaking, a closing hymn 
was sung, the benediction pronounced, and the procession re- 
formed and marched back to the city, where it broke up. 
" The re-'imental flags borne at the head of the procession were 
the same that were presented to the regiments mentioned, 
near the close of the war, by the ladies of St Lawrence and 
Franklin counties, where the regiments were raised, and were 
never the property of the State. By mistake, that of the 
lOlSth was deposited in the military archives, at Albany, at 
the close of the war. It was reclaimed by resolution of the 



484 



lUSTOEY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW i'OBK. 



lei;islaluro, and pro|>L*rly returned to the custody of the sur- 
vivini; nienibers of the I'egimcnt. The flag of the 142d had 
been in the custody of (ienerul Uarney^nnd appeared without 
soil or blemish. It did not reach the regiment till the close 
of the war, and, cunscqiiently, was not taken into action. It 
is believed these were the liand^omest (lags in the service." 

UOSTEK OK SOLDIEKS. 

IBTH INFANTRY, N. Y. S. VOLS. 

Tlioums A. IhiTis, cult-m-i ; i-nrulliil Miiy ir.. iKiil. 

Samiii'l Mursli, iii'utt'ii:intH.-oliiHL-l ; I'limllcil May l.\ isfjl. 

IJiU'l ru)ni.-r, major ; oiiiulk-d May l.'>, ISlil. 

Ji.si-pli llu»htiiil,mijutaiit ; L-nroHVd May 15,1801, 

Artliiir l>('\\irt, tiiiaitcruuwtei ; cnrollt'il 5Iay 15, ISCI. 

Will. U. Ci-aiHlfll, snififon ; eniuUcd May V>, IStil. 

John II. Moore, aj-sisljuil-surtiit-'oii ; t-nrt'lieil May 15, 18G1. 

Fri'derick A. Tapley, »'it;4'iiiil-uiajnr; t'liVoUcd Mny !."», 1801, 

Charles V. Mimre, (luarltTuiastcr-Nfr^jcaiit; oiirolli-J May 15, IHOI. 

Howard U. UtU-r, liitinmiajor ; eitrollcil May 15, lytjl. 

David Witberby, tife-majoi ; i-nrolU'iI fllay 15, IKOl. 

CAPTAIN DAVID A. NEVIN'S COMl'ANY (AJ. 
David A. !N<rvin, captain ; eni-ollcd May 15, ISOl. 
Ptter L. Vauucss, licutt'niint ; priroUt-ii May 15, 1801. 
Charles L. Jones, ensign ; cnrollwi Mav 15, ISOl. 
Isaac T. Merry, first seiKeaiit ; enrolled Slay 15, 1?G1. 
Oliver B. Flagt;, aorgoant; ciirullert May 15,1801. 
Hill H. Wilson, sergeant; enriJled May 15, 1801. 
Michael Cox, sorgeunt ; enrolled Stay 15, isoi. 
Henry C. SpJiulding, corporal : ennUleil May 15, 1801, 
Wm. H. Daniels, coiiK>ral; enrolh-d Slay 15, 1801. 
J. Newton Caivcr, ftirporal ; eiirolli-il May 15, liMil. 
Henry V. R. Patterson, corjjonkl ; enrolli-il May 15, 1801, 
William Hoan,. musician; enrolled Blay 15, 1801. 
John H. Siafford, musicuin ; enrolled ftlay 15. 18(;i 
Bartlett, Fi-.ii»cis M.» private ; cTjrolled May 15. 1801. 
Uario, Joliii, inivaie: enrolletl 3Iay V>, 1801. 
Butler, Fn'der:ck A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
BurgeSB, TUomiis, priviite; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Bew^, Alexander, private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Blair, J. Charles, private ; wrolleiJ May 15, 1801. 
Brown, Elia&C, private: enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Colvin, John, private: enirtilled 5Ia.y 15, 1801. 
Carroll, Henry, private; enndled May 15, 18G1. 
Cater, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Clements, Janus, private; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Cavanangli, Charles, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Crowley, Dennis, private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
tjowan, Joseph, private; enrollc-d May 15, 18G1. 
Dixon, William A., private ; eiiyollcd May 15, 1861. 
Doran, Isaac, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Denipsey, Michael, private; enirolled May 15,1861. 
Kdgar, Btrtijaniin, private ; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Ellsworth, belosi, private; onrolk-d May 15. 1801. 
I'allon, James, private; enrolled Way 15, 1801. 
Faveran, Alfred, pi'ivate; onrolknl May 15,1801. 
Freeling, Leopold M., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Godden, John, private; enndleil May 15,1801. 
Godilen,(ieoige, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Green, Clijirles S., private ; errndli-d May 15,1S61. 
Griswold, Robert, private; eitwdJed iLiy 15,1861. 
Uorton, James E., private; enrullerf Mny 15,1801. 
Huntington, Cliarles W., private; enrolled May 15, 186I_ 
Hurley, James A., private; enrolled May V\ 18C1. 
Hill, Chiirles W., private; enrtJled May 15,1801. 
Johnson, James, private; enrolled May 15, 18til, 
Lyon, John L,, privat>- ; enroile«i May 15, 1801. 
Merry, Uel>ry, private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
McClelland, John, private; eufolled May 15, 1861. 
Marcean, Simon, private; enroUeil May 15, 1861. 
Mitchell, John A., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Mitchell, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
MacBroouie, Simon, private; enrolled May 15, 186K 
Myers, Joseph, private; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Nowland,Josi'iili,privat'': enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Nowland, Peter, Jr., private; enrolled May 15, 1861_ 
Pops, James, private; enrollixl May 15,1801. 
Pero, Miclwiel, private; eni\d!ed May 15, 1801. 
Payne, Cbiirles A., Jr., private ; enndled May 15, 1801. 
IJungan, Jaiaes, i>rivate; ennilled May 15, ls61. 
Hose, Genige S., private; enrolU.tl 5Iay 15, ISOI. 
Kyaii,Ti»v.>thy, private; enroll, a May 15, ISOl. 
Kyan, John, pi ivate ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801, 
KuRsell, Stephen B., prtvaje-; enrolled May 15,1861- 
Uo8% Thomas, private; enrolled 3lny 15, 1801. 
Rearsliaw, Frawis, private; (enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Smith. Charles A., pi ivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Symonds, Edward, private; enroUfti Mny 15, 1801. 
Service, Henry H, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Swult^tigl■^. John, privule ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Sill ivan, Mchael, private; enrojhd May 15, 1861. 
St nng, Diivid, private: enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Trickey, lienr>- C., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Todd, Janies, privaie ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Weller, William, iirivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
White, (leorge, private : eiiront-d May 15, 1861. 
Watonuan, Krskine C, private; enrolled Mny 15, 1801. 
Wright, Rohcrt, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Wall, James, private; enrolled May 15, 18lil. 

CAPTAIN JAMUS M. POMEUOY'S CO.MPAXr (£5). 
Janies M. Ponieroy. captain ; eirroll<-<l May 15, 1801. 
Wilson Hopkins, lieutenant : enndled May 15, 1801. 
Beorg" U Eastman, ensign ; enrolle^l May 15, 1801. 



I.eorg'* U r-asiman, ensign ; ei>rotie»t may »••, ioo». 
Gc' rge \y. Martlen, firet strgeant; enrolled Miiy 15, 1861. 
Kdwiri C. Knapp, sergeant; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Jeronio Eddy, --ergcant; enndled May 15. 1801. 

■ ■'. 1 ■ . .. .. »• 1. 4 . li-.,l \l^t. 1 r. 1 u/'i 



Washingttui Marsh, sergeant ; 
Wto E. Hosscliriiivi-, c<.rponiI : 



...Med May 15, isOl. 
ircdied May 15,1801. 



Charles N. Munson, eorponil; enrolled May l.^ 1801. 

Koswell A. Darling, corporal; enndle.i May 15, 1861. 
Alon'/tp Fuller, coipoial; eniollrd May 15, IKOl. 
JanieH W. liii liard«. niunieian ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Jotiepli SI. Cliurrl), nin-jeian ; enrolled Slay 15,1801. 
Barnes, Charles P., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Beach, Alva, private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Baldwin, Benjamin F., private; enrolled Slay 15,1801. 
Botsford, William H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Bottom, Henry, private; enrolle<l May 15,1801. 
Baird, Jauies.pnvale ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Bradley, ,\aron, private; enrolled May 15,1^61. 
Barclay, John, private; enrolled Stay 15, 1801. 
Barton, John, private : enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Bradley, Orlando, private; enndled Slay 15,1861. 
Collins, Enos S., private ; enrolled Sl-ty 15, 1861. 
Church, Mihs F., private; enrolled Slay 15,1861. 
Call. Charles B.. private; enrolled Slay 15. 1861. 
Clufl. Harvey, private; enrolled May 15. 1S61. 
Currier, Tlieiidore F., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Coriii>h, Allred, private ; enrolltnl May 15,1801. 
Clark, George J., private; enndled Slay 15, 1801. 
Colin, Adin, private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Davis, Theodore W.. private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
De-mnii.l. KdiiMind, private; enrolled Slay 15,1861. 
De-diaviie, \\ illiiiin, private; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Dunkin, John S., private; enrolled Slay 15,1861. 
Folaome. Frank II., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Fuller, Nelsnii.i»rivate; enrolled Slay 15,1861. 
Follett, Slartin G., private: enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Ford, John, priviite; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Goodrich, I-aac. private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Gladden, Loren, private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Grennen, Slile^', private; enrolled Slay 1^, 1^61. 
Grennen, Francis, privat'-: enrolled Slay 15,1801. 
Grennen, William li.. private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Hnme, William, private; enrolled MiCy 15, 1861. 
Hutchins, Bradh-y G.. private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Johnson, Simon, privnti-: enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
King. Oliver B . private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
LaDiere, Octuve, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Slarden, Hector M., private : enndled May 15, 1861. 
Blarden, Hart, private ; enrolled Slay 15, IfOl. 
Slorton, Calvin, private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
McFee, Alexamler, private : enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Ke.sUt, Slatthew, priviite; enrcdled Slay 15, 1801. 
Nohle, Alexandi-r. i)rivati- : enrolled Slay 15, ISOl. 
Page, Orlando B.. pi ivate; enrollid Sluy 15, 1801. 
Perry, Sherman C.. private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Packard, Truman H., private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Peiry, Joseph, private; enrolled Slav 15. 1801. 
Powell, Julius H., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Patterson, Ahnim, p ivate; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Parker, John F., ptivate; eniolled Slay 15,1861. 
Perkins, Leonard B., private; enrolled Stay 15, 1801. 
Raymond, Horace H., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Seaver, Orrin D., privat*- ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Sprague, Persho B., private; enlisted May 15, 1861. 
Smith, Alirnn, private ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Smith, Williiini A., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Sargeant, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Traver, Peter, private; onrtdled Slay 15, 1801. 
Tilley, Hiram H., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
White, George, private ; enrolled Sluy 1.5. 1861. 
Wilcox, James A., private; enrolled Slay 15. 1861. 
Brewer, Denms, private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Chase, Joseph, private; enrolled Slay 15. 1861. 
Lavine, Nelson, private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Paredy, Francis, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 

CAPTAIN GEORGE PARKERS COSIPANY (D). 
George Parker, captain ; emollrd Slay 15, 1861. 
Albert SI. Barney, lieutenant ; etindled May 15, 1861. 
Robert P. Wilson, ensign ; eniolled May 15, 1861. 
William H. Walling, fii-st sergeant ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
William H. Morris, sergeant : enrolled May 15, 1861, 
Frederick H. Haile, sergc-ant; enrolled Slay 15,1801. 
William W. Ilutton, sergeant; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Orville R. ShipinMn, corporal ; enrolled May 15, ISOl. 
J. Harvey Winslow, corporal ; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Samuel SI. Whitney, coriwral ; i-nndled M.iy 15,1861. 
Harrison SL'in, corporal ; enrolled Slay 15, 18G1. 
Thomas I'aiker, musician ; enndled Slay 15. 1861. 
James Barnes, niu-ieinn; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Ayers, Lucius J., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Adams, William, priiate; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Bahcock, Gforge SI., privaie ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Biirnes, Erwin H., private ; enndled Slay 15, 18G1 
Burr, Solomon, private: enndled Slay 15, 1801. 
Clark, Jolm C, private; enrollerl Slay 15, 1801. 
Cole,Kllit)tt, private: enndlwl Slay 15, I80I. 
Comstock, Irving, pi ivate ; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Conftiit, Charles H., private ; enndled Slay l.S, 1861. 
Dousey, Richard H.. private; enndled .May L5, 1861. 
Drown, Georgf, private; enn)lbd Sluy 15, l8(il. 
Drui-y, Ira W.. private; enndled Slay 15, ISOl. 
Eilger, John E.. private; enndled May 15. l«f.l. 
Fredenburgli, Jidin S., private; enrolhd Slay 15,1861. 
FredenlMiigh, Jason \., private; enmlled Slay 15,1861. 
Fairbank", Alden, private; enrolled Slay 15.1801. 
Gardner, Charles I., private; enrolled Slay 15, 1861. 
Gale, Henry R., privnte; enrolled May 1.'., 1801. 
(iore, John H., i)nvale; enrolled Slay 15, 1801. 
Grotliier, Edward, p- ivate; enndled Slay 15. 1801. 
Hill. George. Jr., jmvate; enrolled Slay 15. 1S61. 
Hill, Thomas, private: enndhd .May 15. isoi. 
Hines, Herman, priviite; eniolh'd May 15, 1801. 
Hills. Theodore W., private: enndled Slay 15. 1801. 
Holland. Daniel, private; enndled May 15,1801. 
Hundl, Fr.ink.pr.vaie; enndled Slny 15, 1801. 
Jenne, Charies H., private; enndled SLiy 15, 1861. 
Jolinson, I). Waid. private; enndled M:iy 1.5. 1801. 
Jones, David, private; eundJcd Slay 15, 1801. 
Jones, .John, private; enndled May 15, 1801. 
Lashhrooks, George N., private : enndled Slay 15, l8i»l. 
Lynde, James H., private; enrollerl Slay 15, 1861. 



HlSTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



485 



Mai-sliall, John, privatt-; t-nrolli-d May 15, IHGI. 
lMiuhfn,.liiliies iM., priviito; yiirulled Msiy ]5, 18(il. 
Mtmllirup, Gcorgf ll., private; eiimlled .Mii.v l-'i, IHGl. 
Mct'lellaiul, Miuliduii, privute; tMiruIk-il May 15. IHljl. 
Mc(,'ombs, Jiiiuos, priviite; enrolled May 15, I8(»l. 
U'Cuntiell, Matthew, private; enndlud May 15, ISGl. 
Piirkinsuii, John N., private; enrolled May 15, 18GI. 
Pfrig, Tnimaii, privute ; enrolled May 15, iKiil. 
Pcttice, Miles, private; enrulled May 15, IhtU. 
Pool, Kzra James, private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Quill, David, private; enrolled May 15, IStil. 
Itiiyiiiond. Lewirt S., pi ivate ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
ItiLe, Joiin \V., private; enrolled May 15, liSGI. 
K'tbertSiin, James ii., private; enrolled May 15, ISGI. 
Kubiucjoii, Henry U., private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Kogers, John W., private ; enrolled May 15, iSGl. 
Scott, Kdward K., private; enrulled May 15, ISGl. 
Shaver, Andrew J., private; enndlet.1 May 15, 1*>G1. 
Smith, (Jliarles M„ private; eniolled May 15, 18GI. 
Smith, 13. Oriow, private; enrolled May i5, 18G1. 
Stoni, Urudt'ord, private; enrolled May 15, IMGl. 
Sneni, Cliarles, privat-e; enrolled May 15, IHGl. 
Tio, Miehael, private ; enrolled May 15, ISGl. 
Thayn, John, private; enrulled May 15. ISGl. 
Thayer, Robert, private; enrulled fliay 15, IHGl. 
Thayer, William, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Tompkins, Ansel \V'.,piivate ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Van Umum, Myoii, private; enrolled May 15, ISGl. 
Whitford, Sydney A., [irivate ; enrolled May 15, ISlil. 
Wier, M'illiani, private; enrolh-d May 15, 1801. 
Wing, John M., private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Wood, Virgil U., private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 

CAPTAIN JOHN C. GILMOKE'S COMPANY i.F). 

.lolin C Ciilmore, captain ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
John A. Vance, lieuleiumt ; enrolled flIay 15, 18G1. 
Joseph Hutbrouk, ensign : enrolled May 15, l!iGl. 
Henry T, Santord, first sergeant ; enrulled May 15, I8tjl. 
Henry H. Adams, sergeant; enrolled May 15, I8Gi. 
Smith S. Thomas, sergeant; enrolled May 15. 1801. 
Asapli L>udge, sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1>'G1. 
William K. Helms, corponil ; enrolled May 15, 1»GI. 
Blitis Holliday, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Warner J. Erviu, corporal ; enrolled May 15, ISOl. 
Julius K. Wliitney, corporal ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
John Dike, musician ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
John Crowley, musician ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Abbott, Sylvester, private; enrolled May 15, ISGI. 
Adain.s, John, private; enrolled May 15, isOl. 
Adams, Williams, private; enrulled Mny 15, 1801. 
Allen, William D., private ; enrulled Blay 15, 18G1. 
Allen, James, private; eia-ulled May 15, 1801. 
Aii'ted, Charles W., private; enrolled Mny 15, 1801. 
Austin, Oliver, private; enrolled May 15. 18G1. 
Butler, Luien, private; enrolled 31ay 15,1801. 
Bruce, Joseph K., jaivate; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Berdick, James D., private ; enrolled May 15, leOl. 
Brownal, tieorge C, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Brown, Henry, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Bangal, Elick, private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Bi-liop, lidwin U., privaie; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Buttertield, John W., private; enrolled "Ma> 15, ISGl. 
Bruce, S.imiiel C, private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Bai"nhart, Alexander, private; enrolled May 15, 18GI. 
Caid.iial, Joseph, private ; enndled May 15. 1801. 
Copelaml, Kdward, private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Cunningham, t^iiles N., private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Cook, James, private; enrolled May 15, IHGI. 
Cros^man, Edgar, private ; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Ci"033man, Eiiwaru, private; enrolled May 15, iSOl. 
Devlin, Isaac, private ; eiiiolleil May 15,1801. 
Dove, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Day, Williani \V., private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Ellersoii, Leander, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Erary, David, private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Farreli, Timothy, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Fuller, David A., private; enrulled May 15, 1801. 
Fulton, James 51., private; enrolled M-iy 15, 1801. 
Criswold, Iteul.en B., private; enrolled May 15, l«Gl. 
Gladden, Alon/o L.. private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Gwiii, Allen A., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Goodcouraye, Williani, private; enndleil May 15, 18G1. 
GriBWuld, Itob4-rt B., piivale ; eniolled May 15, l8tU. 
Hodgskins, Charles 11., private; enrolled May Ih, 1801. 
Howard, Lyman, private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Hodges, Nathan S., private; enrulled May 15, 1801. 
Holliday, Henry, piivate ; enndloil May 15, 1801. 
Hudgee, Zimri, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Harvey, Williani, private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Hammond, Hinini C. private; enrulleil May 15, 1801. 
Harvey, Calvin, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Holbrook, Elwiird, privaie ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Iveo, Charle:s, private; eiindled May 15, 1861. 
Kelly, Levi, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Kellerson, Andrew, privute ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Lulone, Joshua, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Love, George J., private ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
rioof. Peer G., private ; enrulled May 15. 1861. 
Putter, [iUlherian, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Koach, David, private ; enrulled May 15, 1861. 
Richards, Darius, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Sharp, Joseph, private; enrulleil May 15, 18G1. 
Stevens, Sidney, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Shales, Robert J., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Shaughnesaey, David, privat*-; enrolled May 15. 1861. 
Trudell, Franklin, private ; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Wobb, James, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
WwMlruff, Elanl A., private ; enrolled May 15. 1861. 
Washburn, Henry C., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Wait, Martin, privattv, enrolled May 15, ISGI. 
Woodard, Honm T., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 

CAPTAIN N. MARTIN CURTIS' COMPANY (H). 
N. Martin Curtis, captain ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Simon C. Vedd<'r. lieutenant; enrolled May 15, 1861. 



William L. Be>t, ensign ; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
John II. Aiislin, fli-st sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Edwin I). Belts, sergeant; enndled May 15, 1801. 
Lee L. I'atridge, sergeant; eniulled Mav 15, 1801. 
Aiulrew C. Ba.\ ne, sergeant ; enrulled Blay 1,5, 1861. 
Daniel Austin, Jr., corporal; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
JuliuM C. Bishop, C(»rporal; enrulled May 15, l8(;i. 
Clmrle.-* Wickwire, corpunil; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
James Murphy, coriwral; enrolled May 15, IsOl. 
Charles S. Blood, musician; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Churli-s B. .lillsoii, mnsician; enrolled May 15, 1801, 
Barney, Williani, private; enrolled May 15, I8G1. 
Baxter, Samuel, i>rivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Bo^twick, Emerson, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Barker, John L., private; enrolled May 1.5, 1861. 
Barton, liouis, private; enrolled May 15, IHOl. 
Breyam, Lonis, private ; enrolled May 15, l«01. 
Backus, David, private; enrolled flIay 15, 1861. 
Benson, Ann.s H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Banlord, David, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Burluun, Rollin, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Ballantine, Hugh, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Brown, George, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Cnrtis, Thomas W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Deiniwy, Robert, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Delack, John, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Dean, Amos H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Elliott, George B., private ; eni-oUed May 15, 1801. 
Earl, George, private; enndled May 15, 1861. 
Fleethara, George H., private; enrullctl May 15, 1861. 
Forsyth, Geoige H., private; enrolled May 15, J801. 
Fielrlston, Tlioma.", private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Goodison, Benjamin, private; enrulled May 15, 1861. 
Goodison, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Gore, William E., private; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Grenier, Celestier, private ; enrolled May 15, ISGl. 
Gardiner, Charles H,, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Hulett, Edwin H., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Hyde, Abel, Jr.. private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Hicks, William I., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Heely, James, private: enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Haygete, John, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Jolmson, Gilnian L,, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Keeley, Robert, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Kennedy, Andrew, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
King, George W., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Liacom, Rudolplius, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Laro, Francis, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Mills, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
McRelvey, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861, 
Me Daniel, John, piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Men ice, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Matoon, Vincon, private; enrolled Blay 15, 1801. 
Mayne, Williani, private; enndled May 15, 1801. 
Orlena, Rajihael, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861, 
O'Connor, John, piivate ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Pierce, Charles, private; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Parker, James, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Paraii, Loni^, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Parsons, Joseph, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Putnam, Thomua B., private; enrolled May 1.5, 1861. 
Patnu. Adolphus, jirivate ; enrolleil May 15, 1861. 
PhiIlip^^, Eliaha, private ; enrulled May 15, 1861. 
Roberts, Joseph, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Ru'Sell, John F., |irivato; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Itiven, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Stephen, Thodon, private; enrolled May 1.5, 1861. 
Simmon, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Turner, Denny, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Washburn, James H., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Wardell, Samuel, private ; enrulled May 15, 1861. 
W^eston, Joa.-ph H., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Wallace, William F., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Wiimoth, William, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Worle^s, George W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 

CAPTAIN WARREN GIBSON'S COMPANY (HJ. 

Warren Gibson, capt^iin ; enroll4?d jM.ay 15, 1S6I. 
Alanson 51. Barnard, lieutenant; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Archibald S. Tucker, ensign : enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Alex. D. Kimberly, first sergeant ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
William Nolan, sergeant ; enrolled May 15. 1861. 
Francis II. Clark, sergeant; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Orriii W. Elmore, sergeant; enrulled May 15, 1861. 
James M. Hamilton, corporal; enrolleil Slay 15, 1861. 
James Gurley, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
David McAllister, corporal; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Harris R. Durkee, corporal ; enrolled May 1.5, 1861. 
Isaac G Ribus, musician; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Daniel Sails, musician; enrolled May 15. 1801. 
,\dam-<, Lorenzo, private; enrolled May 15,1861. 
Berry, Cliarles H., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Breckenridge, James F,, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Brown, George M., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Belell, Earl, piivate ; enrolled May 1.5, 1801. 
Ilriinniing, John, private ; enmlled May 15, 1861. 
Bell, John, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Bradley, Chester A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861, 
Bush, .Ii'Seph, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Collins, Daniel, private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Cruik-hank, Hugh, Jr., piivate; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
t'ooper, Orville, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Coon, Jonalhaii A., private; i>nrolled May 15, 1861. 
Coon, Roswoll B.. private; enrolleil Mav 15, 1861. 
Corban, Cassjiis R., private; enrolled May 15, 1861, 
Converse, Jereniiali P., privaie; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Daniels, Martin W., private ; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Downey, RtdKTt S., private ; i-nrolled Blay 15, 1861. 
Eldrid-re, Orrin, private; enridled Blay 15. 1861. 
Edwards. George, private; enrolled May 15, 1S61. 
Finch, William II., pr.vate; enrulled Blay 15,1861. 
Graves, Ira U., private; enrolled Blav 15, 1861. 
Oaffney, Barnard, private; enndled May *j. l****!- 
Hurlburt, Darwin .\., private ; enrolled Blay 15, 1861. 
Hayes, James, private; i'lirolled Blay 15, 1861. 



48G 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hftywood. Elien A., private; oiirnllod May 15, 18CI. 
Irish, Curies D., privuto; eiiruIU'il May l'>, IKOl. 
Lt'wis, Davitl J., privutw ; eiirolleil Muy 1'), 18(U. 
LacourH«3, Jiicolj, privutc ; enrollwl iMiiy ITj, I8GI. 
Locke, Andrew J., priviitu ; enrolled May I*>. IKGl. 
Lawltirr, Nid«t»n, private; enrolled May ir», 18GI. 
McEwin, Nelson, private ; enrolled May l'», 1801. 
Morrill, Willis, private; enrolled May IT), lH(il. 
Marsh, Joel M.. privnte; enr.dled May t:>, IKOl. 
Mauin, LouBhlin F., private; enrolled Miiy lo, 1801. 
Miller, (.'^.rn-liiis, private; enrolled May IT), 1K)J1. 
Norton, Williimi W,, privnte; enrolled May 1.0, ISOI. 
Osgood, Ler>>y B,, private; enrolled May iri. iHtJI. 
Poken, Norrol C, pi'lvatu; Rnrollod May lo, 18til. 
Pa^e, Peorril P., private; enrulleil May ir>, 18i;i. 
Pierce, James, private ; enrolled May lo, l8iU. 
Rockwood, Levi, private; enrolled May 15, IHOl. 
Itimions, John, private; enrolled May 1*», 18(11. 
Reed, Stephen L., private; enrolled May lo, 18C1. 
Richards, liirain S., private; enrolled May 15, 18(jL 
Reynold-!, Junu-s, private; enrolled May 15, 1801, 
Rosa, Roswell, Jr., private; unrolled May 15, l8fU. 
Russell, Isjuic .\ , private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Snnincr, Clark II., private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Siirtwell, Levi, private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Sharp, Henry, private; enrolled May 15, 1861. 
Strong, George \V., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Spears, CharleH D., privaf ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Storrs, Henry P , privitte; enrolled May 15, ISoi. 
Smith, George K., private; enrolled May 15, IHOl. 
Tliaye?-, Mones A., private; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Trnpell, Nelson L., private; enrolled May 15, ISfil. 
Wight, George A., private ; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Webster. SaninelW.. private; enrolled May 15, 18G1. 
Woolcott, J. Williu-il, private; enroll-.i May 15, 1801. 
Wrtlstone, Riifn-", pi ivate; enrolled May 15,1801. 
Wilkin.i, George L.. piivato; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Wilkins, Riley E., priviito; enrolled May 15, 1801. 
Wilkins, Ephmim, private; enrolled May 15, ISGl. 

18TH REGIMENT RECRUITS. 

Alexander, Robert, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Brown. Daniel, private; enndled Oct. 8, 18GI, at Ogdens'bnrg. 
Blaisdell, Alirani. private; enr-dle.l Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Conway. Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 2(1, 1801, at Ogdensbnig. 
Denning. .lohn, private ; enmlled Oct. 6, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Diuss, Ashbel, private ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Fitch, William, private; enndled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Fagot, Adolj»hns. private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 18G1, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Goodel. Thus,, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Hasbon, Chas. William, i)rivatc ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
llaler, Winfield Scott, private; enrolled Oct. 9, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Haakins, Joel, private; enittlled Oet. 15, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
McCoon, Joseph, pnvate ; enndled Oct. 5, 1801, at Ogdeiistnirg. 
McDonald, Archibald, private; enrolled Oct. li. isci, at (tgdeiisburg. 
Richards, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. IG, 1801, at Ogdi-n.-iluirg. 
Pierce. Richard, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogib-nsburg. 
I'alen, Robert, private; eniolled Oct. 5, 18G1, at Ogdensl>nrg. 
Tonkin, Jusepli, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 

60TH INFANTRY (STUART'S EEG'T INDEPENDENT VOLS.). 

Edward C. Janu's, adjntant ; enrolled Aug. 19, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WM. 0. SMALLEV'S COMPANY (B). 
Elkanah F. Shaw, corjxjral ; enrolled Aug. in, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Prouty, Luther H., private ; enrolled .\ug. lu, 18GI, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN BOLTON AV. O'GRADYS COMPANY (D). 
Mack, James, private : enrolled Sept. 1, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Walling, Robt. R., private; enrolled Ang. :j', 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Wand, Philip, private; enrolled .^ng. ^ii, 180], at Ogdensburg. 
Wells, Henry, jirivate ; enrolled Ang. 30, 18G1. at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN PORTIUS C. GILBERT'S COMPANY (F^ 
Richardson, Jas. F., private; enrolled Aug.24, 1801, nt Potsdam. 
Richardson, Seth F., private ; enrolled Ang, 14, iSOl, at Potsdiini. 
Richardson, Hiram S., private; enrolled Aug. 24, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Soper, Lewis F., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 18G1, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN EDWARD 0. BEERS' COMPANY (H). 
Jidin B. C:ild\vell. corporal; enrolled Aug. 17, 1801, at Canton. 
Biundt, Frederick, private; enrolled Aug. 31, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 
Burnham, Henry A., jnivate; enrolled Aug, 21, 18lil, at Pntsdam. 
Chamberlain, James, private; enrolled .\nB, 12. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Daines, Chas., j)i ivate; enrolled Sept. 2, 1801, at i'otsdam. 
Duryee,Orrin A., private; enrolled Aug. 24, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Hartt'urd, Dennis ]\L, pnvate; enrolled Ang. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hindnian, Andrew W., private; eniolbd -\ug. 29, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
McCarthy, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Martin, George W., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1801, at Pot-dam. 
Page, Lorenzo S„ pi'ivate; enrolled Aug. 'Si, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Palmer, Ezra C, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 

60TH INFANTRY. 

Wm. B. Hayward, colonel ; commissioned (i. t. 2''. isGl ; resigned Jan. 8, 1862. 

(ieorge S. Green, col.; com'd Jan. 1«. 1«02 ; pi-onu>ted to briu' -gen. April 28, 1862. 

Wm. B. Goodrich, col. ; promoted from lieul.-col. May LI, 1802; died Sept. I", 
1802, of wound.-* received at Antretam. 

Abel Goddard. col,; promoted from major Dec. 31, 1802; dis. Sept. 13, 1804. 

Winslow M. Thomas, col.; com'd capt. Nov. 2, 1801; promoted to major Dec 
30,1802; tolie!tt.-roI. Jan. 11,1864; to col. Oct. 1, 1864 ; not mustered: re- 
signed April 3, 1805. 

Lester S. Wilson, col.; com'd 2d lieut. Oct. 3, 1802; promoted to adj. Nov 17 
1802 ; to capt. Aug. 2, 1864 ; to lieut.-col. Oct. 1. 1804 ; to col. May 17, 1805 ; 
not mustered; mustered out with regl. July 17,1805; brev. brig.-gen. U. S.V. 

Charles R. Brundagejieut.-col. ; com'd maj. Nov.2, 1801 ; promoted to lieut.-col! 
May 13,1862; discharged Nov. 6,1862. 

John C. O. Redington, tieut.-col. ; com'd cjipt. Nov.2, 1861 ; promoted to lieut.- 
col. Dec. 16, 1802 ; di«, Jnly 18, 1803; brevet colonel U. S. V. 

Abner B. Sliipman. lieut.-col. ; com'd 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 1861; promoted to 1st 
lieut. April 9, 1«62 ; t.i c»pt. Nov. 17, 1862 ; to mflj. Feb. 28, 18G5; to lient.- 
col. May 17, 1805 ; not nmstored ; mustered out with regt. Jnly 17, 1805. 



Michael Nolan, lieut.-col.; com'd Ist lieut. Feb. 25, 186i; promoted to capt. 
'July 20, 180 (; to maj. May 17, 1865 ; to liont.-col. June 5. 1865 ; not mus- 
tered as m ij. or lieut.-col. ; brevet major U.S. V. ; mn3t4-red out with regt. 

July 17, l.'*05. 
Edward C. James, major; com'd May 13, 1862; promoted tu colonel looth N. Y. 

V.ds. Aug. 2y, 1862. 
Thos. Elliott, nnijor; com'd capt. Nov. 2, 1801; promoted (oraaj. Jan. 23, 18G4 ; 

resigned Jan. 17, 1865. 
Rollin C. Gale, adjutant ; com'd Nov. 2, 18G1 ; promoted to captiin and a. a.-g. 

Aug. 25, 1862, 
Loren W, Fuller, adjutant ; com'd OcL 31, 18IVI ; promoted to capt. Feb., 1805 ; 

mustered out with regiment July 17, 1805. 
Edwin J. OInev, adjutant; com'd Feb. 18, 1865 ; mustered uut with regt. July 

17, 1S05. 
Robt. \. I'liurcli, ailjutant; not mustered ils adjutant. 
Edwin A. Meiriit, iiuarterma-ter; com'd Nov. 21, 1861; discharged June 30, 

1864; brevet miijor N. Y. Vols. 
John Sclioll, (luarterinaater; com'd Aug. 2, 1864; mustered out with regt. July 

17, 1864. 
Dett'itt C. Perry, quartermaster; not mustered as quartermaster. 
JaniesS. Gab', surgeon, conimi-isioiurd Nov. 11, 1861; discharged Jan. 17, 1863. 
Henry B. Whiton, surgeon; eonj'd Feb. 17, 1863; ninslered out on expiration 

ot terni of service, Oct. 31, ]S04. 
Smith H. Miipes, surgeon ; com'd Nov. 21, 1864; mustered out with regt. July 

17, 186.J. 
Wm. B. Chambers, assist, snrg. ; com'd Nov, 2, 1801; discharged Slarch 4, 1861. 
Chas. H. Burbeck, iissist. siirg. ; com'd Aug. 8, 1862; promoted to surgeon lU2d 

N. Y. Vols. Nov. 4, 1804. 
John E. Comfort, assistant surgeon; commissioned Dec. 27, 1804; mustered out 

with regiment July 1, 1805. 
Richard Kddy. chaplain; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; di.-jcharged Feb. 17, 186J. 
William Moiitgoinery, captiin; com'd Nov. 4, 1861; discharged Feb. 8, 1863. 
Duncan M. Robertson, captain; conmiisaioned 1st lieut. Nov. 17, 1802; capt. 

Feb. 25, 1803; discharged Feb. 2, 1804. 
David Day, captain ; commissioned Nov, 2, 1801; resigned Aug. 9, 1862. 
John Snyder, captain ; commissioned Ist lieut. Nov. 2, 1861 ; capt. Nov. 17, 1802; 

resigned Jan. 29, 1863. 
John Delaney, captain; commasionod Ist lieut. Nov. 2, 1801; capt. Feb. 25, 

1803; mustered out on e.vpiration of service Oct. 31, 1864. 
Patrick H. Brockway, captain; commissioned Ist lieut. April 14, 18G4; capt. 

Feb. 18, 1805; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1865. 
James Young, captain; commissioned 1st iieul. Nov.2, 1861; capt. Feb. 5, 1863 ; 

mustered out on expiration of service. 
Volney M. Carter, captain ; commissioned Feb. 5, 1803; resigned May 31, 1863. 
William H. Fitch, captain; commissioned July 20, 186.J; brevet lieutenant- 

colonel N. Y. Volunteers; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1865. 
William H. Hyde, captain; cummis^ioned Nov. 2, 1801; dis. Jan. 29, 1863. 
Percy S. Sinclair, captain; com'd 1st lieut, Nov. 2, 1861; capt. Feb. 25, 1863; 

mustered out on expiniliou oC service Apr. II, 1805; brevet maj. U. S. V. 
Alfred W. Skiff, captain ; commisBJnned 1st lieut. Feb. 18, 1805; not mustered as 

captain ; mastered out with regiment July 17, 1805. 
Hugh Smith, captain ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; mustered out on expiration 

of service Oct. 29, 1804. 
Leffeit L. Buck, captain; commissioned 1st lieut. .\ug. 2, 1804; capt. Feb. 18, 

1805; brevet-major N. Y. V.; mustered out with regiment July 17, I860. 
James W. Ransom, captain; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; dis. Feb. :i, 1803. 
Orson M. Foote, captain ; commissioned Ist lieut. Nov. 2, 1801; capt. Feb. 25, 

1803; discharged Nov. 2.', 18G4. 
James Brown, captain ; commissioned 2d lieut. July 20, 1863; 1st lient. Oct. 9, 

1863 ; capt. Feb. 18, 1865; mustered out with regiment July 17, 1805. 
Jesse H, Jones, captain ; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; ilischarged Jan. 'l7, 1861. 
Thomas Hobart, aiptain; conmiis-^ioned 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 18GI ; 1st lieut. Feb. 

5, 1803; capt. April 14,1804; brevet lieut.-col. N. Y. V.; uiustered out with 

regiment July 17, 1805. 
Edwin R. Follett, c;iptain; commissioned 1st lient. Oct. 31, 1864; capt. July 5, 

1865 ; mustered ovit witii regiment July 17, 1805. 
Benjamin It. Clark, Ist lieut. ; died Aug. 5, 1802, at Little Washington, Va., of 

disease. 
Norris M. Dickenson, Ist lieut, ; commissioned 2d lient. April 9, 1802; 1st lieut. 

Oct. 3, 1862; discharged Feb. 14, 1803. 
Darius A. N;ish, Ist lieut.; commissioned Feb. 18, 1805; mustered out with 

regtment July 17, 1865. 
James Hni'st. 1-t lient. ; commissioned 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 1801 ; 1st lieut. Nov. 17, 

1862; resigned Jan. '^It. 18G3. 
Henry Farrell, 1st lieut. ; commis-^ioned June 2, 1803 ; discharged Jnly 27, 1863. 
Charles B. Morrell, Ist lieut.; conmiissioned Feb. 18, 1805; mustered out with 

regiment Jnly 17, 1865. 
Edwin H. Partridge, 1st lieut.; comm-ssioned; not ninstert-d. 
James M. King, 1st 1 eut. ; commi.ssioned Nov. 2, 1801 ; resigned Nov. 15, 1862. 
Eugene Diven, 1st lieut.; commits oned Dec. 2, 1802 ; resigned Oct. 2, 1804. 
George F. Ryan, 1st lieut.; commissioned Dec. 19, 1804; mustered out with 

regiment July 17, 1805. 
Myron I). Stanley, 1st lieut.; commissioned Feb. 25, 1863; died July 7, 1863, of 

Wounds received at Getty.-burg, Pa, 
John C.Wilson, 1st lieut. ; commi-sioned Oct. 9, 1863; killed near Galgothe, 

Ga.. June IS, 1864. 
Lewis F. Carnithon. 1st lieut.; commissioned July 20, 1803; dis. Aug. 26, 1864. 
Edward L. Crane, 1st lieut.; commis-'ioneil ; not mustered. 
Dennis G. Seeley, 1st li -ut.; commissioned 2d lieut. July 20,1863; Ist lieut. Oct. 

9, 1803; discharged April 5, 1865. 
E. B, Stanclitr, Ist lient.; commissioned July 5, 1865; not mustered. 
Loring E. White, 1st lieut.; commissioned Nov. 2, 1861 ; died of disease July 

:i6. 1S02, near Little Washington, Va. 
Murcellus L. Fitch, 1st lieut.; ('ommi.'*sioned 2d lieut. Nov. 2, 1861 ; Ist lieut. 

Oct. 3, 1S62; discharged Feb. 21, 18(i3. 
Stewiird G. Corni-li, 1st lieut.; conuuis-ioned June 2, 1801 ; brevet major U. S. 

Volunteers; discharged April 20, 1805. 
William S. Gnrley, 1st lieut.; commissioned Juno 30, 1865; not mustered. 
Guy Hogun, Ist lient.; conimissioued Nov.2, 1801; died of disease Aug. 4, 1862, 

near Little Washington, Va. 
Henry C. Ea-tui in, Ist lieut.; commissioned Nov.2, 1861 ; diedof disease March 

8, 1802. near Baltimore. 
Edward \. Rich, 1st lient. ; commissioned 2d lieut. April 9, 1862; 1st lieut. Nov. 

17, 1862 ; resigned March 6, 1863. 
James E. Kelsey.lstlieut.; commissioned 2d lieut. Nov. 17, 1802; 1st lieut. July 

20. 1861; mustered out on expiration of service Oct. 31, 1864. 
William C. Lewis, Ist lieut.; commissioned July 5, 1805; not mustered. 
George Newman, 1st lient,; commissioned July 26, 1865; not mustered, 
Liingdon Clark, 2d lieut,; commissioned Nov. 17, 1862; discharged Feb. 21,1803. 
Edward L. Crane, 2d lieut.; commissioned June 30, 1805; not mustered. 
Leonard B. Taylor, 2d lletit. ; commissioned July 15, 1805; not mustered. 
Chnrles H. Houghton, 2d liout.; commissioned Nov. 17, 1801 ; res. Mar. 5, 1863. 
John R. Mills, 2d lieut.; commissioned June 30, I8G5; not mustered. 
George M. Eastman, 2d lieut.; commi^ssioned Feb. ,5. 1803; dis. April 12, 1803. 
William .\. Mclntyre, 2d lient.; com'd June ;J0, 1805; not mu^tered. 
George M. Glea^on, 21 lieut.; com'd Nov.2, 1801; discharged Nov, 27, 1802. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



487 



Stephen Ailams, 2<1 licut, ; coni'd Dec. 27, 1802; cliccluirped April 22, 18f;3. 

Horace T. tSinitli, 'Zd li<'ut. ; coiii'd June :iO, lSGr> ; lu-t nmsio ciI. 

Hc.sea C. Reynolds, 2d Hont. ; rom'd Nov. 2, IHfil ; died of dineiu«e nt WiiHinnj;- 

ton, D. C, Octolier 24, l«e2. 
Edwjird Sinclair, 2d licnt.; ctun'd Juno 2, 18(13 ; not mustered. 
Jay Ffiirluink.s, 2d lieut. ; com'd July Ft, 1865 ; not muBtered. 
Milton F. Spencer, 2d licut. ; cuni'd Nov. 2, 1801 ; rei*iy;ned June 2C, lfi02. 
Edwjird Itonnelly, 2d lit'ut. ; c()m'd July 5, 1865; nut inusterr'd. 
Jolin Dundon, Jr., 2d lieut.; coui'd November 2, 18()1 ; dis. Ki-liruary 21, 18G3. 
Uyron T. Hordwell, 2d lieut. ; eom'd Juno 2, 180;{ ; di»cliJirKed Nov. :j, 18G3. 
Henry A. Ca>tlp, 2d lieut. ; com'd June ;iii, 1805 ; not mustered. 
Charles H. IHekensun, 2d lieut. ; com'd Oct. a, 1802 ; dis. November 30, 1862. 
Julin II. Ingram, 2d lieut. ; com'd Deceinher 29, 1862; dis. February 21, 1HG3, 
Geoi-je Newman, 2d lieut. ; commissioned June 30, 1866 ; not mustered. 
Gaidner Smith, 2d lieut. ; commiftsioned July 15. 18f5; not mustered, 
liynian M. Shedd, 2d lieut. ; com'd November 4, 1861 ; resigned June 23, 1862. 
A. a. Luther, 2d lieut. ; commissioned July 5, 1805 ; not musteied. 
Samuel Richards, 2d lieut. ; comniis>ioned June 3U, iSOo ; not miislercd. 

KKtJIMENTAL BAN1>. 

Wri(;ht, Henry S., princiiia] musician ; enroll- d Oct. 3, 186], at 0;idensburg. 
Itonner , Jauies M., musician ; enrolled Octolier 3, 1861, at Ogdeiisl'urg. 
C"bnrn, (Jeorgc W., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdeu'^burti;. 
Crowley, John F., musician ; enrolled September "J, 1861, at Canton. 
Conway, Henry, musician; enrolled October 3, 1861, ut Ogdensburg. 
I'ackard, Hwight C, musician ; enrolled October 3, 1801, at Ogdensbnr^. 
Ries, George II., musician ; enrolled September 11, 1801, at Ogdfusl'urg. 
Kastoii, William H., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Follett, Marvin M., musician ; enrolled October 4, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Gre<'n, Sanford A., mus.cian ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg! 
Milbs, Jt)lin li., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
I'lislm, Peter S.,musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Wood, John A., musician ; enrolled October 3, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
Carr, Thomas, musician ; enrolh-d October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Kirkham, Henry E., mnsir-jan ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Lockwood, Edward L., musician ; enrolled September 11, 1801, at (_>g<lensburg. 
McClellan, Lewis, musician ; enrolled October 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
-White, Melvin J., miiBiciaii ; enrolled Octobers, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Hamel, Augustiii, mviMician ; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM B. GOODRICH'S COMPANY (A). 
AVilliam B. Goodrieb, captain, enndled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Benjiiuiin R. Clark, first liiMitenaiit, enrolled September 9, ISOl, at Canton, 
William Montgomery, 2d lieutenant; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Langdon Ctark, Ist sergeant ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Lester S. Wilsiin, 2d sergeant; enrolled September U, 1861, at Canton. 
M. H. Crowley, 3d sergeant; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
D. M. Robertson, 4tli sergeant ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
N. M. Dickenson, oth sergeant ; enrolled Si-ptember 9, 1861. at Canton. 
William H. Fitch, 1st corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
R. A. Chi rch, 2d coiporal; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
H. K. Byion, 3d corponil ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Leffert Buck, 4tli corpoial ; em oiled September i), 1861, at Canton. 
S. W. Smith, 5th corpoml ; enndled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
William M. Brooks, Oth corporal ; eniolled September 9. 1861, at Canton. 
Abiam Fisk, 7th corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Henry F. Tanner, 8ib corporal ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton 
Aldons, Stcjjhen, juivate ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Allen, Theodore, private ; enndled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Abel, Charles C, private ; enndled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Bissell, Lin<len, private ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Bisaell, tliarles V., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Bissell, Elliott, private; enrolb-d St-ii|. mber 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Brupsaen, Peter, private ; enndl'-d ."^rpi.Miiber 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Blount, Silas P., private ; enrolled Sept<-niber 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Bonney, Walter B., private ; enndled September D, ISGI, ai Canton. 
B;itcone, M. K., private; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Barber, Charles B., private; enndled September 9, ISOI, at Canton. 
Crane, Edgar L., private ; enrolled October 5, 1861, at Camit Wheeler. 
(Irowley, I'atiick, private ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Coon, S. H., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Crowley, John F., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Clark, Otis E., piivate ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Covi-y, Henry, privati*; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Carp.-nter, Winfifld S., private ; enrolled Snptember 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Clianey, Richard B., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Carson, Andiew, jirivate; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Champbun, Fred. J., private; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Chamberlain, V. C. F., piivate; enrolled September 9, ISGl, nt Canton. 
Cagle, Nelson F., private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at ('antnn. 
Cijoke, George L.. private ; enrolled September 9, 18(il, at Canton. 
Cleland, Thomas, private ; enrolled Septemlier 9, 1801, at ( 'aiitnii. 
Chancy, James B., private ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at (.'aiitan. 
Daih-y, James T., private ; enrolled September 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Dupra, Lewis, privati- ; enndled Sept«'mber 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Dupni, John, private ; enrolled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Davenp'Tt, Albert, private ; enndb-d September U, 1861, at Canton. 
Ellis, John, private; ern'olled Septemlier 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Knslow, S.Iaa H., private; enicdled September 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Elmer, Kussell S,, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Filch, James C, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at(;antou. 
Fiiiley, K.Uvanl S., |i. ivate ; enndb-d Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Fonl, Kdgar W., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
(iniy, A. r., piivate; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Gebo, Peter, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton, 
tiates. Luther L., jjrivate; enrolled Srpt. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Havens, K. G., piivate; enndled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Hart, David E., priv.it-; enndled Sept. 9, l«lil.at Oaiiloii. 
Harlow, Hiram, Jr., private; enrolled S<'pt. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Haskell, Samuel, private; enrolled S<'pt. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Harpi-r, John, private; ennjiled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Kellogg, George H., jirivate; enndled S-pt. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Kelley, John, private ; enndled Sept. 9, 1801. at Canton. 
Easier, Joseph, Jr., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861. at Canton. 
Las.db", Snnni.-r W., privat.-; rnndle.1 S<'pt. 9, 1861, at Canton, 
li'iekwoitd, Daniel U., private; i-nndled S.-pt.9, 1861, at Canton. 
Lagnoa. Lewis H., private; enrolled Sept. 9, ls61, at Canton. 
Mi-Cormic, James, piivate ; enndled Sept. 0, 1801, nt (.'ant>in. 
McKee, Eloii G., private; enrolled Se])!. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
McMoin'gnl, Jumo'^, i)rivati'; (Mindb-d Sept. If, iHOl.at Cantini. 
McDonal, Df'Ugal A., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
McEwiii. Lewis, private ; enrolled Sept. 9. ISOI, at Ciinton. 
North, Kdwin D., private; em*uUed Sept. 9, iwtil, at Canton. 
Olin, Winslow N., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Pre^ttm. .lohn (!., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Perry, De Witt C, private; enrolled Svpt. 9, 1861. at Canton. 



Pflton, Henry E., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, nt CnntiUi. 
Parker, Dean, private; enrolled Sept. 9, U6I, at Canton. 
Pennington, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Camp Whetder. 
Robinson, Albert C., private; enrolled Sept. 9, IHOl, at Canton. 
liobiuM.!!. Erwirj W., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1x61, at Canton. 
Royal, William 11., private ; enndled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
R.d.inson, James A., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Rosf, KIderkiii, private; enrolled Si-pt. 2.3, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Sli«-pard, Orin, piivHte; enrolleil Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Stoni, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Sturtevant, llt-nry, private ; enrolled Si-pt. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Smith, WallaCf, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861. fit Canton. 
^tc-v<-nson, Ezekiel W., private; enndled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
SteplienwMi, Philo, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Smith, Horace T., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Severance, CharU-H H., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Shanahan, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at ('anton. 
Seevey. Johnson, private; enrolled Sept. 9, iH'iI.iu Canton. 
Tilley, Willi;im N.,privaie; enrolled Sept. 9, 1^01. at Canton. 
Tapbn, William O., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Tupper, Lyman, private; enndled Sept. 9, 1861. at Canton. 
Thompson, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, tit Canton. 
Whitloid, Ira 11., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
Wonlen, Jobn S., private; enrolb-d S<-pt. 9, 1861, at Canton. 
White, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Canton. 
Wait, Forrest H., private; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Canton. 

CAPTAIN DAVID DAY, JK.S, COMPANY (B . 

David Day, Ji'., captain ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

John Snyder, tiist lieutenant; enn>lled Sept. lo, 18(il, at Ogdensburg. 

Jami'S HniBt, seccnid lieutenant ; enrolled Sept, in, 1801, at Ogderisl-urg. 

Charles H. Houghton, first sergeant ; enndled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogden-lmrg. 

George W. Newman, sergeant; enndled .^ept. 10, I8G1, at Ogdensburg. 

E. F. Fishback, sergeant; enrolled Se|)t. 10, 1861, at Ogdensi.urg. 

John Sherwin, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, IMJI, at Ogden«burg. 

Wilbur E. Sterling, sergeant; enrolh-d .S-pt. lo. lH01,'at Ogdensburg. 

Charles S. Cummii»g, corporal; enrolbd St pt. 14, Istil, at Ogdensbuig. 

Itaniel Corbitt, corpoml ; enrolled Sept. 10, IMII, at (.igdi-nsburg. 

J. M. Roberts, corp.-ral; enrolled Sept. lo, 1801, at Ogdensbuig. 

Jolin Loan, corporal ; enrolled Sept. lu, 1«01, at Ogdensburg. 

Abniliam D. Lawyer, corporal ; enndled Sept. Id, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 

Edwin II. Katri'tge, corporal; enrolled Sept. JS, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Genigr H, Kiiigbts, corpnral ; enrolled 0<-t. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

De Eii..Mt Rounds, drummer; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at (tgdensburg. 

Norman House, filer ; enrolled Sept. 18, 1801, at Ogdensl'Uig. 

Silas W. Day, wagoner; enrolled Sept. Id, 1861. at Ogdensburg. 

Aylwar d, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Bolton, Eugene E., private; enrolled Sept. 26, istil, at Ogiieiisburg. 

Brasie, George, private; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogden-bnrg. 

Brasie, Alonzo, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Ballou, Miron S., private; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Bishop, George, private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Clements, Daviil, private; enrolled Sept. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

C^ongor, Noel W., private; enrolled Sept. lo, 1861, at Ogden-.burg. 

Cunningliam, J. H., private ; enrolled Sept. 10. 1861. at Ogilensburg. 

Canimoiigs, Joseph A., private; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensbuig. 

Charter, Nelson, private; enndled Oct. U, 1861, at OgdeUJ-burg. 

Daily, Samuel, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 

Dana, David B., jirivate; enrolled Sept. 10, IMOI, at Ogd'-nsburg. 

Delong, (Jhester, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensl.nrg. 

Delong, Mial R., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Og<lensburg. 

Dorigun, John, private; enrolled Sept. 2S, 18t;i, at Ogdeii-burg. 

Dunciin, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Downey, Thomas J., private; enrolled Oct. 3, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 

Foster, Theodore, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdeuhburg. 

Fishback, Simeon, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Finley, Alvin, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 18t;i, at Ogdensburg. 

Fanler, John, private; enrolled Ort. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Graves, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, iSOl, at Ogdensburg. 

llicks, Artemas K.^ private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Houghton, Getirgo W., piivate; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Hyde, Alexander, private; eniolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Hyde, Martin, pnvate ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Johnson, William, i)rivate; enrolled Sept. 26, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

King, .lolin, private; enrolled Sept. !<', 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Lake, George, private; enrolled Sept. lit, 1861, at Ogden-burg. 

Lake, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, iS6I, at Ogdensburg. 

Mason, David G., private; enrolled Sept. lo. Isoi, ut t)gtlensburg. 

McGregor, John, private; enrolled Sept. 30. 1861, at Ogdensbuig, 

Mead, Michael, private ; enndled Sept. 20, ISdl, at (tgdensburg. 

More, Harrison, private; enrolled Sept. in, 1801, at Ogilennburg. 

Peck, Luther, private; enrolled Sept. lo. 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Quinlin, James, privati-; enrolled Sept. 1", 18til, at (igdensbnrg. 

Rsiven, James C, private: em-olled Sept. lu, 18til, at Ogdensburg. 

Raven, Jeremiah, private; enrolled Sept. lit. 1861, at Ogdensburg, 

Boss, Stephen, private; enrolled Sept. 26. 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

Rounds, Joseph, private; enrolletl Sept. lo, l.soi.ut Ogdensburg. 

Kussell, Martin, private; enn)ned Sept. 10, 1801, at tigdensburg. 

Sziyer, Charles, i>rivate; enrolled Sept. 10, ISdl, at ttgdensburg. 

Sliapu, Fnuic's, private; enrolled Sept. lo, IsiU, at Ogdi-UMburg. 

SisBon, Charles H., private; enrolled Sept. lo, If^Ol. ar Ogdi'i.sburg. 

Smithers, Glasgow, private ; enrolled Sept. 21. iSOI, at Ogdensburg. 

Sober, Thomas H., private; enrolb-d Sept. 14, 1861, at tigdensburg. 

Sterling, William, private; enrolb-d Oct. 24, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 

Trumbull, Cor ydon. private; enroUeil Sept. 26, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Valley, IVterTTTrtTIite ; enrolled Sept. 14. 1801. at Ogdensburg. 

WanI, Wdlard, private; enmlled Sept. 10, 1«01. at Ogdensburg. 

Wani, James, private ; enn>lled Sept. 30. 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 

Wells, George, private; enndled Sept. U», 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Wa^hburn, Simon, private ; enndled Sept. lo. 1-61, at (.►gdensburg. 

Washburn, Alonz.o, private; enrolleil Sept. In. ISOI, at (tgdensburg. 

Willson, Robert J., private; enrolled Sej't. Iti, 18til, at Ogdensburg. 

Works, Wright, private; enrolled Sept. 21. IS61, at Ogdensburg. 

Works, Lucim, private; enrolled S»'pl. H", 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

Wright, James, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861. nt Og-lensburg. 

Wanl, Augustus, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN JOHN C. O. RKDINGTON'S COMPANY (C). 
John C. O. Rediiigton. captain ; enndle<i Sept. 10, ISiU, at Ogden'-hurg. 
James Young, first lieutenant ; enndled Sept. 10, ISf.l. at Ogdensburg. 
Thomas Hobari, second lieutenant ; enrolled Si-pt lo, isOl, at Ogdensburg. 
George Clink, tlrst sergeant; enrolled Sept. Id. iKOl.at Ot'ilensburg. 
George W. Hill, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. Id, 1861, at Ogilensburg. 
George M. Eastman, sergeant ; enndled Sept in. 1801, at ();.Mlensbnrg. 
John White, sergeant ; enndled Oct. 15, isoi. at tigden-burg. 
Nuhemiah Wiley, sergeant; enrolle<I Sept. 12, 1^61, at Ogdensburg. 



488 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John K. W'illson, corpornl; onrollcil Si'pt. HI. IKOl, nt Oitdonslniig, 
Thoijuis I'liillips, sc'toiiil ccirporiil; I'lirull.^.l .Sept. 10, IM',1, at Osjilinvsbiirg. 
I.viimn A. Itci-i', tliiril coi pDnil ; .■nr.ill.^.l Si'pt. Ill, 1«G1, at Ou'li-iisl'iirK. 
J.ilm W. Iliirns, fourtli cm p..r.il ; .■iil-..ll.'il S.ipt. 14, IKlU, jit Ogilcnsbnrg. 
Anihciiiv WiMVor, fifth iMipmal ; iMinilhicl (let. !i, IHlil, at OgilnnsburK. 
Li'WiH fhcitnius, sixth coipiiral ; .itiiMlk'il Sept. 1(1, IKGl, at Ug.lwnsl.urg. 
(ieorgf F. Ryan, si'Vetith corporal ; oiir..lU>cl Oct. .1, l«lil, at (Igdoiisbiiig. 
lli'iljaliiin Austin, eighth corporal; riirollod Sept. Ill, ISOl, at Og'li.nsburg. 
.Iiwph I'ickert, innaidan ; enrolbil Si'pt. 3ll, IKIil, nt Ogilonsbnrg, 
Ilcnrj W. I'owers, musician ; I'lirolli-d .Vpl. 14, IHGl, at Ogdunsbnrg. 
.laiih's YiTdin, ti'ainaltr; enrolled S.'pt. Ill, Ixiil, at Ogdcn«burg. 
Baekus, Sylvanus, privat.'; enrcdled Sept. Ill, l«(ll, at Ogdensburg. 
liarber, Lyiiian. ].rivate; enrolled Sept Js, 18I11, at Ogilensbnrg. 
Harney, John II., private; enrolled Sept. HI, IHIll, at (Igdensburg. 
Ilreen, Daniel, private; enrolleil Sept. Ill, ISIJl, at Ugdensbnr;-. 
lirown, Stephen S., piivate; enrolled (let. K, IWll, at Ogdensburg. 
Ilurdiek, Stephen F., private; eundh-d Oct. 1(1, Isill, at Ogdensburg. 
llurnhain, Amos II , private; enrolled Sept. ;lii, lKc;i, at Ogdensburg. 
llar-ee, Allen, priv.ite; enrolled Sept. In, IKOl, at Ogdensl.nrg. 
llusli, Nathan, private; c'lirolh-il Se|d. '.il, lsi;l, at Ogdensburg. 
Hrewster, Cli ir es, private ; enrolled Oct. -ii, ISIJl, at Ogdensburg. 
Carlisle, lienjalnin, i)rivate ; enrolled Sept. 10, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Churehill, William, private ; enndleii Oct. 4, ISdl, at Ogdensburg. 
Collins, Martin 1)., private; enrolled .Sept. ■!*, Imll, at Ogdensburg. 
Cdlins, Waller E , private; enrolled .S. pi. 'J.s, 1ki;1, at Ogdensburg. 
C'orbin, Sylvanus, private; onrolb'd Si-pl. ■J.i. IHIII, at Ogdensliurg. 
t'rawlord, .bdin, private ; enridled Sept. 10. 1S(J1, at Ogdensburg. 
Clark, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 24, ISIil, at Ogdensburg. 
Drum, Henry W., piivate; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Diiistnore, .lames M., private; enrolled Oct, 7. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Dygert, Killer, private ; enrolled Sept. :iO, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
KIderkin, Oeorge E., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Knslow. George R., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fitch, Frederick M., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fox,Ceorge W., private; enrolled Sept. 24. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fox, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept. :)ll, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Gates, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 7, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
(;iaz.ier, Jabez. private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
Goodwin, liec.rge It., private ; enrolled Sept. :10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Gonrlev, William S., private; enndleii Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Harder, Charles J., private; enrolled Sept. 30, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
llaskin, Gideon, private; enrolled Oct. 4, ISO!, at Ogdensburg. 
Ilaynii, I'cter, private: enrolled Oct. 2:1, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Holliday, David, private; enrolled Sept. lu, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
Hyde, Norman, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Knox, Lewis J., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, al Ogdensburg. 
Lamphear, Seymour G., private; enrolled Sept. Id, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Larselle, John A., private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Lesiire, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Lewis, Francis C, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
Lyon, David H., private: enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Jlaeia, John, private; enrolled Sept.:lo, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
IMcDaid, Lylnan D., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Mclntyre, William A., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
McWilliams, Harvey, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Morrison. David, piivate; enrolled Sept. 311, 1801, at tigilcnsburg. 
Mitchell, Harrison, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, LSOI, at Ogdensburg. 
March, George W., private; enr.dled Oct. 2'.i, isrd, at Ogdensburg. 
Lewis, James, private; enrolled (let. 28, l.sol, at Ogdensburg. 
Niel, Chauncey, private; enrolled Sept. 3(1, 1801, at Ogilenshurg. 
O'Niel, Charios, private; enrolled Sept. 12, l.-i01, at Ogdensburg. 
I'etrio, George, private ; enrolled Sept, 4, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
I'etrie, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 17, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
I'etrie. Marcu", private; enrolled Oct. 4, 1801, iit Ogdensburg. 
Keed, William J., private; enrolled Sept. 30, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ilobinson, John F., private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Ogibnsburg. 
Rock, William, private; enrolled .Sept. 28, LSOI, at OMdiiisbuii;. 
Schuyler, Orville, private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1801, al Ogden-burg. 
Severance, Gershoni, private; enrolled .Sept. 2.i, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Sherman, George, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Sibbite, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
Super, Levi M.. private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Starr, Julius M , private ; enrolled Oct. 8, 1801, nt Ogdensbnrg. 
St James, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 18(>1, at Ogdensburg. 
Tyler, Lalay.-tte, private; enrolled Se|it. :10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Van Tassell, Edward, private; .niollrd Sept. 3(1, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Vronian, Norman, iirivnte; enrolled Sept. Ill, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Willis, John, private ; enpdied Sept. 1". Isol, at Ogdinsburg. 
Warner, Henjamin F., private; eniolled Sept. II, Isol, at Ogdensburg. 
Watson, George, private; enrolled Sept. 2.8, Isr.l, nt Ogdensburg. 
Wilson, Edward, private ; enrolled Oct, 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 
Worden, Ilonitio N,, private; enrolled Oct, 28, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Yerdcn, Solomon 11., private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WINSLOW M, THOMAS' COMPANV (D;. 
Winslow M. Thomas, captain, enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
James M. King, tirst lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
George M. Glea-on. second lieutenant; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Volnev M. Carter, first sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Stephen Adams, second sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 12, LSOI, at Ogdensburg. 
William W. Clark, third sergeant ; enrolled -Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogden.sbnig. 
Loren W, Tullcr, fourth sergeant ; enrolled Sept, 12, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Joseph Stephenson, fifth sergeant; enrolled Sept, 12. 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Tliuinius Ivers, first cor]«iral ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
David Robinson, second cor|siral ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Lorenzo Cramer, third eor|)oral ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wdliam W. Dawson, fourth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Willard R Witlierell. fifth corporal; enrolled .Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ozias Noble, sixth coi'lHjral; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Isaac S. Cramer, seventh corpornl ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Joseph Cidlon, eighth corpor.il : enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
John K. Gray, musician ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Sylvanus J. Titus, musician ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Allen, Asa, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Annis, Ge..rgc, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18(;l, at Ogdensburg. 
Ayres, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct, 10, 1801, at Ogdenshurg. 
Ayres, Martin, private; enrolled Oct. 10, I8i;l, at Og.lensbnrg. 
Bennett, George, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Dromaglin, Alexnmler, private ; eniollid .Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Brill, Nelson L., private; enrolbd Oct. 2, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Brill, Oliver P., private; enrolled Sept. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Bullock, William, private ; i moiled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Barnes, Horace, private: enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, al Ogdensburg. 
Billings, George, piivate; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Blown, John, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 18lil, at Ogdensburg. 
Brown, DouaW, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 



Cavenaugh, James, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18GI, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Clark, George It., private ; enrolled .Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensbnrg. 
('ardinell, Franklin, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensbnrg. 
Cardluell, John, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Carjienter, Geo., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Carpenter. Noah, privat- ; enrolle I Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Comstock, Lewis E., priv.ite; enrolled Sept. 12,1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
(.'olton, James, private; enrolled Sept. 12, l8Gl,at Ogdensburg. 
Casey, Thos., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Cole, Jas. M., private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Daniels, Leander, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1801, at (Jgdenshurg. 
Eries, Wni., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Flack, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fnrgerson, Milo, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Knrgerson. Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Kurgerson, Israel, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Gleason, Luke, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Geer, .\aron, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 18GI, at Ogdensburg. 
Gavlin, Michael, private; etirolled Sept, 12, 1801, at Ogdensioirg, 
lloll'mau, Nicholas, private; enrolled Sept, 28, I8GI, at Ogden>bnrg. 
Havens, Wright, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Hutchinson, Richard, private; enrolled Oct. 2, I80I, at Ogdensburg. 
Harmer, John, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1, at Ogdeio-biirg, 
Harris, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. IG, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Lamphear, Edwin, private: enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, ut Ogib-nsbiirg. 
Lillie, Joseph N., private; eltrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Lawrence, Manson, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Lawtou, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 
Lawton, Wm., piivate; enrolled Sept. 12, I8Gi, at Ogdensburg. 
Lawson, Gates S., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
King, George W., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ktuipp, Solomon, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 18GI, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Manchester, Gordon S., priv.ite; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Mc.\lla8ter, Jesse, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Morgan, AsaG., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1, at Ogdenshurg. 
Miller, Moses, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Makee, W'illiam, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensbnrg. 
Merihew, Chas. B., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Merrihne. Valentine, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Moore. Jerome D., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at ( Igdelisburg. 
Morrill, (;bas. B., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Nelson, Edward, piivate; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogden>burg. 
Nelson, Robt,, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogden.ibnrg. 
Norman, Silas C. F., private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
North, Norman, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 
(.lliver, Wesley, private; enrolled Si-pt, 12, 18GI, at Ogdensburg. 
I'latney, Oliver L., private; enrolled Sept. 12. 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Palmer, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Rockwell, Levi, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Bice, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1,atOgd.'nsburg. 
Richards, Samuel E., lirivate ; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Reed, Edgar, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Heed, Livingstone, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 18G1. at Ogdensburg. 
Scott, Philo, private ; enrolled Se(it. 12, ISOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Streeter, James, private; enrolled Sept. 12. ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
.Staftbrd, .labez, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Safford, George, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at (.Igdensburg, 
Taylor. Richard, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Triiniblee, Wm,, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Tupper, Sylvester, jirivnte; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Wells, Abniham, private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Wells, George, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wells, Joel, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, nt Ogdensburg. 
Wirt, .\lliert, private; enndled Oct. 2, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Wood, Silas, private; en rolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Wellington, Saml. A., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Wetherel, Darius B., private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
W.Ils, Constant, private; enrolled Oct. 2.5, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Bach, Enos, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Robinson, David, private; enrolled Oct. 16. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Gleason, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. HYDE'S COMPANY (E). 
Wm. H, Hyde, captain ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
P. Shelly Sinclair, Ist lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at ( igdensburg. 
Hosea C. Reynolds, 2d lieutenant; enrolled .Sept. 10, 1801, at I igdensburg. 
Myron D. Stanley, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 1(1, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Joseph How, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Loreston Fellows, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wm. Park, sergeant; enrolled Sept. HI, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
James O. Ravmond, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 19, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Henrv N. Page, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Emol"y A. Thompson, cor|Muiil; enrolled Sept. 2,i, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wm. H. Kimpton, corporal; .■nrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
William II. lieiitley, corporal : enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Page, M, Evins. corporal ; enrolled Sept. 2!), 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Henjamin F. Peiigo, corporal ; enndled Sept, 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg, 
Lewis E, Benware, cor|ior.il ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
John N, Ferris, corporal ; enrolled Sept, 10. 1861. at Ogdensburg. 
Allen, Hiram E., private ; enrolled Sept. 19, 1661. nt Ogdensburg. 
,\nnett, John, private ; enndled Sept. tb, ISOl, at Oiiib-nsbnig. 
Berry, James M , private ; ennilled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Buriis, Timothy, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Burns, James, private ; enrolled Sept, 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg, 
Barton, Levi J,, private ; enndled Sept. 1(1, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Bian.l, Albert L.. private ; enndled Sept. -Jo. 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Bigelow, Anson I)., private; elin.lled Oct. 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Briiyton. Job, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1Si;i, at Ogdensburg. 
Briggs, Allen, piivate; enndled Oct. 1, IsOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Bbike. William, private; enndled Oct. 29, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Curtis, Oliver, pr.vate; enrolled Sept. Hi, l.sol, at (igdensburg. 
Ciimflibl. Henrv F., private; enndled Sejit. 10, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Collins, Stepben, luivate; enndbd S.-pl. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Chiuie, Oliver, private; enndled Sipl 10, l.sid, at Ogdensburg. 
Cheanv, diaries, private; enmlb'd Sept. In, ISOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Coopv, Julius, private; eiimlbd Sept. 10, l.sOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Cheaiiy, George, private; enndbd Sept. Id, 1S61, at Ogilensburg. 
Call, John M., pnvate; enndbd Sept. 2 ■, ISGl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Cheneanvert Antome, private; eniolled Sept. 2(1, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Cornish, George G., private ; enndbd Sept. HI, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Chase, Horatio M., private; enndled Oct. 1, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Clark, Leonard, private; enndled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Cnriis, John, private ; enndled Sept. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Crocker, Marshall, private; enndled Oct. 8, ISOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Davenport, George II., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg, 
Doily, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. I.'i, 1861, nt Ogdensburg. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



489 



Esterbrook.s, William, private; eiiruUed Sept. 10, 1801, at 0Kil<-n8burg. 
Karl, Wm. 11. H., private; enrolled Sept. 25, ISlil, at Ojidtsiisbiii-p, 
Gage, Luther S., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Og<l«-n>lnirg. 
Gonia, Frank, private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISOl.at Ogdensburg. 
Gmves, Fayette, private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISOl, at O-^dcn^lmrg. 
Greeno, Lewis, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at 0;;(i<-ii-^l.iir';. 
Greeno, Joaepli, private- ; enrolled Sept. 10,1861, at U^ilfiisI.ur.L,'. 
Gallagher, Francis, private; enrolled Sept. 15, 1801, at o-idinrihurK. 
Gabrn, William, private; enrolled Sept. 2u, 18GI, at Osdeiisl.nrg. 
Goodrich, Zeb., private ; enrolled Sept. 20, 1801, at 0^<lcnsiMirg. 
Handley, James, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensbiirg. 
Hericlij', James, private ; enrolled Sept. in, l.Si'i], at <_);:dfij8biirg. 
Hinnian, Benjamin, private ; eTuolled Sfjit. i!0, isi;i, ut n;;densbnrg. 
Hoyt, Alfred, private; enrolled Sept. 'J", isOl, at ( l^deiisbnrg. 
Hathaway, Hiram J., private; enrolled Oct. 1, ISi'il, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Lee, Newell F., private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISfil, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Lee, Lewis L,, private; enrulied Sept. 10, 1801, atOt;il-.-nsburg. 
Low, Rnfus (J., private; enrolled Sept. 20. ISCa, at Ocd.'nsl.iiiK. 
Lamson, Tyler A., private; enrolled Sept. 10, isill, at Oy;d.iishiirg. 
Mooran, Barnard, private; enrolled Sept. 10, IHi'.], at Ogd'-ti^biirg. 
Melvin, Samuel P., private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at OgdeuKbnrg. 
Moony, John, private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Moreliead, William, private ; enrolled Sept. IG, 1861, at Oy;densbiirg. 
Mahar, Philip, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ou^lensbrir iz^. 
Mnlholland, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ou^dcnsbiirj.'. 
Mahan, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1801, at n;,'d('ti.sl)iirg. 
Mortlemer, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 29, 1801, at Otideiisbuig. 
Place, John, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
I'ark, Charles N., private ; enrolled Sept. 25. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Prairie, Oliver, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Place. Hiram, private ; enrolled Oct. 8, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Kamsdell, Robert, private ; enrolled Sept. lo, 1801. at Ojrdenaburg. 
Russell, Deforest, private; enrolled Sept. lo, 1^01. at n;.Mlensburg. 
Raustin, Theodore, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Riley. John, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Steiuberge, William, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
St. Antonie, Gilbert, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Somers, Austin, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Somers, Benjamin C, private; enrolletl Sept. l(t, istjl, at n^rl.-nsbnrg. 
Silsbee, James A., private; enrolled Sept. lo, ist.l, at (t^idniNburg. 
Sancomb, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 24, ISOI, at Ogdrn^lJurg. 
Smith, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Sabina, Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Smith, Gardner, private; enrolled Sept, 25, 18G1, at Otrdensbur^. 
Stanclitr, Rufua R., private; enrolled Sept. 25, 18t;i, at n-dmsbiirg. 
Skeels, William C, private; enrolled Oct. 8, 1801, at (l^'d.■M^bllIg. 
Sherdon, Michael, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at (tgtlensburg. 
Skiff, Alfred N., private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ot,'densburg. 
Taro, Frederick, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Thompson, Seth R. C, private ; enrolled September 25, 1801, at Ogdi'nsburg. 
Wasburn, George, private ; enrolled S.'ptember 10, 1801, at Ogdensbui-g. 
Wooil, Frank, private; enrolled Se|>hinbor 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Wiilcox, Alonzo H., private ; enrolbd Septeml)er 10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Willard, Charles D., private; enrolled September 25, 1861, at Ogdensbiiig. 
Weller, Henry G., private ; enrolled October 1, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wolohan, Benjamin, private ; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN THOMAS KLLIOTT'S COMPANY (F). 
Thomas Elliott, captain ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
John Delaney, 1st lieutenant; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Miltt.>n F. Spencer, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled September 7, 18G1, at Heuvelton. 
George B. Elliott, 1st sergeant; enrolled October 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Michael Nolan, 2d sergeant; enrolled September i;i, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Louis F. Carnathan, 3d sergeant; enrolled September 13, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Jay R. Fairbanks, 4th sergeant ; enrolled 18GI, at Ogdensburg. 
David W. Giffen, 5th sergeant ; enrolled September 7, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
John M. Warden, coi-poral ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvtdton. 
James R. Fitield, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Daniel W. Smith, corporal ; enrolled September 15, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Elislia R. Turner, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Jacob Schuyler, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 18G1, at Heuvelton. 
John C. Hydron, corporal ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
James Conklin, corporal ; enrolled September7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Edward Donnally, corporal; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
William P. Hulett, musician ; enrolled October 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Mortimer Stevens, musician ; enrolled October 7, 18C1, at Heuvelton. 
Matthew Leonard, wagoner: enrolled October 24, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Adamrf, W. John, private ; enrolled September 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Adrian, Hugh, private ; enrolled September 8, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Ames, Lucas B., private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Allen, Ira, private; enrolled October 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Bagiitt, Joseph, private; enrolled September 7, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
Boyd, Thomas, private; enrolled September 7, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
Barker, William J., private ; enrolled September 7, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
IJiiyett, Louis, private ; enrolled September 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Bayett, Stephen, private ; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensbuig. 
Barber, Alvin, private; enrolled October 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Besi-tt, Joseph, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861. at Ogdensburg. 
Clark, J'din G., private ; enrolled S'-ptember 7, 1861, at Houvelton. 
(Chilton, James B., private ; enrolled September 7, ISGl, at Heuvelton. 
Oozins, Clark, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Cozins, Carlton B., private; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Cleland, William, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at 0;;diMi8burg. 
CIcland, George, private; enrolled October 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Chamboi-s, Thomas, private; enrolled October 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Chambei-s, James, private ; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
C^iffee, Anthony, private; enrolled September 12, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Donnelly, Edward, private; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogiiensburg. 
Dt)wn8,.(ohn W., private; enrolled September 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Downs, Hannibal, private ; enrolled September 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Daniels, Harvey, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensbvirg. 
Dinham, Adam, private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
E;:;ileston, James, private; enrolled September 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fredingburg, Russell, Jr., private; enrolled October 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Farmer, Brayton, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Flannegan, John, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogd'-nsbnrg. 
Flanufgan, Hugh, private; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Flask. Harrison, private; onrolh^d October 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Giiilloil, Martin, private; enrolled September 7, 18GI, at Heuvelton. 
Gordon, William H., private; enrolled September 12, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Grimshaw, John, private; enrolled September 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Gibbons, Patrie, private; enrolled October2. 1H61, at Ogdensburg. 
Gotham, John, private; enrolled October 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
(Iiiild. William A., private; enrolled October 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
liratb, Hi-nry K.. private; enrolled September 12, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Heath, Sylvanua, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

62 



Hii%'ctirt, llfiiry, l>rivutc; uiirtillcil St-pti-iiiWr 12, ItSOl, n\ Og'Jf-ilslnirK. 
Hiivcn*t(»rk, Cliiirlir-s A., private ; cnroUod OctolM-T 2, ISf.l, Ht tlgdciislmrg. 
J['-iui, MoH<'8, priviiti-' ; oiij-oll'-.l s<-|jtfiiil»or 7, IxiJl, sit Meuvt-lton. 
KL'llifton, .ftihn, piiviitf ; ciumIIimI iirtnb»T24, ISO!, Jit Ogil'jnslnirg. 
Kf>-8P, John, privjitf ; •■iin>ll.-.I Oit"hcr VI, ISO], at Ogtli'iislmrg. 
K<-nru-(iy, John, private ; eiirullt'd uctola-r 14, IKOl. at Ogilen.sburg. 
McDonald. William, pi-iviit«; enroUt-d Octoltt-r 12, ISOl, at ()gden«biirg. 
Mahony, I'eter, private; enrolled St-ptemlier 7, 1801, at ilcnvi^lton. 
Mill, Joanes M., private; enrolh-il Sejiteniher 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Murphy, .lames, private ; enrolled October 20, 1861. 
Prouse, Fred. W., private ; enrolled September 7, 1801, at lienvelton. 
Prnner, Alexander, private ; enridb-.l .-^i-ptemlier 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Palmer, Henry S.. private ; enrolle.i Seiit'-mlter 12, 1801, at Ogiien-^burg. 
Pa.\e, John F., private ; enrolled Septeniber T, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
Robinson, James, private ; enrolled October 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ryon, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, Istll, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Reava.", John, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 18(51, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Rei<l, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Beilley, Francis, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Reise, Clark S., private; enrolled Sept. 12, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Stephens, Hiram, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
Sunfu, Antoine, private ; enrolled Sept. 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Santo, Charles, private; enrolled .Sept. 1, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
Stewart, George, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Stewart, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Sayers, George, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Stone, Newton, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Stork, Ira, private; enrolled Oct. .3, 1801, at Ogiiensburg. 
Spring, Matthew, private ; enridled Oct. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Smithers, Albert, private; enrolled Sept. 7, 1801, at Heuvelton. 
Thayer, Elisha, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Thompson, Henry, private; eni-olled Oct. G, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Turner, Dana, private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1801. 
Wright, John, private; enrolled Sept. 7, 1861, at Heuvelton. 
W'alrath, Albeit, private ; einolb'd Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
W'aymouth, Charles, private ; enrolled Sept. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN HUGH SMITHS COMPANY (G). 
Hugh Smith, captain ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid, 
(irson M. Foot, first lieutenant ; enrolled .Sept. 11, 1801, at >ladrid. 
John Dundon, Jr., second lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861. at Madrid. 
Matthew Johnson, first Ber,:eant; enrolled Sept. 11. 1801, at Madrid. 
Cornelius Foot, second sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
.\ndrew J. Lomiss, third sergeant; enrolled Sept. 10, ISOl, at Camp Wheeler. 
Solon R. Bird, fourth sergeant; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Dennis G. Seeley, filth sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid. 
Gardener How, first corporal ; enrolled Sei)t. 11, 1801. at Madrid. 
W^illiam Miller, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid. 
Charles Horton, third corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Lyman Wilson, fourth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
James E. Miller, fifth corporal; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Charles E. Dana, sixth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, .at Madrid. 
James T. Merzs, seventh corporal ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Charles Thompson, eighth corponil ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1S61, at Madrid. 
John R. Welsh, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Adams, Albert, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Arney, John, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 18C1, at Camp Wheeler. 
Algnard, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Boyce, William G., private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Boland, John, private ; enrolled Sept. Iti, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Bordwell, Byron T., private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
ISremner, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Bromley, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Barnard, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Bird, Owen, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid. 
Borzee, Cliarles, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801. at Madrid. 
Curry, Alexander, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801. at Camp Whei ler. 
Caple, Marvin, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, Isoi, at Camp Wheeler. 
Corbino, Luis, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Corey, Samuel, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Corey, John, private; enrolled Sept. 16, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Champion, George, private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Dundon, Patrick, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Dano, Joseph H., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Darfsee, Napoleon, private; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Doran, Edmund, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Forley, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Camp W'lieelcr. 
Grant, George, private; enrolled Sept. 11, ISOl, at Madrid. 
Grant, Norman, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Gardener, Louis, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Graham, .\rcliibald, piivate; enrolled Oct. .5, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Hatch, John C, piivato; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Hed.ling, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Hepburn, Arthur, private; enrolled Oct. 7, ISOl.at Camp Wheeler. 
Isiier, .\dolphus, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at Madrid. 
Johnson, Isiuic, private; enrolled Sept. 10, ISOl, at Camp Wheeler. 
Johnson, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Jordin Wm. C, Jr., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Keenan, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, ISOl, at Camp Wheeler. 
l.avier, George, private ; e;irolled .Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid. 
Ly tie, Albert E., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, ISOl, al Camp W'hcelcr. 
Lvlle, George, jirivate; enrolled Sept. 10, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Liiyhery, Hinun A., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Lewis, W. Clinton, private; enrolled .Sept. 21, 1861, at Cauip Wheeler. 
Lauway, Louis, private ; enrolled Oct. I'.l, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Lockwood, Kdward L., private ; enrolled .Sept. II, ISOl, at Madrid. 
Me.id, Hiram, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, ISOl, at Madrid. 
Mnrrv, Felix, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1861, at Madrid. 
McNemarni.John, iirivate ; enrolled Sept. Ill, ISCI. al l^imp W heeler. 
McNelnarra, Robert, private ; ermdhil Oct. la, 1801, at Camp W heeler. 
McClond, Norman, private; i-nrolled Sept. 10, 1801, al Cimp Wheeler. 
McDowell, Henry, private ; enrolled .Sept. -.'l, 1801, at Camp \\ heeler. 
McC:abe,Tlionnis, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, al Camp Wheeler. 
McXallev, John, private; eurolkd Oct. 2l, 1861, nl Camp Wheeler. 
Miller, Datus, private ; enrolled .Sept. 2'J, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Morrison, Danfoni, private ; enr.illed Sept. 2H, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
Miller, Samuel, private ; enrolled Oct. l,"i, 1861, at Camp Wheeler. 
M.vres, Simon, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Nichols, Benjamin, private; enrolled Sept. IS, 1801, at Camp XHieeler. 
Olney Edward J., private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, al Mailrid. 
Onev, Leonard, private ; enrolled Sept. IS, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Ries, George R., private; eniolbd Sept. II, 1801, a* Madrid. 
Rickev, llomce, jirivate ; enrolled Sept. H, 1861, at JIadrid. 
Roice,' Albert, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1801, at JIadrid. 
Riisin, Lonis, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, l>l-\. at Macrid. 
Sanndere, Oliver W., private; enrolled Sept. 11, Isol, at Madnd. 



490 



IIISTOKY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



SlKinnoti, Ilriirv, private ; cnrulli-ii Scjit. Is, lsci,iit Cniiip Wlit'ck-r. 
Sliii«-ii, Ashl<'_v,"piivat*' ; <-ninil.-.I Si-pt. IS, isr.l, iit Camp WhiM^tT. 
Sntt.in, AUioi't, priviitc; enri'lIcHl Si-pt. IK, ISt'.l, iit (_'»inp Wliecler. 
Smith, Koliurt, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Camp Wlu-eler. 
Short, Tht.H. C, private; enrolletl Oct. 18, 18(>1, at Ciimp Wheeler. 
Turner, Uuph, private; enitilled Oct. 5, iHlil, at Camp Wheeler. 
Toinlinson, John, private; enrolled Sept. 10, IKI'.I, a( Cnniji Wheeler. 
Taylor, Benjamin F., private; enrolled Sej.t. 10, 1801, at Camp Wheeler. 
Turner, llt-nry C., private; enrolled Oct. 24, ISOI, at Camp Whiclcr. 
Wilson, Lroiiaid, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, INOI, at Ciunp Wli^rk-r. 
Wait, John S., private ; enrolled Sept. IS, iSOl, at Ciimp Whr.lir. 
Whitney, Kphraim, private; enrolled Oct. 2;t, isoi, at ('am|. Wiirrlcr. 
Woodley, James K., private; enrolled Sept. 24, isoi, at Canip Whcider. 
Wooniaek, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, isoi, at (\uiip Wiii-rlcr. 
Wright, Kphraim L., private; enrolled Oct. 2, isr.l, jit Ciuiip Wheeler. 
WilHon, Ale.\andor, privuto; enrolled Oet. 17, isoi, at Canip Wheeler. 
Welsh, Teter, private; enrolled Oet. 23, 1801, at Catnp Wherh-r. 
Ward, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. IC, IHOI, at Camp Wheeler. 

CAPTAIN JAMES M. RANSOM'S COMPANY (II). 
Janie.-* M. Itanaom, captain; enrolled Sept. 21, 18G1, at 0;;den8bnrjr. 
Loring E. White, Ist lientonant; enrolled Sept. 21, 18G1, at Ogdenshurt;. 
Mareellns L. Fitch, 2d lientenant ; enrolled Sept. 21, IfeOl, at O^densburg 
('haa. 11. Dickinson, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 21,1801, at Ogdenwlnirg. 
John Ingmni, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 21, isOl, at OgdtMislmrg. 
John C. Stearns, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 14, l.soi,at Ogdensliurg. 
P. H. Brockway, sergeant; enrolled Oct 14, ISOI, at Cgdenslmrg. 
Wm. H. Finch, seigeant; enrolled Sept. 21, isoi, at Ogdenslnirg. 
John McAvoy, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
llannon Wilson, corporal; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ot^denshurg. 
James Cox, corpoml ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801. at Ogdenshnrg. 
Jacob H. Wisher, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Bennett Gannon, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ojidensbnrg. 
John Maglone, corpoml ; enrolled Sejit. 21, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Alexander F. Ilnlibell, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 21, iSOl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Amos G. Luther, corporal; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Wm.T. Masnry, innsician ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdensbuig. 
Geo. W, M. Masnry, musician ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Alvah S. Howes, wagonei;; enrolled Sept. 21, ISOI, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Ayres, Philetns, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, ISOI, at Og.lLiisbnrg. 
Aller, Alfred L., private ; enrolled, Sept. 21, IsGl, at Og-h.-nshnig. 
Ackerson, Paniel M., private; enrolled Sept. 27, Isoi, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Blanchard, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensbni'g. 
Brooks, Renj. F., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801. at Ogd'nshnrg. 
Buckman, Hiram 11.. private ; enrolled Seitt. 27, 1801, at Ogdenahurg. 
Barcomb, Tousant, private ; enrolled Sei)t, 27, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Bruce, Wni., private ; enrolled Sept. 30, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Bond, Lester M., private; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Bully, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogden.sburg. 
Baker, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 22, ISGl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Clark, Wm., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Curtis, Chaa., private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, atOgdensburg. 
Chase, Robt. A., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Cain, James, i)rivate ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg, 
Pixon, Rollin, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Dnkett, Edward, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Davis, Alvey, private ; enrolled Oct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Denacore, Michael, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Ehare, David, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Guinnuss, Arnold W., private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
GuinnuBS, Andrew A,, private ; enrolled < irt. IS, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Huckins, John A., private ; enrolk-d Seiit. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
llayward, Moses M., private ; enrolled Sept. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
llayford, Jesse, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, ISOl, atOgdensburg. 
Harding, Washington C, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Heuel, Paul, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Harbison, Frederick, private; enrolled (»ct. 17, ISGl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Kirby, Thaddeus, i)rivate; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Kelly, Martin, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Lasua, Silas, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Long, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Lalountain, William, private; enrolled Sept. 21, ISCT, at Ogdensburg. 
Lezutt, Baptist, private; enrolled Sept. 21, isoi, at < igdirisburg. 
Long, Samuel, private; enrolled Oct, 7, isiil, at (Igduiisburg. 
La Blue, Alexander, private; enroll.d Sejit. 21, isdl, at O^iiiTisburg. 
Lavanway, David, private ; enrolhii S<-pt. 27, ISOl, at f 'gdmshnrg. 
Lapage, Alfred, private ; enrolled Oct. 7, l>iOl, at Ogdrn^bnig. 
Lafounlain, Oliver, private; enrolled Oct. 21, isoi, at (.'gdensburg. 
Moss, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Moss, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Miller, Frederick, private; enrolled Srjit. 21, isijl. at Ogdmshnrg. 
Myers, Henry, private; enrolled Sept. 21. isr.l, at Ogdin>bnrg. 
Mayo, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 30, isoi, at Ogdensburg. 
Halhinch, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 11, 1801, at t)g<leiishurg. 
Monett, George, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Ogdi-nsburg. 
Megin, James, jirivate; enrolled Oct. 16, 18Gl,at Ogdensburg. 
Nichols, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Nichols, David, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Neill, James, private ; enrolled Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
O'Connell, John, private; enrolled Sept. 21, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Pti-ssenay. Solomon, private; enrolled Sei)t. 21, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
Porter, Edwin H., private; enrolled Sept. 21, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Powers, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 21, IsOl, at Ogiiensbnrg. 
Ploof, George, private; enrolled Si-pt. 27, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Pray, Albert H., private; enrolh-d (tct. 11, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Pickle, John, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Premo, Benjamin, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Rider, Siilney, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1S61, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Rubadeau, Micliael, jirivate; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Rubadeau, George, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Rogers, Andrew, i)rivate; enrolled Oct. 17. 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Rogers, James, private; enrolled Oct. 23, ISOI, at Ogdensburg. 
Stone, Joseph, i)rivato; enrolled Oct. 11, isoi, at Ogdetisbnrg. 
Stacy, Percy, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Tees. William, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Trndell, Bosstdl, ]»rivate; enrolled Sei)t. 21, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Thnrbt.'r, James H., private; enrolled Sejit. 24, 1S61, at Ogdetisbnrg. 
Tryon, Myron M., private ; enrolled Sept. 27, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Tnmer, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1861, at Ogdensburg, 
I'pton. William, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
l'l)ton, Edward, ]»rivate ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogtlensburg. 
Vanghan, Albert, private; enrolled Sept. 21, 1801, at Ogdensbuig. 
Wilst>n, Alh-n, private; eni-olled Sept. 21, 1861, at Og<leu»burg. 
Wills, Channcy, private; enrolled Sept. 21, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
White, James E., jirivate; enrolled Sept, 27, 1S61, at Ogiiensbnrg. 
Weh b. Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, lSi;i. at Ogdeu.-bnrg. 
Witlierell, George, jirivate; enrolled Oct. 23, iSOl, at Ogdensburg. 



CAPTAIN JESSE II. JONES' COMPANY (I). 
Jespe H. .lojies, captain ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdeiit-hnrg. 
Gny llogaii, first lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 24, iso], at Ogdensburg. 
Koilin C. (lale, second lieutenant; enrolled Oet. 19, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
James Brown, sergeant; enrolled Sei)t. 24, ISOl, at Ogdenshuig, 
Edgar A. Ki^nt, sergeant ; enrolled Seid. 24, IMOI, at Ogrlenshnrg. 
Chauncey B. Wood, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at ()gdensluirg. 
Fred lloxsie, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdi-nsbnrg. 
Jarvis P. Blount, sergeant ; enrolled Oct, 14, isoi, at (tgdensbnrg. 
Joseph King, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, ISO], at Ogdenshnrg. 
Tlmmas J. Steams, corporal; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogih'iisbnrg. 
Charles (irey, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdi-nshnrg. 
William Leahy, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 180], at Ogdenshnrg. 
Kied. S. Winslow, corjioral ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Nelson Daggett, corjioral ; enrolh-d Sept. 24, isoi, at Ogrlenshnrg, 
Trunnin Handin. corpoial ; enrolled Sept. 24, IHOI, at Ogdensburg. 
Lewis Peck, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdeuhhnrg. 
Sanf<u-d Bhusdell, fifer; enrolled Oct. o, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
William W. Knowlton, dniinmer; enrolled Oct. 19, l80I, at Ogdensburg. 
Edgar Curtis, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at ()gden.shurg. 
Bashaw, Joseph, private ; enioUed Sept. 24, ISOl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Bashaw, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 24, ISOl, at Ogdenshurg. 
Blaisdell, Addison, private; enrolled .Sept. 24, isoi. at Ogdenshnrg. 
Baines, Jonathan A., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 18(11, at 0-<lensburg. 
Babcock, Laban, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogden-hurg. 
lirownsoii, James M., private; enrolled Sept. 24, Isol, at o^^den-hnrg. 
Curtis, William H., private; enrolled Sept. 24. 1801, at Ogih nsbnig. 
Courtney, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, LsOl, at Ogden-*huig. 
ChaftL-r, Charles P., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at U;:densbMrg. 
Chatter, Nelson J., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdenshuig. 
t'nrlis, Lyman P., i)rivate; enrolled Oct. If), 1861, at Ogden>hnrg. 
('base, Nathaniel P., private; enrolled Oet. lf>, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Dei'arr, David, private; enrolled Sept. 24, ISOl, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Oagg. tt, George W., private ; enrolled Oct. li>, isoi, at Ogdensburg. 
De Carr, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. ii, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Oavis, Henry N., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, l8(il, at Ogdensburg. 
Eldiidge, Edwin, private; enrolled Oct. '», 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Kiske, Aaron, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdetisbnrg. 
Fiske, Bateman, private; enrolled Sept. 24, iSOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Fiske, Rufus, private; enrolled Sept. 24, iSOl, at ttgiletishnrg. 
Flandei-s, Richard, private ; (■nr._tl]ed Sept. 24, isoi, at Ogdenshuig. 
Forbes, Samuel, private; enrolled Se|4. 24, isi;i, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Fairfield, Antoine, piivate ; eniulleil Sept. 24, Isfil, at ogiiensbnrg. 
Griffin, Levi C, private ; enrolled Sept. 2S, l.siil, al Og-b-nsburg. 
Cray, Francis L., private ; enrolled (.»ct. 23, ISO], at Ogdenshnrg. 
llai ts'-n. Palmer, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Holmes, Nelson, private; enrolled Sejit. 24, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Harvey, Jonathan, private; enrolled Oct. .'i, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Humphrey, Wesley, jirivate; enrolled Oct. 12, 1801, at Ogdi-nsbnrg. 
Johnson, Follett, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, isoi, at Ogdensburg. 
Kimball, Htdlis D., i>rivate; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Kirby, Charles, private; enrolled. Sejit. 24, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Lealiy, Dennis, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdenshuig. 
Le Brake, Samuel, i)rivate ; enrolled Oct. 7, 1861, at Ogdenshuig. 
Larama, Andrew, jirivate ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1801, at Ogiiensbnrg. 
Malia, Patrick, private; enrolled Oct. b, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Morgan, William, private; enrolled Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
McCarty, Timothy, private ; euroUed Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Mur|.hv, William", private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, al Ogdensburg. 
Murphy, Thomas, private ; enrolled Sept, 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
McDonald, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1801, at Ogdenshui g. 
McCauslin, William, private; enrolled Oct, 12, 1801, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Meachara, Washington, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Nash, Darius A,, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Nobles, Judson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Pease, Chauncey O., private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Pease, Cyrus, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Poquet, James, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg, 
Peck, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 18iil, at Ogdensburg. 
Pease, Nelson, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
IVttes, Richard It., private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801. at Ogdenshnrg. 
Qnagin, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, atOgdensburg. 
Kendngton, Horace, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Rising, Julius, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Reagan, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 24, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Slieild, Lytnaii M.. private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Sanlord, Cbaries, juivate ; enrolled Oct, 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Shampine, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Sheldon, Philo, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Smitli. Henry J., private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Sweeney, John, laivate ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Shampine, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Townsend, Amasa R., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, isoi, at Ogdensburg. 
Tyner, Richard, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Whitman, David P., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Waist, Charles E., private ; enrolled Sept. 24, ISGl, at Og.lensburg. 
Wood, Angus, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
W'ard, Myron, private ; enrolled Sept. 24, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
Whitman, Hiram, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wilbur, George, private; enrolled Sept, 3(), 1S61, at Ogdenshnrg. 

CAPTAIN ABEL GODARDS C03IPANY (K). 
Abel Godard, captain; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Richville. 
Henry C. Eastman, first lientenant ; enndled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
.\bner B. Shipuian, second lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1861, at Richville. 
Edward A. Rich, first sergeant; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Richville. 
John S. Parker, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
James E. Kclsey, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
John C. Conlin, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 14. 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
John Dwane, sergeant; enrolled .Sept. 2o, isOl, at Ogdensimrg. 
Jcdm It, Mills, corpoi-al ; enrolled Sei^t. 9, iSOl, at Richville. 
Wm. M. Ludd, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1S61, at Richville. 
Ehenezer Peck, third corporal; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdenshnrg, 
Martin H. Haywood, fourth corporal; enrolled Sept. 14, l.s61. at o-denshutg, 
George Newell, fifth corporal; enrolled Sept. 14, isOl, »t Ogden.sburg. 
Daniel R. Freennin, sixth corporal ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at ttgdensburg. 
Artemas Steenberge, seventh corporal; enrolled Sc])t. 14, 1861, at Ogdenshur; 
Henry A, Parker, eighth coriwral; enrolled Oct. 5, isOl, at Ogdensburg. 
diaries P. Davis, musician ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1S6I. at Richville. 
Gideon W. Ellis, musician • enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Josejih Preston, teamster ; enrolled 1861, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Aldous, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861. at Ogdensburg. . 
Angus, J(din, private; enrolled Sept. 14. 1861. at Ogth-nsi urg. 
AuMin. Jared, private ; enrolled Oct. 5, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Balon, Sylvester, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Barker, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 9, isoi.at Rieliville. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWKKNCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



491 



lt:irriliart, Klij.ih, private; iMiroIloU Sept. 25, ISGI, at Ugileii.sbiirg. 
liliiticliarJ, Eiiliii, private ; enruUed Oct. 5, 18G1, at Ogiit'ii^Iturg. 
Uullin, MarimiH, private; enrolk-d Sept. 9, IKGI, at Uiclivillc. 
IJowLMi, John, private ; eiirulled Oct. 5, IisOI, at Ogdensbiut,', 
Buttles, Hiram W., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, ISGl, at Ujidcnsburj;. 
linice, AUeti, private; eiirulled Sept. 14, IsGl, at Ogdcnsbtirj;. 
linice, Orlin 0., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at U^deiisbing. 
Boyed, Robert, private ; enrolled Oct. 3(1, 18G1, at OgdcnsbniK. 
C;wlle, Henry A., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, ISGI, at 0;;^lell^;l-u^g. - 
Catura, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1S61, at Ogdi-nsburg. 
Chajiin, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, IHGl, at O^dciisbiirg. 
Corlin, James, private ; enrolleil St-pt. i'l, ISGt, at ()gdfiisbiirg. 
Clurrier, Israel, private; enrolled Sepl. 11, 18G1, at Oudeusburg. 
Chambers, Harvey, private ; enriilbMl Sfpt. 14, 1801, at Ogiiensburg. 
i'liaiiiliers, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1S61, at Ugdeiisbiirg. 
Cletliii, Oscar, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGl, at Ogdensbiirg. 
(■raufurd, Levi, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
(■urrier, Hngh, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Dantou, Ozro C., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Kicbville. 
Boarn, Sinieou, private; enrolled Sept. 2o, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Duffy, Francis, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Daily, R. l\. private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Daniels, Benjamin K., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Daniels, Alphonzo, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ellis, W. Peter, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Erson, John, private; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Fields, James F., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, ISGl, at Richville. 
Fullett, E. R., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Force, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGI, at Ogdensburg. 
Forward, John L., private; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGI, at Ogdensbuig. 
Ford, Myron S., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Force, Curtis, private ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Grittis, Enoch P., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 18G1, at Richville. 
Glesison, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1801, at Richville. 
Gillin, Michael, i>rivate ; enrolled Sept. 14, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Gurley, Wifliam D., private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Hickey, 31ichael A., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Hicks, Samuel S., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
How, David H., private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogileiislmig. 
How, Webster L., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Harrington, Lorenzo C, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
lli'vwoud, Ephraini, private ; enrolled Oct, 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Hudson, Darwin A., private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
ilanli^, Leicester, private; enrolled Oct. 2, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Liskum, Wjishington, private ; enrolled Sept. 25,1861. at Ogdensbuig. 
Lun, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Luden, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
liunway, Joseph IL, private. 

Meachiim, Uuley E., private; enrolled Oct. 9, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Mayhew, Joshua, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Mason, Edmund, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Mniitt, Jusf|di, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Miller, William, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Mason, Lester, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Munson. Philo A., private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Miller, .Mexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGI, at Ogdensburg. 
Perry, John W., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Page, Frank S., private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Preston, Daniel, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Potter, Lewis, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Perry, James T., private; enrolled Oct. 19, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Rush, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Reed, Darwin, private; enrolled Oct. 2, ISGI, at Ogdensbuig. 
Rowley, H. B., private; enrolled Oct. 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Stewart, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
Stoddard, Sila-s, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Sullivan, John O., private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Sheldon, Harmon, private ; enrolled Sept. 14, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
SteTi-ns, John D., private ; enrolled Oct. 2, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Shauipine, Lewis, private ; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Ttipp, Russell, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Thomas, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1S61, at Ogdensburg. 
Wheelock, Gideon S., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wakefield, Wm. N.. private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
White, Orriu, private ; enrolled October 19, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Webster, Erastus, private ; enrolled October 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Whiting, George W., private; enrolled October 29, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

75TH INFANTRY. 
CAPTAIN LANSING PORTER'S COMPANY (I). 
Harris, George F., private ; enrolled November 2, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

78TH INFANTRY. 
CAPTAIN ALBAN B. BOTSFOUD'S COMPANY {(i). 
Allen, Albert, sergeant, enrolled October 12, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Clegg, Thomas, private; enrolled February 22, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Cuniist'iii, William, private; enrolled March 6, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
l);ivts, .luhu, private; enrolled February 22, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Fursvth, Wdliam, private; enrolled March 20, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Holbiook, George W., private ; enrolled January 3, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Kelley, Daniel, private; enrolleil JLirch 24, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Ladue, Edward, private; enrolled December 7, 1861, at t)gdcnsl>urg. 
O-tborn, Joseph IL, private; enrolled October 28, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Pelen, John, private; enrolled February 28, 18G2, at Ogilenaburg. 
Stockin, David B., private ; enrolled March 13, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Territt, Thomas, private; enrolled February 4, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Wilson, Edward, private; enrolled March 7, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Ward, JaniMH. private ; enrolled February 25, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Young, .Vlbert, private; c-nroUed March'7, lt:02, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM N. HALL'S COMPANY (U). 
Bushaw, John, private ; enrolled Nov<.niber 27, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 

86TH INFANTRY. 
CAPTAIN HENRY G. HARROWER'S COMPANY (FJ. 
Issacher Monrhoss, sergeant, enrolled October 8, WGl, at I,awrenceville. 
Warren Beeman, corporal, enrolled S.pteiiib.r 14, 1861, at Lawrencevillo. 
Edmund S.tevon9, corporal, enrolled O. t.ib.r 21, 1S61, at Lawreiiceville. 
Allen, Zeplmniah, private; enrolled September 14, isid, at Lawrencevillo. 
Adams, Joseph, private; enndled ttetobcr", ISlU, at Lawrenceville. 
Beeiuan, Cliarb-s, iirivate; enrolled .V-pteniber ll, 1861, al Lawrenceville. 
Brown, Lyman, private; enrolled September 14, ISOl, at Lawrenceville. 



Cooper, George Y., private; enrolled November 14, 1801, at Ljiwrenceville. 
Case, Charles, private ; eiiiolled Septi-mber 14, 1861, at Lawienceville. 
Cougden, John ('., private; enrolled (kiobor 7, 18G1, at Lawrenceville. 
Howland, Jeriune B., private ; enrolled October 2U, 1861, at Lawrenceville. 
Murdock, George, ])riviite ; enrolled October 1, I86I, at Lawrenceville. 
Phippen, Curtis, private; enrolled Septeuiber 21, 1861, at Lawrenceville. 
Phippen, Horace, private: enrolled September 26, 1H61, at Lawrencevillo. 
Page, John, private ; enrolled SeptembL-i' 11, 1801, at Lawrenceville. 
Page, Alvin S., private; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Lawrenceville. 
Rifle, Hiram, [invate ; enrolled September 14, ISGI, at Lawrenceville. 
Stewart, Edward, private; enrolled September 14, 1861, at Lawrenceville, 
Smith. William M. C, private; enrolled October 8, 1801, at Lawrenceville. 
Smith, Lafayette, private ; onrolbtd September 14, 1801, at Lawrenceville. 
Wright, William L., private; enrolled September 14, ISGI, at Lawrenceville. 
While, Simeon, private ; cni-olled September 20, 1801, at Lawrenceville. 
Warren, Lewis E., private ; enrolled October 24, 18G1, at Lawrenceville. 

92D INFANTRY. 

FIELD AND STAFF. 
Jonah Sanford, colonel, enrolled September 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lafayette Bingham, lieuteiiant-culunel, enrolled Dec. 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Thomas S. Hall, major, enrolled ISiil, at Potsdam. 
Charles P. Boswel), adjutant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cyrus 0. Hubbell. reg. iiiiarteininster, enrolled ttctober 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Henry Hewitt, surgeon, enrolled ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Mial R. Pierce, chaplain, enrolled November 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Chester S. Rockwell, sergeant-major, enrolleil October Id, lKGl,at Potsdam. 
William Z. Clark, (luartermaster-sergeant, enrolled Jan. 1, 1802, at Pidsdam. 
A. Brainard JlcCbesney, commissary-sergt.; enrolled (Jet. 22, 1801, at Poisduui. 
Albert Reynolds, hospitJil steward, enrolled October lU, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Wilton P. Crowley, drum-major, enrolled 1801, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN HIRAM ANDERSON'S COMPANY (A). 
Hiram Anderson, captain, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potadam. 
Richard F. Cleary, lieutenant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
E. L. Hobbs, lieutenant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
A. E. Howard, sergeant, enrolled October 10, ISIil, al Potsdam. 
E. G. Stowell, sergeant, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles P. Gray, sergeant, enrolled October 10, ISOl, at J'otsdam. 
51. C. Goodell, sergeant, enrolled November 11, 1801, at Potsdam. 
John Gray, sergeant, enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potadam. 
Charles A. Kirkham, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Pot.'^dani. 
Byron Dunage, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
I. A. Taylor, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1861, at Pot^dam. 
Adam Nimocks, corporal, enrolled October 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
O. P. Bauson, corporal; enrolled Oct. HMSGl, at Potsdam. 
Wm. Clark, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Geo. Barnes, corporal; enrolled Oct. 3o, 1801, at Potsdam. 
E. W. Kinney, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
John A. Alden, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Abraham P. Alden, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
A. M. Crowley, musician; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Allen, A. U.. private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potadam. 
Andrews, Fulton R., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bell, Solomon, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, ISOl. at Potsdam. 
Bellus, Chas. A., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Bu^h, George, private ; enrolled Oct. l(t, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bradshaw, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Beals, Edward M., private ; enrolled Oct. 22, ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Barnhart, Archie, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Champion, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Champion, John, private; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Carbines Chas., private; enrolled Oct. lO.lsoi, at Pots*lani. 
Carbino, Jos., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Carbino, Levions, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1S61, at Potpdam. 
Carter, Albert, private; enrolled Oct. 10,1801, at Potsdam. 
Carter, Wm., private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1861, at Potsdam, 
t^ark, Hugh, private: enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Clark, Hudson, private; enrolled Nov. 19, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Clark, Sidney, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Davis, Warren B., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Derricks, Francis, private, enrolled Nov. 7, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Doyle, Christopher, private; enrolled Oct. U>, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Du-mI Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Elliott, Henry H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Elliott, Ephraim, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Eager, Gerry, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Edmonds, Wm., private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Pot.-.dani. 
Farrell, Dennis, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsd;im. 
Fenton, Elihu, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801. at Potsiiam. 
Gillespie, Wm., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
(Jarrino, Lewis, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Garrino, Mazera, private; enrolled Nov. 20. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Goodell, Hollis M., private; enrolled Nov. U, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Goodidl WilberS., private; enrolled Nov. 11,1861, at Potadam. 
Gonyer, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hannegin, John, private; enrolled t^ct. 23. 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Hilliard, Elijah, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Holliday, Harvey, private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Holliday, Medad, private; oni-oUed Nov. 28. ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Howard. L. A., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hylainl Chas., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Jarvis, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10,1861, at Potsdam. 
Judd Wesley, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Johnson, Thos. H., private; enrolleil Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Johnson, Francis, private ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potedam. 
King Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. IM, 1861, at Potsdam. 
La Grave, Wm.. private ; enr.dled Oct H>, isoi. at Potsdam. 
La Grave, Kli, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGl. at Potsdam. 
La Grave, Dennis, private; enrolled Oct. id, 1801, at Potsdam. 
I^aJamb Anglice, private ; enrolled Nov 11, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Lockwoud. Alva B., private; enrolled Oct. Dv 1801, at Potsiiam. 
Lockwood, Alva G., private; enrolh-d N-.v. 19, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Larkey Jos.'ph, jtrivate ; enrolled Oct. lo. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Louckes, Wm.. private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lvon Horace H., private ; eni-olled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lyon, H.uner R.. private; enrolled Oct in, 1S61, at PotwlAm. 
Mansireld. D. U., private; enixdled Nov. 25, 1861, at Pot*Iam. 
Mansfield, David, private; eni-ollod Oct. 22. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Mansfield, Reuben, private; enndled Oct. in, ISGl, al Potsdant. 
Miller, Steph-n S., private; enrolleil Oct. 1». 18G1. at Potsdara. 
Mattice, Wm. G., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Polsilam. 
McDonnell. John, private; enndled Nov. 7. 1801, at Potsdam. 
McLean, Wm . private; enndli-d Nov. 11. isOI, at Potsdam. 
McEwon, Gci.rge, private; enrolled Oct. 1", ISCl. at Potsdam. 



492 



HISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



IMoiiso, MicJi;iol, private ; tuirolled Nov. 19, IStJI, at Potstlam. 
riiimlt-y, A. S., privato; unrullud Oct. 15, 1.S0I, at l'utsii:ini. 
Pruc, Josuph, privutu; enrolleti Oct. 22, IKOl, at I'utMiani. 
IJiiinell, Moses, privato ; enrulloii Oct. 10, 1S61, at I'utsiiam. 
Uichards, James II., privato ; onrollcd Oct. ID, 1801, at INttsiIiiin. 
Kuaai'll, Ito.val, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at l'ul.silaiii. 
UayriKimi, Sidney, privato ; enrolled Oct. 25, ISlil, at I'utMdaiii. 
Keod, John J., private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGl.at Potsdam. 
Reynolds, Patrick, private ; unrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potudam. 
Uiekard, Albert, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potedain. 
Stevens, Alexander, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18151, at Potsdam, 
Snow, \V. H. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, IHOI, at Potsdam. 
Tilden, T. O., privato; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Talcott, Marlon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Van Dyck, Aaron, privato; enrolled Nov, 11, 1861, at I'olsdam. 
Wait, Byron, private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
White, Thomas, privato; enrolled Nov. 19, ISGI, at Pot-sd:tm. 
Wilson, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN T. A. MERUIMAN'S COMPANY (B). 
T. A. Merriman, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles P. Boswell, lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Valorous S. Huntley, lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1H61, at Potsdam. 
Sylvester B. Partridge, second lieutenant ; enrolleti Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Itandolph C. Goodrich, sergeant; enrolled Jan. 1, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Franeis Clement, sergeant ; enrolled Jan. 1, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Andrew Michael, sergeant ; enrolh-d Jan. 28, 1802, at Put.-dam. 
liorenzo (iampman, sergeant; enrolled Jan. 10, 1S02, at Potsflam. 
Henry M. Scott, sergeant; enrolled Dec, 28, 1861, at Potsdiim. 
Nathaniel Stearns, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Wxsliington Lampman, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Karl T. Percy, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Alonzo Ivent, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
George G. Taggart, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861. at Potsdam. 
John Peltier, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Jeffei-son L. Sherman, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Samuel DoUoff, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at I'otadam. 
Sidney T. Hodge.s, musician; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kli Kent, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
BeektT, George W., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Blanchard, Anius O., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Belonga, Peter, privato; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Blow, Moses, private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bellows, Henry W., private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1801, at Potsditm. 
Bennett, Alexander D., private; enrolled Dec 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Billings, David S., private ; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bowhall, Nathan, private ; enrolled Dec, 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bushre, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Clark, George W., piivato; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Carpputer, Ilenry, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Carpenter, Warren, private ; enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Clark, Warren, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Coffee, Rufus, private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
I'iillins. Nicholas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
(A>nTien, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
I'uitin, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISOI, at Potsdam. 
Dame. John, private ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Dolloff, Wellington, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Downs, Nehemiah, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam, 
hrt-w, Levi, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1801, at Potsdam, 
[t.iuglas, John, private; enrolled Deo. 10, 1861, at Potsilam. 
Kiliidd, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Polsd;im. 
French, Noah, privato ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Garrano, Lewis, private ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Garrauo, Nazera, private; enrolled Nov. 26, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Geddes, Charles H., private ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1801, at Porsdam, 
Hubbard, William, ju-ivate; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Pott^dam. 
Huntington, Ira, privato ; enrolled Oct, 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
.Inlinson, Alexander, private; enrolled Dec. 31, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Knapp, Seth M., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lyman, Peter, privato ; enrolled Nov. 17, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Lampman, Peter, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lampman, Daniel, privato ; enrolled Oct. 10, IHOI, at Potsdam. 
Lavanway, Silas, private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lampman, Michaol S., private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Lewis, Orville B., private ; enrolled Dec. 6, 1801, at Potsdam. 
McCahe, John, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1S61, at Potsdam, 
Merrill, William S., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McCarty, Robert, privato; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Ptitsdiim. 
Pattee, Oliver T., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Pn't.Mrt, Israel, privato; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
I'rrliam, La Fayette, private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Parks, Josejdi M., private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Powers, William, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Pitts, Charles H., privato; enrolled Dec. 30, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Rol.liins, Kzra A., privato; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Robbins. George W., private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
R<'ed, Hiram, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Riges, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Spafford, Sidney, privato ; onrollrd Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Starks, Joel ]]., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Smith, John H., private; enrolled Nov. 0, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Sutherland, German II., iirivate; enrolled Dec. 2*1, 1861, at Potstlam. 
Titus, Lumas, private; enrolleti Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Trefron, Victor 11., private, enrolled Nov. 29, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Thaclier, Philo, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Wh.'tder, Alden H., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISiU, at Potsdam. 
Wokh, Michael, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Wni.i], Eihnnnd, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Washburn, John M.. private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
White, Ezcdviel, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Woods, Alfred, private; enrolled Dec. 20, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Young, Atmon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsilam. 
Young, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN C. A. BURNHAM'S COMPANY (C). 
C. A. Burnham, captain ; enrolled Oct 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
(i. S. Buttolph, first liontonaiit; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
James Pierce, second lieutenant; enrolled Nov. 14. 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Oscar W. Cutler, firet sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Henry Fuller, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsilam. 
Robert Philpot, sergeant; enrolleti Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Frank M. Hawley, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
S. B. French, surgt-jint ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles Lang, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
R. E. Spraguo, corporal; enrollod Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 



Kmniet Goodale, corporal ; enroll. -d Oct. in, ls61, at Potsdam. 
W. M. Welhvood, corporal ; enrollid Oct. 10, isOl, at Potsdam. 
John D. Benson, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1?*61, at Potsdam. 
Allen Bump, corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Harrison J. I'ierce, corporal ; enrolled Oct. l(t, 1861, at Potsdam. 
John Roche, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1801, at Potsdam. 
George Olmsted, musician ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Joseph Ilaren, musician ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Burnham, J. D., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Blant!, Alexander, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Bliss, Knos II., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Boukt-r, S. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Brownell, John, private; enrolled Oct. 28,.1861, at Potsdam. 
Ba-shaw, Davitl, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bump, Andrew, juivate; enrolled Nov. 5, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Beach, J. M., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bairett, Solomon, jirivate; enrolled Nov. 19, ISOl, at PotsdHDi. 
Barrett, Abiather, private; enrolled Nov. 19. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Braiinan, Kdwiti, private; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Banister, William, iirivate; enrolled Dec. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Clark, Kdwin, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Courier, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Crawford, G. W., private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Carhnow, Alexander, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, ls61. at Putsdam. 
Carlinow, Henry, private; enrolled Nov. 14, 1«61, at Potsdam. 
Carbnow, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Castler, Isaac L., private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Pt)tsdam. 
Carlisle, .\llen, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Douglass, Robert, private; enrolled Oct 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Deneen, John, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Potsdnm. 
Drown, Benjamin, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Daily, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Drake, Spolman, private; enrolled Dec. 26, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Estell, Samuel, private; enrolled Oct, 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Enslow, D. M., private; enrolled Dec. 22, 1861, at Potstlam. 
Fifield, Nathan, private; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Follott, Theodore, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861 , at Potsdam. 
Fish, Kelly, private ; enrolled Oct 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Griffin, George H., private; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Griffin, C. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Gilmore, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Green, Elias S.. private; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Genae, Ezra, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Howard, Allen C, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hartson, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hutchins, Dela van, private ; enrolled Oct, 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hnbbell, Freeman, private ; enrolled Nov. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Jones, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Johnson, Elijah, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kellison, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Leittlebrant, Wm., private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Pots-tam, 
Lavine, Nelson, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lawrence, George, private; enrolled Oct. 31, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Miller, Cliaih-s, iirivate; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, ;it Potsdam. 
Manor, Jus.-ph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISOl, at Pi>t>dam. 
Myers, Andrt-w, inivati--; enrolled Nov. 5, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Manly, Newton, private; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsilam. 
Miller, Levi, private ; eni"olled Nov. 13, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Maxham, C. E., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McGill, William, private ; enrolled Nov. 1, 1861, at Pot-sdam. 
McNulty, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 16, 1861, at Potsdam. 
BIyoi-8, Edwin, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Parmeter, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Potsdaai. 
Patterson, Abram, private ; enrolled Oct. 12, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Paige, Martin V., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Patterson, James, private; enrolleti Dec. 14. isi'd, :it Potsdam. 
Russell, N. F., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Putsdnm. 
Rexford. L. L., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 18(;l, at Potsdam. 
Roche, Dennis, private ; enrolled Dec. 1. 1S61. at Potsdam. 
Sullivan, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Stickney, Elon, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potstlam. 
Shoen, Ebenezer, private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Shoen, Israel, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Sloan, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Sullivan, Daniel, private; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam. 
White, Franklin, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Waste, E. 0., private ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Wood, Marshall, private; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
White, S. P., private ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Wood, .\lfred, privato ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at Potsdam. 
York, Daniel, i)rivate ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES R. KNOWLES* COMPANY (D). 
Charles R. Knowles, capfciin ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cyrus O. Hubbell, first lieutenant; enioUed Oct. 10, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Royal I. Whitney, first lieutenant; enrolled Nov. 3, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles B. Church, second lieutenant ; eniolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hobart R. Searle, first sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Potsdam. 
James B. McCabe, second sergeant ; enrolled t^ct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Lucien Wood, third sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles A. Mosher, fourth sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles H. Leonard, fifth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
H. II. Willey, first corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Daniel A. Packard, second coii)oral ; enrolleti Oct, 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Chas. W. Jordan, third corporal; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hiram D. Leonard, fourth corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Horace Lee, fifth corporal; enrollod Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
G. S. Cady, si.\th corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
George S. Thompson, seventh corporal ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
L, W. Gillott, eighth corporal ; enrolled Oct, 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
E. H. Smith, musician ; enrolled Nov. 18,1801, at Potsdam. 
Holland IMon ilt, musician ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Reuben Hill, wagoner; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Baker, William H., private ; enrollod Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Blanchard, Charles, iirivate ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Barnhart, William, private; enrolled Oct. in, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Ball, Wilson F., private; enrolled Nov. 3, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Colby, Myron, i)rivate ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Colby, Henry, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Collins, Henry, private; enrolled Oct. 1(>, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Courrior, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cady, S. D.. private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Collins, Norman, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cooi)ei', Joseph, private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Clinton, De Witt, private ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Chamberlain, C. E,, private ; enrolled Dec, 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



493 



Delameter, James, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Davis, Ira, piivate; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Pulj>d»m. 
Dewoy, Cwsar, private; enroMfd Nov. 18, 18ii2. at Pot.sdaiii. 
Drake, II., private ; eni"oIled Nov. IS, 18G1, at Putmlam. 
Di-ake, H. K., private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at P.-tsiliun. 
Eygabioad, Peter, private; enrolled Nov. 3, 1801, at l'i»t^*l:iin. 
Foot, James, private ; enrolled Oi't. 20, ISfJl, at PotsMaui. 
Green, Cortland, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, ISGI, at Potsdarii. 
Gnyette, Fi-ancia, private ; enrolled Nov. 1-1, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Guyette, David, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Glasa, Franklin, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Howe, Seymour, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Hare, Alva, private; enrolled Oct. lu, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hewitt, Ira, private; enrolled Nov. 3, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Johnson, William, private ; enrolled Dec. 5, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Kennedy, Stephen, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1801, at I'oisdam. 
Keeler, J. D., private; enrolled Nov. 20, 1801, at Putisdam. 
Lankey, Charles, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at i'utR<lam. 
Leonard, G. Q., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdiim. 
La Plauut, Augustus, private ; enioUed Oct. 19, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Linzey, Donjaniin, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Linzey, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 2G, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Loliell, Henry, piivate ; enrolled Dec. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Lyman, Peter, private; enrolled Dec. 3,1801, at Potsdam. 
Levis, 1). E., private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Levis, Albert, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
McMurray, John, private; enrolled Oct. 20, 1801, at Potsdtun. 
McKeniiey, \Vm. H., private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 18G1, at I'utsdaui. 
Merritt, Isaac, private ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1801, at l'ot*dam. 
Mardow, Jackson, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 18G1, at I'otsdani. 
fliilligan, J. R., private ; enrolled Dec. 18, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Norton, MattliLW, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Nichnl.s, Stei)ln'ii S., private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Osgood, Gi'iirge, private ; enrolled Nov. 13, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ormsby, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Pearson, H., private ; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Perkins, Albert, private; enrolled Oct. 23, ISOI, at Polsdam. 
Pool, Mahlon. private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801, at Pots, lain. 
Reynolds, Albert, private; enrolled Oct. 11, 1801, at Potsdatn. 
Roacli, Edward, private ; enrolled Dec. 19, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Samjison, H. K., private; enrolled Oct. 21, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Spears, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Selleck, W. D., private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Seabury, Smith, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Swift, John, piivate; enrolled Nov. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Speidel, Christian, private; enrolled Nov. 20, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Stone, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Pot.-<dani. 
Stone, Joseph, private ; enrolled Dec, 10, 18'U, at Pi-tsdain. 
Taylor, Norman, private; enrolled Oct. 23, ISGl, at Potxlam. 
Weston, J. D., private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Willey, Philo, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Putsdam. 
Walker, Luman, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Polsdam 
Willmarth, Charles, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Potsilam. 
White, Charles D., private; enrolled Nov. 18, 1801, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN THOMAS S. HALL'S COMPANY (E). 
Thomas S. Hall, captain ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Oassius H. Robinson, first lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Putsdam. 
Saxon J. Arnold, second lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
James S. O'Neil, first sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at P<itsdam. 
llollin J. Hall, second sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Charles H. Scott, third sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Henry R. Worthou, fourth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Jason Butler, fifth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 10, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Juhii Fuller, first corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, at Potsdam. 
Seymour U. Cornish, second corporal ; enrolled Nov. 21, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Aaron Blancbard, third corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hontce S. Ri(diards, fourth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Ira H. Sessions, filth corporal ; enrolled Nov. 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Wni. II. H. Bartlett, sixth corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam, 
('haiiii'-ey M. Hall, seventh corporal; enrolled Oct. 10, 1X01, at I'utsdam. 
\\ illiam G. Bates, eighth corporal; enrolled Oct. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles Suiitli, musician ; enndled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
.Vn^el Smith, musician ; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGl, at Polsdam. 
Pliilip llixl)y, wagoner ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Allen, Giles, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Allen, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Benjamin, Daniel H., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Blodgett, Andrew J., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Barkley, Simon, private; enrolled Oct. 28, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Barden, Humphrey, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cherry, John, private; enrolled Oct. 26, 1801, at Potsdam, 
t'lark, Wiltiara H., private; enrolled Oct 15, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Cambridge, Wm. A., private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam, 
t'lemens, Andrew, piivate ; enrolled Nov. 18, 18G1, at Potsdam, 
('rawford, Hiram, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at I'otsdam, 
Drawtime, Honry, private; enrolled December 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Dimick, Philo K., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Dusbam, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Duncan, James E., private; enrolled Oct. 11), ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Dusham, Jeremiah, private; enroUeil Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Dusham, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Pot-sdam. 
Dimick, Neill, private; enrolled Oct 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Duncan, Anson A., private; enrolled Dec. 4, 1801, at Pot^sdam. 
Gadban, John, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Gadban, Julius, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Galusha, Jerome, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 18G1. at Potsdam. 
Griffis, John, private; enrolled Oct. 31, 1S6I, at Potsdam. 
Greeubush, Frank, private ; enrolled Nov. 12, 18G1, at Potsdam, 
(libsmi, John C, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hai-don, Daniel, private; enrolled November 14, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Hall, Frank W., private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISGl. at Putsdam. 
Haniman, Thomas G., private; enrolled Nov. IS, iSOl, iit Potsdam. 
Hammond, John, private; enrolled Dec. 4, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Kingsbury, Darius, private ; enrolled Oct l-'i, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Kingsbury, Ira, private; enrolled Nov. 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Kingsley, Alpheus, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Kiugsley, Honry, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 18G], at Potsdam. 
Kingsloy, Simon, private; enrolled Nov. 23, ISOl, at Potaciam. 
Laid, George B., private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Long, James, private; enrolled Nov. IS, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Lring, William, private ; enrolled November 23, isOl, at Potsdam. 
McNamara, John, private ; enrolled October 16, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Mouty, William, private ; enrolled October 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Mooney, John M., private; enrolled Novemb''r 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Malamey, John, |irivate; enrolled Novend.ov is, I.SGI, at Potsdam. 



Melott, John, private ; enrolled Kovembor 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
i\litchell, Robert, private; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Putsdam. 
Morris, Hugh, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
N'-ntown, Louis, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
O'Neil. Barney, private; enrolled November 1, 1801, at Potsdam. 
O'Brien, ConiL-Iins, private; enrolled November D), 1861. at Put-dam. 
Pierce, Seymour B., private; enrolled October in, Is61. at Potsdam. 
Pierce, Mial R., private; enrolled (Ictober 10, iSOl, at Potsdam. 
Reynolds, Donald P., private ; enrolled October lu, 18G1, at I'otsdam. 
Reynolds, James, jnivate; enrolled October 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Russell, John, jirivate ; enrolled November 1, 1801, at Polsdam. 
Reynolds, William, i)rivale ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ryan. Richard, private; enrolled December 6, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Saunilei-s, AlbeM H., private ; enrolled December 14, 1801. at Potsdam. 
Smith, Edward, private; enrolled October 10, 1801, at Potsilam. 
Shuf'dt. David E., private; enrolled October 15, 1801, at I'otsdam. 
Smith, George L,, private; enrolled October 15, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Stienburgh, Alexander, private; enrolled November 18, Isoi, at Potsilam. 
Stienbiirgli, William, private; enrolled November 18, lsoi,at Polsdam. 
Sartwell, Solomon, private; enrolled December 2, 18G1, at Polsdam. 
Sartwell, Daniel W., private; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Stiles, Almon B., private; enrolled December 2, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Scutt, James, private; enrolled December 2, 1801, at Potsdatn. 
Schufelt, William, piivate; enndled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Stiles, James A., private; enrolled December 2, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Sanders, Darius, private; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Turner, Louis, private; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Turner, Warren, private ; enrolled December 2, 1801, at Putsdam. 
Varier, John, i)rivato ; enrolled October 10, 18GI, at Potsdam. 
Worthen, Charles, private ; enrolled October 10. 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Wilkins, Darius, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN ORANG. NEWTON'S COMPANY (F). 
Orang. Newton, captain ; enrolled October 15, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
B. H. Webster, 1st lieutenant; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Polsdam. 
Henry A. Munson, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Putsdam. 
W. D. Peck, 1st sergeant ; enrolled October 18, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Person Selleck, 2d sergeant ; eniolled October 15, 1801. at Pot-dam. 
L. B. Granby, 3d sergeant; enrolled November 22, 1861, at Pots'Iam. 
Samuel A. Gilleti,4th sergeant ; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Pot-dam. 
J. P. Nay, 5th sergeant ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Asa More, 1st corporal ; enrolled October 15, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
R. W. Collier, 2d corporal ; enrolled November 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
11. F. Swift, 3d corporal ; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Potsdam. 
T. L. Wilkinson, 4lh corporal ; enrolle 1 ( iLti>ber 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
T. J. Bloevers, 5th corporal ; enrolled October 15. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Milo Ober, 6th corporal ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Putsdam. 
UuHsell Smith, 7th corporal ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam 
T. E. McGibboii, 8th corporal ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Roswoll Nichols, fifer: enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
J. W. Fletcher, drummer; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Drake, Isaac, bugler ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Barlow, Levi, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Barlow, Eli, pi ivate ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bates, Jabcz P., private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at I'otsdam. 
Brink, Harry, private ; enrolled November4, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Ber^aw, Francis, private; enrolled November 18, 1861. at Putsdam. 
Blaisdell, Myron, private; enrolled December 3. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Coon, Thompson, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Dudy, David, private ; enrolled November 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Doughty, Henry S., private ; enrolled November 25, isiil. at Potsdam. 
Durands, Joseph, private; enrolled November IS, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Egin, John, private ; enrolled December 2, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Eldridge, Walter, private ; enrolled November 19, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Fossia, Joseph, private; enrolled October 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Field, Hiram, private; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Fletcher, Douglas, private ; enrolled November 30, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Ford, Malry, private ; enrolled October 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Frost, Leonard, private ; enrolled December 2, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Funia, Elias, private; enrolled Novendier 18, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Gibson, Nehomiab, private; enrolled October 1.% 1861, at Potsdam. 
Galbraith, John Henry, private; enrolled November 10, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Grandy, McKenzie, private; enrolled November 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Goodrich, T. A., private; enrolled December 3, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Goodrich, D. A., private ; enrolled Decend)er 3, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Huntly, Columbus, private; enrolled November 21, 1801. at Potsdam. 
Irish, Millard F., private; enrolled Oct. 28, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Irish, Vilas E., private; enrolled Nov. 10, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Jones, Vranous, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, ISGl, at Potsdam. 

Kimpton, William N., private; enrolled Oct 15, 1861, at Potsd.am. 

Kimball, T. L., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Kellogg, .\lbert, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Kingslev, C. L., private; enrolled Nov. 1.5, isoi. at Potsdam. 

Kingsley, Ira, private; enrolled Oct 21, 1801. at Potsdam. 

Lynch, Daniel, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 

Murray, Eber, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Morley, George, private; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 

Morehouse, William, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Pot**dani. 

Munson, Francis, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Murry, George, private; enrolled Nov. 22, 1S61, at Potsdam. 

Nickerson, Myron, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at I'otsdam. 

Nichols, Aaron, private; enrolled Nov. 23, 1801. at Potsdam. 

Ober, Henry H., private; enrolled Oct. 15, ISGI. at Potsdam. 

Ormsbv, Henry, juivate; enrolled Oct. 15, 1S61, at Potsdam. 

Paul, Caiiadee, private; enrolled Dec. 2G, iSOl, al Polsdam. 

Peck, Otis W., private; enrolled Nov. 30, isr.l, at Potsdam. 

Partridge, William, private; enrolled del. 15. 1801. at Potsdam. 

Parker, James M., private; enrolled Oct. 15, Isoi, at Potsdam. 

Hivei-8, Theodore, private; enrolled Oct. 1.5, ISGl, at Potsdam. 

Rockwood. J. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at P»»tsdam. 

Reyn.dds, Hillings, private; enrolled Oct. 15. ISGl. at Potsdam. 

Reynolds, Dean E., private; oni-olled Oct. 15. isOI, at Potsdam. 

Reed, Siineuu G., private; enrolled Oct. 18, 18(>1, at Putsdam. 

Rockwood, Levi, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Rowell, Rufus H.. private; enrolled Nov. 15, ISO!, at Potsdam. 

Rose, Alfred, private; enrolled Nov.3ii, 1861, at Potsdam. 

St. Louis, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct 21, ISOl, iit Potsdam. 

Stev<Mis, Hiram E., private; enrolled Oct. 21, ISGl, at Potsdam. 

Smith, George O., private; enndled Nov. 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Streeti'r, Edgar E., private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at Potsdam. 

Sevenuu'o, Calvin L., private ; enrolled Oct. 15, ISGl, al Potsdam. 

Sullivan. Henry, private; cni-olled Oct 15, 1861, at Polsiiam. 

Towell, Stillnmn, private ; onrulleil Oct. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 

Turner, Orville G., private ; eni-olleii Nov. is, ISfil. at Potsdam. 

Vaniey, Edgar, private; enudled Oct. 15, ISGl, at Polsdam. 

Varney, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 23, ISOl, at Putsdam. 



494 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Wilkinson, L. L., privuto; enrolled Oct. 23, 18GI, ut Potsdam. 
Wolcott, Loren V., private ; enrolleil Oct. 23, 18lil, at I'otaiiiiin. 

CAPTAIN A. P. WALCOTT'S COMPANY (G). 
Aiiih-ew P. Wiilcott, captjiiii ; enrolleil Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdiim. 
Siliis A. Smith, tlrst lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18(".l, at Potsdam. 
Henry IJ. Sanfurd, second lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 30, IHUI, at l'ot«diim. 
William A. Huuilin, fii-st sergeant; enrolled Oct. 2S, isf.l, at I'otslani. 
li. S. Kiclmrds, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 28, 18(11, at Potsdam. 
Klislm Walcott, Hergeant; enrolled Oct. lu, ISlil, at l'ot.-*dam. 
William llowo, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
.loluiS. Willson, sergeant; enrolled Oct. U, ISiU, at Pot-dam. 
Si'plu-ii M. Laverv, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, ISIJI, at Potsdam. 
William II. \\W.n, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potxlani. 
William <'. Haniniund, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, ISfd, at i'utsdam. 
Kinory Hamlin, ci>rporal ; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801, at Pot-'dam. 
James Smith, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Thomas Noble, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Stanford liugboe, corporal; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at INdsilam. 
Peter Elinor, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsiiam. 
Geor{;o lluBsell, mnsician ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Pidsdain. 
.lotham Hall, mnsician; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Pot.s<Iaiii. 
,\tlsitt. Franklin K,, private; enrolled Oct. 10, IHGl, at Potsdiim. 
Ad.sitt, Ni'ison, private; enrolled Dec. 17. 1801, at Potsdam. 
.\ndrews, William W., jirivato ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Itigelow, Nathan, private; enrolled Oct. 2s, 1861. at lV.t-;dam. 
Harntts, Sylvester, private; enrolled Nov. 4, ISOl, at PiU-dam. 
Boweii, Theodore, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Pot>dani. 
Itfsaw, Nelson, jirivate; enrolled Nov. 15, 1801, at Potsdam, 
liroelllo, OeorgB H., private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at I'otsdam. 
Butler, William W., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Pot.sdam. ■ 
Ilrown, William, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ueldin, Gi'orge A., private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Conger, Iteuben, private; enroUrd Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Chase, Jeremiah, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cheney, W.vatt, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cook, David, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cole, Kdgar L., private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1861, at I^lt^dam. 
Chouette, Jared, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1801, at Pot-d.un. 
Chenette, Joseph, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at I'utsilani. 
Cook, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsd;iiii. 
Coffee, George ('., private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Clark, Fnmklirj, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1801, at P.-t-dam. 
Clark, Newell, i>rivate ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at I'otsiiani. 
Davenport, Warren, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at l'o1-<dam. 
Day, Luther B., private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Polsilarn. 
Drake, Eugene S., private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Pot-silam. 
Ducalt, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Ptit-dain. 
Karrer, Columbus, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at PotsJam. 
Forbes, Kdwin, private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
FuIliT, Dnstin, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Polsilam. 
Fuller. Major, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cr.ives, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam, 
(iriffiti. Samuel V., private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Goulding, Orley J., private; enrolled Oct. 16, 1861, at Potsdam, 
tioodnow, Henry, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1801, at I'otsdam. 
Haskell, Martin, private; enrolled Oct. 10. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Havnes, llenrv, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hewett, Orsoii D., private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Pnl.-^dam. 
Hewitt, Samuel, private; enrolled Nov. 25, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Johnson, Kmer, private ; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
.Ionian, Jidui, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kendall, S., private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lowell, Oliver, jtrivate ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Marlindale, George C, private ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Mt-rritt, Hoiaco, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Miner, Joseph, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Martindale, Warren S., private; enrolled Oct. 10, lSGl,,at P.-tsdam. 
Putter, Henry W., private; enrolled Oct. 10,1861, at Potsdam. 
Po\VL-ll, William, private ; enndled Nov. 15, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
I'oor, Elijah, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Prest^>n, Willis G., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Powell, John A., private ; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Peabody, Charles U., private; enrolled Nov. 3((, 1861, at Pntsdam. 
I'owell, Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 23, 1801, at Potsiiam. 
i'attan, Joseph, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam. 
I^lckwoIl, Chester S., private; enrolled Oct. 10, ISOI, at Potsdam. 
Ittjckwell, Milo, private; enrolled Oct. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
llockweil, M. S., private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Rickey, Warren, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1S61, at P.it>idiim. 
Salter, James C, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1861. at Pt)t>daTn. 
Sui)ry, Fnink, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
S;impson, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 16, 18(51, at Potsiiam. 
Stiles, .Vlfred, private; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Spi-ague, Darius, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Stevens, Jolin, private; enrolled Nov. 29, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Van Norman, I. E., private; enrolli'd Oct. 10, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Willsun, Charles W., private; eni-olled Oct. 10, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN HARRY C. FAY'S COMPANY (H). 
Harry C. Fay, captain ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
T. W. Smith", ftrat lieutenant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at i'Mtsd^uM. 
». F. Rolfe, second lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at P.dsilaui. 
S. 11. Partridge, (irat sergeant ; enrolled Doc. 9, 1861, at Potsiiam. 
Greenleaf Dorr, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at I'ldsdam. 
Dennis Kearney, sergeant; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at l'.>(Mlarri. 
Justice Pickit, sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 6, 1861, at Potsdam. 
N. W. Johnson, sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 15, IKOl, at Pot'dam. 
Henry liabcock, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Andrew Clark, corporal; enrolled Dec. 5, 1801, at Potsdam. 
James Forsytht-', corporal; enrolled Nov. 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
K. Phalings, corporal; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Potsdam, 
W. R. Harlow, corporal; enrolled Nov. 14,1801, at Potsdam. 
(i. R. Wilson, corporal ; enrolled Oct. l.'i, 1861, at Potsdam. 
J. A. Kelley, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
R. F. Abel, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 15, l.soi, ut Potsdam. 
Allen. Russell, private; enrolled Dec. 3, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Habcock. .Ml.-n, j.rivatr ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Rartlett, H. D., private; enrolled Oct. 1.'), 18C1, at Pot-dam. 
Ronvee, Alexander, ]»rivate; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potadani. 
Rouvee, A,, Jr., private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Rarnes. C. A., private; enrolled Nov. 20, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Cull, W. E., private; enrolled Nov. 25, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Craudall, F., private; enrolled Dec. 5, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Cook, W. M., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Pot.sdam. 
Caswell, M. A., private; enrolled Df-c. 16, 1861, at Potsdam. 



Clark, William Z., private; enrolled .Ian. 1, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Dewey, N. H., private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Denny, P'ti-r, private ; enrolled Oct. 15, IROI, at Pota<lam. 
I)ui:att, Charles, private; enrolled Nov. 1, 1M61, at Potsiiam. 
Durh am, William, private ; enrolled Doc. 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Durham, Isaac, private ; enrolled Dec. 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Foes, Stephen L., jirivate; enrolled Oct. 15, iSOl, at Potsdam, 
F.iwler, A., private; enrolled Dec. 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Fowler, J. K. P., private; enrolled Dec. 14, 1801, at Potaiam. 
Fowler, T. O., i)rivate; enrolled Docembor 14. lf*01, at Potsdam. 
Fanning, Vaniah, [irivate; enrolled December 30, 1801, at Pot'.daTu. 
(iriswold, A., private; enrolled October 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Gibbons, Abner, private; enrolled October 15, 1801. at Potsdam. 
Grant, Thomas, private; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Pidsdam. 
Handdin, Lcroy, private ; enrolled December 2, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Hill, William, private; enrolled Novendier 2, l-SOI, at Potsdam. 
Hay/.e, John, private; enrolled November 29, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hall, I. U., private; enrolled Nov.-ndjer 14, isiil, at Potsdam. 
Hall, R. W., private; enrolled De.nntM.i- 16. iKOl, at Pots<l.im. 
Hunt, Suranus, private; enrtdUd DL-cember 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Jacobs, J. S., private; enrolled l)eceud)er 3, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kearney, .fobn, private ; enrolled October 15, IHOI, at Potsdam. 
liarock," .Mitchell, private ; enrolled Novemlier 19, 1861, at Pidsdam. 
Laroe, Joseph, private; enrolled November 4, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Lamere, Michael, private ; enrolled November 4. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lamee, .Joseph, private ; enrolled October 22, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Marshall, James, private ; enrolled November 2;i, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Miles, J, A , jn-ivato; enrolled October 22, 1861, ut Potsdam, 
JLanning, Patrick, private; enrolled November 2, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Murphy, J. I., private; enrolled November 14, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Moffatt, John, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam 
Miller, William, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McMunegal, Davitl, private ; enrolled December 0, 1801, at INitsdam. 
McChesney, A. R., private ; enrolled 0<-tober 22, 1801, at Potsd-mi. 
McCIennen, James, private ; enrolled November 15, IsOl, at i'lilsdam. 
McFerran, Thomas, private; enrolled December 14, 1861, at Pidsdam. 
Noble, Thomas, private ; enrolled December .'», istd, at Potsdanr. 
t)'Rrien, James, private ; enrolled November 4, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Parr, A. W., private; enrolled October 15, 18iH, at Potsdam. 
Perry, Lees, private ; enrolled November 18, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Perry, Peter, private; enrolled November 19. IHOI, at Potsdam. 
Pettys, Charles, private ; enrolled December 5, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Parks, .Fohn, private; enrolled December 7, 1861, at Pntsdam. 
Uansdell, Randall, private; enrolled November 17, isoi, at Potsiiam. 
Kidlin, John, private; enrolled December 5, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Sliipman, M. R., private; enrolled October 15, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Strait, Charles, private ; enrolled October 22, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Snyder, Gregoir, private ; enrolled October 22, 1S61. af Pot-'dam. 
Schli>sser, John, private ; enrolled November 24, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Strong, A. A., private ; enrolled Noveniberll, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Socia, Lewis, private ; enrolled November 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Scntt, J. B., private; enrolled November 12, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Tliickens, T. B., private ; enrolled November 14, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Taylor, .John, private; enrolled Decembers, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Wilson, J. H., private ; enrolled October 15, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Williamson, R. "NV., private ; enrolled December 9, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Williamson, H. A., private ; enrolled December 6, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Ycddow, Milo, private ; enrolled October 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM McKEAN'S COMPANY (I). 
William McKean, captain, enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Myron Cnshman, 1st lieutenant ; enrolled October 2}, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Charles Fox. 2d lieutenant; enrolled iHeeiiilier 7, isoi.at Potj«dam. 
11. U. Smith, 1st sergeant ; enrolled November 22, 1801, at Potsdam. 
,Iohn E. Whipple, sergeant ; enrolled November 29, isoi, at Potsdam. 
William McFarren, sergeant ; enrolled October 23. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Calvin Conger, sergeant; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Darwin Farmer, sergeant ; enrolled December 23, 1861, at Pot-dam. 
Hubert Hewitt, corporal; enrolled November 19,1861, at Potsdam. 
Samuel Smith, cori)oi-al ; enrolled October 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Israel Spragne, corporal; enrolled October 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Nelson Gebo, corporal; enrolled December 20, 1861, at Pot?ilam. 
II. E. Mis, corporal ; enrolled October 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Foster Carey, corpomi ; enrolled November 19, isol, at Potsdam. 
Lorenzo D. Colo, corporal ; enrolled October 23, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
W. E. W. Collins, corporal; enrolled December 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Nathan Ward, musician; enrolled November 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Theodore Gebo, musician; enrolled December 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Allen, J. J., private; enrolled October 23, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Anderson, Benjamin, private ; enrolled December 3n, I8i>l, at Potsdam 
Allen, Horace D., private ; enrolled October 2s, 1801, at Potsiiam. 
Ayres, Orville E,, private; enrolled October 28, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Rateman, George, private; enrolled November 30, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Barker, Charles, private ; enrolled November 29, 1801, at Pot.-dam. 
Ibishey, Joseph, private; enrolled October 23, 1801, at Polsdam. 
Rriilgcs, Charles, private; enrolled November 11, ISO], at Potsdam. 
Itn.niley, Hemau, private; enrolled November 12, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Item, Paul, private; enrolled November 18, 1861, at I*olsdam. 
Rordwell, Horatio, private; enrolled December 17, 1861, at I'otsdam. 
Cowan, Hamilton, private ; enrolled December 28, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Carey, Orville, private ; eni-oUcd November 11. 1S61, at Polsdam. 
Carey, Charles D., private; enrolled Nov. 2, iM'd, at Potsdam. 
Cole, William E., private ; enrolled Oct 23, Isoi, at Potsdam. 
(\)oper, C.C, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 1S6I, ai Potsdam. 
C.MHii r, Andrew, private; enrolled Dec. 0. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Cliavalbv, Louis, private ; enrolled Nov. 18, 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Conner, William, private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Fosgate, William F., private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Fort, S<domon, private ; enrolled Oct. 28. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Fort, Albert, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, isOl, at Potsdam. 
Fields, James, private; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
(Jore, George H., private ; enrolled Dec. 3i), 1.S61, at Potsdam, 
tJla/.in, Ward, private; enrolled Nov. 7, 1801, at Potsdam. 
(Imdon, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Grundy, George, private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1861, at Potsiiam. 
Cibbi.ns, Reuben A., private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam. 
IIe;ith. Guy C, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hall, Walton, private ; enrolled Nov. 7, ISOl, at I'otsdam. 
Heald. Alvin D., private; enrolled Nov. 11, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Hewitt, John C, private; enrolled Nov. 19, Isol. at Pidsdam. 
Hills, D. N., private; enrolled Nov. 30, 1801. at Potsdam. 
Ingerson, David, private ; enrolled Nov. 19, IsOl, at Polsdam. 
Knights, J. S., private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Polsdam. 
Lewis, Morgan J., private ; enrolled Dec. 28, 1.S61. at Potsdam. 
Lower, Oliver, private; enrolled Dec. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Morrison, Peter, private; enrolled Oct. 23, ls6l, at PotMlam. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



495 



I 



MrDoriJiId, J. M., privjito; oniolliMi Oct. 2S,18G1, at Potsdam. 
Ulansiiehi, \V. IJ., privato; enrolled Nov. 2*2, 18GI, iit ['olsdiim. 
Ntttt, Justus, private ; onrolh^d Nov. 11, 18G1, at I'otsdiiiii. 
O'Meiiley, Micluipl, priviitu ; enrolloil I>ec. 7, ISOl, at INit-idiim. 
OliviT, .lulin, private ; enrolled Oct. 2S, ISGI, al Pottidiini. 
Porter, James, private ; eni-olled Oct. 2:1, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Porter, Stephen, private ; enrolled Oct. 2S, 1801, nt Potsdam. 
Porter, Jidm, private; enrolled Dec. ;i, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
I'arUitisoti, Truman, private ; enrolled Dec. '.i, 18G1. at Potsdam. 
Pi cniu, .Tll^L'ph, private ; enrolled Oet. 2S, 18G1, at Pot-^dain. 
IVtre. Abraliam, private ; enrolled Dec. 19, ISill, at I'ntsdani. 
Pevier, P. N., private ; enrolled Dec. 19, ISGI, at Potsdam. 
Itiinden, Thomas, private ; enndled Dec. 28, 18G1, at Potstlam. 
Uisley, Jeremiah, private; enrolled Oct. 28, 18Gl,at Potsdam. 
Koc, Ceur^'e, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, ISfil, at Potsdam. 
Kohinsoii, D. D., private; enrolled Dec. 3, 18G1, at I'otsdnm. 

It I. Kdwiii li., private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 18GI, at Potsdam. 

Simi'iin-. \V. II., private; enrolled Dec. ;iO, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Sniilli, Willmr, private; enrolled Oct. 23. 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Smith, J. J,, private; enrolled Oct. 28, lSGl,at Potsdam. 
8mith,HIunson, private ; enrolled Oct. 28, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Smith, Lorenzo, piivate ; enrolled Oct. 28, 18G1, at Pot«d;iin. 
Stevens, Alhert, private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Smith, E. B., private ; enrolled Nov. 2, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Sheldon, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 2:i, ISfil, at Pot.sdam. 
Spalding, John, private; enrolled Oct. 23, 18G1, at Potsrhtm. 
Stodard, R. B., private ; enrolled Nov. 3U, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Savat;c, Alexaniier, private ; enrolled Dee. 6, 1861, at Potsilain. 
^';^n^■lake, William, private; enrolled Nov. 2, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Williams, Francis, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 18G1, at Pot-<dam. 
Whipple, D. P., private ; enrolled Nov. 2'.i, 18G1, at Potsdam. 

CAPTAIN LEVI MILLER'S COMPANY (K). 
Levi Miller, captain ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Joel K. Sears, fii-st lieutenant ; enrolled Oct 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
John Peacock, seiu)nd lieutenant ; enrolled Oct. 30, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Elias Nirhi>Is, first sergeant ; enrolled (.)et 22. 1S61, at Potsdam. 
Wm. J. Wells, second sergeant; enrolled Oct. 22, lSGl,at Potsdam. 
Thomas II. Common, third aergeant ; enrolled Nov. 4, 18111, at I'otsdan 
Cyrus W. Scott, fourth sergeant ; enrolled Oct 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ogilvie S. Southworth, filth sergeant; enrolled Oct. 22, iscl, ,it Poi-d; 
Riilirit B. Cilmore, corporal; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Poisdam. 
Benjamin Wood, coriwral ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Wiliard Loughrey, corjioral ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1S61, at IVitsdam. 
Lalayitti- Fairhanks, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 22, IMll, at Potsdam. 
Tiini'iliy Dismond, coiporal; enrolled Nov. IS, 18r.l, at Potsilam. 
Jami's Carnal, corporal ; enrolled Dec. i), 18G1, at Potsdam, 
Henry Stacy, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Alonzo C. Shoen, corporal; enrolled Oct. 22, lSGl,at Potsdam. 
Charles Colburn, fifer; enrolled Nov. 18, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Charles Duffy, drummer; enrolled Dec. IG, 1861, at Potsdam. 
.\dams, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Becker, George W., private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ballon, Chester, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Bissell, Albert, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
B.-als, Piischal, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18GI, at I'otsdam. 
Bancroft, George, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Common, James, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Cross, George, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Cannifi', George, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at IVtsdani. 
Champion, Francis, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Potsdam, 
Corey, Ira W., private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Corey, Ronald, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Dignan, Francis, private; enrolled Oct. 22, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Dodd, John, private; enrolled Oct. 30, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Drake, William F., private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Deaucatt, John, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Goodwin, William C, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Gregour, Louis, private; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Greymour, John, private; enrolled Dec. 2, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Gil ho, Joseph, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hanna, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Hitsman, Emery, private; enrolled Nov. IS, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Jesnier, Levi, private ; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kerr, William, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Kerr, Hu^h M., private; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Knipe, John D. J., private; enrolled Dec. 16, ISGl, at Potsdam. 
Lavier, David, |irivate; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at Potadam. 
Livingstt>n, .\ntuiiu', inivate; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Lowry, Solon, private ; enrolled Nov. 21, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
IMoffitt, James, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 18C1, at Potsdam. 
Magraw, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
McCurry, William J., private: enrolled Oct. 22, 1861. at Potsdam. 
McGuinniss, James, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McMillan, David, private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Pothdam, 
Munroe, James, private ; enrolle^l Nov, IS, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McUohbie, .lohn, private ; enrolled Nov. 27, 1861, at Potsdam. 
McCov, William, private; enrolled Dec. 29, 1861, at Potsdam, 
McUa'th, Robert, private; enrolled Dec 16, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Ormsby, Joseph, private ; enrolled Tict. 22, 1801, at Potsilam. 
Ornisbee, Amos, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at i'otsdain. 
Pernlierton, Charles II., private ; enrolled Oct 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Phillips, John S., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Paikrr, James, private; enrolled Di-c. 12, 18G1, at Potsdam, 
Richards, Charles, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, ISGl, at Pot.sdam. 
Itichards, Joseph, private ; enrollod Oct 22, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Rosseau, Thomas, jtrivate ; enrolled Nov. 21, 1861, at Polsdam. 
Rookie, Edward, private; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Pota<lam. 
Shoen, Ronald, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Sutton, David S., private; enrolU-dOtt. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Shoen, George W., private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam, 
Smith, William, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Scott, Kdwanl J., private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Sutton, Alva A., private; enrolled Nov. IT), 1861, at Potsdam. 
Stone, Ah'xander, private; enrolled Nov, 18, 1861, nt Potsdam. 
Stone, Alexaniier, Jr., private; enrolled Nov. IS, Isoi, at Potsiiam. 
Segi'r, Fayette C, private; enrolled Dec. 9. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Thomas, Charles, private ; enrollod Oct. 22, 1801, at Pot.sdam. 
Taylor, Nahum, private; enrolle>I Oct. 22, 1861, at P.itsdam. 
Tohin, William, private; enrolled Nov, 18, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Wood, John, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Wadswortli, William, private ; enrolled Oct. 22, 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Wil-on, Jame.s, private; enrolled Nov. 4. 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Walbridge, Clark 8., private ; enrolled Nov. 4. ISOI. at Potsdam. 
Walbridge, Jebiel, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, isoi, at I'-.tMlum. 
Wing, John T., private; enrolled Nov. 4, 18G1, at Potsdam. 



Wilson, Thomas G., private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Wilson, John, private; enrolled Dec. I), 18G1, at I'otsdam. 
Willis, John, private; enrolled Doc. 9, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Willis, JameN, private; enrolled Dec. 16, 1801, at Potsdam. 

93D INFANTRY. 
CAPTAIN GKORGK B. .MltSHIKK'S COMP.WVtK). 
A. C. Bristol, siTgeant ; enrolled Oct. ir>, 18G1, at OgdenBburg. 
Anderson, Henry, private; enrolled Nov. 14, ls61, at Ogd.-nslmrg. 
Brii-kley, Thomas, private; enrolled Ovt. 2n, 1861, at Ogd.Mishurg. 
Fletcher. Matthew, private ; enndletl Nov. II, ISGl. at Ogd«'U«l.urg- 
Fryett, Peter, private; enndled Sept. 20, 1S61, at 0>;dt tisburg. 
Haven, Harlow, private; enrolled Oct. 30, 1801, at Ogdenshnrg. 
Jerome, Franklin, private; enrolled Nov. 1, 1861, at Rensselaer Falls. 
Kennedy, Joseph, private; enrolled Dec. 't, 1861, at Ogdenshurg, 
McCnyre, John, private; enrolled Nov. 14, 1801, al Ogdensburg, 
Robbin, James 11., i)rivate; enrolled Nuv. 1, ISO], at Ogricnsburg. 
Snnderlanii, Darwin, private; enrolled Nov. 1. 1801, at Ogdcnsburg. 
Thomas, Loren C, private ; enrolled Nuv. 12, isf.l, ut Ogdenshnrg. 

98TH INFANTRY. 

CAPTAIN BENJAMIN RUSSELL'S COMPANY (B), 
Jason 0. Ross, fifth sergeant; enrolled Nov, 11, 1861, at Knapps. 
Wolcott llroadwell, drummer; enrolled Nov. 21, isiil, at North Lawrence. 
Jay Andrews, fifer; enrolled Dec. Ill, 1801, al Russelltown. 
James Mc('arter, wagoner; enrolled Nov. 14, ISGI, at Lawrence. 
Broadwell, Darwin, private; enrolled Nov. 22, 1801, at North iiawrence. 
Demass, Isaac, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 1801, at Lawrence. 
Heaton, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 23, I811I, at Norfolk. 
McCarter, Robert, private ; enrolled Nov. 11, 1801. at Lawrence. 
McCarter, Ilinckly II., jirivate; enroUeiJ Nov. 29, ls6l, at Lawrence. 
McCarty, James, private; enrolled Nov. 8, 1801, at Lawrt-nct', 
Ross, Samuel J., private; enrolled Nov, 2, 1861, at Stockholm. 

CAPTAIN PARRIT B. WOLFF'S COMPANY (G). 
Francis Ilohiies, corporal ; i-nrolled Dec. 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Bruce, Timothy, private; enrolled Jan. 4, 1862, at Lawrence. 
Bellows, lionice, private; enrolled Dec. 16, 18GI, at Nicholville. 
Bruce, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 20. 1861, at Hopkinton. 
Crowley, Charles, private; enrolled Nov, 28, iSGl, at Brasln-r Falls. 
Cheeiiy, Judson, private; enrolled Nov. 12, 18GI, at Hopkinton. 
Gnudenough, Harvey, private; enrolled Jan. 10, 1802, at Ni* holvillc 
(Joodenough, Hiram, private; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Nicholville. 
Gittin, Martin, private; enrolled Nov. 20, 18G1, at Hopkinion. 
Gratidy, Lewis, private ; enrolled Dec. 29, 18G1, at Nicholville. 
Harman, Henry, private; enrolled Dec. 1, 1S61, at Nicholville. 
Harmaii, Lafayette, private; enrolled Nov. 20, ISOl, at Hopkinton. 
Meecham, Elant S., private^ enrolled Dec. 10, 1861, at Nicholville. 
]Mc«'cham, Samuel, private; enrolled Dec. 10, 1801, at Nicholville. 
Sheldon, Silas F., private ; enrolled Oct 2(1, 1801, at Nichcdvilh-. 
Taylor, Aaron, private; enrolled Dec. 1, 1861, at Nicholville. 
White, William, private; enrolled Dec. 15, 1861. at Hopkinton. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES W. CRARY'S COMPANY (H). 

Archibald Simpson, second corporal; i-nrollcd Nov. 21, 1801, at Waddington. 

Christy, John, private; enrolled Nov, 1, 1861, at Waddington. 

Hickey, John, private; enrolled Dec. 20, 1861, at Wadilitigtiin. 

Liigrow, Robert, private; enrolled Doc. 1, 1861, at Waddington. 

Loomis, Chester, private; enrolled Nov. 21, ISOl, at Waddingtin. 

Nickerson, E. H., private; enrolled Jan. 1, 1802, at Waddington. 

Ritfe, Alexander, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 1861, at Waddington. 

lOOTH INFANTRY. 
CAPTAIN DANIEL D. NASIIS COMPANY (A^. 
Carpenter, William B., private ; enrolled Oct. 14. iSOl, at Ogtlensbnrg. 
Kelly, Peter, private; enrolled Dec. 13, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Lane, William II.. private; enrolled Oct. 16, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 

102D INFANTRY. 

CAPTAIN J. WOODRUFF LEWIS' COMPANY (K), 
Horace D. Combs, second coi^poral ; enrolled Nov. 15, 1861, at Ogdensburg, 
Thomas F. Goiman, eighth corpoiul ; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at l)gilensburg. 
Robert Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. G, 1801, at Oj;densburg. 
Driscoll, Jerry, private ; enrolled Oct. 20, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Di-nnin, Michael, private; enrolled Oct. 19, 1801, at (tgdensburg. 
M;irtin, Paul, private; enrolled Nov. 14, ISOl, at Ogden.-buig. 
fllcllvoy, Thomas, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Mctjrath, Peter, private; enrolled Nov. 9, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Donnelly, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 20, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Scantlebury, Thomas, private; enrolled Nov. 10, 1861, at Ogilcnsburg. 
McLallin, John T., private; enrolled Dec. 7, iSGl, at Ogdensburg. 
McBride, Michael, private; enrolled Dec. 3, ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
.Jameson, William, private; enrolled Dee. 3, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Kelly, James, private ; enrolled Dec. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Townes, Orenzo, private ; enrolled Dec. 9, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Mdls, Leander 1>., private ; enrolled Dec. 9, ISOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Edyar, Georne, private; eumlled Jan. 10, 1862, at Ogdeusbuig. 
.Fackson, Alvin, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, ISlVJ, at Ogdensburg. 
Branshaw, Joseph, private ; enrolled Jan. 7, 1SG2. at Ogdensburg. 
Fog-arty, Patrick, private; enndled Dec. 27, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
EvauH, William, private; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Brunshaw, Charles, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Hucheson, William, private ; enrolled Jan. 16, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 

105TH INFANTRY. 

CAPTAIN JOHN a. M.MAlUfN'S COMPANY (G). 
Brown. Hailon, private ; enrolled Feb. 0. 1862, at t»gd.nshurg. 
Clark, Andn-w, private; enndbd Feb. 27, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Hayes, Michael, private : enndled Feb, 6, 1862. at Ogtienshurg, 
Hoiliger, Thomas, private ; curolloil Feb. 4, 1SG2, at Ogdensburg. 
Jacob, Michael, private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Ryan, William, private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1862, at l>gden8burg. 

CAPTAIN PATRICK W. BRADLEY'S COMPANY (H>. 
Dewis, Frederick, private; enmlled Feb. 6, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Donovan, William, private; enndled Feb. 22, 1802, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Robinson, John, private; enrolled Feb. 6, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 



496 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



106TH INFANTRY. 

KIKM) AMt STAKF. 
Sclniyler F.JiicM, Colonel ; Ciilviii I,. Skinin-r.Hium-un ; Froil. H.Pettit,ns> 
luit stirnrori ; Thoiiias ('. Alcliisoti, iinaiterniiistcr; Oliiulcrt Slifi>i>iii(l,sfi>;r; 
iimjtu-; Uraoii S. I'lcvfliUHi, «iiiiirtcnimstor-sorKeiiiit; Cliurles L. Simp?-!.!!, i- 
luissary-aergeiiiit ; Homy T. CiuificUl, liuspital stovvuni. 

CAPTAIX KDWAIin M. PAINK'S COMPANY (A). 

Eilwuri] M. PaitU', rHjitairi ; ciirolh'il July 17, ixiiJ, at Oswoj^ntcliie. 

Ihniiii W. Day, fir»t lieiitciiuuit; (■niuUod July 17, IStlii, at OswcgiUt-lii)', 

SrI.lrii ('. .Iiulnuii, SL'cond limit oiiaiit ; I'liinlli'il July 17, ISG2, at (lsw<';r»tiliii 

William A. Ncrry, first siTgcaiit ; riirntl<'il .Inly IH, imvi, at Oswegatcliir. 

lliil)L'rt il. ('ox, sorgcant ; eiwolh^il July I'J, Isd-J, at ((swcgatcliic. 

Jiitiii's W. lliipkiiis, st-Tgeant; oiinilli-il Aug. 1, li^G2, at nswegatcliie. 

Moi-gaii V. Ciilliiis, Boigeant ; eiiii'Ili-d July 2(;,.lStl:*, at Dawcgatfliif, 

Oi'8oii Tallinau, Burgeaut; (■iiiollrtl July :iO, lHll'2, at Ilni^Sfll. 

Iluiii'y Corniono, corporal ; eiirolleil July 22. lSii2, at Dawi-gatcliic. 

Kil-iou J. Barber, corporal ; cnriillcil Aug. ti, 18G2, at Pifrrt'pout. 

Thoinab Scraiiton, corporal ; eiirulled July 21, l«62,nt Canton. 

David Young, Jr., i-tuporal ; onroUcil July ;iO, I8(i2, at Fiiiv. 

John A. Morgan, rorporal ; enrolleii July M), 1S02, at Kubsl-H. 

John C. Miisury, roriuual ; enrolled Aug. 9, 18152, at Cswi-galchii', 

Martin A. Kolsoni, corporal; enrolled Aug. 7, 1^02, at Ilennon. 

Samuel K. Hondereon, corporal; enrolled July ;J0, 1862, at Pitcairn. 

t'liarli'S W, Sherman, musician ; enrolled Aug. II, 18G2, at Canton. 

Khjah Harney, musician ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at f'antoii. 

Kdwin W. nimniick, wagoner; enrolleil Aug. it, 18(12, at UukkcII. 

Armstrong, Abner, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 18G2, at Oswegutchio. 

Armstrong, Thomas, private: enrolled Aug. 4, 18C2, at (.)s\vegatiliie. 

Itcardsley, Henry C, private ; enrolled Aug. C, 18li2, at Ilopkiuton. 

Paeku^, Erastus K., private ; enrolled Aug. Ki, 18C2, at UuHsell. 

Itordy, John, i)rivate ; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2, at Pierrepont. 

Hrouse, John, private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Canton. 

Itarter, Elam, private ; enrolled July 28, 18G2, at Ijisbon. 

Itassett, Crlin, private; enrolled Aug. l>, 18G2, at Hernion. 

Brown, Orrin O., private; enrolled July lil, 18G2, at Uussell. 

JJi'own, Thomas, private; enrolled July 2G, 18G2, at Canton. 

Hell, William \V., private; enrolled Aug. i:i, 18G2, at IKswcgatcliie. 

Barney. James S., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 18G2, at Oswrgatehie. 

tkilton, Luther, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at lit- K;illi. 

Ci'lton, Franklin, private ; enrolled Aug. U, 18t>2, at lu- Kalb. 

Colton, llcury H., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at I>c' Kalb. 

Craft, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at llei niun. 

Cooper, Allen C, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2,at Pitcairn. 

Canfield, Franklin, private; enrolled July 23, 18G2, at(Jswegati-liie. 

Clark, Elliott A., private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1&G2, at Hermon. 

Conisiock, Edwin, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Hernion. 

Donitliy, Willanl G., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1SG2, at Pierrepont. 

Deviney, Samuel, private; enrolled July 25, 1SG2, at Hoiruon. 

Durham, Cummings, private ; enrolled July 31, 1SG2, at Kus.scl!. 

Finley, James, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Uswegatchie. 

Fuller, Lewis H., private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 18G2, at Hei inon. 

Fisher, Owen, private ; enrolled July 29, 1802, at Hernion. 

Ford, Theodore, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Canton. 

Farmer, Samuel, private: enrolled July 22, 1802, at Oswegjitchif. 

Craves, Fayette D., private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2, at ('aiitun. 

Gage, (_Jeorge W., private ; enrolled July 30, 18G2, at Edwiird-. 

(Jiattoii, liudgic, luivate ; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Cswegutchie. 

Civins, Robert, private ; enrolled , 18G2, at . 

Hall, Charles W., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Hermon. 
Hall, James R., i>rivate; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at Ilernmn. 
Houghteling, Harvey, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 18G2, at Hermon. 
Hatch, (Jeorgo S., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at llermun. 
Harrington, Welcome C, private; enrolled July 31, l8t>2. at Pit(\ilrn. 
Uenderflon, Bernard I., private ; enrolled July 30, 1802, at Edwitrds. 
Hurd, Cyrus H., private ; enrolled July 22, 18G2, at Cautun. 
Irish, Scott L., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Colton. 
Irish, Uonbcn, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Russell. 
Irvin, Hugh M., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2, at Oswegatchie. 
Kehoe, Timothy, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
McAllester, William C, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Mighells, Thurston, private ; enrolled July 22, 1802, at Hermon. 
Manning, Jeremiah, private; enrolled July 20, 1802, at Canton. 
Miller, Alexander, private; enrolled July 23, 18G2, at Canton. 
Mclntyre, John U., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Fine. 
Marsh, Henry D., privatu; enrolled July 30, 1802, at Edwards. 
Newton, Chailes N., private ; enrolled August 0, 1862, at Brasher. 
Northrop, Myron, private ; enrolled August 8, 1802, at Russell. 
Orftuil, William C, private; enrolled August G, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
O'Hara. Anthony, private; enrolled August 13, 1802, at Osweg:ittliio, 
Pike, Christopher C., private ; enrolled August 11, 1802, at (.tswi-gatchie. 
Porter, Albert A., private; enrolled August 4, 1862, at Hermon. 
Quigley, Patrick, Jr., private; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Norfolk. 
Reynolds, Edward, private ; enrolled August 9, 18G2, at Hermon. 
Ralph, Martin, private ; enrolled July 23, 18G2, at Canton. 
Silby, Riveruns V., private ; enrolled August 4, 18G2, at Stockholm. 
Shepard, Charles W., private ; enrolled July 28, 18G2, at Oswegatchie. 
Sumner, William N., private ; enrolled August 9, 1802, at Rus>ell. 
Spicer, Julin, private ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Russell. 
Siver. Jcilin 11., private ; enrolled August 0, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Siver, William W., private ; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Siver, James W., private ; enrolled August 6, 18(J2, at Oswegatihie. 
Shippee, Orrin, private ; enrolled August G, 1802, at Russell. 
Show, Samuel, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Edwards. 
Smith, Morris, private ; enrolled August 9, 1802, at Hermon. 
Stewart, Gilbert, private ; enrolled August 4, 1802, at Oswegatcliie. 
Slettery, John, private ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Spencer, Tyler, private; enrolled July .'5ii, 1802, at Hermon. 
Slierwell, Thomas W., private ; enrolled August 5, 1802, nt Oswegatchie. 
Soy, Richard, private ; enrolled August 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Tanner, Franklin, private; enrolled Augusts, 1862, nt Pierrepont. 
Tambling, Eli, private; enrolled August 0, 1802, at HopUinton. 
AValker, David, private ; enrolled July 3n, 18G2, at Edwards. 
Wbitford, James W., private : enrolled July 24, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
White. Enoch, private; enrolled August 6, 18(52, at Oswegatchie. 
Witlintl, Robert, private; enrolled August 7, 1802, at Russell. 
Whitney, Philip, private ; enrolled August 1, 18G2, at Pitcairn. 
Westeoti, Almeron, private; enrolled August 13, lsG2. at Canton. 
Williams, John, private ; enrolled August Li, 1802, at Hernion. 
White, Krastua A., private ; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Uussell. 

CAPTAIN A. N. MCDONALD'S COMPANY (B). 
Andrew N. McDonald, captain. 
Janii-s Puacli, rii*st lieutenant. 
Charles S. Glass, second lienlenant. 



Alfred J. Hooker, first sergeant; enrolled July 22,1862, at Moriistown. 
Iloberf Riddle, sergeant ; enndled July 21. 1862, at Hammond. 
John Watson, sergeant ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb. 
William T. Bolton, sergeant ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown. 
Jiinu-s Bayne, sergeant; enrolled July 19, 1862, at Morristown. 
Frank Peine, corporal ; enrolled July 30, 1862. at Morristown. 
Wilmurth Wallace, corporal ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at IjsUm. 
John P. Cougar, ciuporal ; enrolled July 29, ]SG2, at Morristown. 
ileorgi' F. Perry, corporal ; enrolled August 9, 1862, at Morristown. 
George Gibson, corporal ; enndled August 7, 1862. at Morristown. 
Barxa Kinyan, corporal ; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Cha'les II. Wilson, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown. 
William S. McWiliiams, corporal ; onrolloil July 2-') 1862, at Moni-town. 
Adams, William, private; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Lisbon, 
llernard, (Jeorge, private ; enrolled July 30, 1862, at Morristown. 
Bellinger, Allyn L., private ; enrolled July 23, 18()2, at Morristown. 
lini^li, Lucius, private ; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Morristown. 
Itaker, Benjamin, private ; enrolled July 31, 1802, at Sloriistown. 
Birge, James C, private; enrolled July 11, 1862, at Morristown, 
Birge, Roswell, private ; enrolled July 12, 18G2, at Moniatuwn. 
Bostwelt, Johnstm, private; enrolled July 29, 1^62, at Morristown. 
Booth, William A., private; enrolled Augu.>^t G, 18G2, at Mor^i^Iowtl. 
Bolton, Joseph K., private; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Bolton, Joseph, pi ivate; enrolled August 1, 1802, at Slorristown. 
Campbell, William, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown. 
Church, De Witt C., private; enrolled August 6, 1802, at Jlorristown. 
Collar, Charles, private; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Morristown. 
Cross, William N., private; enrolled August 6, 1802, at Morristown. 
Clark, Smith, private; enrolled August 5, 1802, at Slorristown. 
Dillenbock, t^Iharles M., private ; enrolled August 5, 18G2, at Morristown. 
Duckloon, John, private ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Morristown. 
Eldredge, William, private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Fuller, David, private : enrolled August 10, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Fluck, Harrison, private ; enrolled July 31, 18G2, at Lisbon. 
Forr, Morgan, private; enrolled August 5, 1802, at Morristown. 
Forr, Melvin. private; enrolled August 5, 1802, at IMorristown. 
Gibb, James, private ; enrolled July 2G, 1862, at filorri?towii. 
Goliver, Thomas, private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morristown. 
Gregory. Benjamin B., private; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Gregory, t'harles L., private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Gray, Joseph N., piivate ; enrolled August 11, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Gordon, Gilbert B,, private; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Morristown. 
Green, James W., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1S62, at Morristown. 
Holliday, Adam, i»rivate; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morristown. 
Huehings, George H., private; enrolled July 30, 18G2,at Morristown. 
Haydom, Sanford, private ; enrolled Aug. o, 1802, at Morristown. 
Hill, Robert, piivate ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown. 
Ivers, Tlnmias P., private ; enrolled July 22, 1802, at .Morristown. 
Jerome, Joseph, private; enrolled July 31, 1862, at Morristown. 
Jazor, Abram, private ; enrolled July 25, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Kelley, Patrick L, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Morristown. 
Kells, Thtmias, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Lavine, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Morristown. 
Lackie, George, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Morristown. 
Mitchell, William H., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at Morristown. 
Manler, James, private; enrolled Aug, 6, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Marshall, Daniel, piivate; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862. at Morristown. 
McFarling, John, private ; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
McLaren, Daniel, private; enrolled July 29, lSG2,at Morristown. 
McCord, Joshua, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 1802. at Slorristown. 
Northrop, Nelson, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Putnam, William !>., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Morristown, 
Putney, Elmore, private ; enrolled July 30, 18G2, at Lisbon. 
Pye, John, private ; enrolled July 29, 18G2, at Morristown. 
Pope, James B., private; enrolled July 30, 1802, at Blorristown. 
Palmer, Dayton, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Morristown. 
Phillips, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at Hammond. 
Pbillips, George, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Morristown. 
Ryan, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Robertson, Henry, private; enrolled July 19, 1802, at Morristown. 
Robinson, Nathan C, private; enrolled July 29, 18G2, at Morristown. 
Robinson, John L., private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, at Morri>town. 
Robinson, Cephas (!., private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Morristown. 
Rodigan, Thomas J., private ; enrolled July 22, 1802, at Hammond. 
Shaver, John, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Sheenan, John, private; enrolled July 30, 1802, at Morristown.' 
Smith, William, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 18G2, at Morristown. 
Swain, James J., private; enrolled Aug. G. 1862, at Morristown. 
Strapp, John, private; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown. 
Salisbury, Amasa R., private; enrolled July 24, 1SG2, at Hammond, 
Thomiison, James, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Morristown. 
Tennant, Joseph, private; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Hammond. 
Tennant, Robert, private; enrolled July 2;i, 18(12, at Hammond. 
Taylor, Francis, private; enrolled July 29, 18i;2, at Morristown, 
Taylor, William, private; enrolled July 9. 1802. at Morristown, 
Thomas, Erastns A., private; enrolleil Aug. 1, 1862, at Morristown. 
Turner, Samuel, jirivate ; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Hammond. 
Vroman, John S., private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at Morri.stown. 
Wilson, Oridieus, priv.iti' ; enrolled July 29, 1862, at Morristown. 
Wolehan, Benjamin, private; enrolled July 30, 18(;2, at Morristown. 
Ward, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Morristown. 
Wells, Charles, private; enndled July 21, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Wells, Hury, private ; enrolled Aug. 6, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Woloy, John, private; enrolled July 29, 1SG2, at Morristown. 
Ward, Henry, private ; enrolled July 19, 1802, at Morristown. 
Witham, William H,, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Veaidon, Robert D-, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at iMoriistown. 
Yeanlnn, Henry IL, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Morristown. 

CAPTAIN SAMUEL PARKER'S COMPANY (C). 
Samuel Parker, captain ; enndled July 2ii, 1SG2. at Oswegatchie. 
Peter Robertson, first lieutenant: enrolled July 20, l8C2,at Oswegatchie. 
Frank Corbett. second lieutenant ; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Macomb. 
Charles Snyder, first sergeant; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at 31acondi. 
George D. Powell, sergeant; enrolled July 25, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Rt.bert Kelley, sergeant; enrolled July 25, 1862, at De Peyster. 
Rollin Burnham, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at !)«■ Kalb. 
George Fieldran, sergeant ; enrolled Jnly 25, 1802, at De Peyster. 
Edward Buckman, corporal ; enrolled Aug. I'J, 1802, at Mmristown. 
John Ward, corporal ; enrolled July 23, 1802. at Macomb. 
William A. Perrin. corporal ; enrolled Aug, 12, 1802, at De Peyster. 
William Martin, corpoml ; enrolled July 23, 1862. at Macomb. 
Frederick H. Mills, corporal ; enndled Aug. 7, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Frederick Chapter, corporal ; eun)lled July 27, 1862. at Macomb. 
Andrew J. Hitchcock, cor]>oral ; enndled Aug. 1, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Henrv H. Wilran, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1862, at De Peyster. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



497 



F.i.v<'tti> Tliui-riton, muRiciiin ; enrolled Aug. 4, lfi02, at Do Pcy^tor. 
Liifiii H. Wil-oti, tnu-<iciaii ; eiinilli'ii Aug. r>, 18(i*J. at I>i* IVyster. 
Alf II r Crorts, wagoner; etiroIleJ .Inly '-iU l«t>-, sit Macunili. 
A.'iiiiH. Ik'neiiict, privato; oiimll'Ml July 211, IHlVi. at Muri.ml.. 
li.iliiitiiM?, Hugh, private; ennilleil July lil, I>i(iii, at De Peyster, 
B;Mch, John, private; eiiroIltMl Aug. 1, IHijj, at I»e Kail.. 
BiTi'itt, Michael (1st), private; euioUeil Aug. I'J, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Berntl, Mi.hael {-iilt, private; ('iir.)lleil Aug. IZ, 18(12. at De Kalh. 
Uromliug, Martin, pi ivatn ; enrulti'd Aug. Hi, IHHZ, at Oswegat-.hie. 
Biuuiliiig, Tlinmus, piivato ; eurolleil Aug. Hi, lH(j2. at Oswi'g.itchio. 
Itvruea, William, private; imumIIcI July 20, 18G2, at Do I'eyster. 
Beebee, AlUcrt, pivate; eiirolh-il Aug. 11, 18C2, at Dc Kalh. 
Bellinger, (!liarl.-8, private; i-un>lli-.l An:;. 12, 1862, at Do Peysti-r. 
Bi-lling'T, Bmytiin, private; enrolled Aug. l-l, 1802, at Macuinh. 
Brouks, Henry M., piivale; eiiiuUftl Aug. 4, 1862, at De Kalb. 
BeartNlt'y, KilwanI, private; oiirolleil July 2.i, 1802, at Oswegatcliie. 
Biniiet, JacoU, private; enr.>lle<t .Vug. 12, IS62. at De Kalb. 
Clark, Frederick, private; L-iirulled July 2o, 1862, at De I'eyater. 
Clark, George, private : uuriilled July 2.i, 1S62, at Do Pi-yster. 
Carr, Henry, piivato; L-urolled July 2.*), 1862, at De I'eyster. 
Cole, Melvin, private; enrulled Aug. l:i, 1802, at 0-<wegatchie. 
(Jrayfurd, Jainea, private; enrolled .-Vug. 8, 1802, at De Peyster. 
Cater, Henry, private; enrolled July 2i), 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
CUamberlaiti, Juhu U , private; enrulled July 25, 1802, at De Peyster. 
Covey, Chauni-ey, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, at De I'eyster. 
Charter, Stephen, private; enr'dletl July 2U, 1802, at Macotub. 
Datui, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1802, at Haniinond. 
Dana, Theodoro h\ M., private; enrolled July 22, 1862, at Hammond. 
Dalen, P.itriek, private; enrolled July 27, 1862, »t Macomb. 
Klliort, .\n'lre\v, private; enroik-d Aug. 12, 1S(V2, at Oswegatchie. 
Eustis, George D., private; enrolled Aug. l;t, 1862, at De Pi-yster. 
Elliott, Samuel, private; enrolletl Aug. II, 1802, at De Peyster. 
I'urgusjn, 'L'houia-J, private; enrolled July 26, 1802, at De Peyster. 
FardeM, James, private; enrolled Aug. i>, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Fishbeck, Hezekiah, private; enrolleil Aug, l;i, 1862, at Macomb. 
Kinley, Hodney, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1802, at fliacoinb. 
Ki'tterley, William I., private ; enrollod July 23, 1862, at Macomb, 
tiaildis, Jamejn, private; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Dt- Peyster. 
(;;tin.vs, William, private; enrolled July •S^, 1862, at Miicoinb. 

Hutchinson, Carlton, private; enrolled July 2o, 1862, at Monistown. 

Ilarlun, Henry, jir.vute; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at 5Iacr>mb. 
Hitehmaii. Tiffany, private; enroMcd Aug. 12, 186i, at De Kalb. 

Hearns, Peter H., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Macomb. 

Harney, William, private; enrolled July 12, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Johnson, Thorn. IS, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Oswegatchie.J 

Keek, William, i)rivate ; enrolled Aug. 5, 186-, at De Peyster. 

Liscomb. Harrison, private; enrollel Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb. 

Le.iry, Patrick, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Mai'onib. 

Miyne, James, private ; enrolled July 25, 1802, :tt De Peyster. 

Mills. .\!exandtir, private ; enrolled Aug 13, 1802, at Macomb. 

Milh-r, Robert, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, at 0-wegiitchie. 

Natt, Th.uiias H., private; etindled July 24, 1862, at Macomb. 

Tyler. Daviil C, private; enrolled Aug". 8, 1862, at Do Peyster. 

Phillips, Wilram, private; enrolle<l Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb. 

Picker, Franci?", priv.ite; eiirollecl Jnly 23, 1862, at Hammond. 

Phillips, Henry, private; enrolled July 2.">, 1802, at Morristown. 

I'liilp tt, William, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Maeumh. 

Itiissell, John A., private; enrolled .\ng. 11, 1862, at Macomb. 

K -ynolds, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1802, at Macomb. 

lUe, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at -Macomb. 

Head, Preston K., private; enrolled July 24, 1802, at (.)sweiiatchip. 

Rounds, Levi, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1862, at De Peyster. 

Kae, John, private ; cnr died July 26, 1802, at Macomb. 

Kobertson, Edward, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 

Rijunds, Everye K , private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, itt Do Peyster. 

Kttunils, William, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Do Peyster. 

Kich, Thomas, privato; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Oswegateliie. 

Scribner, Thomas, private; enrolled Jnly 22, 1862, at Morristown. 

Sayers, Thom:i.s, private; enrolled July 28, 1862, at Mactunb. 

Siiyoi-s, Edward, private; enrolled July 23, 1862. at Macomb. 

Snyder, John H., private; enrolled Jnly 23, 1S02, at M icomb. 

Seymour, Abram, private; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Maciunb. 

Staple-^, Jesse, privato; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Macomb. 

Sunderland, Darwin W., priV'tte; ennilled Aug. G, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 

Tyler, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 

Tanner, John, private; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Macomb. 

Temple, Charles, private; enrolled July 24, 1862, at Morristown. 

Towtisend, Kenneth, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2, at De Peyster. 

Thompson. Jidiu. private ; enrolled July 23, 1862, at Macomb. 

"Wright, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1862, at De Peyster. 

Wilson, Lewis W , prvate; enrolled Auir. 13, 1802, at De Peyster. 

Wilson, Virgil M., private; enrolled Jnly 22, 1S02, at Oswegatchie. 

Washburn. Lloyd C, private; onr^dlod Aug. 13, 1802, at De I'eyster. 

Willi. tms. John, private ; enrolled July 24. 1802, at M;ictunb. 

Wright, William, privato ; enrolled July 26, 1802. at Hammond. 

CAPTAIN ROLLIN C. JACKSON'S COMPANY (D). 
Rulliii C Jackson, captain; enrollHd Aug. 1.5, 1862, at Ogdens!)urg. 
Alvah W. Briggs, tii-st lieutenant; enrolled Aug. o, 1862, at Ogdenaburg. 
Albert Walker, 2d lieutenant; enrolled Aug. U, 1862, at De Kalb. 
David C. CI vrk, 1st sergeant; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Do Kalb. 
Tbom IS Shaw, sergeant ; enroMed July IS, 1862, at Ogilensbnrg. 
Oii-* W. (Jotiiirich. si-rgeant ; i-nrolled ."hily 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Philander Wells, sergeant; enrolled July 21, 1862, at Lisb.ui. 
Daniel Holland, sergeant; enmlled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
\Vm. Wooils, corporal ; enrolled July 2^<, lX(>2,at OgclLMisburg. 
Saml. L. Moi*se, corporal ; enriilled .Inly 2'.l. 1«02. at Ogdensburg. 
Adouijah Fulton, corpjral ; enrolled Jnly 2S, 1S02. at Lisbon. 
James Winters, corporal; enrolled Jnly 2S, IK62, at Ogden>ibnrg. 
Chas. W. Ja<ksori, corporal ; enrolled .Puly 21, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Wm. K. Best, corporal ; enrolled July 22, 1>*02, at Ogdeimluirg. 
Albert Haskell, corporal ; enrolled Aug. !t, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Fnim-is Kearney, cijrporal ; (-nrolled July 23, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Austin. CiiMtaviis H . private; eurolleil Aug. 22. 186i, at De Kalb. 
Bed tt.nl. Stephen, private; enroUetl July 23, 1862. at Ogdensburg. 
Broadwell, Henry, private; enrolled July 23, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Boswurth, John C., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862. at Lisbon. 
Beckhart, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1862, at Og<ieimburg. 
Barzee. Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Brown, David D., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Bosworlh, Albert, private ; enrolled Aug, 13, 1862, at De Kalh. 
Bates. Milton W., private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Bar/.ee. Wm.-H., private; enrolled Jnly 21, 1862, at Lisbon. 
<'.denian, Peter, private; enrolled July 3t), 1802, at Ogden-^hurg. 
Chineh, Benj. H., private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
t;ieveiand, Orson L., private; enrolled Jnly 21, 1862, at Ogden>bnrg. 

63 



Oiok, Rr>ljt. R.. private; enrolled July 29, l«C2,nt I.inbon. 

rook, lltil.t., Jirivjito; enn.lled , 1MG2. fit Liuliuli. 

Ccjiili, Kiyi'll.- M , priviitr ; unr.ille.l Aiii;. 1 1. UDl, iil De Kalb. 
Chirk, W Jii. I!., iJiivate; onr..ll.-<l Aiii:. 11, lKi;j,ut l>.. Kiill.. 
(^i.lliiiM, JdIiii 1*.. priViitu; enrolled .lnl> Is, ls(i-,i, jtt Kns8ell. 
C inipti'-ld, Henry F.. private ; enrolled An;;. h\ 18(1;;, nt Ogdenfcburg, 
Dillingham, Kdward 0. D., private ; enirdled AUR. 1-, 1!^G2, at LiflbifD. 
Dtinipliier, Theoidiilns, private ; enrolled July 2H, 1H02, at tjgdcnsburg. 
Dngan, Miehae], private; enn>llcd July 2'J, 1S(>2, at LitdMin. 
Eddy, Frank I)., private; enrolled .\ng. II, Itilti, at De Knlb. 
Kllswurtli, Ferrnindo, private ; enrolleil Aug. H, IK(12, at (.'anton. 
Fincli, Kngene, private; enrolled Aug. '2, 1H(>2, at 0;;den8lpurg. 
Foster, .lolin II., private; enridled Aug. 1 1, 1HC2, at OgdenHliur.g. 
Goiidricli, Kli, private; enrolled .Inly 25, lHi;2, at Ogdennburg. 
Gelty, Freeman, p ivate; enrolled July 2K, 1XG2, at Lisbon. 
Goodrieli, Jas. D., privjite; enrolleil Aug. 11, liit;2, at De Kalb. 
Gorman, Wm.. private; enrolled Aug. it, 18C2, at Ogdeni.burg. 
(Fralnuil, Orpheus .1., Jjrivate ; enrolled Aug. .'i, IS02. at Ug<lcnaburg. 
Hanna, Adams, private; enndlcd July 28, 18(12, at Lisbon. 
Hall, James G., private; enrolled July 28. 18(12, at Ogclensburg. 
Heckles, Wm., private; enrolled An;;. 8, 18G2, at Li-*lsHi. 
Hackett, John, private; enrolled July 27, 18G2, at LislK>n. 
Holden, Jonathan, private; eni-olled Aug. 8, 18C;i, at Lisbon. 
Hayes, Chas. 11 , private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Haniblin, Elijah, pi-ivate ; enrollwl Jnly 2.^), 18G2. at (Jantoti. 
Johnwn, F.plir.iim 1 2d'>, private; enroll. 'il Aug. 17, IStii, at De Kalb. 
Kemp, George D., private ; enrolled Jnly 2.'i, 18G2, at Russell. 
Kearney, Micha.d, private; ear. died .\ug. 11, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Knapp, /.era, priv;(te; enrolled July 1:5, 18G2, at Og.leiisburg. 
Kubly, John Jacob, private; enrolLnl .Vug. ."i, I8G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Lockwood. Daniel, Jirivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 18(12, at Lisbon. 
Lockwood, licnj., private; enrolled .\ug. 11, 18G2, at Lisltoii. 
Miller, Jos., private; enrolled July 28, 18()2, at Lislon. 
Miller, Jacob, private; enrolled Aug. It, 18G2, at Ogdi-nsburg. 
McDonald, Wm., privale; enrulled Aug. 4, 18(12, at ogdensburg. 
McCarthy, Cornelius, private; enrolled July 21, 18C2, at Ogdenaburg. 
Martin, Robert, private; eni"olled Aug. .% 18G2, at Lisbon. 
Martin, .l.is., Sr., private; enrolled An;;. G, 18112, at Ogdensburg. 
Marceau,8inion, private; enrolled July 211, 18G2. at Ogtb-nsburg. 
Martin, .los., Jr., private; enroll.'d Aug. 8, ls(i2, at Ogilensl.urg. 
Martin, John, piivate; enrolled July 215, 18(12, at (tgib-nsbiirg. 
Merithew, Gilbert, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 18(12, at De Kalb. 
McGnire, Patrick, private; enrolled .Vug. 11, 18012, at De Kalb. 
Murph.v, Mo.ses, private; onr.dled Aug. 11, 18G2, at De Kalb. 
McCloy, Wm., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Ogdensbniig. 
Myeis, Chas. E., private; enrolled Jnly 2-'>, 18G2. at Lisbon. 
Nugent, Andrew, iirivate; enrolled July 111, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Perry, John, private; enrolleil July 29, 1802, at (.Igdensburg. 
Phelps, Saml. W., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18(12, at De Kalb. 
Pooler, Win. K, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 18G2, at De Kalb. 
Pooler, David, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 18C2, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Robinson, John, private; enr-dled July 28, 1802, at Lisbon. 
R igan, Daniel E., private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Kich, Geo. A., private; enrolled Aug. U, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Sullivan, Cornelius 0., private; enrolled July 18, 1802. at Ogdensburg. 
Simpson, Charles S., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1SG2, at Ogdensburg. 
Shales, John, piivati^; enrolled Aug. \ 18G2. at Lawrence. 

Smith, Charles H., piivate; enroll'Kl , 1802. 

Smith, Lucius, jirivate; enrolled Aug. 11, 1S02, at De Kalb. 
Spicer, Charles, private ; enmlled July 23, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Smith, Tlionias, private; enrolled Aug. 21,1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Sutton, Oscar F., private; enrolleil July 18, 18fi2, at Kiissell. 
Turnei-, James M., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18C2, at De Kalb. 
Tripfi, Itussell, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Tiittle, Jerome B^ private; enrolled July 11, 18G2, at De Kalb. 

Wright, Oliver, private; enrolled , l.%2. 

Wood, Jesse 1., private; enrolled .Vug. 11, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Walker, Edwin, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18Gi at Og.leiisburg. 
Weston, William, private; enrolled July 29, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Wright, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 18G2, at Lisbon. 
White, Lester B., private; enrolled .\ng. 8, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Walker, Moses, private; enrolled Aug. Hi, 1802, at De Kalh. 

CAPTAIN LUTHER PRIESTS COMPANY (B). 
Luther Priest, captain ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Joseph n. Austin, lirst lieutenant; enrolled Aug. .\ 1802, at Potsdam. 
Samuel V, Rariies, second lieuten ml ; enrolled .\ug. 7, 1802. 
Elliott Brown, Jr., first sergeant; enrolled Aug. 7. 1.SC2, at ParishviUe. 
Oliver C. Cleveland, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, nt Potsdam. 
Haviland L. Sweet, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, nt Chilton. 
Hiram J.ihnston, sergeant; cnroll.d Aug. n. 1.802, at Potsdam. 
George Fniin, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Wm. 11. H. Coolage, corporal; enrolled Aug. 9, 1.8G2, at P.itsdam. 
Page J. .Smith, corporal; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at ParishviUe. 
Charles 1!. Itathbone, corporal; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Nathan Wheeler, corporal ; enrolled Aug. II. 1802, at Potsdam. 
Myron E. Il.iwanl, corporal ; enrolled Aug 12. 1802, at South Canton. 
Benson B. Marsh, corporal; enrolled Aug. 11, 18i;2, at ParishviUe. 
John Kingston, corporal ; enrolled Aug. II, 1802. at Lawrence. 
William Nesliit, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1802, at 1'ots.lani. 
Robert II. Johnson, musician ; enrolled Aug. IH, 1802, nt Camp Wheeler. 
Josephus B. Scott, musician ; enrolled Aug. II, 1802, at ParishviUe. 
Wnl.O. Chnpin, wagoner; eniolle.l Aug. 11, 1802, at Pot.sdara. 
Brewer, Nelson I, private; enrolli..l Aug. 4, 1802, at I'.itsdam. 
Barber, Darius, private; enrolled Aug. 11. 1802, at Lawrence. 
Blair, Lorenzo D., private; oiipilled Aug. 11,1802, at ParishviUe. 
Burke, William, private ; enrolled Aug. II, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Bates, Harrison, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1802, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Brownell, J hn, privato; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802. at ParishviUe. 
Chilton, Stephen W.. piivate; enroUwl Aug. 8, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Cameron. James, private; enroll.d Aug. 12. 1802, nt Colton. 
(JollinB, Asa L.. private ; enndled Aug II. 1802. at Potsdam. 
Cramer, Sila-s P., private; enrolled Aug. II, ISG2, at Pots.lain. 
Cliaa.., Anthony B., private; enrolled .\iig. 12, 18C2, nt Potsdam. 
Cxdlins, Henrv, private; enniUid Aug. 18, 1802, nt Potsdam. 
Cherlv, James A., private; .nnlled Aug 11, 1.802, at ParishviUe. 
Covey, E.lwiii R., private ; enrolle 1 Aug. 11. 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Cudworth, Otis J., private; enridled Aug. II, 1802, nt Parishvillo. 
Chase, Mip.v, private; enrolle.l Aug. 12, 1802. nt INitsdam. ■ 
(3olTee, Charles N., private; enrolle.l Aug. 11, 1*02. nt ParishviUe. 
Carpenter. R.diert P., private; enroll.d Aug. 9, 1802, at ParishviUe. 
Chapin. Davi.l, privale; enrolle.l Aug. 9, 18G2, at Potsdam. 
Drake, Asaliel C., private; enrolled .\iig. II. 1802. at Parishvdle. 
Dongliia, Turat D., private; enndle.l Aug. IS. I,in2. at Ogd.-nsburg. 
Dee, Julius W., private: enrolled Aug. II, 1802, nt Pots.lani. 
Derathv, Thomas, privato; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Potsdam. 



498 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



iVnny, Josopli, piivnti* : t-nruUr-iI Aur. Cu 1^(12, at Potsiliim. 
Fl.mdcrs, llcniy .1 ,priviitc-; onroll.-tl Aug. 11, IMTJ, at i'ai Uhville. 
ail)I«in», Ira, private; ciiinlh'il \in;. 11, 1^112, at Pnts.Uuii. 
Cifiy, .Insmli, private; i-nrullcil Ang. M, ISIVi, at Opli'iislniig. 
HiilKM-t, Aliram 1*.. priviitt-; I'lirolleii Aun. 4, Ur.2, at Pntsdaiii. 
Ilu(.'an, Williiiin, private; eiirulh-ii Aug. 7. ISili. at rotsdam. 
Ilciyt, (icur^ie C, private; enrolled Aug. 11, isUl*, at I'lirisliville. 
Hopkins, Allu-rt H., private; fiirolletl Aug. 11, ISfVi, at Potsdani. 
Hazelgrnve, Al'iJini, privat.- ; eiin.lleil Aug. 11, lHr.2, at Potsdam. 
Ilainlin, Dennis, priv.ite; .Mirolled Aug. 12, 1S(12, at Lawrence. 
llarriuiiiii, Lvmnn, private ; enrolled Ang- ^, l**'*-. »t Parishville. 
Iloxie, Johii.*pnv;ite ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1^02, at Potsdam. 
Iloxie, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11. lS(i2, at Pt.It-dani. 
lla/.elgn)ve, Watson, privat'' ; enrolled Aug. 8, isr.2, at Parit-Uville. 
Hall, Clmrles, priviite ; t-nmllid Aug. '.i, 1HC.2, at Potadaiu. 
Hall, CuUin T., private; enrolled Aug. 15, 18(12, at Parishville. 
Harris. Kdwaid. priviite; enrolled Aug. 0, 18^2, at Putsdam. 
Howe, !ni H., priviMe ; eiii-ulled Aug. U, 1802, at ParisUvjlIo. 
InuDiti, Addison, private; enrolled Aug. 16, 1SI12, at Potsdam. 
Icn, St. pheii, private; enrolled Aug. 2, IWi.', at Polwiauv. 
Kilt, Oliver M., private ; eundlrd Aug. 12, 1^<02, at Put?dam. 
Lamcre, Mosos, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1SI)2, at Potsdam. 
LaniN, Stoplieti, private ; enndlid Aug. 1,1, 18(i2, at Potftdam. 
Mack, William O., priv.ite; enrolled Aug. U, 1S(J2, at Potsdam. 
Munroe, Charles S., private; eni<iUed Aug. !», lsi;2, at Potsiliim. 
Malikie, Timothy, privuto ; eni-olled Aug. 12, 18fi2, at Pt)tsdam. 
Martin, Nathan, private; eni-oIled Aug. 12, 1H(J2, at Canton. 
MeArtliur. Ornu. private; enrolled Aug. 'J, 18('.2,at Parishviile. 
flluigjin, William I'., private. 

MeUonuhi, Allen P.. private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 18G2, at Potsdam. 
Morgan. Oscar P., private; enrollod Aug. 0, 1S02, at Potsdam. 
McKinn, George (.'., pr.vnte ; enrolled Aug. 12, 18(12, at Uiwrence. 
Manstield, Lewis L., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1SG2, at LawrcMice. 
MeArthiir, Amos, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, ISCi, at Parishville. 
Mole, Wdliam XL. private; enndled Aug. 11. l>^(12, at Pari.shville. 
Pulsiler, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. II, 1802, at Hopkinton. 
Page. Al"U7.o J., private; enrolled Aug. ti, 18i;2, at Pot^d;im. 
Pnitt. John S., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802. at Ogdonsiuirg. 
Powell, William M., private; errndled .\ng. .>. 18G2, at Colton. 
Powers, Jidin I''., privati:; enndli'd Aug. 12, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Robins, Newell ('., private; enrolled Aug. 12, lS72,at Potsdam. 
Royal, Willijim M,, private; enrolliti Aug. 9, 1802, at Poisiiam. 
Russell, -■Mnirs-m W.. private; enrolloil Aug. 12, lKG2,at South Cuntoii. 
Rock\vo-.d. Ilemin. private; enrollftii Aug. 7,1802, at Hopkinton. 
Rrith. Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1SG2, at Lawn^nce. 
Russell, Stephen S.. private; enrolled Aug. lit, 1802, at Potwlam. 
Russell, (tporge, private; eitroUed Aug. 11, 1802, at Parishville. 
Rutman. Charles S., private; enrolled Aug. 12. IS02, at Pi>t3dam. 
l^lyaI. Thomas H., private; enmlled Aug. 8, 1802, at Parishvide. 
Railway, i'nincis, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1S02, at South Canton. 
Rohinson, Daniel, private ; eurolh'd Aug. 14, 1S02, at Pierrepont. 
Spinlis, tjeorge, private ; enrolled Aug. II, 1k(V2, at Pidsdam. 
Siinjule, Peter, private ; enrolled Aiij;. 11, isivi. at Potsdam. 
Stratton. Byrnn, private ; enndled Aug. II. 1K02. at Pari-liville. 
Smith, Wilbur, private ; enr>illed Aug. II, 1802. at Parishvilh*. 
Center, William R., private; enrolled Aug. 14. 1802, at Ogdensburij. 
StniKon, Charles, private ; enndb-d Aug l:'., 1802. at Potsdam. 
Wiiliiims, Josiah. private; enrtdled Aug. Vi, ISii2, nf Lawrence. 
Williams. Ahm/o, private; eurulled Auir. 12, lS(i2. at Lawrence. 
WiUian»s, William IL, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Ogdousburg. 

CAPTAIN MARTIN J. CIIAMllKRLAIN'S COMPANY (F). 
Martin J. Chamberlain, captain ; onrollf<l 18G2. 
Henry N. Clark, first lieuteuunt. enrolled 18(f2. 
Charles C. Jones, second lieutenant ; enrolb-d 18G2. 
Melvin J. Stearns, fir.^t sergeant ; enrolled July 24, T8C2, at Massena. 
Thomas Hodge, sergeant: eiiiolb'd Aug. 7, 1802. iit Louisville. 
G:de..n 0. Varttiue, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 8, 18C2. at Norf.dk. 
Otis H. Wells, eergc-ant; enrolled Aug. 11. 18(i2, at Louisville. 
Hiram J. Wilson, serg'-ant; enndled July 2.% 1802, at Massena. 
Kdwin R. Andrews, i-orporal, enrolled Aug. 8, 1862. at Brasher. 
Hor:ire Winu', corporal ; enrolled Aug. 7. 18(12, at Louisville. 
Oliti H. Tilden, corjioial ; enndled Aug. 1, 1802, at Massma. 
David II. Patterson, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 8. 1802, at Massena. 
Charles Rugiey, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802. at Massena. 
Alexander Laughley, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 7» 1802, at Louisville. 
Sandy Hodge, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802. at Louisville. 
Bumhanl Sp'-iti, rorporal ; enrolled July 20, 1862, at Massena. 
Horace B. Ellsw.nih, ninsieian ; enrolled July 20, 1802, at Massena. 
Charle.« H. Hoynton, musician : enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
Allen, PXwin 1)., private; enn>lted Aug. 8, 1802, at Massena. 
Ahar, Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, a( Brasher. 
Brangle, Joseph, private; enndled July 24, 1802, at 3Ias'-eiia. 
Brangl'-. Lewis, private: eni'olled July 20, 1S02, at Massena. 
Iloyle, J:imes, private; enrolled Aug. lit, 1802, at l\Lultid, 
Bo'vle, J<dni, private : enrolled Aug. 4, 18(i2. at BLulnd. 
Burke, Jnlm. private; enr.dled Aug. 8, 1802, at Brasher. 
Bangle, J.din, private; enndled July 27. 1802, at Massena. 
Jtusb, Ania-a, private; enrolled Aug. 0. 1802, at Massena. 
Baiher. Sidon, private; enrolled .\ug. 9, 1802, at Massena. 
Bennert, Reuben, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802. at Massena. 
Ilurdick, Joel B,, private; enrolled Aug. .'J, 1802, at Brasher, 
Bell, .Manson, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at M"^ena. 
Bush, Parley, private; oui-olled Aug. 11, 1802, at Massena. 
Camp, Francis, private; enrolhil Aug. 11, 1802, at Massena. 
CliiinhiM. Natlian M., private ; enrolled Aug. !), 1802, at B^l^her. 
Crowley. Timolhy, luivate; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Bmsher. 
Carbinan, Levi, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 18(12, iit Massena. 
Cawley, James, private; enndled Aug. 14, 1802, at LouiNville. 
Cramer, William A., private; enrolled Aug. 0, 1S02, at Massena. 
Dewetr, William H., private ; enndled Aug. 8, 1802, at Louisville. 
Dis Lan. Benjamin, private; enndleii .\ug. 8, 1802, at Norfolk. 
Dilcox, Williuni, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Massena. 
Davey, Thomas, jirivate ; enrolled .\ug. II. 1802, at liOU-sville. 
Diirant, Justus, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1><02, at Louisville. 
Dis Lan, Jnliiis. private ; enrolled Aui:. 12, 1X02. at Massena. 
Klliott, Henry W,, private ; enndled Aug. 10, lH02, at Norfolk, 
Fitzgerald, Ulichael, ])rivate ; enrolled Aug. 12. 1802, at Ijouisville. 
Grant, Clnrles, private ; enndled Aug. 12, 1802. at Norfolk, 
fioeway, .Fidiii ('., piivate; enrolled Aug. I, 1802, at Massena. 
Hosnier, Orriik. private; enrolled duly 20, 1802, at Blassena. 
Hepburn, Alphonsn I)., private: cu" oiled .\ug. 0, 1802, at Massena. 
Hanigan, David, jirivate; etircdled Aug. 0, 1802, at Blassena. 
Hurley, I>aniel, private; enrolled Aug. 6, 1802, nt Brasher. 
Hall, Joseph H., private; eurolleil Aug. 8, 18(V2, at Massena. 
Hrtgb*. RMliert. private; enndbd Au^' II, ISiVJ. ut Ma-si-ti!i. 



Hutchinson, Orvillr, private ; enrolled .\ng. C7, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
Hall, Nelson F., private ; enn>l!ed Aug. l!l, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
Ja.y, William, private; enndled Aug. 11, 1K02, at Massena. 
Jassmer, Jidin, pi ivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1S02. nt Louisville. 
Jassmer, Antoine, private; enrolled Aug. l.'i, 1802, at Brasher. 
Jassmer. ( harle-, piivate; enrolled Aug. 14. 1802, at Massena. 
Jonew, Ch Mies (■ , private ; enrolled .\ug. .'., I8i>2, at Brasher. 
Lagra.n, Joseph, pi iviiti' ; r'nr<dleil July 20, l^i02, at Massena. 
Lr Rofbe, WiHi;im, priv;tte ; enn.lletl Aug. 11, 1802, at Mas-eiia. 
Lavene, Paul, priMite; euiolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Sliissena. 
La Clair, Ahxander, private; enndled Aug, 1, 1S02, at Miissena. 
La Sone, Chr,sto[dier, private ; <-nrolle<l Aug. 7, 1802, at Massena, 
Lead, William, pri\ate ; enrolled ,\iig. 11, 1802, at Massena. 
Morrell, William, piivaie; enn>lled July 20, 1«02, at Massena, 
McLeod, Ab-.xunder. piiv;iie; enrolled .\ug, i», 1802, at Louisville. 
McLeniiii;, William, private; enndle<l Aug. 8, 1802, iit Brasher. 
McCne, Abxainler, private ; enndle.i Aug. 11, 1M02, at Massena, 
Pratt, Adotiison J., private; enrille>l Aug. 8. 1802, at Massena, 
Portus, Willi!im,priviite; enrolled Aug 8, 1802, at Norfolk, 
Patterson, Kphiatm, private ; enndh-tl Aug. 'J, 1802, at Massena. 
Palmer, Amos, private; eiirr)llr'd Aug. !*, 1N02, at lVLis«ena. 
Myers, John A., juivatt? ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Massena. 
Richard, Joseph, private; enndled Aug. K, ls(i2, at Massena. 
Rivers, Isaac, jirivate; en lolled Aug. 7, 1S02, at Brasher. 
Suachall, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, 1802, at Massemi. 
Sntton, Charles B., private; enrolled Aug, 8, 1802, at Louisville. 
Showeu, William A., private; eutolli*d Aug. 8, 18^2, at Massena. 
Sanborn, Moody M., private; enrolled Aug. G, 18G2, at Brasher. 
Scripture, Liuenzo, private : enrolled Aug. 0, 1802. at Brasher. 
Socese, Chai b-s, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Massena. 
Sharp, HcMiry, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Massena. 
Sergant. John, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802. at Louisville. 
Schnor, Fran/, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Bnisher. 
Smith, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 15, 1862, at Boisher. 
Tirpy, Martin L., p ivate; enrolled Aug. 8. 1802, at Louisville. 
Tobin, Jidin. private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Louisville. 
Wrij-ht, Wilbur W' , private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Louisville. 
Young, Elijiih, piivate: enrolled Aug. 23, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 

CAPTAIN* JESSE COGSWELL'S COMPANY (G). 
Jesse Cogswell, captain ; enrolled July \% 1802, at ISIadrid. 
Amos Mathews, first lieutenant ; enndled Aug. 1, 1802, at Stockholm. 
Gdhert W. llnthaway. secund lieutenant; enrolled, 18G2, at Waddington, 
lHyrou W. Leviiigs, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. H, 1802. at Madrid. 
Warren J. Iv»-«, sergeant; enrolle<l Aug. 0, 1802, at Stockholm. 
Edward Squares, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1862, at Stockholm. 
William Sawyi-r, j-ergeant; enrolled Aug. G, 18G2, at Stockholm. 
Aaron Blackman, sergeant ; enrolled July 21, 18G2, at Madi id. 
Daniel Landon, corporal ; enrolled Aug. G, 18G2, at Hopkintioi. 
Edward L. Wr glit, corporal : enrolled Aug. 9, 1HG2. at Madrid. 
Rufiis Allen, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 6, 18G2, at Stockholm. 
Augustus E. Wright, cor|ioral ; enrolled July 20, 1802, at Madrid. 
George Nash, cm-pural; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Hopkinton. 
John Haskell, corporal ; eurolleil Aug. 13, 1802, at Ma<lrid. 
Daniel Thurston, corporal ; enndled Aug. 4. 1862. at Stocklu.Ini. 
William B. GilliLspie, c rporal ; em oiled July 24, 1802, at Miidrid. 
Seynmur Adams, musician ; ennplled Aug. 4, 1802, at Parishville. 
Abel ti;uhv. Monroe, private ; enrolled Aug. 1, lK(j2. at Madrid. 
Beliiad, Ad.ilphus. private; enndbd Aug. i:i, 1802, at Madrid. 
Bailey, Will'am W.. private; enrolled July :il, 1802, at Lonisville. 
Bri'U II, Willi;un, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 18(^2, at Louisville. 
Ciiisoo, I'liiiieas P.. private; enrolled Aug, 2:i, 18G2, at Ogdenshurg. 
Corbeu, Melzer, private; enrolled Aug. 2, 1862, at Buck's Bridge. 
Caire, John, private; enndled Aug, 7, 1862, at Hopkinton. 
Cornell, Orlando, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Madrid. 
Call. Ephraim, priviite; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at StocUludm, 
Carroll, John, private ; enmlled Aug. .^>, 1802, at Madrid. 
Cole, Myron S., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802. at Stockholm. 
C(de, Simoon, priv.ite; enrolled .\ug. *^, 1802, at Sttickholin. 
Chapman, Julius, private ; enrolb'd .\ug. 11, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Cole, Sylvester P.. private; enrolled Aug. 1:(, 1862, at Madrid. 
Constine, Geo., private ; enrolled Aug. lit, 1802, at Madrid. 
Crosby, Cyrus R., private ; enntHed Aug. i:t, 18(i2, at Madrid. 
Denien, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug 13, 1802, at Madrid. 
Earl, John, pr.vate ; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
Fuller, E/.ra, pi ivate ; enrolled Aug. 18. 1802, at Stockholm. 
Folsom, Alfred, private; enndled Aug. 4, 1802, at Stockhrdm. 
Griffiths, Evan E.. private; enndled Aug. 11, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Gadhow, Chas., private; enn)lleil Aug, 13, 1802, at Madrid. 
Gladden, Cyrus R., private; enrolled Aug. 12. 1802. at Stockholm. 
Gaddis, George, private; enrolled Aug. 8, ln02, at Stockholm. 
McAnna, Christopher, private; enndled Aug. 10, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
Hicks, E. J., private; enndled Aug.-9, 1802, at Stockholm. 
Heath, Martin, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Stockholm. 
Hawley, Ira D., private; enndled Aug, 7, 1S02. at Madrid. 
Huntlv, Frederic k. private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802. at Stockholm. 
Hiintly. A. P.. private : enndled Aug. 0. 1802, at Stockholm. 
Honnedew, Nathaniel, private ; enrolled Aug. 13. 1802. at Madrid. 
Hutchison, Leonard, ])rivate; enrolled Aug. 4, 180.J, at Stockholm. 
Hesselgrave, Thos., private; enndled Aug. 13, 1862. at Madrid. 
Horsford. Judson E.. private ; eundle»l Aug. 13, 1862, at .Madrid. 
.Tordan. Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Louisville. 
Lyman, George P.. privaie ; enrolled .\ug. 9, 18G2, at Madrid. 
Livermore, Henry W., privati-: enndb d Aug. 12, 1802. at Stockholm. 
Millard. Uobt.A., privi.te; enndled Aug. 2:1, 1802, at Ogdenshurg. 
MoiTison, John, private ; enndled Aiitr. 13, 1802. at Madrid. 
Miller, Samuel, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Stockh..lni. 
Miller. Daniel, private; enndb-d Aug. 4. lS02.at Stockholm. 
Mead, Henry, nivate; enrolled .\ug. 13, lsO:i, at Potsdam. 
McGinn. Wm., private ; enndled July 31, 1802. at Waddington. 
Mead, Daniel, Jr.. private; eurolleil' Aug. 14, 18G2, at Madrid. 
Mead, James P., private; enndled Aug. 2. 1S02, at Madrid. 
Nash, Geo. W., private; enntlh-d Aug. 0. 1^02. nt Hopkinton. 
Nulty. Edward, private; enndled Aug. l-''. iSOi.at Oswegatchie. 
Newton. Warner, private; enndled Aug. 14. 1802, at Ho]>kintou. 
Page, Wm. K., pr ivnte ; enndled Aug. 9, 1S02. at Stockholm. 
Peterson, Almoiul R.. private; enrolled Aili;. 13, lS(i2. at Madrid. 
Powers, Anthony, private ; enrtdb-d Aug. 7. 18G2, at Waildington. 
Perry, Alexander, Jr.. private: enndled Aug. 7, 1802. at Hi.pkinton. 
Perry, Eli. private; enn-lled Aug. 0. 1802, at Hopkinton. 
Pow.dl, Frederick, private; enn-lled Aug. 13, 1802. at Madrid. 
Paige, Carlos W., private; enndled Aug. 12. 1862, at Stockholm. 
Paxton. Beni., private; enrolletl Aiil'. 7, 1802, at Hojikinton. 
Richmond, Tluw., private; enrolled Aug 13. 1802. at Madrid. 
Richardson. Eugene, private; enrolled Aug. 12. I.'s02, at Stockholm. 
Read, Chas. E., private; enndb d Aug. It, 1><I12. at Stoc kliolm. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



40(1 



ICiiaan, Wm., private; onrollod Aug. 13, 1862, at Madrid. 
llutlUTfunl, John A., private; cnrulled Aug. 12, ISU2, at Madrid. 
Sinn II, Tliiw., private; enndlod .Inly -24, 1)*G2, ut Miidriil. 
Sinitli, .Inliii, privato ; onroIU-d July :U, lS)i2, at Waddington. 
Sluift^r, .Varuii, private; enrolled Aug. 9, ISlii, at Storkliotni. 
Suttou, Webster, private; enrolled An;;. 7, 1802, at Louinvillp. 
Sears, Andrew J., private ; enrolled Aug. I'.i. 1802, at Madrid. 
Shales, George, private; enrolled Aug. 7,18H2,at Ilnpkint-Mi. 
Strong, James, private; enrolled Aug. II, 1JII>2, at Stockholm, 
Slieldun, Oscar, private; enrolled Jnly 27, 1«(>2, at Madrid. 
Taylor, Tims., private; enrolled Ang. 0, lrtG2, at .Stuckhnlm. 
Thoniiis, Jolin, private ; enrolled July 21, l.Sii2. at Madrid, 
White, Jiilin-J, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802. at lldpkiiiton. 
Westaway, Wm., private ; enrnlled Ang. IS, 1S02, at Madrid. 
WWr.ler, Lewis, private; enndled Aug. 12. 1802, at liopkinton. 
Wiieel.T, Win., privat-i; enrolled Aug. V\, 18ti2,iit Madrid. 
Wiiine, John (J., private; enrolled Aug. 0, 1H02, at Hopkintun. 
White, Adney P., private; enrolled -Vug. 12, 1S02, at liopkinton. 
Weston, Frederick, private ; enrolled Aug. 4, 1802, at Stot:khulm. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES J. KIDER'S COMPANY (II). 
Cliiirlos: J. Kifler, captain. 

Asahel A. IJrunson, sergeant ; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Lawrence. 
I*oren/,o II. ("handler, corporal ; enrolled Aug, 14, 1802, at Nicholville, 
Napoleon B. Benharn, corpomi ; enrolled Ang. 10, 1802, at Lawrence. 
John W. Carter, corporal ; enrolled Ang. IG, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Truman Wescott, corporal ; enrolled Aug. y, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Braiii'h, Oscar B., private ; enrolled Ang. l:i, 1802, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Chandler, Lewis P., private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Cntwice. Frank, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Pay, Henry H., private; enrolled vVug. 14, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Day, Webster D., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Day, (ieo. W., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Ferris, Warren J., private; enrolled Ang. 14, 1802. at Niclmlville. 
Hoyt, Chamlierlain, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Hoxie, Edgar, private ; enrolled August 4, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Hicks. Aaron J., private ; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Irish, Aliel J., private; enrollerl August 8, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Keys, Kverett, private ; enrolled August 11, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Russell, Frank, pr.vate; enmlleil August 14, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Richards, Daniel, private ; enrolled August 12. 1802, at Lawrence. 
Wilsey, Abram L,, private; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Lawrence. 

CAPTAIN PATRICK H. SHIELDS' COMPANY (I). 
Patrick H. Shields, captain. 
A. K. McSlnrry, 1st lieutenant. 
H. P. Field, 2d lieutenant. 

Ctmphell, Alexander, sergeant; enrolled Jnly 20, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Monroe, Robert C, corporal ; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Bailey, Hugh, private; enrolled July 20, 1802. at ^^gden^burg. 
Brout, Lnrenza N., private ; enrolled August 7, lsii2. at ogdensburg. 
Brower, Jolin, private; enrolled Jnly lil, 1802, at Ogdeii-burg. 
Cochliii, John, private; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Pnpras, Peter, private; enrolled Jnly 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Elle, Perry, private ; enrolled Jnly 25, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Kriwards, .lohn, private; etirolh^d July 2;t, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Evrkjcli, D. White, private; enrolled August 4. 1802, at O-iden^burg. 
Emu, Edward A., private ; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Fleming, James A., private; enrolled August 8, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Griffiths, James, private ; enrolled August 7, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Green, James, private; enrolled August 5, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Gansley, Alexander C., private; enrolled July 18, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Haggartv, Patrick, private; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Isaac, >V'illiam, pr.vate; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Johnson, John, private; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
.Tones, William, private; enndleil August 9, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Lashure, Joseph, private; enrolled .Inly 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg, 
Leary, John, private; enrnlled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Laviere, David, private; enrolbd July 22. 1802, at Ogilensbnrg. 
McDonald, John, private; eur(dled July 17, 18i>2, at Ogden-iburg. 
McKnight, John J., private; enrolled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
MrCue, Joseph W., priviite ; enrolled July 21, 1802. at Ogden-'burg. 
JIcFailand, Michael, private; enrolled August 8, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Purcell, Jiinies, private; enrolled July 22. 1802, at Ogiien-^burg. 
Peck, Jason, private ; enrolled July 20, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Peck, Nelson, private; enrolled July 29, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Peck, Stephen, private; enrolled Ju'ly 2S. 18f;2. at 0;;deu8burg. 
Perry, Robert, private ; enrolled Jnly 17, IsWl. at Ogdensburg. 
Parrington, George I., private; enrolled August 7, 1S02, at Ogdensburg. 
Peck, Richard, private; enndled August ."», 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Powers, James B., private; enndled July 20, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Rowe, James, jirivnte ; enrolled July 17, 1802, at 0;;deosbiirg. 
Regan, Maurice, private; enrolled July 18, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Stdes, George, private; enrolled July 20, 1802, tit Ogdensburg. 
Sniiier, Waltr-r S., private; enrolled Jnly 20, lS62,ai Ogden-burg. 
Smith, Zadock, private; enrolled July 24. 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Trickey, Hartwell N., private ; eniolbd July 22, 1802, at Ogilensbnrg. 
Tt*nnant, William, private; enrolled July 22. 1802. at Ogdensburg. 
Van Klick, William, private ; enrolled July 18, 18(12, at Ogdensburg. 
Wilder, Henry, private : enrolled July 17, 1802. at Ogdensburg. 
Wells, S;imuel E., private; cTirollod August S, 1K02, at Ogib-nsburg. 
Wells, Thonuis G,, private ; enrolled August 8, 1.SIV2, at OgdetiBburg. 
Moore, .lames, pri\ate; enrolled July 18,1802, at (tj;deM.sliurg. 
Phelps, Riclimond D., private; enrolled July 18. 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Spaiilding, Henry, private; enndled July 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Wood, William E., private; enrolled July 22, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER BINGHAM'S COMPANY (Kj. 
Alexaniler Bingham, captain. 
John D. McBroom, 1st lieuteTuint. 
Daniel Pt'ck,2d lieutenant. 

Horace Pickets, Ist S'Tgeant, enrolled .\ngu8t 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Sumner J. Barber, sergeant; enrolled July 21, 1802, at Canton. 
Hawley S. Hebborn, sergeant ; enrolled August 4, 1802, at ('olton. 
Hackley Day, sergeant ; enrolled July 28, 1802. at Canton, 
Morron I^Iartin, sergeant; enrolled August 4, 1802, at CoUon. 
Joseph C. Robinson, corporal ; enrolled August 8, 1H02, at Canton. 
Charles C. Caldwell, cor|)or»l ; enrolled August II, 1802, at t'anlon. 
James L. Spragne, corporal ; enrolled August 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Edwin A. Goodrich, corp()ral ; enrolled .Vugust 8, 1802, at Canton. 
Jidin L. Sayles, corjioral ; enrolled August 0, 1802, at Colton. 
Alin-d Day, corporal ; enrolled August 8, 1802. at Canton. 
Daniel Booth, corpuial ; enrolleil .Vugust 2, ls(;2, at Edwardx. 
Lucien Mathews, corporal ; enrolled August tt, IS02, at Canton. 
Solomon R. Benham, musician ; enn>1tud .Vugust 9, 1802, at Cotton. 
William N. Leonard, musi.jiin : enrolled Augu*»t 9, 1862, at Colton. 



Edaon Potter, muHlcian ; onrolled August 4, 1802, at Colton. 
Buck. Fmncis M., private; enrolled August 11, 1802, at Edwards. 
Barber, William J., private; enrolled .\ng. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
IJannaster, Azro I., private; enrolled Aug. II, 1802, at Edwanltf. 
Barber, Ira C, private; enrolled Ang. M, 1802, at Canton. 
Brown, Harvey, private; enrolled Aug. II, 1802, at Edwardti. 
Bartley, Jcdin, private; enrolled Ang. 4, 1802, at Colton. 
Brimson, Thoma-^, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at Canton. 
Billings, John W., private; enrolled Jnly 24. Iis02, at Canlun. 
Cole, Andrew M., privat*-; enrolled Aug*. 4, 1802, at Fowler. 
Carroll, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 0. I»i02, at Fowler. 
Copeland, A. C, private; enrolled Ang. 9, 1802, at Colton. 
Cardinal, Martin, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Colton. 
Chdiosey, Janie-, jjrivate ; enrulkxl Aug. 9, 1802, at Colton. 
Clark, Williiim G., private; enndled Aug. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
Detainable, Molts, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Fowler. 
Davis, Daniel, private; enrolled Ana. 0, 1802, at Fowler. 
Daniels, Henry, private; enrolled .Vug. 11. 1802, at Edwards. 
Downs, James B., private; enrolled Aug. M, 1802, at Edwartls. 
DemuKuis, Chirles K., i)rivate; enrtdled Aug. 4, 1802, at I':dwardH. 
Elliott, John M., private: enrolled Aug. 4. 1HG2, at CoMon. 
Earl, Perry, private; enrolled Aug. 8. 1802, at Canton. 
Earl, Eli P., private ; enrolled Aug. lU, 1802, at Edwards. 
FenUiam, Janirs H., jirivate; enrolled Aug. 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Eairchild, Williant B., private; enrolled July 29, 1802. at Canton. 
Gates, Harvey W., i)rivate; enrolled Aug. 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Gates, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 4, 1802, at E-lwards. 
Glazier, George, private; enrolled Aug. 12. 1802, at Fciwler. 
Gordon, Justus P., private ; enrolled Aug. 11. 1802, at Edwards. 
Gordon, Squire C., private; enrolled Aug. i:J, 1802, at Edwards. 
Gaddi-:, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18i;2, ut Edwards. 
Gotham, William, [uivale; enrolled Aug. 7, 1SH2, at Edwards. 
Gleason, Harvey, private; enrolled Aug. 8, I.s02. at <';tiiioii. 
Gotham, David, private ; cnrolIeil Aug. 8, 1802, at Edwards. 
Hunt, Surranus I., ]H-ivat«; enrolled Ang. 2, 1802, at Edwanls. 
Haile, George K., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Eiiwards. 
Hooper, Robert F., private; enrolled ,\ug. 2, 1802, at Ciiutoii. 
Ives, Edward, private ; etirolled .\.ng. lU, 1802, at Eiiwards. 
Johnson, A. C. piivate ; enrolled .\ug. .">, 1802, at Fo«ler. 
Jones, Levi 0.. jirivate ; enrolled Aug. l^i, 1S02, at Fine. 
King, Lucius A., private; enrolled Aug. i:i, 1802, at Edwards. 
]Jooj>, Leman, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Edwards, 
Loop, Spanlding, private ; enrolled .^ug. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Leonard, William, private ; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Loop, John, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Russell. 
Littlejohn, Sihia, private; enrolled .\ng. 9, 1802, at (Hilton. 
Maltliy, H. S., private; enrolled Ang. 8, 1802, at Edwards. 
McFerron, James, private; enrolled .\ng. 9, 1802, at Edwards. 
Mathews, Charles, private; enrolled .\4ig. 0, 1802, at Canton. 
Murry, Asa, i)rivate ; enrolled An-:. 4, 1802, at Colton. 
McFalls. William, private; enrolled .Inly 24, 1802, at Canton. 
Nickerson, Orson, i)rivate; enrolled July 21, 1802, at Canton. 
Nickerson, Charles, private; enrolled Ang. 9. 1802, at Canton. 
Norman, S. C. F., private ; enrolled .\ug, 11, 1802, at Edwanis. 
Oakley, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 5, l802,at Canton. 
Pamselte, Ers'Uine, private; enrolled Aug. 7, l8f.2, at Edwards. 
Pelsue, Orson, Jr., private; enridled Auj*. 2. 1802, at Canton. 
Pelsue, George, private; enrolled .\ng. 2, 1802, at Canton. 
Porter, Charles H., private; enrolle<l Aug. 0, 1802. at Canton. 
Paine, Edwin R., private; enrolled -Vug. 9, 1802, at Canton. 
Remington, Charles H., private; enrolbtl Aug. 2, 1802. at Canton. 
Richards, George C, private; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
Robertson, John, private; enrolled July 19, 1802, at Canton. 
Sampson, Alonzo M,, private; enndled .'\ug. 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Sayles, Israel, private ; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Ctdtiui. 
Stowe, Henry, private; enrolled Ang. l;J, 1802, at Coltou. 
Stuart, Michael, private; enrolled .\ug. 6, 1802, at Canton. 
Seaver. George L., piivnte; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Coltuu. 
Spaulding, Ini S., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
Severance, Edward, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
Spencer, O/.ias W., private ; enrolletl Aug. i:!, 1802, at Edward". 
Thayer, Bingham C, private; enrolled. Aug. 2, 1802. at Edwards, 
Van Osnuni, James E., private; enii)lltMl .\ug, 11, 1802, at Edwards. 
Van Osuuni, James B., private; enrolb-d Ati^', 9, 1802, at Russell. 
Van Wort, John II.. priv.ate; enrolled Jnly 21, 1802, at Canton. 
Woolever, Fredi-rick B., private; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at ICdwards. 
Woidever, Hinim, private; enrolled Ang. 2, 1802, at Edwards. 
Wait, Simon, private ; enrolled! .Vng. 9, 1802, at Canton. 
Wri;;ht, Warren M., private; enrolled .\ng. 11, 18C2. at Edwards. 
Wait, Warren H„ private; enrolled Aug. 8, 1802, at C.dton. 
White, Isaac, private; enrolled Aug. 9, 1802, at Canton. 
W^^'tgate, Francis, jn-ivate; enrolled .\ug. 8, 1802, at Herinon. 
Wilson, Andrew, private; eurolli'd .\ng. 9, 18ri2, at Canton. 

142D INFANTRY. 
FIELD AND STAFF. 

Roscius W. Jiidson. cdou' I ; enndled Sept. 2!), 1802, at Ogdonsbni-g. 

George A. Whitney, adjntanl ; enrolled Sept. 29, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 

I>avid McFalls. surgeiui ; enrolled Sept. 20, 1802. at Ogdensburg. 

Herman A. BolantI, first iu>si>tant surgeon ; enr. .Sept. 29, 1802, at Ogdensburg:. 

Westley T. Rice, second assistant surgeon ; enr. Sept, 29, 18G2, at Ogdensbnrg. 

CAPTAIN EDWARD A. HUBLBL'TS COMPANY (A). 
Edward A. Hurlbnt. captain. 
Jonathan Houghton, first lieutenant. 
Joseph H. Hays, second lieutenant. 

George Sim]i8on, sergeant; enrolled Ang. 9, 1802, at Oswegntchie. 
Arthur H, Montgomei-y, sergeant; enrolled July 2:{. 18fi2, at MaconiK 
John Silts, sergeant ; enrolled Aul'. .'>, 1802, at M.ieumb, 
Lewis W. Brown, sergeant; enrolled .Aug. 7, 1 802, at De Kalb. 
Laforest Marks, sergeant ; enrolled .\ug, 9, 1802, at Canton. 
Enistus W. Stacy, corporal ; enrolled Ang. 7. 180*, at De Kalb. 
William R. Chaffee, coriwral; enr-dled .\ug. 7, 1802, at De Kalh. 
(teorge Ferguson, coriKiral ; enndliHl Ang. 7, IS02. at Do Kalb, 
Henry Stone, corporal; enrolled .\ug. 0, 1802. at Gonverneur. 
Marvin H. Hills, corjionil ; erindh'd Ang. 4, 1802, at (Jonvemeur. 
Luther Dart, corporal ; euixilled Jnly 2'.*, 1802, at De Kalb. 
James L. Home, corporal ; enndled .\ug. 14, 1802, at Guuverneur. 
William H. Hazleton. corporal ; enndled Aug. ."i, 1802. at Guuverneur, 
Martin T. Cross, musician; enn^Uerl .\ug. 12, 18(i2, at Ogdensburg. 
Andrew J. Rounds, musician ; etindb-il ,\ug. i;i, I8r.2. at Oswegiitchie. 
.Adkins, Joseph, private; enndled July 24, 1802, at >lac<uub. 
A'lkins, Lorenzo, private; enrolled July 24. 1802. at Macomb, 
Backus, John, private; enrolh-d Ang. 7, 1802 at De Kalb, 
Bjtker, John, [rivate ; enrolled July 2.'i, 1802, at Putsdiim, 



500 



IIISTOKY OF ST. LAWKENCK COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



Biirlli'tt, .loliii II., private; enrolled Jiilj' 22, 18G2, at Ilt'inion. 
lliiKsrtt, Henry A., pi ivato ; enmllt'd Auj-. 8, UO-', at ('iititun. 
Ui-ach, .laiiu'ii C. priviilf, fnn>ll.-il Auj;. "^l, ISC..', at !)« Kalh. 
Ilctml, .laiiicB, piivKte; eiiinll.-il Aiij;.'JU, ISIVJ, at Ogtlomshurg. 
Ureoso, Williiiin. piivatt- ; ciin-lU'ii Aiij;. 7, IMVl, at Ue Kalh. 
Ilrij.'t.'n, William IV, private; crin.llcil Auj:. 11, IHOJ, at Jlaroml'. 
Hr.iwii. Williaiii. piivalc; eniullcil AiiR. 11, lf<r.2. at ih- K;ilb. 
Hminl' y, Henry, private ; enrulle'l Au>;. II, IS02, at Hernion. 
4'ariiey, I'eter. private; eiimlied Anp. 7,li^i;_', at l>e Kalli. 
Otrver, Itarluti, piiv;.le; eiirulleil AiifC. 7, isr.2. at De Kail.. 
rimpnian, Ko'.sell, private ; i-nrulled Aiitr. 14, ISf 2, at Pe Kali.. 
Childs, JiylvannH, prixate; eiindled Aiif;. 211, IKti'J, at Canluij. 
CIiinen..Io<-l IC, private; eiirulled Aug. 11, I8r.2, iit Umiufi. 
C»ndt, .laiiien v., private; enrolled Aug. U, ISlVi, at Dp Kalb. 
Tolf, Frank, private ; eurtdled Aug. ;'., ISO'J, at (."ant"n. 
('io>B, Kinory, private; enrollt'd Aug. 7, liSti'J, at l>c K«ll». 
t'rossNion, Sylvester, private; etindled Aug. 1-1, 18G2, at OflWPgatcLie. 
rro/.ier. Willard L., private ; enrolled Aug. i:J, 18r,2, at Macomh. 
Davenport, Dan., priv;it<' ; eiirnlled Aug. 1."., IMi'Z. at Oswegatchie. 
Davis, i'liarles K., private ; onmlleil Aug. l:i, lbtl2, at Heruum. 
Durliniu, Jellied V., private ; enrullctl Aug. 7, 18(>2. at Cantim. 
Dano, IVter E., private; enrolled July i'), l«i2,at Canton. 
KIliB, All-n, private; enrolled July "JH, IHC.2, at (Canton. 
Kllsworth, Mason, private; enrolled Aug. \i. 1 802, at Macomb. 
Evans, Benjamin F., private; enrolled July :'.! , isii2, at Canton. 
Fr.i7.er, Will ill m II., private; enroll- d Aug. 14, 18(i2, at Gouverneur, 
Pitapat rick, PatiirU, private; enrol lerl July 24, 1NG2, at Canton. 
Geary, .loliii. private; rnrolli-d Aug. ir», lSii2, at Oswepitcl.ic. 
Uoodalc, Ortii, jaiviite ; rnn.lUd July 2.^, 1802, at Macmnb. 
Harris, John, private ; L'nroUed Ang. Ki, iNC.i, at Caiilon, 
Haven-*, Loren, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Do Kiilb. 
Heury, Asjiliel L., private ; enrolled Aug. 34, 1802, at t»swegatcliie. 
Iliinter, James, j) ivate ; enroljeil Aug. DI, lKi;2. at Do Kalb. 
Hdyo, Hinim, private ; enrolled Aug. 0, lHt>2, at Macomb, 
llydo, Nathaniel, private; enrolb-d Aug. I'.y 18il2, at Macomb, 
lliirrigan, Michael, private; eniolled Aug. 0, 18r.2, :it Canton. 
Jenkins, Hugb, private; enrolled Ang. 0, U02, at De Kiilb. 
I^iraby, Uobei t, private; enrolled July li'J, 1802, :it De Kalb. 
Latbrop, Andrew, private ; eni oiled Ang. 7, 1802, at Canton. 
Lawrence, William, pi ivate ; enrolled Aug. 11, lS02, at Do Kalb. 
Lynuiii, Oeorge Z., private; enrolled Aug. II, 18()2,at Crdton. 
Low. Clinton A., piivate; enrolled Ang. '.», 1862, at De Kalb. 
McAil.im, William, private; enrolled Aug. 21. 1802. iit De Kalb. 
Mct,'lure, Maibew, private; enrolled Aug. 0, 180.', at Murontb. 
Mi-Daid, Janu'd, i>rivate ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Macomb. 
BIcIntosb, David A., private ; enrolled Aug. G, 1802, at Gouverneur, 
McMinn, John, private; enrolled Ang. 'J, 18G2. at De Kalb. 
Mirick. Jat-ttb F., private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 18t"'2. at Fowler. 
Morrison, John, i)rivate ; enrolled Aug. 2, 1802. at Colton. 
Morse, Jaiue^ B,, private ; enndled Aug. o, 1802, at Fine. 
Muir, Archibald, private; enrolled Aug, 12, 1.S02, at Fine. 
Newman, Loren, private ; enrolled July 21. 1802, at Macomb. 
Drmsl'y, James V., private; enrolled July :'.o, 1S02, at Macomb, 
tlrmsby, Wm., private; enrolled July 24, 1H02, at Macomlt. 
I'arkhurst, Noah, private ; .-nroUcd Aug. "J, 1802, at De Kalb. 
I'oarl, Benj., private ; enrolled July 21, 181.2, at Canton. 
I'ear), Geo., private ; enrolled Aug i;i, 1x02, at Macumb. 
I'erry, Saml., private; enrtd ed July I'J, 1802. at Canti.n. 
(juesnell, Joi?., private; enrolled July I'J. 1«02, at Canton. 
Uaven, Jeremiah W-.privab-; enrolled July 25, 18G2, at Macomb. 
Keed, Alfred, private; enndled .\ng. II, 1802, at Gouverneur, 
Itice, Seth, private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Uice, Lewie, j.rivate ; enrolled Sept. Ti, 1802, at Oswegalchie. 
Ititchie, Tlios., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at De Kalb. 
i>iiyer«, Chas. W., private; enrolled Aug. 'J, 1802, at De Kalb. 
Smith, Lewis, private; enrolled .\np. 0, 18G2, at Macomb. 
Stacy. Elisha H., private; enndled Aug. 7, 1802, at De Kalb. 
St. John, John, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 18G2, at De Kalb. 
Stratton, Jason J., private ; enndled Aug. 21, 1862, at De Kalb. 
Tliayer, Levi W., private ; enrolled Aug. 2, 18G2, at De Kalb. 
Thayer, Lewis F., private; enndled July ai, 4802, at Couverneur. 
Truax, Milton J., private ; enrolled July :»', 1802, at Macomb. 
Tuily, Jos., private ; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Macornb. 
Vaughn, Martin E., private ; enrolled July :i\, 1802, at Fine. 
Ward, Spencer B., private; enndteil Sept, 1, ls02,at Fine. 
Wasliburn, John M., private ; enmlled Aug. 11, 1802, at Macomb. 
Wetherup, Jauies, privato; enrolled Sept. U, li>(.2. at De Kalb. 
Wbitcomb, W'arren, private ; enndled July 31, 1802, at Canton. 
W'bitefonI, J<din, private ; enrolled Sept. 11, lsr.2. at De Kalb. 
Yeardon, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 0, 1802, at Gouverneur. 

CAPTAIN DANIEL D. JOHNSONS COMPANY (B). 

Daniel D. Juhnson, captain; enrolled Aug. 22, 18G2, at Kossie. 

Geo. I'. Til it, Ist lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 22, lH02,at Gouverneur. 

Geo. F. Doolitrle, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled Aug 22, 18G2, at Ko^sie. 

Adam r. Caipenter, Ist sergeant; enrolled July ;il, 1802, at Morristown. 

Kmory Drury, 2d sergeant ; enndled Aug. 0, 1802, at Uossie. 

Kdwiu L. Drake, :id ^ergeaut; eiirolbd Aug. 15, 1S02, at Gouverneur. 

Maviunm L. Looiui?, 4th aergeant ; enn)lled Aug. 0, 1802, at Gouverneur. 

Nahiim W. Thomas, fitli nergeant ; etiiolled Aug. 1, 1 G\i, at Uossie. 

Frank M. Buj*--<, 1st corporal; enndbd Aug. bi, 18tJ2,at Hammond. 

Wm. S. I)elong, 2<i C4'rp4»ral ; enrolled .\ug. 4, 1N02, at Uohsie. 

CbaM. Kll-'Wortli. 'M\ corporal; enmllc-d July 22, 1S02, at Kossie. 

Benj. Harden, 4tb corporal; enmlled Aug. 1, 1S02, at Ko'sie. 

John L. Krake, .'ith corponil ; enn)lled .\iig. 20, lsi;2, at Morristown. 

I'eter Patterson, Gib corporal ; enrolle.l .Vug. 7, 1802. iit Uo^Hie. 

ThoH. S. UuthertunI, "til corponil; eiin.lb-d .Vug. o, 18G2. at Gouverneur. 

Seth Van Namee, 8tli corporal ; enrolled Aug. 0, 18G2, at Gouverneur. 

Ch;i8. S. Heed, musician ; enrolled July 20, 18G2, at llossie. 

Hoisted S. Foni, musician; enrolled Aug. 8. 1802, at Mori istown. 

Aldoes, Henry, jaivate ; enrolled Aug. 12. 1802, at Gouverneur. 

Allen, John, private; enrolled Sept. I, 1M02, at Hamniotul. 

Itiirbam. Chas., private ; enrolled Aug. l^t, 1802, at Ro^sie. 

Butes, John, private ; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Hammond. 

Blackburn, Kobt. N., private; enrolled Ang. G, 1802, at Gouverneur. 

B<'yf>% -I'diu C, )irivale; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Koswie. 

Baker, PIiiran<lv, priviite; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Knssje, 

Baker, Geo. W.,"pnvale; enndl.-d Aug. li'i, isr.-j, at Hammond. 

Backus. Henry, private; enrolled ,\ug. 18, 181)2, at Hamiimnd. 

Bu-h, Geo. .\., lu-ivate; enrolled Avig. 22, 1802, at Hammond. 

Cellars, George, private ; enndled Aug. 11, 1802, nt (louvei iieur, 

Calhoen, John, private; enrolled Ang. 12, l8G2,at Hammond. 

Culbertson, Kdwin A., private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1802, at Kossio. 

Connelle. Chas., private ; enrolled Aug. G, 1SG2, at Gouverneur. 

Carlisle, Jose|ih. private ; eun.lied .\ug, 18, 1802, at Hammuud. 

Drury, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. LI, 18G2, at Rossie. 



Pulnck, Michael, private; enrolled Aug. II, 1W.2, at Ibis.'^ie. 
EiiBlio, George T.,i>rivate ; enrolled .\uk. 11, 1H02, at Hammond. 
Forrester, Erastus F., I'rivale ; enrolled Aug. 'Mi, 18G2, at Hammond. 
Farnham, Wm,, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Roa-ie. 
Foot, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802. at Hammond. 
Fuller, Lewie, private ; enrolleil Aug. 12, 1802, at Gouverneur. 
GnivcB, John, private; enndled Sept. 25, 1802, at Macomb. 
Hiittun, Jamei^, Jr., private ; enndled Sept. 25,1802, at Macomb. 
Hunter, Janiea, private ; enrolled July 2G, 1862, at ltos.-ie. 
Hammond. Isaac, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Hnnnnond. 
Hammond, Ethan, private; enrolled Ang. 2!l, 1802, at Hamniond. 
Haydon, Thos., private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Gouverneur. 
Hawkins, Geo. S., private; enndled Aug. 12, 1><02, at Gouverneur. 
Hall, Robt. (2d), private; enrolled July 22, 1802, at Rotwie. 
Hunter, James W., private; enndled Aug. :H), 1802, at Hammond. 
Holden, -Mexander-, private; enrolled Aug. 'Mi, 1H02, at Hammond. 
Hall, Walter, private; enrolled Ang. Li, 1«G2, at Gouverneur. 
Jepson, Geoi'ge, private; enrolled July 28, 1802, at Kossie. 
JcpHon, Eli, private; enrolled August 2, 18C2, at Rossie. 
Jackson, John, private; enrolled August 11, lft02, at (Jouvernenr. 
Johnston, Franklin, private; enrolled August 13, 1802, at (iouveriieur. 
Judsoii, Solomon C, private ; enndled August V.i, 1SG2, at Oswegatchie. 
King, David, pi ivate; enrolled Septend.er 2, 1802, at Rossie. 
Keyse, Robert, private; enrolled August 27, 1802, at Macomb. 
Keyse, William, private; enrolled August 10, 18G2, a». Kossie. 
Kenyon, W'illiani H.. private; enrolled August 7, 18G2, at Rossie. 
King, Ol.ver, private; enrolled August 14, 1802, at Ro-ssie. 
Kenyon, Henry, private; enrolled August 12, 1802, at Rossie. 
Knowlton,Lewi>'. private; enndled August 12, 18G2, at Gouverneur. 
Kenville, John, private; enrolled August 21, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Leary, Patrick, private ; enrolled September 1, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Lawton, George W., private; enn)lled August 13, 1HG2, at Hammond. 
Laberdee, Jo.-eph, private; enrolled August 8, 18G2, at Gouverneur. 
Labor, Lewis, private; enrolled August 8, 1802. at Gouverneur. 
Lafeure, Oliver, private ; enrolled .\ugust 12, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Lee, Morris, Jr., private ; enrolled August 4, 18G2, at Rossie. 
Lyons, Wallace, private; enrolled August 15, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Nelson, Joseph, private; enrolled August 7, 1862, at Rossie. 
Nelson, Alexander, piivale; enrolled August 4, 1802, at Rossie. 
Norton, Will am W., private; enrolled August 30, 1862, at Hammond. 
O'Connell, James, private; enrolled August 2, 1802, at Ro-^sie. 
Peeler, Christopher, private; enrolled August 5, 1862, at Rossie. 
Pierce, Lambert, private; enrolled August 14. 1802, at Hammond. 
Panneter, James, piivate; enrolled Au^^ust 11, 1802, at Rossie. 
Parmeter, John W., private ; eiinilled August 11, 1802, at Rossie. 
Parmeter, Benjamin, pr.vatc ; enrolled August 12, I8<i2, at Rossie. 
Pattoii, Andrew H., private; enrolled August 4, 1862, Jtt Rossie. 
Patton, Thoma-s, private ; ennitled August 2. 18G2, at Rossie. 
Pettys. Jeremiah, private ; enrolled September 1, 1862, at Hammond. 
Reed, Tiuman, private ; enrolled September 6, 1862, at Hamnnind. 
Robinson, Gardiner B., jirivate; enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ro6^ie. 
Uol, tJeorge, private ; enrolled .Vugust 11, 1802, at Gouverneur. 
Rexford, Aunui P., private; ennilled August 7, 1862, at Rossie. 
Rubb, Robert, private; enrolled July 20, 18G2, at Rossie. 
Simons, Benjamin W., i>rivate ; enndbd August 13, 1802, at Rossie. 
Small, Michael, private ; enmlled September 11, 1862, at Morristown. 
Stoll, Hiram, private; enrolled August 12, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Seaver, William II , private ; enrolled July 26, 18t2, at Rossie. 
Smith, Elias D., private; enrolled August 9, 1802, at Gouvemeor. 
Turnbull, John C, private; enndled September 2, 18G2, at Hamniond. 
Thomp-^on, James, private; enrolled August G, 18G2, at Gouverneur. 
Vannamee, Albert H., private; enndled August 7, 18G2, at Gouverneur. 
Vaniiamee, Charles B, private: enrolled August 7, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Wilder, Amasa C, private ; enrolled August 6, 1862, at Gouverneur. 
Watson, George, private; enrolled August 7, 18G2, at Kossie. 
Wilson, James W , private; enrolled August 14, 1862. at Rossie. 
Wight, Orvilie K., private; enrolled August 8, 18G2, at Fowler. 
W'ilsou, Franklin B,, private; enrolled August 11, 1^62, at Fowler. 
Yerdon, Oliver, piivate; enrolled August 13, 1862, at Uossie. 

CAPTAIN JOHN D. RANSOM'S COMPANY (C). 
John D. Ritnsom, captain. 
W'illiam Dalzell, 1st lieutenant. 
Geurge H. Godden, 2d lieutenant. 

AniMS Wells, Ist sergeant: enrolled August 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Thomas (i. Alison, sergeant; enrolled August 12, 1SG2, at Waddington. 
Ezra H. Austin, sergeant; enndleil August 11, 1802, at Waddinjrton. 
Charles Kennedy, sergeant ; enrolled August 18, 1862. at Waddington. 
Michael Beban, 'sergeant ; enndled August IS, 1862, at Wa.blin.Liton. 
James A. Gilniour, corporal ; enndled August 13, 18*2, at Waddingtou. 
Hiram Alguin-, corporal ; enn.lbd August 11, 18G2, at Waddington. 
Jared B. Burdiek, corporal ; eun.lied August 16, 1862, at Waddington. 
Moses Joyce, r.u-pural ; ei>n)ncd August 12, 1802, at W'addiugb)t). 
Chiirlct rtiitler\vnr1h.cor|.oral: eun)lled August 15, 1802. at (igdensburg. 
Willi:im IL Ui. bill. .11(1, corporal; enrolled August 13, lS02,at Wa.jdinglon. 
Henry W. Ci.mnion, corponil ; enndled Augu>t 11, 18G2, at Waddington. 
William H. Wagner, corporal : enndled August 23, 18G2, at Lisbon. 
William Fogarty, miisieiau ; enndled August 14, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
David Sebeft", musician ; enn)lled August 11. at Waddington. 
Ashley, J. din. private ; enndled August 14, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Abar, Newell, private; enndled .\ugiist 14, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Arnold, GeorL:e W., private ; etii<dle<l August 23, 18G2, at Lisbon. 
Andrews, Frank K., privjite ; enndled August 8, 186.', at Pierrepont. 
Brannon, Patri. k, private; .'urolb-d Angiisl 11. 1802, at AVaddington. 
Bebaii, Jauies. private; enn.lled August 11. 1N02. at Waddington. 
Bresett, J..sepli, private: eundbil August 14, lNr.2. at Ogden-burg. 
Baker, William H., private; enn.lled August 2m. 1S02. at Og.leiisburg. 
Bowland, William, piivate; enrolled .\ug. 12, lsr,2, at Waddington. 
Burl, Charles 0., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Ogdensburg, 
Briggs. Joseph, private; enndled Aug. 10, 1S02, at Lislion. 
Bunlick, Liudon. private ; enndled Aug. 13, 1862, at Wadiiington. 
Common, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 13, 1862, at Waddingbm. 
Champion, David, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Waddington. 
Cunningham, Andrew, i)rivate; enrolled Aug. 25, 1802, at Waddington. 
Cramer, George P., private ; enn.lled Sept. 1, 1802, at Stockholm. 
Dodds, Richard, iirivate; enndbd Aug. l.'>, 1802, at Louisville. 
Diganon. William, private; euinlled Ang. 18, 1862. at Waddington. 
Duwdall, TlM.maK. private ; enndled Aug. 11, 18G2, at Waddington. 
Eagaii, Mi<bael, private; enndled Aug. 10, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Elliott, Henry J., private; enn.lled Aug. 11, 1802, at Waddington. 
Elliott, William, private; enrolled Aug. 18, lSli2, at Ogdensburg. 
Kndei-sbee, Jose]di, private : enn.lled Sept. 6, 18G2. at Louisville. 
Finn, James, private; ennilled Aug. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Flack, Napoleon B., private; enndled Sept. 2, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Graves, James, private; enrolled Aug. II, 18G2, at Waddington. 
Guyett, Charles, Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



501 



fiilhow. John, priviito ; enrolled Auf;. 18, 1802, at AVjiiidiritrton. 
Ilo.\t, Couigf, piivato; enruUeii Aui^. 11, I8(;*J, iit Wjiiiilinntun. 
Hoyt, Jusepli, private; cnnilled Aug. 11, ISdii, iit Wmidin^tMU. 
lloiird, Lnrunzo, priv.ite ; enrolled Sept. 0, lH(i'2, iit Lnuisvilhi. 
Hie key, .Titnifs, priviitc ; enrolled Aii^. "22, iW(>.i, at Wnddiiigton. 
Hoy, John A., private; f-nrollcd Sopl. 1, 180-*, nt Lonisvill--. 
Hiirtrnive, Williiini, private; enrolled Aug. U, IHG'J, .-it Wuddington. 
Hitclinian, Ira, pi ivale ; onioHod Ang. 12, l«ll'2. at Wadditigton. 
Heselgrave, .luhn, private; enroileil S'-pt. 4, 1^(J2, at 0gden8l>iirg. 
Hugh'-s, Matthew, private; enrolled Aug. i:i, 186J, at Madrid. 
Henry, <Jeorg)', jirivate; enrolled Se]it. 4, imi2, iil Waddington. 
Jaek, Tlioniii», Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. II, isi;2, at Waddington, 
Joyce, John, private; enrolled Ang. 12, lti02, at \Vaiiditigl.ni, 
Kennedy, Mirhael. private; enrolled Ang. 29, l8lV2, at W adtiington, 
Kaiioiiir, William, praale ; enrolled Ang. 10, 18(>2, at Waddington. 
Kniuht, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 22, 1802, at Waddington. 
Lapert, Samuel, pi ivate ; enrolled Ang. 14, 1HG2, at Waddington. 
Lapert, Joseph, piivate; enrolled Ang. 11, 1802, at Waddington. 
Liiciair, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Ogdenslmrg. 
Murphy, Thomas, private ; enrolled Aug. H, 1802, at Waddington. 
MeDomild, Myron, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Ugdenslmrg. 
McDongal, Charles, private ; enrolled Ang. 14, 1802, at tigdeusUnrg. 
Millard, Albert W., private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1802, at Li^l>on. 
McRaw, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 15, 1802, at Waddington. 
Newmyers, Kiiitoii, private; enrolled Sept. a, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
O'Neil, James, private; enrolled Ang. 18, 1802, at Waddington. 
O'Neil, Tlmmas, private; enrolled Aug. 14, 18f>2, at Ogdeiisburg. 
(J'Lcaiy, Kdward, private ; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Waddington. 
Olni'tead, John S., private; enrolled Aug. ;t(), 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
rri«:e, Wi.liani, pii^ate ; enrolled Ang. lii, 1802, at Louisville. 
Pickup, Kobert B., private ; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at Ogdeiisburg. 
I'orteous, Samuel 11, private; eiirdled Ang. 11, 1S02, at Waddington. 
Perrigo, Waller B., piivate ; enrolled Ang. 2i). 18(12, at Ogdeudburg. 
Powers, Uobert D., private; enrolled Aug. 14. isilJ, at Lnoisville. 
Pearson, Alfred W., private ; enrolled Ang. !ili, lMi2, at O^iileiisburg. 
Rutherford, George K., private ; enndh-d Sept. 4, 1802, at Waddington. 
Kobar, Alexander, Jr., private ; enrolled Ang. 10, 1802, at Ogilensburg. 
Kutley, Jamea, pr.vate; enrolled Aug, 13, 1802, at lionisville. 
Richmond, John, Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1802, at Louisville. 
Shove, Jacob, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Waddington. 
Short, William T., private; enrolled Aug. 19, 1802, at Madrid. 
Sawyer, John H., private ; enrolled Aug. 11, l8Gi,at Ogdi-nsburg, 
Stnrtevant, Sanfoid L., private; enrolled Aug. lo, 180.i, at Ogdensburg. 
Santaws, Michael, piivate ; enrolled S<pf. 1, 1802, at Waddington. 
St. Amlrews, Charle>, private; enrolleu Ang, 4, 1802, at Ugdensbnrg. 
Tiernan, Jliehael, i)nvate ; enrolled Aug. li"*, 18G2, at Waddington. 
Tuomey, Jerry, private ; enrolled Any; lii, 1802, at Waddington. 
Vilas, Charles A., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 1802, at (.igdensburg, 
Wheeler. Hirain t_'., private; enrnlled Aug. 12, 1802, at Waddington. 
White, Nelson W., private; enrolled An-;. 11, 18(12, at Waddington, 
Weatlierstoii, Adam, private ; enrolled Ang. 20, 1S02, at Lisbon. 
Walker. Adam, Jr,, private; ejindbd Aug. 11, 1802, at Waddington, 
Wilson, William, private ; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Waddington, 
Wilkes, Oeorg*', private; enrolled Au^. 14, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Walker, Thonms M,, private; enrolled Aug. 11, 1802, at Madrid. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM A. JONES' COMPANY (O). 
Cooney, James, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WHEELER'S COMPANY (E), 
Williani Wheeler, captain. 
Uiram J. Uoodno, fiist lieutenant. 

David H, Wells, second lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1SG2, at Oswegatchie. 
Richard F. Ewai t, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 2.'1, 1802, at 0>wegalehie. 
Anms B, Countryman, second sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 7, 1802, at tJswegatchie. 
John Kinkm, third M-rgeant ; enndled Sept. 1, 18ti2, at De Peyster, 
Andrew Iticliardson, fourth sergeant; enrolled Aug. 2r>, 1802, at l>e I'ej fcter. 
(Jeori:e Plumb, tifth sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 21), 1802, at Oswcgatchie. 
Roliert Sliaw, lirst corporal ; enrolb-il Aug. 21, 1802, at Oswegatcbie, 
Henry 11. Ho>woith, second corporal ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Jolin'Welb-r, third crporal ; enrolled Sei)t. 0, 1802, at Oswegatehie. 
Frank M. ISartlelt, fourth corporal ; enrolled Ang. 25, lSti2, at Oswegatchie. 
S meon Plant/., fitili corporal ; enrolled Ang, 2'J, 1802, at Hammond. 
Ro:sWell U. Uyan, sixth coipoial ; enrolled Aug, M, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
A'Irian V. S. Chiti-, seventh cori>oral ; enrolled Aug. 28, 18(>2, at Oswegatchie. 
James McDonald, eighth corporal ; enioUed Sept, 5, 1802, at Oswegiitchie. 
Edward E, Brown, drummer; enrolled Sept, 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Aimeson, Fiederick W,, private ; enrolled Aug. 2-t, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Adams, John, private; enrolled Sept, 0, 1802, at Lis'-on. 
Asliwood, John, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Backus, William, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1802, at Etiwards. 
Bishop, John, private ; enrolled S'-pt. 22, 1802, at Itswegatcliie. 
Berkeley, .\mofl J., private ; enrolled Ang. 22, 1802, at Do IVyster. 
Be.st, John H., private; enrolled Aug, 2.'i, 1802, at De Peyster. 
Comb", Albeit, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
I'oino, Ktlian .V., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Cummiog-', Daviit, private; eniolled Sept. 0, 1802, at 0>wegatchii*. 
Ca<iier, Joseph, pi ivate ; enrolled Sept. ^1, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Campbell. Duncan, private; enroib-il Sept ;J, 1802, at u-iw<-gati hip. 
Conway, JmImi, iiiivate ; enndb-d .\ug. 'J.*, 18('>2, at n.s\ve;:atchie. 
i'asey, William, private ; enrolled Ang. 2'.t, 1N(12, at O.-wegatchio. 
Child", Asa It., priv.ile; enrolled Aug. .JU, l^r.2, at Oswegatchie. 
Collins, P trick, private; enrolled Aug. 2.'», 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Corb t, Patr.ck, private ; enrolled Sept. 8, 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
Itohoney, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Denip-ey, Thomas, private ; enroUeil Sept. li, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Deney, Michael, private; enrolled Sept. 17, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
En^tis, John, private; enrolled Aug, 21, 1802, at Do Peyster. 
Eaton, Frank W., pi ivate ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Earl, Arthur, pi iv.ite ; enrolled .\ug W, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Freed, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Farnsworth, Carlton B , private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at O'Wegatchie. 
Freligh, Charle-', private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802. at Oswei;atchie, 
Fuller, Jid» R,, private; enpdied S<'pt '•>, 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
Gittin, Sylvester, private; enrolled Sept. 24. 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
(iunn, William, private ; enrolled Se]>t. 18, 1802. at Oswegatchie. 
Gordon, George C, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at O.swegatchie. 
Garneau, Mitchell, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Oswegatdiio. 
Hopkins, Moody, private; enrolled Sept. ;(, 1862, nt Oswegatchie, 
Holmes, .lames B., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at De IVyster. 
Hamlin, S mecui. private : enrolle^t Atig.2;{, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Hill, George, private ; enrolled Ang, 25, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Kesseday, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug, :m, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Keegan, James, private; enrolled Sept. 25, 1802, al Oswegatchie. 
KnanlT, John, private; enrolled Sept. 3, 1802, at t>Hwegjitchie. 
Kirk, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 



Liiird, David, private; enrolled Ang. 27, 1802, :it Oswegntchie. 
Little, George, private; enrolled Sept. 11), 1862. at Oswegat* hie. 
Mi-jor, Joseph, private; enrolled Sept. 10, l8i;_', at O'Wegiilcliie. 
Marsh, Charles R., private; enrolled Sept. 18, l)s02,at (h»wegi.tcliie, 
McNamey, Robert, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at 0-.wegHMiie. 
Mashua, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at Oswegjiti hie. 
Morgan, David 11., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at O.^wegaich e. 
McCready, Robert C, pnvate; enrolled Sept, 5, 1862, at Hammond. 
MtGraw, (ieort;e W., private; enrolled Ang, 24, 1862, al (_)8wegatchie. 
Mclnb-eli, John, pi ivate; enrolled Sept, 6, isr.2, at Oswegatchie. 
Moran, Thonuis, private ; enrolleil Sept. 5, IH62, al Oswegatchie, 
McKechnie, tJeorge, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Mason, Vermila A., private ; enrolled Aug. 22, 18))2, at De Peyster. 
McCoy, Daniel, private; enrolled .Vug. 27, 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
McGill, R chard, private ; enrolled Sejit. 2:1, 1862, at Oswegatchie, 
McLaughlin. William F., privnte : enrolled Aug. 27, 1802, at (J»twegatchio. 
Hurray, William, Jr., iirivatc; eniolleti Aug. 30, lS62, at OswegiUchie. 
McLane, Rula*rt, private, enrolled .\ng. :(l, 18G2, at Oswegatchie. 
Noland, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegatchie, 
O'Neil, Patrick, priv-.to; enrolled Sept, 6, 1802, at Osw'egHlcliie, 
O'llagan, J<din, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862. at Oswegatchie. 
olds, Carlos, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Porter, George, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswfgatchie. 
Piercy, William II., private ; enrolled Ang. 27, 18f2, at Oswegatchie. 
Perry, Hugh, private; enrolled Sept, 6, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Patterson, Oliver, pr.vate; enrolled Ang, 22, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Pond, Edwin, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, al Oswegatchie. 
Petrie, Edward, private ; enndled Sept. 1, 1862, at De Peyster. 
Qua, James, private; enrolled Ang. 25, 186J, al Lisbon 
Qua, Alvih, private; enrolled .\ng. 25, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Reed, William, private; enrolled Sept, IS, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Robinson, Jt)hn G., private ; enrolled Sept, 6, 1862 at Oswegatchie. 
Rogers, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 16, 1862, at Oswegatcliie. 
Reddingtoii, Jtdm, private; enrolled Sept, 5, l8t;2, at OHweguKhie. 
Reed, Edward K., private ; eiiioUed Aug. :;u, 1862. at Oswegalcliie. 
Ryan, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802. at Oswegiitchie. 
Shaip. John, private ; enr.dbd Se,.t. 2, 1862, at 0-wegatcliie. 
Sawyer, Piatt R. 11., private ; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862, al 0-wegatchie. 
Sprat t, James, private; em oiled Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Seeley, Joab, piivate; enrolleil Sept. 0, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Swilt, T. C, private ; enrolled Sejit. 4, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Scheuster, Andrew, private; enrolled Ang. 25, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Shay, W.ll am E., Jr., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, al Oswegatchie. 
Tntile, Alli ed U., private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1802, at De PeyHler. 
Teniti, William, privab- ; enrolled Ang. 29, 1802, at O-iwegalchie. 
Van Dyck, Levi S., private; < iiroUed Sept. 1, IsG.', at O-wegatdi e. 
Woodrow. ileiiry, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Wright, James S., private ; enrolled Sept, 4, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Wood, David B., private ; enrolled Aug. 3U, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Wiehy, John, private ; enrolled Ang. 29, 1''02, at O-wegatche. 
Wells, David IL, private; enrolled Atig. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie, 
Yuit, Joseph, private; enrollcHl Aug. 2'J, 1802, at OswegaUhie. 

CAPTAIN MARVIN POTTER'S COMPANY (F). 
Edmund B, Avres, sergeant ; enr.dled Ang. 12. 1862, at Lawrence. 
John H. IMailindale. corp<n-al ; enioUeil An;;. 12. 1S6-J, at Lawrence. 
Bryant, Vilas E., private; enrolled Sept. 28, IS62, at Ogdensburg. 
Day, Noble E., private ; enndled Aug. 12, 1862, at Law retice. 
Faikner, Dennis, p-ivate; enn>lled Ang, 22. 1862, at Lawrence. 
Galay, William, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at Lawrence. 
Martin, NirlioUs, private; enrolled ,\ug. 24, 1862, at Lawrence. 
Pratt, John IL, private ; enrolbd Sept. 17. 1S62, at Ogdeie»biirg. 
Vaughen, George B., private; enrolled Ang. 21, 1862, al Ilopkiuton, 

CAPTAIN JOHN McLARENS COMPANY (G). 

John McLaren, captain. 
William P. Johnson, Jr., first lieutenant. 
IL-nry II. llogan, second lientenant. 

Thomas II. Robison, sergeant ; enrolled Ang. 29, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Charles E. Ilawkin.'*, sergeant; enrolled .Vug. 29, 1S02. at Oswegatchie. 
James Johnson, sergeant ; enrolled Sept. 5. 1802, at Lisl>on, 
James A. Hubbard, eoriMiral ; enrolled Aug. 2 », 1862. al 0-wegatchie. 
William Apph-yaid, Jr., corporal ; enndb-d Auk, 29, 1H6,\ at Oswegatchie. 
John Mayne i,4th\ corporal; enrolled .\ug. 29, 1862, Oswegatcli.e. 
Jtdin McNair, coriKnal; enndled Auu-. 29, 18t;2, at 0.swegatchie. 
Ira C. Hinsdale, coriM.iral ; enndled Sept. 4, 18i.2, at Cain on. 
Adrain. Andrew, private ; enndled S'pt. 1. LS62. at Oswegatchie 
Adrain, Robett, private; enndled Ang. 29. 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
AppleViini. 'Iln. mas, private; enndled Aug. 311, 186:, at (tswegalcliie. 
Allin>on, William, piivate; enndled Ang. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
^Allies, Eniiias RL, piivate; enn>lled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton. 
Ames, Joseph F., private ; enn>!led Sept. .5, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Backus, Matthew, piivat--; enndled Aug, 2'", I8(;2, at O-wegatchie. 
Backus, George W., private; .■nrolb-<l Aug, 2', 18t2, at Oswegatchie, 
Back!is, John (:id), private ; enndled Ang, 29. 1862, at Oswe-atch-e, 
Backus, Samuel, private; enmlled Au;:, 29. I8(i2, at Oswegat- hi*-. 
Backus, Joseph, private ; enndled Ang. 29, 1S02, at Oswegu(chie. 
Bristow, Samuel J , private; enndled Aug. 29. 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Backus, Charles, private; enndled Aug, litt, 1802, at Oswegjilchie. 
Beat, Isaac, piivate; enrolle*l Ang. Mi, 1802, at O-wegjitchie. 
Besiiw, John, private : enndled Ang. 28, 1862, at Lisbtm. 
Byington, Henry S,, private; enndled Sept. 5, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Backus, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, ot t>swegatchie. 
Cratou, John, private; enndbd Sept. 5, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Conolly, Thonuu*, private; enndled Aug. :ui, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Crawloid, Joseph W., private ; enndb-d Sept. 5. 186-2, at Oswegatchie. 
Covey, Auiericns V.. private; enrolled .\ng. :Ht. 1802, at Canton. 
Cfti-soti, William, private ; enn)lb-d Sept. 5, 186-2, at Lisbon, 
Pustin, George W., private ; eundb-d Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie, 
Fredenbnrg, William E,. private; enndled Sept. 4, 1862, at Oswegalchie. 
Graves, George K., private; enrolled Aug. :tu. 1862, at Canton. 
Gifhn, Dan, S.. private; enndled Aug. :Ui, 1802, al tJswegatchie. 
Hutchinson, William B., private; enndled Sept. 6, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Head, Jatios, private; enndled Ang. :in, 1802, at Oswegatchie, 
Harvey, Elbridge, private ; enndled Am;. 3", 1802, at Canton. 
John.sou, Hugh, private; enndled Sept. 5, 1802, at Lislim, 
Jennis, Edwanl, private ; enndled Sept. :t. 1862, at LisNui. 
Lcgg. Eia-'tus J., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862. at t>swegatchie. 
McLellaii, Tlioma-, private ; enrolled S<-pt. 3, 1802, at 0»wej:atrhie. 
McDonald, Archibald, private; enndled Sept. li>, 1802, al LiHl>on. 
MvKeever, Ibdieii, private; enndle<l Sept. 1, 1862, ot Lisbon, 
Mayne, Ab-xamb-r, private ; enn.lled Aug, 29. 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Sliller, James, private; enrolled Aug, 29, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Merrif, Fnuuis. private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 
Pen>, John, private; enndled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canb'n. 
Penard, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 



502 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ross, John, private ; eiirulli'd Anp. 2'J, 18fi2, nt Onwefifitchie. 
Ross, Win., jii ivato ; ptiiollcil Scpr. tf, 18112, iit OBWogutchie. 
Kobert, Jusi-ph, private ; ('(irullinj Sept. 5, 18(12, lit Oswegalcliio. 
Riiliy, Geo., Jr., private; enrDlli'il Aufr. 29, 18G2, iit 0«W(*gutclile. 
Spring, Janius, privivie ; onrojli'd Sept. /J, 1H02, iit Canton. 
SniithiTM, Wm. S., private; oiirolltsil Aug. 2U, 1802, ut O-twegatchie. 
Sniitliers, Siiniuel, privatu; onr(<lle(l Sept. I, 18G2, at OKwogiitrliie. 
Sihitlters, Lewis, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Oswegatehio, 



„-, - -., , , ..,.„. -.-, ...«_, ... ^....'egatcliio, 

Sayer, Samuel, private ; enrulled Aug. :10, 1HI>2, at Oswegatchi 

Stitwell, Jacob V. B., pi ivate; enrolb-il Sept "" - -. - - 

Taterol, David B. S., private; enrolled An 
Van Watt'rs, George, privat 



.', 1862, at Oswegrttchle. 

„. J.t, tS(12, at OHWfgateliie. 

i-nrolled Seiit. 1, 1S(12, at Canton. 



>nn >Vatt'r8, Oeorge, private; t-nrolleil Sejit. 1, 1S(12, at Canton. 
Wardfll, Wni., Jr.. private; eriroll.-d Aug. :«i, 1SG2, at Di* Peyster. 
M'lN'in, George, private; eiin»IU<d Aug. 29, 1802. at O^wegatcbie. 
\\'ilsM||, Chiirles, private ; enntlkMl Aug. 20, 18G2, at Oswegatchie. 
AVilsDii, John, privjite ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802. at Oswegatchie. 
Washburn, Henry, private; eTirollid Sept. 18, 1H02, at Oswogatchie. 

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER LINDSAY'S COMPANY (H). 
Denny, Oliver, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, nt Oawegatchio. 
Kirk, IVter, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 18G2, at Oawegatchie. 
McLanc, Robert, i)rivate; enrolled Aug. :JU, 1862, at Oswegatchie. 

CAPTAIN WILLIAM S. P. GARVIN'S COMPANY (I). 
William S. P. Garvin, captain. 
James M. Elliott, li^t lieutenant. 

Ova S. Ilurlbut, 2d lieutenant ; enrolled Sept. 1,1862, at Massena. 
Thos. D. Smith, Ist sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena. 
Martin B. Warren, sergeant ; enrolled July 10, 1802, at Russell. 
James Dewey, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 2U, 1802, at Maseena, 
Horace D. Robbins, sergeant; enrolled Aug. 21, 1802, at Parishvlllo. 
Wm. Shoen, sergeant; enrolled Sept. :j, 1862, at Waddington. 
Martin W. Tripp, corporal ; enrolled t^ept. 1,1802, at Watldington. 
Andrew Fisher, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Madriil. 
Lawrenct; V. Cole. ci>r[Hjral; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
MileH M. Sheldon, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Waddington. 
Charles Freeman, corpiu-al ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Waddington. 
Wm. II. Sloan, corporal; eiirulled Aug. 20, 1802, at Maasena. 
John Elliott, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam. 
George Rutherford, Jr., corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Waddington. 
John Delosh, musician; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Massena. 
Wm. Jones, musician ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Massena. 
Amos, Alexander, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Potsilam. 
Aquin, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Louisville. 
Annts, Isaiah, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Parishville. 
Andrews, Parley H., private; enrolled Aug. iJU, 1862, at PieiTepont. 
Allen, Robert, private; enrolled .Vug. 29, 1862, at Hammond. 
Allen, Will., Jr., private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond. 
Barrows, Robt. W., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Madrid. 
Bush. Charles W., private ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1S62, at Maasena. 
Bellows, Brooks, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont. 
Bell, Richard J., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Bums, Baiiiey, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Lisbon. 
Crump, John H., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Madrid. 
Crossiiian, Julius, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Crossman, Maicua, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Pienepi.nt. 
Coon, Henian, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Deshan, Joseph, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1H02, at Massena. 
Doilge, George J., private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1802, at Maa>ena. 
Derosia, Alexander, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Massena. 
Derosia, Chas., private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena. 
Dorwin, Sylvan A., private ; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Hammond. 
Empy, George, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Louieville. 
Earl, John, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Morristown. 
Fisher, William, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at i'^Iadi id. 
Ford, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Gatliher, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Goldie, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 11S62, at Potsdam. 
Greenbusb, Levi, private ; ejirolled Aug. 21, 1802, at Massena. 
Gravel, David, piivate; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at Ma-sena. 
Gleasou, Hiram, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Hamilton, Thoma-<, private ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1802, at Louisville. 
Hall, John, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Hiisman, Charles, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Waddington. 
Hall. Julius, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1^02, at Hauinuind. 
Henry, Andrew, private; enrolled Sept. 18, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Kirkiu, Lewis, private; enrolled Sept. 0, lS02, at Massena. 
Kirkia. Francis, private; enrolleii .Sept. 1, 1802, at Masseiia. 
Lonkey, Francis, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Ma.sseua. 
Lonkey, John, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at Mitssena. 
Lereiio, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1802, at Mas.sena. 
Lerene, Gilbert, private ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862, at Massena. 
Lawrence, Lemuel, private; enrnllcil Sept. 2, 1862, at Matlrid. 
Lagravo, Josiah, private ; eninlb-il S.-pt. I, 1862, at Massena. 
Lcwi.s, Rockwell, private ; enridled Sept. 4, 1862, at Pierrepont. 
Magowan, William C, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Massena. 
Mann, Charlei, private; enndled Aug. 27. 1802, at Hammond. 
Blore, John, private; enrolled Aug 27, 1802, at Hammond. 
Mc(_'lear, James, piivale; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Morristown. 
Nettles, Thomas, private; enrolled Sept. 1. 1802, at Massena. 
O'Neil, Barney, private ; enndled Sept. 6, 1802, at 3Iiiasena. 
Ozier, Moses, pi ivate; enrolleii Sept. 5, 1862, at Waddington. 
Ozier, Lewis, private; enrolled Sept. r>, 1862, at Waddiiigtiui. 
Oliver, Robert, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1S02, at PutMlam. 
Purves, John A., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1802, at .Madrid. 
Pbeley, Tliomaii R., private; enrolled Aug. 27, l.Si;2, at Hammond. 
Paekard, George A., private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Pierrepont. 
Kitev, Thomas, jirivate; enrolled Sept. />, 1862, at Waddington. 
Reni, Daniel, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Pierrepont. 
Iteed, Harrison K., private; cnndled Aug. 2M, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Snyder, Cornelius, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Wadilington. 
Sloan, (Jeorge E., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Massena. 
Stubbs, Edwin, private ; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862,at Louisville. 
Swain, Lafayette, private; enrolled Sept. o, 1862, at Hammond. 
Swaney, Cornelius, private ; enrolled Sept. 18. 1862. at Potsdam. 
Turner, Nichcda"*, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Pierrepont. 
Ti-ickey, Hiram, private; enrolled Sept, 20, 1862, at Ogdell^burg. 
Walker, James H., private ; enrolled Sept, 5, 1802, at Waddington. 
Wood, JidiTi, pi ivate ; enrolled Sept. 4, IS02. at Massena. 
Ward, Aaron, private ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, ut Hammond. 
Winchel,Seth, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 18)12, at Pieneitont. 
Watson, Robert, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Madrid. 



CAPTAIN LUTHER S. GOODNO'S COMPANY (K). 

Luther S. Goodno, captain. 

Charles C. Hill, first lieutetnint ; enrolled Aug. 30, 18G2, at Russell. 

William Dodge, second lieutiuiant; enrolled 1802. 

Jesse McKee, first sergeant; enrolled Aug. 23, 1802, at Canton. 

David Hut. Iiiiis.u), sergeant; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Rus-^ell. 

R.tbn t St.piiriison, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Itussdl. 

Melville Itirhardson, sergeant ; enrolled Ang. 27, 1802, at Caut.m. 

Jeroirn- Collins, sergeant ; enrolled Aug. 29, 1802, at Canton. 

William Allen, corporal ; enn.llfd Sept. 4, 1862, at Russell. 

John L. Burns, corporal ; enrolled Ang. 30, 1802, at Rnssell. 

Edgar S. Williams, corjHjral ; eniidled Sejjt. 3, 1862, at Canton. 

George Peck, corporal ; enrolh'd Ang. 30, 1862, at Russell. 

Jonathan D. Farr, corponil ; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton. 

William H. Barlow, corporal ; enndb-d Aug. 30, 1862. at Rnssell. 

Michael B. Kelly, corporal ; enrulb-d Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton. 

Johnson Hiitchiiison, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Rnssell. 

Alvin Paine, drummer ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1802, at Canton. 

Peter Clmtsnum, drummer ; enrtdled Sept. 0, 1802, at Rin^seH. 

Amone, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1802, at Canton. 

Ash, David, private; enrolled Sept. .^i, 1862, at Pierrepont. 

Arnold, Charles, private; enruIb-d Aug. ;io, 1802, at Russell. 

Byrne, Herbert, Jr., private; eiirnlted Sept. 1. 1802, at Canton. 

Belding, James E., private; enrolled Sejit. 1, 1802, at Canton. 

Btillis, Leonard, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 1802, at Canton. 

Bigelow, Levi, private ; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell. 

Brooks, Felix, private; enrolled Sept. 5,1862, at Russell. 

Burrs, John, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 18G2, at Pierrepont. 

Brown, Miiriin H., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Rnssell. 

Boutwell, Martin M., private; enrolled Sept. o. 1802, at Russell. 

Chambers, Thonia--, private; enrolled Sept. 11, 1802, at Canton. 

Cook, Tlionnis, private ; enrolled Sept. />, 1862, at Canton. 

Clark. Alonzo B., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Canton. 

Copeland, Leroy, private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton. 

Congdon, Joseph, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton. 

Cook, John, private ; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862, at Canton. 

Clark, Edgar S., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Canton. - 

Chase, John W., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Rns-ell. 

Chatten, Andrew, private ; enrolled Ang. 30, 1862, at Russell. 

Colson, Ji)8eph. private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Russell. 

Cheney, Daniel, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Russell. 

Cliritsman, John, private ; enrolletl Sept. 5. 1862, at Rn>sell. 

Colson, William, private; enrolled Sept. 3, 18i>2,at Ru-sell. 

Dusham, Edward, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1862, at Canton. 
Earles, Stephen, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Cmton. 
Fl.maghan, Edward, private; enrollel Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton. 
Fuller, James, private; enrolled Sapt. 2, 1802, at Canton. 
Fortune, Peter, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Canton, 
Grimsbaw, George, private; enrolled Aug. 29. 1862, at Canton. 
Grimshaw, Clark, private ; enrolled Sept. 6, 1802. at Canton. 
Guy, Andrew, private; enrolled Sept. 17, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 

Hedding, Cutler, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Canton. 
Hatch, John, private; enrolled Aug. 29, 1862, at Canton. 
Hall, Erwin, private ; enrolled Sept. 1. 1802, at Russell. 
Harvey, Marshall, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862. at Pierrepont. 
Hamilton, James, private; enrolled Aug, 30, 1802, at Rnssell. 
Jonson, William, private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Russell. 
King, Judson A., private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Canton. 
Larock, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 29, 1862, at Ogdensburg. 
Ludriek, Moses, piivate; enrolled Ang. 30, 1802, at Canton. 
Lewis, Charles W., private ; enrolled Aug. 3o, 1862, at Russell. 
Lamb, Sherburne, private ; enrolled Ang. 30, IS02, at Russell. 
Mollis, John, private; enrolled Ang. 28, 1862, at Canton. 
McDoIe, David, private; enrolled Ang. 26, 1862, at Canton. 
McCoukcy, William, private; enrolled .^ug. 23, 1802, at Canton. 
Murry, Felix, private; enrolled Ang. 28, 1862, at Canton. 
Murry, Charles W., private; enrolled Sept. 6, 1862, at Rus.sell. 
Marshall, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton. 
Marsh, George P., private; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Russell. 
Norlhrep, Myron H., private; enrolled Aug. 3t), 1802, at Kussell. 
O'Leary, Patrick, private; enrolled Aug. 30. 1802, at Canton. 
O'Bryne, Peter, piivate; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Russell. 
Pitts, Giles, private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at Canton. 
Pierce, Leroy E., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Canton. 
Peek, Alpheus S., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862. at Ru^soll. 
Robinson, Albert M., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1862, at Canton. 
Rhodes, William H., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Rnssell. 
Stockman, Jauies, private; enrolled Ang. 25, 1862, at Canton. 
Sharpstone, Albert J., private; enrolled Aug. 22, 1862. at Canton. 
Simmons, George, private; enrolled Aug. 30. 1802, at Russell. 
Shippee, Samuel, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at llussell. 
Shaw, Horace, jjrivate; enrolled Se])t. 6, 1862, at Russell. 
Stephenson, Robert (Ist), private ; enrolled Aug. 23, 1862, at Russell. 
Turner, Ellis F., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Russell. 
Vincent, John, private ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862. at Canton. 
Watson. James L., private ; enrolled Sept. 2. 1S62, at Canton. 
Woodly, James, private; enrolled Aug. 26, 1862, at Lisbon. 
Weston, William H., private; enndled Ang. 23, 1802, at Canton. 
AVatson, William, priv;ite; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Rnssell. 
White, Charles E.. private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Canton. 
Walker, Lewis, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Canton. 



164TH INFANTRY. 

CAPTAIN JAMES O'CONNOR'S COMPANY (A). 
James O'Connor, captain ; enrolled Anu. 26, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Tlioiiiius llickey, first lieuienant ; enrolleii Aug. 26, 1862, at Potsdam. 
James D. Iianiis, seccuid lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 20, 1862. at Potsdam. 
Edward McCaffrey, first sertieant ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1862, at Potsdam. 
William Jovy, sergeant; eiindled Sei)t. 2, 1802, at Canton. 
James GafTney, sergeant ; enndled Sept. 4, 1802. at Potsdam. 
James Fox, sergeant; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Dennis Caiy, sergeant ; em (died Sept, 4. 1862, nt Potsdam. 
Allen Davis, corporal ; enndled Sept. 1, 1802. at Potsdam. 
Michael T. Power, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 9, 1862, at Canton. 
John Doyle, corp(»ral ; enrolled Sept. 4. 1862, at I'otsdam. 
Thomas Ilaney, corpiniil ; enndle«l Sept. 2.''>, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Daniel Lynch, corjwral ; enrolled Sept. 3, 1862, at Potsiiam. 
Thomas Flood, corisinil ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Canttni. 
Hugh Conoray, C()n>oral; enrolled Sept. 4. 1802, at Potsdam. 
Angus. John, private; enrolled Sept. 29, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Bell. Abraham, private ; enrolled Sept. 22, 1862, at (^swegatchie. 
Crowley, John, private; enrolled Sept. 15, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Crowley, Richard, private ; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Carl, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Canton. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



503 



Talalian, Curiieliiis, privuto ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, nt Cunlon. 
t'tisev, J'-lin, priviitr; enrolled Sept. 1, lS(i2, iit Putsdiini. 
C'iise,v, I'arriik, pi i vale; enrulled Sept. 1, ly(i'2, at Potstlam. 
Cra« tVinl, Will. am, private ; enrolled Sept. ;j, 18G2, at Osvvegatchie. 
Castle, H. A., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1H02, at Oswej^atchie. 
Davis, Ira, private ; enrolled Oct. ^1, 1862, at Putadain. 
Davis, Williain, piivate; enrolled Sept. 6, lH(i2, at PotH<lani. 
Dowdle, Peter, private; enrolled Sept. G, 1S(;2. at Bladrid. 
Dwire, John, piivate ; enrolled Sept. 2, lS{i2, at Canton. 
Flood, John, i)rivate; OTirolled Sept. 0, 1802, at Potsilam. 
Finnigan. Jauies, piivate; enrolled Sept. 1, 1S62, at Potsdam. 
Farrell, Thomas, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1S02, at Oawegalehie. 
tJnnlir<, Henry, private ; enrolli-d Sept. 24, 1S(»2, at OawpRatrhie. 
llayi's, Jli'liiifl, privutf ; enr<dled Sept. 4, lXii2, at Pt)iBdan». 
ITnrlcy, Miihael, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1HG2. at Potsdam. 
HiiUaml, Tli.inias, private; enrolled Ang. :jl, 1S02, at Potsdam. 
Kcc^iuM, William .1., private ; enrolled Sept. 9, 18(j2, at IVtadam. 
Kelly, Daniel, pr-vate; enrolled Sept. 0, l«f;2, at Potsdam. 
Kelly, Juiin, piivate; enrolled Sept. 24, 18)i2, at Canton. 
Lockwond, Edgar, private ; enrolled Sept. 21, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Laloiie, Joseph, private; enrolled Oet. 'M\ 1S02, at Potsdam. 
Lalone, Michael, private ; enrolled Sept. a, lSti2, at Potsdam. 
Laman. William M., private; enrolled Sept. 2, 18G2, at Potsdam. 
Love, William, private; enrolled Sept. i:i, 1802, at Ptitsdam. 
LaiiK- Rohort, private ; enrolled Sept. 4. 18G2, at Oswegatchie. 
McGilvery, John, private; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at I otsdani. 
Ulnipliy, Diineaii, private; enrolled Sept. 22, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Meibei t. V. Eugene, private ; enrolled Sept. HI, 1802, at Oswegatchie. 
Ulaltiney, Tlioma-*, private ; enr<dled Sept. 4, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Maloney, Hartholoniew, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Pierrepont. 
Mnore, Daniel, private; enrolletl Sept. 2, 1802, at Canton. 
MiOuoy, James, private; enrolled Sept. 24, 1802. at Oswegatchie. 
Morii.-*, Patrick, i)rivate; enrolled Sept. 0, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Mnrry, James, private ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Nugent, Patrick, private; enrolled Sept. 14, 1802, at Potsdam. 
O'Niel, Fratu-is, private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1802, at Oswegatcliie. 
Powers, Hulil-ard B., private ; enrolled Sept. 25, 1802, at Canton. 
Pracy, Charles, private; enrolled Sept. ;i, 1862, at Pot-dam. 
Qnin, Edmond, private; enrolled Se|tt 0, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Rodie, Michael, private; enndlrd Sept. '^0, 1802, at Canton. 
ReyiioUU, James, private ; enrolled 8ept. 4, 1802, at Pot«dam. 
Slieilds, Edward, private; enndled Sept. 4, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Slieehan, Ftartholomew, private; enrolled Sept. 4, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Sheelian, Garrett, private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Smith, John, private; enrolled Sept. 2, 1802, at Cji'iTun. 
Stewai t, John Henry, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, lso2, at Potsdam. 
Stone, James, private; enrolled .Sept. 4, 1802, at (l^wegatchie. 
Young, It^aac, private; enrolled Oct. 2'.>, ISOJ. at P.Hsdam. 

193D INFANTRY. 
COMPANY B. 

Alley, Jolin S., private ; enrolled Feh. 10, ISO.i, at Hermoti. 
Ayei-s, Samuel M., private; enndled Feb. 14, 18G'j, at Pierrepont. 
Baker, Edward, private ; «nrolled Feh. 24, 180.5, at Potsdam. 
Bartley, Jame-i, private; enrolled Feh. 2i), I860, at Macoinh. 
Bartlett, Charle* D., private ; enrolled Fel<. 13, 1805, at Colton. 
Berry, Mymii E., pr.vate; enrolled Feb. 25, 1865, at Brasher. 
Beny, John N., piivate; enrolled Feh. 18, 186.% at Lisbon. 
Bayette, Joseph, private; enrolled Feh. 20, 1805, at Hermon. 
Ulanchard, Charles, private; enrolled Feb. 18, 1865, at Hermon. 
Bn-ckenriilge, Jani^B F , private ; enrolled Feb. 14, 1805, at Hammond. 
Brown, Malcoin, i)rivate; enrolled Feh. 14, 1805, at Pierrepont. 
Buyer, Joseph, private ; enrolled Feb. 22, 1805, at Louisville. 
Boliannon, William B., private; enr.*lled Feb. 24, 1805, at Stockholm. 
Boyea, Oliver, private; enrolled Fei>. 24. 1865, at Louisville. 
Bostan, Daniel W., private; enrolled Feb. 14. 1865, at Madrid. 
Ba-^sett, Sylvanns, private; enrtdled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hammond. 
Butler, AH-ert S., private ; enrolled Fei». 14, 1865, at Colton. 
Boypa, Frederick, private; enrolled Feh. 22, 1865, at Louisville. 
Branlt, David, private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1805, at Waddington. 
Burt, Calvin, privjite; enrolled Feb. 21, 1805, at Edwards. 
Carbino, John, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Louisville. 
Conner, Edward, private ; enrolled Feb. 24, 1805, at Louisville. 
Center, Edjrar A., private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1865. at Potsdam. 
Chatraud, Andrew, private; enrolled Feb. 21,1865, at Brasher. 
Clute, James W., private ; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Macomb. 
Cline, Hmrh, private; enrolled Feh. 22, 1805, at Colton. 
Croft, William H.. private; enndled Feb. 15, 1865, at Hermon. 
C*.yer, John, private; enndled Feb. 20, 1805, at Colton. 
Corey, Allen, private; enrolled Feb. 2ii, l^r.5. at Louisville. 
Coffee, James F., private ; enrolled Feb. 10, 1805, at Hermon. 
Co.v, Daniel W.. private; enrolled Feb. 15, 1805, at Pierrepont. 
Dawd, Cliarle-) P., private: enrolled Feh. 17, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Elliott, Ephniim, private; enrolled Feh. 2n, 1805, at Colton. 
Exford, Michael, private; enndled Feb. 21, 1805, at Potsdam. 
Finley, Andrew, private; enrolled Feh. 20, 1805, at Macomb. 
Gardner, Joseph, Jr., private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1805, at Hermon. 
Gunlden, John, private; enrolled Feb. 18, ls05, at Hermon. 
Griffin, Merrill T., private ; enn)lled Feb. 21, 1805, at Louisville. 
Gore, William, private; enrolled Feh. 15, 1805, at Pierrepont. 
Gott. Samuel, private; enrolled February 18, 1805, at Louisville. 
House, Adolplius, private; enndled Fihrnaiy 1^1, 18ii5, at Brasher. 
Hawes, Willam, pnvati- , enndled February 14, 1865, at Potsdam. 
Heliner, Fr.ink, private; enndled February 17, 1805, at Waddington. 
Hewett, Robeif, private; enrnlled F'ebruary 20, 1805, at Macomb. 
Heiidrick, William H., private; t-nn.ll.-il F'ebruaiy 16, 1805, at Hermon. 
Hendriek. Jonathan, privati-; enrolleil February 15, 1805. at Hermon. 
Huckle, Tliomas, private ; einolled February 14, 1805, at Pierrepont. 
Hosmer, William, private; enrolled February 29, 1805, at Edwanls. 
Hoyt, Lnthi'i- E., private ; enndled February 15, 1865, at Potsdam. 
Holiart, .\hial M., private; enrolled February 15, lsO.'>, at Pierrepmit. 
Jones, Hiram T., private; enndled February 18, 1805. at Louisville. 
Kerr, Joseph, jtrivate; enrolled February 24. 180.*i, at Lisbcm. 
Kerr. Andrew, private; enndled February 20, 1805, at Hermon. 
Labell, E/.ra, private; enndled February 15, 180.5, at MorrUtown. 
Labell. Jomeph, private; enrolled Febiiiary 15, 1805, at Hanmioud. 
Lindspy, Richard P., private; enrolled February 10, 1S05. at Colton. 
Loomi-, James H., private; enrolled February 17. 1865. at Waddington. 
Mandigo, J(din, private ; enrolled February 17, 1S0.5, at Hermon. 
McCiien, I^d•elt, private; enndled February 24, 1805, at Potj^dam. 
Moore, James D., private; enrolled February 15, 18C5, at I'ierrepont. 
Neddo, John, private; enndled February 22, 1805, at Edwanls. 
Patridge, Willia^u, private; enndled February 20, 1805. at Macomb. 
Powell, William W., private; enrolled February I'.i. 1805, at Colton. 
l.'osenbarker, Hiram, i)rivate; enrolled February 10, 1SG5, at Hopklnttui. 



Raven, George P.. private; enndled February 2(t, 1805, at Macomb. 
Raven, John V. B., privjite; enndled February 21, 18t"^'>, at Macomb. 
Raven, Abraham C, private; enndled Febniary 20, 1«C5, at MacOfiih. 
Robear, John, piivate; enndled February 10, 18G5,Ht Put^dam. 
Roliei t>, Aniliew, piivate; enndled Febiiiary ZO, 1M'>5, at Hennon. 
Bohert-^on, Cady, private; enrolled February 14, 18G5, at Hammond. 
Sovey, David N., private; enndled February i:j, 18G5, at Colton. 
Scott, William, [trivate; enrolled February 21, 1805, at Eilwards. 
Scannell, Fb>reiice, private; enndh d February 15, l«f;,5, at Potsdaoi. 
Smith. J(din, private; enrolled February 22, 180.5, at MorriBtown. 
Smith. Patrick, private ; enndled February 24, 1805, at LouiHville. 
Spear, Albert, private; enndled February 2n, 1S05, at Piuirei>ont. 
Sharp, Henry, private ; enrolled February 21, 180.5, at Man«ena. 
Stone, Alexander, private; enndbd February 22, 1865, at DePe^ster. 
Tucker, Albert, private; enrolled February 21, l>-05, at EdwanU. 
Tohin, John, private; enrolled Februaiy 24, 1865, nt LouiHvitlc. 
Wright, Diodorus, private; enrolled February II, 1805, at Colton. 
Wait, Rolla L., private; enndled February 10, 1805, at (.'olton. 
White, Henry, private; enrolled Febiuary 22, 180-5. at Potwdam. 
Wood, Andrew, private ; enrolled February 20, 1805, at Rufbell. 
Warden, Sheion L., private ; enrolled February 14. 1805, at Hammond. 
Warden, Horatio N., private ; enrolleil Febniary 14. 1805, at Hammond. 
Young, Jefferson, private; enrolled February i;i, 18(15, at Colton. 
Young, Jackson, private ; eun)lle<l February l;J, 1805, at tV>Iton. 

COMPANY F. 

James H. Hitchcock, captain. 
Richard P. Lindsay, 2d lieutenant. 

Abbott, James D., private ; enrolled March ii, 186,5. at Fowler. 
Arm.strong, EdwanI, private; enrolled Manh 1. 1805, at Brasher. 
Austin, Mark F., private; enrolled March 6, 1805, at Bra-her. 
Ames, George B., private ; enrolled F< b. 27, 180.5, at Hopkinion. 
Barrett, Jtdin, private; enn)Ileii March 5, 1865, at Brasher. 
Brooks, V\ illiam, private ; enndled I^iarch l:J. 1805, at Lisbon. 
Blake, Azro L., pi ivate ; enrolled March i:t, 1S05, at Lawrence. 
Bean, James H., private ; enrolled March 8. 1805, at Lislwn. 
Beseau, Alexander, private ; enrolled March 0, 1865, at Bra>her. 
Bush, Thomas, private ; enrolled March 8, 1805, at Rossie. 
Barrett, Nathan W., private; enrolled Feb. 28. 1805, at Hopkinton. 
Colby, Henry, private ; enrolled March 0. 1805, at Fow ler. 
Chri.--ty, John, private; enrolled Feh. 9, 1^65, at Louisville. 
Center, Lewit-, private; enrolled Feb. 1, 18r..5, at Waddington. 
Chatiand, Joseph, private ; enn)lled Feb. 1, 1805, at BrJisher. 
Cutler, Calvin 1j., private ; enrolled Feb. 18, 1805, at Hopkinton. 
Cady, Myrtle D., private; enrolled Feb, 27, 180.5, at Hopkinton. 
Derham, John B., private; enndled March 6, 1805, at R<»s»ie. 
Davis, Gibson, private; enrolled March 7, 1865, at Burke. 
Durham, Suel, private ; enrolled Feh. 28, 1SG5, at Fowler. 
Daniels, Charles J., private ; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Pierrepont. 
Farmnd, Lewis, private ; enrolled Feb. zl, 1865, at Bnishor. 
Fuller, Daniel A., private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1865, at Madrid. 
Fetherly, Charles H., private: enrolled Marrh 2, 1805, at Macomb. 
Farwell, Dosu.-j, private; enrolled Feb. 2">, 1865, at Hoi>kinton. 
Godrad, Frank, private; enrolled Feb. 27, 1805, at Brasher. 
Green, Alonzo C, private; enrolled SLirch 13, 18()5, at Lawrence. 
Ganebiu, Eugene L., private ; enrolled March 15, 1S65, at Pierrepont. 
Goodale, Spencer, private ; enrolled Feb. 28, 1805, at Hopkinion. 
Graves, S(don B., private ; enrolled Feb. 28. 1805. at Colton. 
Gothier, Francis, private; enrolled March 8, 1805, at Lawrence. 
Hudoii, Louis, private ; enrolled March 14, 1805, at Lisbon. 
Hazleton, David E., private; enrolled Feb. 28. 1805, at Lawrence. 
Holmes, Henry, private; enrolled March 14, 1805, at Louisville. 
Hoan, Daniel W., private; enrnlled March '-i, 1865, at Rossio. 
Hodgkina, Phir.eas, private; enrolled Feb. 20, 1865, at Hopkinion. 
Jones, Geor-ge W., piivate; enrolled Feb. 25, 18G5, at Slacomb. 
Keeler, James, private; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Li6l)on. 
Kelley, Michael, private ; enrolled March 14, 186.5, at Louisville. 
Lagrave. Dennis, private; enrolled March 6, 1865, at Fowler. 
Lobdell, Howard S., private ; enrolled March 7,1865, at Lawrence. 
I^avire, Williain, private ; enrolled March 14, 1805. at I..isbon. 
Liiizy, Charles A., private ; enrolled March Li, 1865, at Colton. 
Lagtave, Willianr, private ; enndled March 6. 1865, at Fowler. 
Lazure. Oliver, piivate; enrolled Feb. 27, 1805, at MA'-omb. 
McLond, Nelson, private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1'65, at Hopkinton. 
Melvana, James, private ; enrolled March 7, 1P65, at Lawrence. 
Meaghei', Jolin, private ; enrolled ULirch 0, 1805, at Fowler. 
Moss, Elias W., private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1805, at PierreiH)nt. 
Newell, George IL, private ; enrolled March 9, 1865, at Lawrence. 
Patuo, EdwanI, private ; enrolled Feb 20, 1865, at Louisville. 
Pierce, George K., piivate; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Hopkinton. 
Parker, George L., private; enndled Mandi it, 1865, at Louisville. 
Parrneter, Joseph, private ; enrolled March 9, 1805. at Lawrence. 
Patten, Thomas, private; enrolled Feh. 27, 1805, at Macoinb. 
Potter, William, private; enrolled P'eb. 24, 180-5, at Colton. 
Riitman, Deforest, private ; enndled Feb. 18, 1865, at I*arisliville. 
Reeves. Wm. T., private; enrolled March 7, 1805. at Hopkinton. 
Rockwood, Henry A., X'rivatc; enrolled Feb. 18, 1805. at Hopkinton. 
Ryan, I«aiah, private; enrolled March 0, 18li5, at Fowler. 
Sheffer, William, private; enrolled ]>Iarch 6, 186-5, at Fowler. 
Sanford, Darwin E., private ; enrolled Marcli 7, I860, at Law reuce. 
Stearns. Henry J., private; enrolled March 9. 18&5, at Louisville. 
Swift, Eugene", private; enrolled >L*rch i», 1865, at Fiiwler. 
Sterling, John M., private ; enrolled Feb. 27, 186;5, at Ma- omb. 
Stearns, Henry W., private; enndled Feb. 28, 18(Vi, at Hopkinton. 
Thessaia, Thos., private; enrolled March 14, 1865, at Lisbon. 
Tucker, Nelson, private ; enndled Feb. 24, 1805, at Bni.sher. 
Ward, Charles, private ; enrolled March 0. 1865, at Rostde. 
Walls, Cha les P., private ; enndled March 7, 1805, at (t-wt-gatehie. 
Woodworth, Adolphus P., private; enndled March 1, I860, at Pierrepont. 
Young, Haw ley F., private; enrolled Feb. 27, 1865, at Hammond. 

COMPANY G. 
Armstrong, Fraukbn H., private; enndled Mandi 21, 1805, at LisUtn. 
Adams, Dana C, private; enndled March 6, ISG5, at Fowler. 
Barnhart. EdwanI N., private; enrolled March 17, 18&;5, at Stockholm. 
Brooks, Charles M., private; enndbd March 29, 1865, at Pierrepont. 
Bowell, Makim, private ; enndled Maivh 25, 1865, at LtslHin. 
Bohainan, S. R., private; enndled March 20, 18C.5. al Stockholm. 
Barber, Frank, private; enndled Mandi 4, 1865, at Fowler. 
Barrett, Horace, private ; enn>lled Manh 0, 186-5, at Fowler. 
Barlow, (Jeorge W,. private; enndled Munli 6, 180.5, at Fowler. 
Broadwell. Hamilton H., private; enndled Feb. 28, 186.5, at l*awrence. 
('rooks, Deforest C, piivate; eundleil March 0, 18t'>.5, at Fowler. 
Donohne, Patrick, i>rivate ; enrolled March 13, 1865. al Lislion. 
Rtton, Henry A., private ; enrolled March i:i. 186.5. at R<»s8ie. 
Eldridge, Harvey, private ; enrolled March 17, 1805, at Stockhalni. 



504 



IIISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Fc)rkpy, .lolm, pi-ivaU- ; t-nnillc-il Murcli "ir., ISG.'), at Roseie. 
Fox, -Iiimi^-*, inivatc; I'rirulloil Manh IS, ISii.'i, iit MacDnib. 
Fish, Gi'orKi^ It., iniviiti'; <'iin>Ik'(i Manli ti, 1HU."», iil Lawrence. 
Cinitit, Niii'tiiiiii, private; ciiimIIciI IMarcli *J7, lril><'), iit Massona. 
(^ioiulcU, ('lurk, piivatt- ; (.-rirnlliMl Manli 20, mii'), at liimscll. 
(;iliH..ri, Itfiij. K., privalc; cniMlfc.I Manh 27, IKlir., at Itiiwseli. 
llill. William, private; iMirnllr.l Manh U), Iwfio, at Lisbon. 
Hill. FranUliii, private; ciiinllcl M.iich 17, lSC>r., at Stockholm. 
.Irnkins, John, private; enrolled March '.^'J, ISti';, at Lii^hun. 
Ji>hMBon, l>avi(i, private ; erirolleil March '27, ISii'), at Knssell. 
KenniMoti, Wellnian, joivatv; eiirolh-il March 'Jft, 18()'t, at Rn-'i'en. 
Keniieilv, I'atrick, private; enrolle.l March 27, 1 «(!'>, at WadclinRtou. 
Little, Myron W., private: eiirolh-.l March 27, ISI!.'., at \Va(Minj;ton. 
Liscomli, Charles \V., private; eniolle.l March ;M, IfSti.i, at U-isaie. 
M')haKhan, John, private; enrolled Mmrh "25, ISIm, at Kui^sell. 
Maii'ia^ran, GoorKf W., private ; (Mirolled March 15, 18G;"i, at Lisbon. 
-■M-ir-hall, Kohcrt, private; enrollcil Mardi }r>, IHG'i. lU Lisbon. 
JI.M.dionse, \Vm., private ; enrolled ALirch 2:i, IHGT), at Stockholm. 
Market. , dunes A., private ; eniolled March '20, ISGj, at Lisbon. 
Morell, Kdwanl, priv.it ■; enrolled March ;iO, 180.*), at Knssoll. 
McDonal, John P., privalc; enrolled .Alarch 25, ISG;"), at Stockholm. 
McGihhon, James, private ; enr.dled March 2K, 1805, at liishon. 
l'latt,Ohidns I*;., private; enrolled March 29, IHGa, at I'ierrepont. 
rarlt)\v, Alfred II., privato; enrolled March 27, 18G.\ at Wad.litigtom 
Kihy, John J., private ; enrolled March 21), ISdri, at Pierrepont. 
KU h. .\Mtliony, private; enrolled March 15, 1SG5, at Lisi-on. 
Smitii, Joseph, private; enrolled Martdi ;i, ISOo, at Brasher. 
Shaw, John, private ; enrolled ULirch S. 1H65, at WadiiinRton. 
Sencrenco. (Jnrico, private ; enrolled March 17, 1805, at Knssell. 
Toldn, William, private; enrolled Mnrcli 24, 1805, at Stockholm. 
Towfilev, llarniMii, private; • inolh-il March :i, 1815.5, at Macomb, 
T.)WKlev, Albeit, private; enndhd March 2, 1805, at Macomb. 
Wells, ('liarles. private; enroll, d :^Iarrli S, isna, at Fowler. 

2D CAVALRY. 

t'AI'TAIX JAMES OHOMWKLL'S COMPANY (D). 
Henry IL llosworlh, first sergeant ; etir(tlh'd Sept. lr>, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Albert K. McMnrray, >erK*-aiit; enrolled Out. 0, 1S61. at Ogdensbnrg. 
Horace Wood, sergeant; eimdleil Sept. 18, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Leonard S. Chapman, a rgeant ; crii<dled Oct. 1, lSUl,at Ogdensbnrg. 
Tha Id.-iis Itellen^er, corporal; enrollLMl Sept. 12, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
William Iti.yee, rinisieian ; enrolled Sejit. 11, ISIU. at Ogdensbnrg. 
Al'iaham Kreeinan, fanier; eiin>Il. d O.t. '.». 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Joseph Laniunt. saddler; enndl.il (let. 1, ISO], at Ogdensbnrg. 
Kniory, Curtis, p ivat'- ; eiiioll.-il Sept. 2**, ISOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Fmncis, Samuel, piivati*; enndbd S.-pt. 17, 18G1. at Ogdensbnrg, 
Fanikner. Donn s, private ; enndletl Sept. 24, ISIJI, at Ogdensburg, 
Grisnold, J.i-eph, private ; enrolled Oct. 11. 18G1, at (Jffdensbnrg. 
Ladeanx, Moses, urivatc ; enrolled Oct. 1, 1801, at Ogden*iburg. 
Labrake. Lonis, pr.vate; enr.dled Oct. LI, 1801, at Ogdensl.nig. 
Lamareanx, lleny, jirivate ; eniolled Oct. 1. 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Mtirrow, .lames, private : enmlli-d Oct. 4, ISOl, at (.)gdensburg. 
McKinn-in, John, piivate; enrulh-d Oct. 17, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Nicholson. Peter, piivate; enrolled Oct. 1, KsOl, nt Ogdeti^hnrg. 
Powers, J.tmes U., private; enrt)Ui'd Sept. 2(i, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Keynidds. William, private; enrolled Oct. 11, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Smith, Daniel, private; enrolled Oct. 4, IHOI, at OgdensLmrg. 

6TH CAVALRY. 
C.\PTAIN ItlLKV JOHNSON'S COMI»ANY(K). 
Riley Johnson, captain; enrolled Oct. 14, iSOl, at Ogdensburg. 
Oe.trg'- W.C diti, first lieutenant; enrollcil Oct, 14, IfiOl, at (-tgdenshurg. 
Newcnib J. We-*(on, sergeant; enndled Oct. 17, ISOl, at (.)gden«burg. 
Ell W. hewey. (piai termaster-sergearit; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Charles M. (din, sergeant; enrolb-d Oct. 28, isoi, at Ogden.iburg. 
Henry L. .Iohii»on, serneant ; enrolled Oct. 24, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Henry H. N. Johnson, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. 25, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Thomas Lestin, sergeant ; enrolled Oct. '20, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Owen McKetizie, corpoial ; eiHoHiMl Oct. 15, l8t)l, at Ogdeiislairg. 
John W. Ryan,oor]Mral; enr.dled Oct. 15, 18G>, at Ogden-bnrg. 
Hugh M. Re^^ corporal ; elirolled Oct. 20. 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Gyms S. (Goodwin, corponil ; enr.dled Oct. 2;>, 1801, at Oudelisburg. 
James Philpot, corporal ; enrolled Oer. 28. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Lnrins C Itrigys, corporal ; enroli'd Oi:t. 18, iKOl, at Ogdensbnrg. 
William M. Robinson, corptnal ; enroUerl Get. 24, 18f;i, at Ogdensburg. 
George W. .\ndrews, corporal ; enrolled Oct. 28, 1801 . at Ogdensbnrg. 
Rfiliert Burner, blacksmith ; enrolled Oct. 10, 18fll, at (tgdenshurg. 
Henry H. Bird, bugler; enroUed Nov. 1, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
John Harp<'i"i bugler; enrolled Oct. '28, 1801, at Ogiietisbnrg. 
Anderson, Saiiinel, private ; etirolU-d Oct. 22. 1801, at Ogd-'iisburg. 
llabcock, Stephen, private ; enrolled f)ct. 1.% 1801, at Oj;densbnrg. 
Babcock, Benjamin, ^nivate ; eiindleil Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
branch, Sidney, private ; enr4)lb'd Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Coyme, John, private; enrolled Nov, 1. 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Casson, James, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at (J^rdensbnrg. 
Cheautenunot, Louis, private;; enrolled Oct. 15, 18G1, at Ogd(!ii>*bnrg. 
C-onil>8, Jeseph K., private; enrolled Oct. 28. 18G1. at Ogdensburg. 
Chambers, (lec)rgo, private; enrolled Nov. 21, ISOl, at (Jgtleiisbnrg. 
Cook, Martin I)., private ; enrolled Oct. '28,1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Cliff, John, private; enrolled Dec. 4. 1801, at Lisbon. 
Dixon, William, private; enrolled N'.iv. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Delude, JoM-ph, private; enrolled N.iv. :in, l80l.at Ogdenslmrg. 
Doin|i8ey, Michael, private ; enndleil Oct. 22. iSOl.at Ogdensbnrg. 
Dawson, Thoimis, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at O^rdensburg. 
DiTOch, Ant.dn'-, privat-- ; enrulh-d Nov. 1, 1801, at ttg.leiisbnrg. 
Galla-zber. .lohn, private ; enrolled Oct. 25. ISOl, at 0;:densbnrg. 
Gotham, Jainefl, private; enroll d (h:t.22, 1801, iit Oirdensburg. 
Glaiicev, James, private ; enrolled Oct. :V\ 180], at Ogdensbnrg. 
Kimball. Henry, iirivate; enrolled Oct. 15. 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
liVtle, William, jtrivate ; enrolled Oct. 29, 1801, at (tt;densburg. 
Mulball. Thoma-s, jtrivate ; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
McCiae, Donald, privato; enrolled Oct. 20, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Moore, Benjamin, piivate ; enr.dled Oct. 10, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
McGurk, James, private; enrolled Oct. 2.'j, 18G1, at Ogileiislmrg. 
Mea<le, l-ucius (■., private; enrolled Nov. ;10, 1801, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Newton, Richard R., ]n-tvale; eimdleil Nov. 21, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Osgood, Marvin, privjite; enrolled Dec. 2, 1801, at Canton. 
P.n-ter, Thoinai, jirivate; enrolled Di-c. 4, 1801, at Lisbon. 
Roberts. Samuel F., i)rivate; onndled Oct. 22. 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Rea. William H., private; enndled Oct. 20, 18GI. at Ogdensbnrg. 
Sullivan, Dennis, private; enrolled Nov. l,lS»il,at ogdensburg. 
Ste- ling, J(din, private ; enrolled Nov, 1, 1801. at OKden>burg. 
Stilwell, James, private; enrolled Oct. 14, 1801. at Ogdensbnrg 
Spearing, fJharlea, private; enrolled Oct. 15, 1801, at Ogdenj*hurg. 



Scraton, James, private; enrolled Oct. 18, 1801, at Ogdensburi:. 
Twins, Francis, private; enridlcd Oct. 22, l8t;i,at Ogdensburg. 
Warner, Roswell H., private; enrolled Nov. 1, lsO],at o^;.b-nabiirg. 
Watson, Thomas, private; enroUeil Oct. 2il, 1801, at ogdensburg. 
Webb. James, private; enrolled Oct. 10, 1801, at 0;:deii.biNV. 
Walker, Kraiik, private; enndled Oct. 18, 1801, at Ondeiisburg. 
Wheeler, Cummin;;H, ].rivate ; .-nr.dled Oct. 28, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wallace. Henry W.. jirivate; enrolled Nov. 27, iKld, ;it Ogdensbnrg. 
Wbitcomb, Warren, private; enrolled Dec. 22, lS(;],al Canton. 

UTH CAVALEY— "SCOTT'S 900." 

COMI'ANY D. 
Cyrus P. Gipsoii, first sergeant ; enr.>Iled Dec. 18. isoi, at Canton. 
Simeon Wells, iiuartiTniiu-iter-sergeant ; enrolled Dec. IS, 1801, at Pilcairn. 
George W. White, firat duty-serg<'ant ; enrolled Dec. lit, ISOl, at Potsdam. 
Charles K. Clark, second dnty-.sergeant ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1801, at Canton. 
John H. Mills, third dnty-seiV'it'iI ; enrolled Dec. 8, 1801, at Canton. 
Nathaniel P. Brme, fonrth diit\ -s.T;;c;int ; enrolled Dec. 22, 1801, at Colton. 
Jaaon Barbir, coriv.ml ; enndled Dec. 18, 18G1, at Catiton. 
Seymour W. Morton, critoml ; .iindk-d Dec. 18,1^)01, at Hernion. 
S.Ias W. Carey, coiitoral ; enrolh-.l Jan. 11, 1802, at Canton. 
Jay W. Childs, c .rporal ; enr.dled Dec. 18, 1801, at Cantmi. 
Nahani W. Kelly, corporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1801, at (.'atiton. 
Tliurman R. Kllis, corpfuiil ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Lawrence Camitbell, corporal ; enrolled .Fan. 25, 1802, at Canton. 
James Munroc, bugler; etirolled Dec. IG, 1801, at Potsdam. 
George E. Shaw, bugler; enrolled Dec. 26, 18GI, at t.-olton. 
Harris.in Itrundige, larrier; enrolled Dec. au, 1801, at Potsdam. 
George (!halnn;rs, farrier; onndled Jan. 25, 1802, at Potsdam. 
John W. Bruce, wagoner; enndled Dec. 22, 1801, at Colton. 
Bridge, Marsden, jirivato ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1801, at Canton. 
Bennett, George, private; enrolled Dec. 18,18G1, at Canton. 
Brill, Henry, piivate; enrolled Feb. 3, 1862, at Canton. 
Boyce, Abraham, privato ; enrolled Jan. 25, 18G2, at Canton. 
Cassidy, Felix W., private; enrolled Dec. 18, 18G1, at Canton. 
('lark, Darwin, private; enrolled Feb. 1, 18G2, at Potsdam. 
Chanipi'>n, William, piivate; enrolled April 19, 18G2, at Ogdensburg. 
Card, Caleb, private; eiirolletl April 19, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
Develin, Patrick, private ; enrolb'd Feb. 3, 1802, at Canton. 
l>evelin, Isaac, piivate ; enrolled Feb. 13, 1802, at Canton. 
Dano, Charics, private; enrolled Feb. 13, 1802, at Canton. 
Duncan, John S., piivate; enrollcl Jan. 23,1802, at Potsdam. 
Ellwood, William, private ; enndled Dec. 18, 1801, at Canton. 
Frenette, Amlrew, private; enndled Dec. 13. 1861, at Potsdam. 
Fednlan, Nelson L., private; enrolled Dec. 10. 1801, at Potsdam. 
Fifield, Fred. C, private; enrolled Jan. 10. 1862, at I'ot^dam. 
Flanders, Moses J., private; enrolled Feb. 13, 1802, at Pot-dam. 
Goodwin, Gorhani S., private ; eniolle<i Dec. 23, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Graft, Oliver, inivalo; enrolled Dec. 30, I80I, at Potsdam. 
Gillette, Daniel B., i)rivate; enrolled Jan. '25, 1802, at Canton. 
Haydeii, Edmiiu.l D., )>rivate; em.dled Feb. 13, 1802, at Potsdam. 
Helnier, James, ijrivate; enrolled Ai)ril ID, 1802, at Ogdensburg. 
J.ines, Owen, j)riva(e; enrolled Feb. 13, 1H02, at Potwlam. 
Kincle, Thonuis, private; enrolled Jan. 14, 1802, at (^'anton. 
Lafiin, Virgil B., jirivate; enn-lled Dec. '25, 1801, at Potsdam. 
Linton, R'tbi-rt, private; enroll. -d April 19, 1SG2, at Ogdensburg. 
Loukey, Josei)li, private; enndled Dec. It), 18G1, at Potsdam. 
Lurroe, Nortnan B., i>rivate; enndled Dec. 3(», 1861, at Potsdam. 
Love, Robert, private ; enrolled Jan. 27, 1802, at Canton. 
Morgan, Solon C, private ; enrolled Jan. 13, 18C2, at Colton. 
Blehan, James, private; enndletl Feb. G. 1862, at Canton, 
Mo.-'her, Luman E.. private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1862, at Canton. 
M(U-se, Stephen, private ; enrolled Jan. '25, 1802, at Canton. 
Osier, Henry, iirivate; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Potsdam. 
Parmelei-, Lnther L.. private ; enndled Dec. 25, 1801, at Pots.lam. 
Parker, Le\vi<, private; etirolled Dec. 3U,186I, at Potsdam. 
Patten, Rollin C, private; enrolled Dec. 27. 1861, at Pot-dam. 
Patten, George W., private ; enrolled Dec. 27, 1861. at Potsdam. 
Pennoyer, Orange, private; enndled Jan. 25, 1862, at Colton. 
Powell. J(din H., private; enrolled Dec. 18, 1801, at Canton. 
Reynobl-, Thomas, privato ; enndletl Feb. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Reynolds, James, pnvate; enrolled Feb. 1, 1862, at Canton. 
Spencer, Albert I)., privati; ; enrolled Feb. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Starkey, Thomas, private ; enrolled Feb. 3, 1862, at Canton. 
Tu])per, Jason, pnvate ; enrolled Feb. 1, lsG2, at Canton. 
Tisdale, Will am F., private ; enndled Jan. '25, 1?G2, at Catiton. 
Woolcot, Pbih>, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 1861, at Canton. 
White, Channcy L., private ; enrolled Jan. 14, 1SG2, at Canton. 
Waite, Altiion Z., j-rivate ; enndled Feb. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Welch, Michael, ).rivate; oiin)lled Feb. 3,1862, at Canton. 
Wheeler, Peter, private ; enn>lled Dec. 3U, 1861, at Potsdam. 

COMPANY I. 
John Jourdon. sergeant, enrolled Ap' il '2, 1862, in St. Lawrence County. 
Allen, Mitson S., private, enrolled l-Vb. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County. 
Barnes, Orange S.. pnvate; enrolled March '27,1802. in St. Lawrence County. 
Carroll, Daniel, private; enrolled March 20, 1802, in St. Lawrence Countv. 
Cobb, Stephen V. R.. private; enrolled Feb. 14. 1802, in St. Lawrence County. 
Edgar, Robert, private; enndle.l Fell. 14, 1862, in St. Lawrence County. 
Hall, Sjunuel, private; enrolletl Feb. 14, 1802, in St. Lawrence County. 
Holland. James, private; enrolled Ajnil 2, 1802, in St. Lawrence Cmnty. 
Maxiner, Julius A., private; enndleil March 26, 1802, in St. Liwrence County. 
Root, Nel'on, private; ennilled Feb. 14, 1862. in St. Lawrence County. 
Shijipee, Sila-s, private; enrolled Feb. 14, 18G2, in St. Lawrence Conuly. 

COMPANY L. 

Brown. George .\., private; eniolled Sept. 24, 1862, at Cant-'ii. 
Bn.wn, Adolplius S., jirivate; enndled Aug. 14, 1862, at Canlun. 
Berry. M.vroii J., private; enrolled Sept.13, 18G2, at Canton. 
Dufley, James, private; enrolled SejJt. 24, 1862. at Canton. 
Gilson. Kdwanl, jtrivalo; enndled Aug. 30, 18G2, at Potsdam. 
Smith, Webster N., private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1862, at Gouverneur. 

COMPANY M. 
Arm-«trong, George E., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1862, at Canton. 
Ainsworth, Sjunuel, i>rivate; enrolled Aug. 28, 1802, at Cantoti. 
Boynton, Chaides H., private; enrolled Aug. 30, 1802, at Canton. 
Bean, Levi M., jirivate ; enrolled Se])t. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Bean, Henry I., private; onn>lleil Sept. 1, 1802, at Canton. 
Barnhart, Simon O., private; enndled Aug. 3U. 186'2, at Canton. 
Bloflgett. James B., jirivato ; enndled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler. 
Brown. Gilbert A., jirivate; enrolled Aug. 30, 1862, at Fowler. 
Branch, Willi.im F., private; enn.lle.i Aug. '28, 1862, at Canton. 
Clark. Gi.leon E., jtrivate; enn Ih-d Sejit. 3. 1802. at Canton. 
Clark, H.unioti I., jirivate; enrolled Ang. '27, 1802, at Canton. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



505 



Oljirk, Iiti W., privjite; enrolled Aug. 27, 18fi2, at Cuntnn. 
Clink, Tliotidore L., privato ; ftii-ulleil Auk. '^^^ ISfi'i. iit Ciiiituti. 
Uaytoii, Eli \V., private: ciimlleil Si-pt. 4, iSfJ-J, at Canton. 
Dove, William G., privato ; enrnlleil Sept. .'i, IStVi, at Canton. 
Ueiiisia, (Miaiies, privatt-; eiirnlled Ang. 27, 18U2, Jit Canfun. 
Downing, Spragne, private; enri)ll(Hl Ang. 'Hi, lN(i2, at Gonverneur. 
Krwiri, ClMirlo-( J., i)rivate: enrolled Sept. 1, 1862, at I'otsilain. 
Kinery, Alphens W., private ; enrolled AiK. 2.'», lH(i2, at Canton. 
Fost<;r, Elea/er B., private; enr>illed Ang. 2 t, l>tliJ. at Canton. 
Fanner, Mm timer A., private; eniolled .\iig. 21^, 18G2, at Fowler. 
Gordon, Wdliani, jnivate ; enrolled Aug ;iO, 1«(>2, at Kuwler. 
GondiMiongli, William A., private; cundli-'i Ang. ;ill, 18G2, at Fowler. 
Hatch, Martin B., private ; enroll'-d Ang. II, lS(i2, at ('rtnton. 
Hadding. ('hai'lea B., private; enroUyil :sept, 4, 18G2, at Canton. 
Ilanes, Adam L., private ; eiil'oll d Aug. ;I0, 18G2, at (-'anton. 
Hnddlestnn, George, private; enrolled Ang. :in, 18ti2, at Fowler. 
Ive^, Robert H , private ; enrolled .\ug. 2U, 1862, at Gouvernenr. 
KuiHiey, Jamea, private : enrolli'd .\iig. 2il, 1862, at Canton. 
Kerr, David B., private; enrolled Sept. :i, 1862, ui Canton. 
Koyea, Levi H., private ; enrolled Aug. ;iii, 1862, at Fowler. 
Kerr, George P., private; enrolled Sept. 5, 1862, at Canton. 
Lansing, Martin L., priviite ; cni-oll<'d Ang. 25, 1862, at Canton. 
Lewis, Frank A., private; enrolled Aug. 2;*, 1862, at Canton. 
McDonald, (Mement, private ; enrolled Aug. 25, 1862, at Canton. 
Patterson, Charles A., private ; onndled Ang. 23, 1862, at Canton. 
Stmit, Barton, jirivate ; enrollet! Sept. 2, 1862, at Cunton. 
SIieldiMi, llni.crt C. private; enrolled Ang. ;in, 1862, at Fowler. 
Smith, U.>yi(l W., private; enrolled Aug. :i», 1862, at Fowler. 
Shaver, .Jidin. Jr., private ; enrolled Ang. :il, 1862, at Gonverneur. 
Selliek, Freeman M.. private ; enrolled Aug. 28, 1862, at Canton. 
Saiid.-r:*, (HiviM' W,. private; enrolled Sept. 7,1862, at Canton. 
Thomas, Henry 0., private ; enrolled Ang. 14, 1862, at Canton. 
Williams, Meyer, private; enrolled Sept, I, 1862, at <!anton. 
Wood, Edwin U., private ; enrolled Aug. lit), 1862, at Canton. 

12TH CAVALEY. 

CAPTAIN K. FiattJU.SoNS COMPANY (It). 
Charles Halford, orderly ; enrolled Nuv. i;i, 1862, at Ogdfii.shnrg. 
Edwin Bensfolen, 2d seigeant; enrolled Dec. l.i, 1862, at Ogdenshurg. 
W. Ij. Armstrong, third sergeant; enrolled Dec. 1, 1862, at Ogric-nsliurg. 
Ja ne-i Wat^ou, ionrth serge.mt ; enrolled Nov. 7, 1862, at t)^densbnrg. 
Brock Holdeu, qnartermasitcr sergeant ; enrolled Nov. 6, 1862, at Ogdenshurg. 
Fred. Haye-, seventh corporal ; enrolled Jan. 5, 186.i. at Ogdenshurg, 
And'Tion, Jam !S, priv.ite ; enrolle 1 Nov. 14, 1862, at Ogde ishurg. 
Ashley, Charles, private; enrolled Nov. 4, 1862, at Ogdenshurg. 
Barcley, Jiienh, jirivitte; eiiTcdled Dec. 3(), 1862. at Ogdenshurg. 
Clark, James, private; enrolled Jan. 7, 186;{, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Davison, Alexiinde-, private; eninlled l>i-r. 27. 1862, at Ogdenshurg, 
Dent, Gecuge W., private; enrolled D.-c. :i(), 1862, at Ogden>bnrg, 
Jimiuo, Jiiseith. jirivate: enrolled Nov 6, 1862, at Ogdenshurg. 
McDeiniott, Duncan, private ; eiindleil Nov. 16, 1862, at Ogdenshurg, 
McKey, John, private ; enrolled Nov, 2'>, 1862, at Ogdoiisbnrg. 
Murrey, Joseph, private ; enrolled Nov. 27. 1862, at Oudensbnrg. 
McCnllen, Lawrence, private; eiirirlled Feb. 24, lS6;J, at Ogdensbarg, 
Polter, Wdliani, pnviite; enndled Feb. 16, l86.t, at Ogdensbni g. 
Potter, Thonnis, private; enrolled Feb. 21), l86:i, at Ogdenshurg. 
Wa'-ner, Williani, private; enrollfd Dec. 21), 1862, at OgdeTi«hurg. 
Warner, John, priva e; enrolled Dec. 31, 1862, at Ogdenshurg. 

13TH CAVALRY. 
CAPTAIN JOHN L. LOL'KWOOD'S C03IPANY (G). 
Persho B. Sprague, qnartenn:ister sergeant ; enndled June 2, 1863, at Potsdam. 
Harvey Cliiff, commissary sergeant; eniolleii May 21, lS6."i, at Pot.sdam. 
Andrew Kennedy, sergeant ; enrvdled June 11, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
James A. Sergeant, sergeant; enrolled -Mine 30, 1865, at Oswegatchie. 
Mathew Fletcher, sergeant; enrolled June 10, 1863, at Oswi gutchio. 
Elias C. Brown, cirporal; enruUed June 19, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Orson A. Bradley, corporal ; enrolled June 15, 1863, at Potsdam. 
Alexander Tait, corporal ; enrolled Juno 13, l8ti 3, at Oswegatchie. 
Wdliam Fletcher, corporal; enndled .lune 19, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Ira Boss, corporal ; enrolled June 20, 1863, at Pot-dam. 
Samuel B, Bell, corporal ; enrolled June 15, 136 i, at Potsdam. 
Samuel McBroom, corporal ; enrulled June 15, 1861, at 0-iWeg:itchie. 
Bell, Ahni/o W., private; enruUiMl June 12, 1863, at I'ot>dam. 
Adams, Henry, private ; enrolled Jnne 31, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Barney, Joseph, private ; enrolled June 19, 186 (. at Oswegatchie. 
Benson, Frederick, private; enrolled June 16, 1863, at Oswegatchie, 
Brewer, Dennis, private; onndled June 3, 1863, .at Oswegatchie. 
Brown, A. John, private ; enrolled June 17, 186 J, at Potsdam. 
Carpenter, Noah, private; enrolled July 7, 1S63, at Oswegatchie. 
Ci>rmick, Lawrence, private; enrolled July 7, 1861, at Oswegatchie. 
Clai k, John, private ; enrolled June 19, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Duttou. Carlyle, private; enrolleil Jnm' 12, 1863, at Potsdun. 
Delmetter. Ch irles, private ; enrolled .lune 20, 1863, at Potsdam. 
Darragh, David, private ; enroMeil .Inne 13, 1863. at Oswegatehie. 
Drake, Spelmau, private; eiirolh'd June 27, 18()3, at Potsdam. 
Di^dude, Joseph, private; enndlid July 7, 1861, at Oswegatchie. 
Deleal, Charles, private; enrolled June 15, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Dorma'i, David, private; enrolled June 27, 186 I, at De Peyster. 
Eldridge, W. Henry, private; enrolled June 2, 1861, at Pot*»dam. 
For^ytfi, James, private ; enrolled June 18, 1863, at Oswi-gatchio. 
Graham, Archil-aid, juivate; en-oHed Jnno 16, 18G3, at Osw<-gatchie. 
Hicks, Samuel S., private; enrolled June 8, 1863, at Stockholm. 
Helmer, (;ei>rge, private; enrolled Jnni' 19, 1863, at Oswt-gatt hie. 
How, L. Wi-bster, private; enrolled June 23, 1803, at Parishville. 
Johnson, .fiimes, private ; enrolled June 16. 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Kendall, Ilullis D., privat-; enrolled July 7. 1863, at Potsdam. 
Langlilin, Klward, private; enr-dle 1 June 11, I8iil, at Potsdim. 
Marhiil, J. dm, private ; enrolleil June 18. 1861, at Oswegatchie. 
Prouse, ("h trb'S, private; enrolled June 16, 1863, :it Oswegatchie. 
Preston. William G., private; enrolled Jnm* 22, 1861. at Poti*dam. 
Podd, Pett-r, private ; enndled July 7, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Ross. William J., private; enrolb-d .June 17, 1861, at Oswegatchie. 
nibbot, Jiwcph, private ; enndbd July 7. 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Riley. William, private ; enndleil June 26, 18fi;t, at Oswegatchie. 
Sprague, Darius, private ; enndled .Inne 30, 1863, at Oswegatchie. 
Sullivan, Michael, private; enr«)lled June l.'i, 186;j, at Oswe'4at<diie, 
Saunders, K. Martin, private; enndled June 11, 1863, at Potsd^im, 
Tutilo, Duane, private; enrolh-d Juno 16, 1801, at Oswegatehio. 
T-»dd, James, private; enndled June 13, lS)i3, at Oswegatidiie. 
Thorn, (Charles, private ; enrolleil June 2U, 1863, at PotJidam. 

CAPTAIN JAMES P. BATTEItSoN'S COMPANY (H). 
Abraham Freeman, first sergeant: enrolled April 16, 1863, tit Ogdenshurg. 
Henry T. Smith, third sergeant; enndled July 21, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 

64 



W. H. Vosburg, eiglith corporal ; enrolled July 9, 1863, at OgdeuKburg. 
John Rotton, tiaddler; enrolled July U, \Sihi, at Waddlngton. 
Barnhart, Alexander, private ; enndled July 8. 1863, at Potsdam. - 
Crowley, Florence, privut-; enrolled July 16. 1863, at Polifdam. 
Call, Ira, privat'*; enrolled July 21, 186.t, at Polsdxni. 
Julinson, Alexander, private; enrolled June 23, 186;t, at Potsdam. 
Orr, William H., private; enndled July 9, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Uedisko, Henry E., private; enrolled July 14, V86I, at Oj:denaburg. 
Reynolds, J.din, private; enrolled July 21, 1861, at Potsdam. 
Stilwell, Smith, private ; enrolled July 15. 1863, at OgdftiHburg, 
White, Walter A., private; enrolb-d July 22, 1863, at Ogdenaburg. 

16TH CAVALRY. 

CAPTAIN JOHN J. SCHLAEFER'S COMPANY (F). 
Andrew Slorah, i^.-m. sergeant; enrolled July 15, 186;j, at Ogdenshurg. 
Armstrong, James, private; enrolled June 3o, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Barnum, William F., private; enndb-d July 21, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Clark, James, private; enrolled July 4, 1S6J, at Ogdenshurg. 
Dachner, Stephen, private; enrolled July 8, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Gillespie, Wm., private; enrolled Juu« 23, 1863, at Ogdeii-^hnrg, 
Henry, Louis, private ; enrolled June 27, 18<13, at Og<lcnsburg. 
Main, Lyndau, private ; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Cunton. 
Moore, Jam<'s M., private; enrulled June 23, 1863, at Og«leusburg. 
Moure, Wm. J., private; enndb-d July 2» 1863, at Ogdensbnrg. 
Qnilt, Timothy, private; enrolled July 13, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Shiirps. John, private; enrolled June 27, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Sharps, Peter, privnte; enrolled Juno 29, 1863, at Ogdenshurg. 
Wright, James W., jn'ivate ; eniolled Junr 29, 186:1, at Ogdenshurg. 

18TH CAVALRY. 

CA1»TAIN JOSEPH H. SIMP.SON'S COMPANY (L). 
C4)rey, Ira W., private ; enrolled Dec. 31, 1863, at Louisville. 
Champion, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 1863, at Masaeua. 
Champion, Henry, private; enrolled Dec. 28, 18G.1, at Ma^iseniu 
Duffy, J(din, private ; enrolled Dec. 22, 1803. at Waddingt.m. 
Day, Horace A., private; enrolled Dec. 24, 1863, at Lisl>on. 
Eager, John C, private; enrolleil Jan. 4, 1804, at Massena. 
La Lond, Joshua, private; enrolh-d Dec. 21, 1803, at Waddington. 
McKenzie, Wm., private; enndled Dec. 28, 186'>, at Lisbon. 
Sharp, W. H ., pris'ate; enrolled Dec. 24, 1803, at Waddington. 

20TH, 'McCLELLAN CAVALRY.'* 
CAPTAIN J. BOWER PIEP:.STON, JB.'S, COMPANY (H). 
Ayres, Orville E., private; enrolled July 27, 186:1, at Gonverneur, 
Allan, George F., i)rivate ; enroUfd Ang. 1 1, 1863, at Edwai-ds. 
Allan, Russell, private ; enrolled Aug. 31, I8ii3, at Etlwurds, 
Beeman, Charles, private; eniolled .Vug. 31, 1863, at Fowler. 
Bancroft, Simon B , private; enndled Aug. 8, 1863, at Fowler, 
Barney, James, piivate ; enrolled July 21. 1863, at Fowler. 
Burt, Joseph H., private; enrolled Aug. 3, 1803, at Fowler. 
Biuner, Robert, private; enndled July 27, 1863, at Gonverneur, 
Bruuer, Richard, privati-; enrolled July 31, 1863, at Gonverneur. 
Britton, Levi, private; enrolh-d Aug. 27, 186.3, at Gouverneur. 
Crawford. Levi, piivate; enroll' d Julj- 25, 1863, at Gouverneur. 
Collins, Martin D., private; enrolled July 31, 1863, at Fowler. 
Carroll, John D , private; enndled Aug. 21, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Collins, Oliver, private; enndled Aug. 28, 18(i3. at Fowler. 
Cassey, Michael, private; enrolled Ang. 24, 1803, at Pitcairn. 
Closs, John H., piivate; enrolled Aug. 28, I8li2, at Antwerp. 
Doolitlle, Orriu D., Jr., private; enrolled Aug. 13, 1803, at Macomb. 
Daniels, Ami, private; enrolled Aug. 20, 1863, at Edwards, 
Doiialson, Jann-^, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, 1863, at Dc Kalb. 
Earl, Royal F., private; enrolled Aug 6. 1863, at Edwards. 
Fort, Alfred, private ; i*nnd!ed Aug. 31, 1863, at Gouverneur. 
Fuller, John, private ; enrolh^j Ang. 21, 1863, at Gonverneur. 
Fcrgason. Israel, private; enrolled July 22, 1863, at Gonverneur. 
Greeves, Broddie, private ; enrolled Ang. 3, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Garrison, Bela, private; enrolled Aug. 24, 186.3, at Gonverneur. 
Gallon, Wm. H., private; enrolled Sept. 1, 1863, at Antwerp. 
Hcaton, Alfred, jirivate; enrolled Aug. 2.5, 1863, at Edwiinls. 
Holmes, Gilbert C, private; enrolled Ang. 12, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Holmes, Joseph, private; otiroUed .\ug. 31, 1801, at Pitcairn. 
Hunk, Wm., private; enrolleil .\ng. 31. 1863, at Gouverneur. 
Houk, Thomas, private; enrolled .-Vug. 31, 1863, at Antwerp. 
Hazleton, Andrew J., private; enrolled Aug. 27, 1863, at Fowler, 
Holmes, John, private; enrolled .-Vug. 5, 1803, at De Kalb. 
Heath, Gny C., private; enrolled .Vug. 21, 1803, at Gouverneur, 
Hcatou, Ira, private; enrolled Aug. 27. ISOt, at Rujaell. 
Hills, David N., private ; enrolled July 27, 1863, at Gouvi-rnenr. 
Ktdly, Henry, private; enrolled .-Vug' 3, 1803. at Gouverneur, 
Konada, Henrv, private; enn)lled .\iig. 25, 1863, at Russell. 
Kelly, Martini private ; eun)tbd Ang. 21, 1803, at Df Kalb, 
Livingston, Janies R.. private; enndled Aug. 10, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Lasliine, Joseph, private; enrolled July 22, 1863. 
La Lond, Frederick, private; enrolled Aug. 31, 1863, at De Kalb. 
Laushway, Albert, private; enrolled Aug. 23, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Miller, Wm. T., private ; enrolled July 18, 1803, at Gouverneur. 
Miller, Robert M.. private; enn)lled Aug. 3, 1863, at Gouverneur. 
Mattice, Gilbert, private; eiinilled Ang. 2.5, 18C:j. at Russtdl. 
Martin, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 25, 1861. at (iouverneur. 
Miller, Benjamin M.. private; enrolh-d Aug. 14, |8ii3. at tionverncur. 
Peck. Jason, Jr., private; enndb-d Jnly 28, 1803, at G^iuverneur. 
Pickit, Eari, private; enndled Aug. 31, 18(VI, at Antwerp. 
Perrin, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 27, 18*^1, al Gonverneur. 
Peck, Orange, private ; enndled July 28. I8tvl, at GtMivorneur. 
Perrin, Marcus, private; enrolled July 27, 1S61, at G4mvernenr. 
]*nrkinson, Winficld. private; enndled July 21. 1863, at Kowler, 
Parker, Thomas, private ; enndU-il Jnly 21. 1803. at Fowb-r. 
tjnill, David, private; enrolled Ang. is. IhOl, at (Jouverneur 
Richaidson. John, private; enndbd July 18, l.*i6t. at (Jouverueur. 
Roderick. Joseph, private; enndled Auir. 27, 1803, at Fttwlor. 
Rhodes Rjtn-^om E.. private; enndbd Aug. 3. 1863, at Gouverneur. 
Reynold, G Iberl, private ; enndled Ang. 28. 18i>l. at Antwerp. 
Rose, Joseph S., private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1863, at Gouverneur, 
Rose, Anthony, private; enndled .Vug. 18, 1863, at (ionvemour, 
Shaffer, Suilonl, privjlle; enndb-d Ang. 31, 1863, at Fowbr. 
Si/eland, Henry, private ; enix>lled Aug. 14. 186 1. at De Kalb. 
Seymour, Wass'on, private; enndled Aug. 27. 180 t. at Macomb. 
Sheno, Lawrence, private; enrolled Aug. 13. 1S63, at Kdwanls. 
Sellers, Robert, private; enndled Aug 31. 1863. at Gouverneur. 
Smith. RoBsel! It., private; enndb-d Aug. in. 180 t, at Gouverneur. 
Smith, Lon>n/.o, private: enndled Jnly 27. 1803, at Gouverneur, 



506 



UISTOllY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tripp, Xiitlmii, pi iv';itf ; onn'llofl Auir. 20, IRCii, ut Fowlor. 
Vi'bluT, John. ])iivitti'; ciMnlleil An^'. lu, 1S0:{, lit Kilwimla. 
Walker, i'iiarii's \V.. priv;tlc; (Mu-ulh'ti Avig. 4, isrht. Fowler. 
W.-IU, CiinslJiiit, priv'air; ciinilliHi Aujj. 27, IKG-l, ut Goiivcriicur. 
U.H..irni k, AwJi It., pnvati' : .-uroth-.l Aug. 21), IS(;:1, iit Fnwjur. 
Wliulnnl, rimrlcn, pr.vuti-; .•nmUed Aut'. -1, l»i"':i. sU Kilwimls. 
\Vou(l, Virgi! O.. priviili' ; t'lirollt-d Aii^'. .'; ISOIt, at Kuwler. 

CAPTAIN J. J. CAURoLLS COMl'ANY (Ij. 
Alli'ii, Ht'iijain I), privnti.'; ciiruUcd Aug. 2S, 180 1. 
Colo. .lititK's F. privatis cnrolluii July 21, ISOi. 
Caiiipl.cll, .Inliii, priviitf. cnrnllo.i Sept. II, ISCli. 
liiiriiiiii, Williiim. private; enrolleil Sept. i:i, ISO 1, at Fuwior. 
Ili..-liii-s. Cliailrs, private: onroUfd Aiif;. II, l«0;i. 
Hvalii. iiiMri;"', pi-iviitc; oiirnllfd Aug. l-*, l^^O:!, at (loiivcrneiir. 
11 1 Ml -lit I'M. Ira, private; uiii-uIIimI Aug. |."i, 1801, at Antworp. 
.MarU.t, William A, private; enrolleil Sepr. 12, ISOi. 
Marshall, Aiitoiiie, private; etin-llecl Sept. 11, ISOS. 
Nowtori, C.eur;;!- \\ ., private ; or.roUed Aiif;. 27, lSO:i, at Goiivorneiir. 
Tit' her, Osrar. piivate; enrulled Sept. 9, IKIVJ. 
I'lielps, .lolm (i., private; enrolled Sept. 14, ISO!, at (joiivoriioiir. 
I*orter, Stfplidii, pi ivate ; enrolled Sept. 10. 180 i, at Guuvernuur. 
Peck, Clioster. private; enrolled Sept. 1, 180;i, at (iuiiverneur. 
Smith, Itariiey. piivjite; enroll 'd Sept. 28, ISOt. 
Spaldm-, Kvorill, private; enrolleii Aug. 0, I80:j. 
Tiariiey. Janie-i, p,- vale ; enrolled Sept. lu. I80:l. 
Tripp, .faiiU'S II , private; enrolled Anj^. 8, lS)i;j. 
Th.iyer, Alfred, private ; enrolled Sept. 10, 1S0;1, at Gouveriietir. 

26TH. "FRONTIER CAVALRY." 
CAPTAIN I>AVI1> A. PIKRSON'S INDKI'KNDKNT CiiMP.VNY (Nd. 1). 
Andersnn, lliit;li, private; enrolled Jan. ^", isi^o, at Uswegatcliio. 
Itiown, llenr.v, pr.vate ; enrolled .Ian. 2'., lSOr>, at Ori« egatchie. 
ISaker, Napoleon, jirivale; enrolled Jan. 20, ISihi, at Oswegntchie. 
Blair, .lauies C, private ; enrolh'd Jan. 30, ISO'i, at (►swe-iatcliie. 
IJoyea, Mut-es, private; enrollecl Jan.^i", 1S0'», at Os\vi'i:atcliie. 
Bninshaw, Francia, private; enrolled Jan. ;JI', 1805, at (Jswegatehie. 
Bariet, .Matthew, private; enrolled Feb. \i, Ihu'j, at Canton. 
Baldwin, Si'ltu^v 1)., private; enrolled Feb. -i, isOo, at 0:-wogatchio. 
B anion, John, private : enrolled Feb. G, ISOo, at Pierrepont. 
Itusli, (Jeorge A., private ; enrolled Feb. 0, ISOo, at Canton. 
Butler, Fi'i'deri- k .\.. private; enrolled Feb. 0, ISOo, at OsWi-gatchie. 
Bntler, Thdtiias W., private; enndled Feb. 'J, IHO-'j, at Madri.l. 
Backus, Sylvanns, private; enrolled Feb. 10. 1M0.'>, at Knsjell. 
Bean, .laiues, private ; eniolled Feb. 10, ISO.'), at Ilet mon. 
Bacon, Thomas. ,Ir., priv.ite ; enrolled Feb. 21, 1805, at O^W'gatchie. 
Ciimpbrll, William, Jr., private; enrolled Feb. ;t, 1SG5, at O.-wegatchie. 
Clark, Charles A., private; enrolled Feb. U. 1SG.'>, at Oswegaiehie. 
Chevenill, Fii-ileriL-k, private; enrolled Feb. 14, ISti^, at Oswegatchie. 
Chapiti, John i^,, [n'lvate; enrolled Feb. 22, ISO;'), at OsweguteJi.e. 
Daily, Henry W., private ; enrolled Jan. ;j(i, ISljo, at Uswegaieliie. 
D.ngs, Thomas A., pi ivate; enrolled Jan. 'Mi, ISO.), at Uswogatchie. 
Ihivis, James W., i)i-ivate; enrolled Feb. 0, 1S05, at ISIadr.d. 
Dewey, Oscar J., private ; enrolled Feb. VS, l«On. at De Kalb. 
Drake, Frederick C. private; enrolled Feb. 10, ISG5. at IlopUinton. 
F'aulkner, Joseph, private; enrolled Feb. 2(i, 1805, at Lisbon. 
Fur>yth, Alexander, private; enrolled Feb. :j, 1805, at Do Peyster. 
Fallon, llugli, private; enrolled Feb. 10, 180.3. at Foistlam. 
Files, Calvin, private ; etindled Feb. 10, 180.">, at Oswegatchie. 
i'itts, Clark, private ; enrolled Jan. ^0, 1SG5, at Oswegatchie, 
Gadban, Ale.xaniier, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oawegatchie. 
Gniham, Oi rin K., private ; enrolled Jan. :il), 1805. at Stockholm. 
Gordon, Charles P. G., private ; enrolled I^'eb. 0, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Oracey, KdwanI C, private; enrt)llod Jan, 25, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Gracey, James II., private; enrolled Feb.;i, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Gwiii, Highland, private; enrolled Feb. ;i, 1SG5, at Oswegatchie. 
Harris, David II., private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatehie. 
Ihtrti'ii, James E., jirivate ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Howard. John C, private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatch-e. 
Ilaridnson. Louis, private ; enrolled .Ian. 25, 1805, at Oswi'gatchie. 
Harbinson, George II., private; enrolled .Ian. .in, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
lluiinewell, William S., private; enrulled Jan. ;10, 1S05, at Lisbon. 
HarMnson, Kiederitk, private; enrolled Jan. ;Jn, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Hellmer, KIi:ts It., private ; enrolled Feb. 15. IHIk'i, at Oswegatehie. 
Hellnier, \\ illiain, private ; enrolled Feb. 11, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Kellogg, Duane II., private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1H05, at Oswegatchie. 
Lightlbot, Janips, private; enrolletl Jan. 25. 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Lavaiier, Jo eph, private ; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805. at Oswegatchie. 
Ljimpheer, Gilb-rt C private; enrolled Feb. :(, IS&j. at Morri^to- n. 
liasp aunre, John, private ; enrolled Feb. 8, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Lewis, Jack, pi ivate; enrolled Feb. G, 18GG, at Canton. 
iSIorria, Joseph, private; enrolled .Ian. 25, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Myei-s, Andrew, private ; enrulled Jan. 25, 1805, at 0.swegatchie. 
Jleail, Henry L., piivate; enrolled Jan, 20, 180;'», at Oswegatchie. 
Maltby, Kdward, pi ivale : enrolled Jan. liU, 18(^5, at Oswegatehie. 
Mnmery, William II., private; enrolle<l F'eb. :S, 180.5, at De Peyster. 
5Iarclaii. James, private ; enrulled Feb. 8, ISG2, at Oswegatchie. 
Mni.ie, Franklin S., private; enrolled Feb. II, 18G5, at Lisbon. 
M. Di-rin.'it, Joseph, private; enrolled Feb. 14. 180.5, at Oswegatchie. 
MrArii, KdwanI M., private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1K05, at Wadilington. 
Mr.Manmis. John, private; enn. lied Feb. 10, 1H0.5, at Pierrepont! 
MeK.-Tizii', John, private; enrolled Fel'. 2li, lso.5, at Oswegatchie. 
:\lrKeiizie. Uuderiek, private; enr.-lled Feb. 2(1, l.*(G5, at 0>wegatchie. 
Mali. in. -y. Peli-r. pi ivate ; enrolled Jan, ::8, lSli5, at Oswegjitchie. 
.M.r.M-mick. J>>lin, private; enrolled Feb. 0, 180.5, at Oswegatchie. 
.MeCill. James 11.. piivate; enrolled Fe!.. Id. ISGn. at Lisbon. 
JIason, .losiah. private; eniolb-il F.-b. 10, 1805, at Morristown. 
Ncwland, Peter J., jirivatc; enndleil Feb. 15, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Orr, Andrew J., jn-ivafe ; enixdled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatehie. 
Olmstemi, Lorenzo, jirivate ; enr'>lled Jan. 25, 1S05, at Oswegatchie. 
Peiidergast. James, piivate; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegaicbie. 
Peinard, Louis II., private; enrolled Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatehie. 
Paitun, .Joseph, i)rivate ; enrolh-'i Jan. :iO. \SGn, at Lisbon. 
Pigeon. Francis, jirivatc ; enrolled Feb. 15, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Peinard, William II., private; enrolled Feb. IG, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Pelo, Cerill, private; enndled Feb. 10, 1S0.5, at Oswegatchie. 
Qua, llemy J., juivate; enndled Feb. 10, 1865, at Lislion. 
Qua. Samuel K.. private; enrolled Fob. 21, 1805, at Litibon. 
Itiiiib-y. .Icdm, piivate; enrolled Feb, G, iSGa, at Canton. 
Bice, ThoniiiB. private; enrolled FVb. IG, 18G5, at IJsbon. 
Swaiitoii, John, private ; enr<dled .Ian. 25, 1N05, nt Oswegatchie. 
Shay. Auilrew, private; enrolleil Jan. 25, 1805, at Oswegatchie. 
Sixby, .lefferHon. private ; enrolb-d F'eb. ;i, 1805, at t)swegalchie. 
Siurtevant. Frederick, private; enrolled Feb. ;i, 1805, at Oswegatihie. 
Smith, Sanfonl II.. private: enrolled Feb. IG. 1805, at M. r i^tuwn. 



SimpSfin, Joseph II., private ; enrolled Feb. in, IS05, at Lisbon. 

Van Valketiburgh. Sobei^ki, privati'; enrolled Jan. 25, 18li5, at Oswegatchie. 

Wilson, William J., private ; enrolled Feb. 'J. 180.5, at Madrid. 

Wood, Allium, private: enrolled Feb. lit, 1«05, at Lisbon. 

Wheeloek, George H., private; enrolled Feb. 21, 180.5, at Oswegatchie. 

CAPTAIN NKWTON 11. DAVIS' INDKPKNDKNT C(>MPANY (Ko. 5) 
Riley, M.chael IL, private; enrolled Feb. 17, 1X05. at Ilopkinton. 
Thormliki-, Allen D.. private; enn.lh-d Feb. 17, 1HC^">, at Hopkinlou. 
Boye)', NS'esley A., private; enrolled Jan. 27, 1805. at Slnsselia. 
Barni'y, Muriin P., private ; enndled Jan. :(1, 18G5, at Massena. 
Brown, Henry N., piivate; enrolled Feb. 11, 1805, at Masseua. 
Brand, Jasper, private; enrolled Feb. 17, 180^, at Madrid. 
Benwar-, Kli K., private; enrolled Feb. 14, 1K05, at JIadriil. 
Clark, John V., private; enrolled Jan. 27, 1805, at Massena. 
Clixrey, Frank, priv.iie; enndb-d Feb, 1, isti5, at MiiS'-enii. 
Chappol, Joseph, private ; enrolled Feb. 1 0, 1SG5, at Morristown. 
Befram, Joseph, private ; enrolled Feb. 111. 1805. at Massena. 
Dopp. David, pr.vate ; enrolled Feb. 10, 1805, at Hammond. 
Elliott, Charies, private; enrolled Feb. la, 18C5, at Madrid. 
Klliott,Jolui, private; enndled Feb. ]G, lKO.5, at Hammond. 
Elliott, Ale.vander, private; enrolled Feb. Hi. 1S05, at Hammond. 
Fay, George W., private; ein'oUeil Feb. 10, I8G5, at Morristown. 
Finn, John H., private; unrolled Feb. 8, 180.'», at Miissena. 
Forsytli, It'.beit I., private; enrolled Feb. lo, 1805, at Mas.sena. 
Fountain, .leny. ]n ivate; enrolled Feb. 15, 1805, at Hammond. 
Fayette, G liir-ri, private; enrolb d Feb. 15, 1805, at Hammond. 
Foy, Patrick, private ; enrolled Feb. 10, 1*^05, at Potsdam. 
Gordon, Gabriel, private ; enrolled .Ian. 28, ls05, at Masselia. 
Graham, Thonnus, private ; enndled Jan. 'M, 1805, at Qlii^sena. 
Getty. Albert 0.. private; enrolled Feb. 8, 1805, at Lislion. 
Grono, Charies L., private; enndled Feb. 14, 1805, at Madrid. 
Garbinil, Ab-xander, jirivate; eiirulb-d Feb 10, 1805, at Hammond. 
Hatch, Wallace, private; enrolled Feb. in, 1S05, at Massena. 

Jones, Nel< private; enrolled Feb. 10, 1805. at Madrid. 

Lamaka, .Xndrew. private; enrolled Jan. :il, 1805, at Potsdam. 
Lai:rave. Kli. private ; enrolled Feb. In, 1805, at Massena. 
Milianl, Frank L., privte; enrolled Feb. 15, l.'<05. at Pierrepont. 
McGowan, Sheridan, private; enrolleii Jan, 28, 18G5, at Massena. 
Pitts, Charles IL, private; enrolled Feb. l.t, 1805, at Madrid. 
Perry, Da\ id, private; enr. lied Feb. i:i, 1805, at Madrid. 
Span'iding. Willi. iiii, pr.vate; enndled Jan. 27, 1805, at Massena. 
Shaii.iah, AiKnirie. privaie: enrolled Feb. 10.1805, at Ma.hicl. 
Stewart, Laure ton, jvuvato; enrolleii Feb. 15, 1805, at 51adrid. 
Wilson, Asher D., private; enndled Feb. Li, 1805, at Madrid. 
Williams, James, private ; enrolled Feb. 15, 180.5, at Madriil. 
Rob.irge, Edward, piivate; enndled Feb. 17. 1805 at -Mnrristown. 
Jenkins. Ralph, private: enrolb-d Feb, 22, \f<i\:., at Edwards. 

1ST ARTILLERY. 

CAPTAIN THOMAS OSBOUNS COMPANY (D). 
George B. Win-low, first lieutenant ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1801, at Gouverneur. 
John F. lluichins, first sergeant ; enrolled Aug. :iO, 1801, iit Bu»^sell. 
Benjamin R. Carr, ipiartr-rniaster's serg ant ; enrolled Aug. 2*, 1861, at Russell. 
Banns Chapin, ser;:eant ; enrolleii Aug. 2-1, 1801, at KussLdl. 
Charies D Uonlst..n, corp -ral ; enrolled Aug, 2i, 18H]. at Russell. 
Edwanl W. Amieisi.n. bugler; emolled Aug. 2:J, 1801, at Russell. 
Bere, William, i)rivate; enndb d Aug. 28, 1801, at G<uiverneur. 
Bere, .lohn E., private; enrolled Aug. 20, I8GI, at (iouverneur. 
Bout well, Henrv W., private; enioire<l Aug. 24, 1801, at RusseH. 
Boulwell, Enos E., private; enrolb d Aul'. 2.1, 1801, at Russell. 
Bromley, Sylvester F., pr.vate; enndled Aug. 2:i, 1801, at Kushcll. 
Bromley, Hiram, private; enrolled Aug. :10. 1861, at Hernion. 
Carr. Henry T.. private; enrolled Aug 2:i, 1801, at Russell. 
Cnniniing)^, John, i>rivale; enrolled Aug. 27, ISGI, at Gouverneur. 
Day, Lewis W., private; enrolled Aug. 27, IS'il.al <J<aiverneur. 
Dean, Henry C., pi ivate; enrolled Aug. 23, 1801. at Russell. 
Dike, Harmon C, j.rlvate; enrolled Oct. lo, 1801, at Pitcairn. 
Dike, Noah, private ; enrolled Aug. 2:J, 1801. at Pitiairn. 
Ferguson, FIzra, private; enrolled Autr. 28, 1801, at (Jouvernenr. 
Force, Abel F., private; enndled Aug. 29, 1801, at Gouverneur. 
French, Lewis, private; enrolled Aug. 2:i, 1801, at Pitcairn. 
French. Lewis, Jr.. jaivate ; enrolleii Aug. 2:t, ISIH, at Piti-arrn. 
Garrison, Kmaniiel E., private; ennilled Aug, 27, 1801. at Gouverneur. 
Grebler, George, private ; enrolb-d Aug. 28. 1801, at Gouverneur. 
Hall, Lewis F., private ; enrolled .\ng. 2-i, ISOI. at Gouvi-meur. 
Hatch, Henry, private; ettndled Aug 2-t, 1801. at Kiissi-II. 
Hudson. William G., piivate; enndled Aut:. 20. l^Gl, at Gouverneur. 
Hnrd, Charles W". private; enrolled Aug. 2i. 1801, at Rus.<ell. 
Jones, Rol-ei t W., pi ivate; enioUed Aug. li). 1801. at Gouverneur. 
JonPH, Stei)hen, private ; enrolb-d Aug, 27, IStil. at Hadesborough. 
Kelsey, Byron ; private; enrolled Aug, 2:(, ISGl, at Russell. 
Kinney, Charles, private ; enrolled .\ug. 1!), 1801, at (Jouvernenr. 
Lashine, Amlrew W., private; enndleil Aug. 19, ISGI, at Gouverneur. 
Lashine, Lewi-*, private; enrolled .\ug. 27. 1801, at Gouverneur. 
Lawrenee. Edwin, private; enrolled .\ng. 28, 1801. at Gouverneur. 
Long, Andrew, private; enrolled Oct. lH, 1801, at (ioiiverneur. 
Lyniie, William Elliott, private; enrolled .Aug. 28, isoi, at Gouverneur. 
Martin, MMliani, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 18G1. at Gouverneur. 
Mimiirk. Sinieori \.. private; enrolled Aug. 20, ISOl. at I'itcairn. 
Mitchell. Calvin, piivate; enrolled Aug. 28, istil. at Gouverneur. 
Mori is, Andrew .1., Jr,. private ; enrolled .Aug. 27, 1801. at Itirhville. 
Morris, Cliarb'S F.. private ; enrolled Aut;. 27, 1801. at Hirhville. 
Orford, William C, j.rivate; enrolled Aug. 20, IJ^GI, at Piluurn. 
Payne, Am. bus ]> , pri\ate; enrolled Aug. 2o. 1801, at Pitcairn. 
Piper. William H.. private; enmlled Aug. 2.1. 1861, at Russell. 
P«>rter, George, private; enudli-d .■\ug. 2!*, 1801. at Gouverneur. 
Sawyer, Peter, private ; enrolled Aug. 2;i, 1801, at Pitcairn. 
Searey. Norman D., private; enrolled Aug. 11), 18GI, at Gmivernenr. 
Starkey, Almon K. J., private ; enrolled Sept. 23, 1801, at Russell. 
Streeter, William, private; enrolled Sept. 27, 18G1, at Gouverneur. 
Webb, Henrv S., private; enrolled Sept. 2:i, 1801. at Russell. 
Willard, Charies S., private; enndled Sept. 2:(, ISOl, at Rn-sell. 

13TH ARTILLERY. 

CAPTAIN JESSE LAMBS COMPANY (G). 
Retts. Reuben, private; enndb d Jan. 5, l.*i04, at P<dsd»m. 
Daley. Milnn. private; enrolled Jan. 6, l8f.4, at Norfolk. 
Lana" John. Jr.. private; enrolled Pee. 2S. 18t;:l, at Potsdam. 
McGillivary, John, private ; enrolled Jan. 2. 18(M. at Potsdam. 
Philips. Joseph, private; enrolled Jan. 2. Uli4, at Stockholm. 
Tait, John R., private ; enrolled .Jan. 2, 1804. at Parishville. 
Worthev, Frank, jaivate; enrolled Dee. 21, 180.'t, at P->t'iIam. 
Waketield. Nathan, private : enrolled Jan. :I, 18C4. at Potsdam. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWllENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



50^ 



HTH ARTILLERY, 

CATTAIN WILLIAM W. TKOWIJKIDGES COMPANY (A). 
Juhii A. Wo.id. Ut li.-uH^-imiit; irnroIlcMlJiily ^ t, I8G:!, iit O^'lensbiirg. 
J.'hii F. llutcliiiis, -M lic'Utcimnt; fiirulleil Jii!> ;JU, ISGI. nt Ot;tlerisbiirg. 
Harry IL S«rvice, quartermr'Hurgt. ; tMii-oIltn! July '^% 1»<'-1, "it t.igcii'usburg. 
Jiimca McKelvey, sergeiiiit ; eiirulled July :tl», 1S(J.J, at Ugduiisburg. 
John Dolack, siiigc'iiiit ; enrolled July 2A, 18G.1, at 0^ilcrinburg. 
Solumoti M. Yenlon, aergoaut : erjrolh-d July :iS, IWi, nt (tgdciisburg. 
MoniB Kitch, sorgt-HUt ; erirolk-ii July :dl, 18IJ;J, at Ogdeusliurg. 
John O'Cuiiiior, corporal; c'urull<-d July 21, I8(i:i, at OiCik'ualjurg. 
Cti'orge \V. Cliirk, corpoml; enrolU-il Aug. 28, 18(1:!, at Ogfk-nsburg. 
Cheater Debing, corporal ; oiiroUed July 18, IStit, tit Og'lfnsburg. 
Harvey W. Truml>lc, corporal ; enrolled Aug. 1, 186:(, ar Stockholm. 
Williaui Wfller, coijKjral ; enrolled July 27, 180:i, at Ogtlcusbiirg. 
Hir.ini Stevens, corptual; t-n rolled July'2t, I86:t,at Ogdensburg. 
John G. Kiley, corporal ; wnrolled Aug!;t, 180:i, iit Ogdi-uelHirg. 
John H. McClelland, corjmrnl : enrolled July It), IW-i, at O^densbiirg. 
Allen, Cyrus N., private ; purolled Aug. G, 18G:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Adams, Honry, private; enndled July 25. 18G:J, at Ogdensburg. 
Adunis, Anthony, private; enrolled July 21, iSG-i, at Ogdonsburg. 
lli.fSLdl, Charles H., private; enioUed July 21, 18G:i, at Oj^densburg. 
Baird. Jolin, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 18G;l, at Ogdensburg. 
Bourke, Tlujmas S., private; enrolled July 29, 18G;J, at Ogdensburg. 
Itrown, Thomas, private; enrolled July ai, 18G1, at OKdensburg. 
Itriley, tlluirlea, private; enivdled July 2r>, 18G:i, at Ogdeubburg. 
Butler, James B., private; enrolled Aug. 1, 18G:J, at Ot;di-nsburg. 
Barker, Uaniel S., private ; enrolled July in, isO-l, at Ogdensburg. 
Briiey, (ieorgo H., private; euroIUni July 27, lSG;J,aI Ogdeuiburg. 
Burr, Henry A., private; enrolled July 28, 18G{, nt OgdtttiMburg. 
Cooper, George, jirivate; enrolled July 2.3, 18G.*t, at 0;;densburg. 
Carter, Charles C, private ; enrolleil Aug. ;t, 18G;{. at Ogdensburg. 
Crate-senberg, Abram, private; e^ rolled July :iiJ, 18G i, at Ogdensburg. 
Church. Arthur, private; onrollt-. Aug. 4, 18G:J, at Ogd'-nsbiirg. 
Dimmick, Kiijah, private; enrdle'i Aug. 18, ISO I. at Ogdensburg. 
Dixon, Will, am A., private; enrolled Aug. 14, 18G{, at Ogdensburg. 
Davenport, Chiirh-s H., private; cnrolK-d Aug. r>, 18G:I, at Ogdensburg. 
l»aiiieU, John, private; onrolh-d .\ug. 4, 18G-1, at Ogdensburg. 
Klniore, (trrin W., private ; enrolled July 29, 186^, at Ogdensburg. 
Kllioti, JauK's, private; enrolled Aug. G," 18G;J. at Ogdensburg. 
FarroU, Patrick, private; enrolled July 29, ISCa, at Ogdensburg. 
Fisliur, Koberl, private; enr.dled Aug. 18, 18G:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Foley, Peter J., private ; ernolb-d July IS, 18G{, at Ogdensburg. 
Fluck, Walter, private; enrolled August 1, ISGit, at Ogilensburg. 
Fitch, ('harles C, private ; enrolled July 28, 18G;i, at Ogdensburg. 
Goult, Charles, private; enrolled July 24, l8G.i, at Ogdensburg. 
Grant, .\nio8, private; enrolled Aug. 12, 18G1, at Ogdensburg. 
Gibb;uis, Clinton, private; enrolled July 9, 18G1, at 0;'deneburp. 
Gray, Klmer W., private ; enroll.-.i July 28. l8n:J, at OL'densburg. 
Grant, Samuel, private ; enrolled Julyl t, 186(, at Ogdensburg. 
Grant, .\iidre\v, private; enrolled Aug. lo, 18G.{, at Ogdensburg. 
Gibson, Charles H., private ; enrolled Aug. fi, ISG^t, at I'otHdam. 
Gray, Silas W., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 18G;J, at Ogdensburg. 
Gilroy, George, private; enrolled Aug. :i, ISG^t, at Ogdensburg. 
Goodcouraie, E hvard, private : enrolled July 9, 18ij 1, at Ogdensburg. 
Hew tt, John t;., private; enrolled Aug. 4, 18G:i, at Ogdeniburg. 
Herriott, William, private; enrolled Aug. 18, 18G;i, at Norfdk. 
Hai-wick, Felix D., private; enrolled Aug. 4. l«it{. at Ogdensburg. 
Havens, William S., private; .nrolled Aug. 12, 180:t, at Ogdeusl»urg. 
ILdlenback, Henry, privtt^-; enrolb-d .\ug. 4, 18Gt, at Ogdensburg. 
Hodgkin-. Wdliam S., jirivate; euDlled July 29, 18G.!, at Ogdensburg. 
Holmes, Henry H,, pr.vate ; enrolled .Vu>r. 18, 18Gt, at Ogdensburg. 
Judaun, David, private: enrolled Aug. 2 >, 1SG:j, at Ogdensburg. 
Jordan, Nathaniel P., private ; enrolled Aug. 1, ISGi, at O.'detisburg. 
Johnson, Isaae, private; enrolled Aug. 1, l8Gi, at Ogdensburg. 
J.)bnsun, William (1st), private ; enrolled .Inly 2">, 18G'(, at Ogdensburg. 
Johnson, William l2d), private; enrolled Aug. 11. l^^Gt, at Og lenaburg. 
Johnson, William W., private ; enndb-d .luly 9, 18G J, at Ogdensburg. 
Keyes, John, private; enrolled Aug. ID, 18G;j, at Ogdensliurg. 
Lanagau, Michael, private ; enrolled Aug. 7, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Lovely, Siimuel, private ; enndled July ;JU, 18G:t, at Ogtiensburg. 
Laflare, Jidin, private; enrolled Aug. 4, l8Ga, at Ogdensburg. 
Market, Wm. H., private; enrolled Aug. 19. 180 t, at Ogdensburg. 
Munsoii, Lyman, private; enrolled Aug, 18, 18G'l, at Ogilensburg. 
Mf.ijiegor, Jolui, private; enrolled Aug. 11, I8ii:i, at Waddington. 
McCarthy, Owen, private; enrolled .\ug. 17, l8G.i, at Ogdensburg. 
McFaddon, Ezra, private; enrolled Aug. 'i, 18fVt, at Ogilensburg. 
McFaddcn, Wm., private; eurolieil Aug. 1, l.SGi, al O^idensburg. 
McGregor, David, p:ivat<'; enmlled .\ug. 1. ISGl, at Ogdensburg. 
Mitchell, K(diort. private ; enrolled July 24, 18G:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Moror, Joseph, private; enndled Aug. 4, 181; I, at Ogrlensburg. 
McOre r, Stephen, private; enrolled Aug. H, 18G1. at Ogdensburg. 
Mills, Henry, private; enrolbd July 27, IKG t, at O^^densbur;:. 
Muipbv, Timothy, private; enr.db-d Aug. Ti, IHGt, at Ogdensburg. 
McCotdey, Michael, private; enrolled July 22, 186;{, at Ogilensburg. 
Myers, Henry, private; onn)llod Aug. 1, l8iit, at Ogdensburg. 
McKennon, Ab-xauder, private ; enrolled .Inly 21. isG^l, at Ogdensburg. 
BUles, Supbin S. K., private; e. rolled .Inly 9, IsGii, at Ogdensburg. 
MeOuyre, John, private; i-nroUed .\ug. 1, 18);:t, at (Igden-^burg. 
Mior*, Chester, private; enrolled July 21, 18G:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Niehols, Orison K., private; enrolled July 20, 18Gi, at Ogdi-nsburg. 
O'Niel, Timothy, private; enrolled Aug. 17, 18G !, at Ogdensburg. 
Osier, L'-wis, private; enrolled Aug. 8, 180.S, at Ogdensburg. 
Palmer, Henry S,, private; enrolled .Inly .'lu, 1HG:1, at Ogdensburg. 
PluiUMt«*d, Simon P., private; enrolled Aug. :(, ISGii, at Ogdensburg. 
Paine, Moses, private; eiirolbti .\ug. :i(), 18G:{,at Ogdeu»bnrg. 
Phelps, George S., jiiivat'' ; enrolled July 29, 186-1, at Ogdensburg. 
Prithard, George, private; enrolled July 17, 18Gi, at (.►gdonsburg. 
Piorson,.Iidin, private; enrolled July 28, l8Gi, at Ogilen-burg. 
Pace, (;h irkw K.. private; enndled July 17, 1801, at Ogden^iburg. 
Parr, William, jtrivate ; enrolled July 31, 18G:t, at itgdeusburg. 
liickard. J. dm, private ; enndled .\ug. .1, 18G:i, at Ogden.^burg. 
Rice. Alb<-rt, pr.vate; t-nndled .Vug. :t, l.HGt.at Ogdensburg. 
Shatupine, Clmrles, private; enrolled .\iig. 20, 186:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Sp'Mieor, Rtdit. H., private ; enrolled .\us. 11, lKG:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Smith. JohnC, private; enndled July :tO,180:t,at Ogdensburg. 
Stone. Wm. v., p-ivate; enrotleil July 18, 180 1, at Ogdensburg. 
Sniilh, George, private; enndled July 2'i, 180!, at Ogdensbiirg. 
Sniitbcn*. Charles, private; enndled' July 2.\ 180.1, at Ogdmsbttrg. 
Simpier, James, private; enrolled Aug, M, 1801, at Ogdeiislfurg. 
Story, Levi, private ; enrolled July 9. 180 1, at Ogdensluirg. 
St.iriing, Frederick G., private ; curdled July ■/9. 1801. nt Ogdensburg. 
Sanfonl, Charles, private; enrolled ,\ug. 24. 1801, iit Ogilonsburir. 
Simps ui, .\ri-hiliuld, private; enrolled .Aug. 8, 1801, xt Ogdensburg. 
Shannon, Henry, private ; enroUod Aug. 10, 180:1, at Ogdensburg. 
SchoHeld, Percy, private; enrolled Aug. :t, 1861. at Ogdensburg. 



Sigtmrney, Charles, pririitc ; enrwlletl Aug. 1, 186.1, at Og<len«burg. 
Shiell, Andrew, pr.vate; enrolled July 24, 1861, nt Ogdensburg. 

Stebbtns, Georgf, privatu; enndled July 2o, |MO:(.ut Ogdensburg. 
Shules, Wm. F., private; eni-olled Aug. :i, I«02, at OgdeUHburg. 
Trussell, Nelson L., private; enndled July 27, iHG-i, at Ogrlensburg. 
Talbul, Audire, private ; enndled July 'M\ IHO.l, at Ogdensburg. 
Thompson, Henry, private: enrolled Au-.:. 1, 1801, ut Ogd«n«burg. 
Thomiuj, Jacob, private ; enrolled Jidy 27, 180:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Vaudelinder, John, jirivute ; enrolled July :J0, 18GI, at Ogdensburg. 
Vernillier, Jerome E., privaK' ; enroUed July 18, 18G I, al Ogdensburg. 
Vromau, Solouuui, private; enrolled July2-I*, 180.1, at Ogdensburg. 
Miller, Moses, private; enndled Aug. ;i, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Wilson, James A., private ; enrolled Aug. i:(, 180:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Wright, George, private; unrolled July ill. 18(;:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Wendell, Harmon H., private; enrolled Aug. ;i. IhG^, at Ogdensburg. 
Wickwire, Alexander, private; enndb-d Julv29, I8G:I, at (tgdensburg. 
Withei-son, Thoinas, private ; ennlb-d Aug.'l, I80;(, at Ogdensburg. 
WiLson, EdwanI, private ; ennilled July 18, IHGIJ, at Ogdensburg. 
Warden, Samuel, private, enn.lled Aug. lo, 18G:1, at Ouden-tburg. 
Walrotb, Horace 1>.. enrolled Aug. 12, 1«G 1, nt Ogdensburg. 
Wright, Geo. A., private; enrolled July ;J1, 18fi:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Williams, John II., private; onrolb-d Aug. i:t, IHGl. at Ogdensburg. 
Young, Lewis C., pr.vate. enrolled July ;J0, ISCt, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN HENRY R. RANDALL'S COMPANY (B). 
Ackerman, Leonanl. private; enrolled Aug. 12, 1801, at Oswegntchie./ 
Barber, Alexander, private ; enrolled .\ug. 24, 180 I, at Waddingtoii.y 
Champion, Francis, private; enrolled Aug. 24, lSt;i, nt Waddington. 
Kllsworth, Delos, private ; enrolled July G, 1801. at Oswegatcbie. 
Hornby, Richard, private; enrolled Aug. 21, 180S, at Oswegatcbie. 
Miilart, James ('., private ; enrolled Sept. 2, 1«G:J, at Oswejiatcbie. 
Nichols, Henry, private; etirolled Sept. 1, 18**1, at Oswegatcbie. 
Statji, Peter, private ; enioHed Aug. 2-1, 180:i, at Waddington. 
Varnev, Ji»hn, pnvate; enrolled Sept. 2, lH6:i, at Osweiiatchic. 
Wilkins, George L., private ; enrolled Aug. 24, 180:1, at Oswegatcbie. 
Wolcott, Josepli W'.. private; enrolled .\ug. 24, 180:{, at (.iswegatchie. 

CAI'TAIN GKOKGE S. GREKN'S COMPANY (0). 
Billing-!, F. M., private; enndled Aug. 21, 1801, at Oswegatcbie. 
Deckelt, Joseph, private; enr.dlerl Sept. 7. iSO-i, at Oswegatcbie. 
Barton, .\lbert E., private; onndled Sept. 4, 180:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Coats, Seth, private; enrolled July 27, 18G:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Elde, Henry, private; enndled Aug. 4, 186:1. at Oswegatcbie. 
Elliott, EdwanI, private; enrolled Aug. G, 180:i, at Oswegatcbie. 
Fox, NiiiH)Ieon II., private; erutdled .\ug. :ili, 180:i,at Oswegatcbie. 
Griffin, Henry, private; enrolled July .m, 180:i, nt Oswegatcbie. 
Hodnkins, Samuel, private; enrolled Aug. 7, 180.1, at Oswegatcbie. 
Lang, Francis, private; enrolbd Aug. 24, 18G:1, at Waddifinton. 
Stevens, Hiram, private; enndled July 2:t, 1S0:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Thibo, Francis, private; enr-lb-d Aug. i:i, 186:5, at Waddington. 

CAPTAIN OLIVER IJ. FLAGG'S COMPANY (E). 
Charies W. Hill, (luarlerniaster's sergeant; eiir. Aug. 27, I87:S, at Ogdensburg. 
Isaac W. IloHMi, first sergea-it; enndle<l Aug. 7. 18*i;i, at Ogdensburg. 
Stephen B. Russell, sergeant: enndled Aug. 7, Ii<G:l, at Ogdensburg. 
Henry W. Helms, sergeant; enrolled .hily :tl. 180-J, at Ogdensburg. 
Eli H. Nicholson, sergeant; enndled Aug. 27, I8h.l, at Ogdensburg. 
Riley K. Wilkins, sergeant ; enndled Aug. 17. 180 I, al Ogdcnstnirg. 
Horace II. Raymond, corponil ; enrolled July :il, 180:i, at Norfolk. 
John Corey, corporal; enndb d Sept. 4, 18'>;t, at Ogfli-nshnrg. 
Charles S.'illood, coriwnil ; enrollc'l Sept. :i, I8G:1, at Ogdensburg. 
B-njamin G.'odwin, corporal ; enntlled July 28, 186:(, at Ogden.sburg. 
M'illard Louglny, corporal ; enrolled Sept. 4, 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Bowman, Benjamin, private; enndl-d July 2tt, 1801. al Ogdensburg. 
Ilirt, Geortrc W., private; enrolled Oct. :i, IStU, at Russidl. 
Currier, ClmrleaC, private; eiin>lled Oct. 8, I8G:i, at Russell. 
Cook, Anrhonv, private; enndletl Oct. lo, \Hf,:i, at Canton. 

Cluff, Sylvaiiu's, private; enndled Oct. 14, 1861, at Canton. * 

Dimmiik. Philo K., private; enndle.1 .\ng. i:i, 1861, at Norfolk. 
Davis, C-ornelius, private; enndbnl Aug. 3, 180:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Dan.-, Knmk, private; enndled 0< t. 2, 180:l, at Potsdam. 
Dane, William, private; enrolled (let. 2. 1801. nt Potsdam. 
Ford, Orville C , private; enndled Oct. 20, I80:t, at Ogdeii-^burg. 
Fulbr, William, pr vale ; enndled Sept. 9, ISO^f, at Knsscll. 
F'-rk, Joseph, pr.vate; enndled Aug. 24, 180 1, at Ogdensburg. 
Fairl'inks. H trvev, private; enndled Si'pt. 1, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 
Green, (Charles S.,"private: enrolled S-pt. I", 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
H- pboi n, Algern -n S., private; pun»ib"l i^ept. 4. 1861. at Ogdensburg. 
Havens. George W., private: enrolled July 17, 1861, at Og .ensburg. 
Have«, James, private ; enndled Aui:. 28, 1801. at Norfolk. 
J.dinston. Matthew, private; enrolled Sept. 5. 1801, at Ogdensburg. 
Kella' . A>a, private ; enndled July 28, 186:1, »i Ok'densbnrg. 
Leland, KdwanI, private; enrolled Oct. 1. 1801, »t Ogdensburg. 
Lelau<l. .lohti, private; enndl -d (VI. 1. 1801, al Ogdensburg. 
McCarihv, Patrick, private; enndletl Aug. .■., 1804, at Ogdensburg. 
Murrav, John, private; enrolled Stpt. 10, 180.1. nt Ogdensburg. 
O'N'ili. M ch lel. private; enndled Aug. 20. IS61, at Oudeushurg. 
Pbilpot, Thom.is H., private; enndled Aug., 1>^0;, at Potsdam. 
Sevei-ance, Harvey H., prvat- ; enicdb-d Oct. 1.% l.**fil. at Buss. II. 
Sayors, Thomas, private; enndled Sept. 11. 180:5, at Oirdensburg. 
Stewart, Lorenzo, private; enrolb-d Aug. .'». 18G:1, at Ogdensburg. 
Territ, Thomas, private; enndled July 29, I86:i, at Oj:d-nsburg. 
Trim. William, private; enndled Sept. 10, 1801. at Ogdensburg. 
Williams. George R., private ; enndled Oct. :>, l8G:i, al Russell. 
Wbitcomb, Asabel. private: enrolb-d Oct. 11, \XG^, at Russell. 
West, William H.. private; enndled Sept. 21. 1801, nl Russell. 
Westgate, Atuhvw K., priv)ite : enndled tVt. 12, 1861. at Ruitsell. 
Young, Anizo, private; enrolled Aug. 28, 1801, at Russell. 

CAPTAIN JOHN WKEDS COMPANY (F). 
Campbell, James, private; enmllod Oct. 9, 1^*0 1, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN DAVID JONKS' COMPANY (G). 
Caolv, John J., privnte; enrolled Nov. 17, iHGl.nl Ogdensburg. 
Dem'p ey. Michael, private ; -nndled (X-t. 1. 1801, al Ogden-burg. 
Linslev, George, privnte; enndled Nov. 21, l.Sfil, al Pot-dnm. 
Matthews, Guslnvu!'. private; enndb-d Nov. 6. IWVi, nt Canton. 
Martin, Alexander, privnte; enrolled Nov. 10. 1861. at Cjuiton. 
Stockwell, William, privile; enndled Oct. :t, 1861, nt Russell. 

CAPTAIN W. A. TRKADWELI/S COMPANY (H). 
Winslow N. Oilin. sergeant; enndled (Vr. 8. 1861, at(>»nton. 
Alvnh Bearb, cor|M>ntl ; enndletl Nov. 4. ISOI. at Cnnton. 
Lon-n D. l,o -ewoll. crp mil ; enndled Oct. 12. L-^Ol. nt Canton. 
Henry Cirr, rt»rp.»ml ; enndleil Oct. 17, 1861, nt Cwntiin. 
Stephen Aldons, mrptiral : enndb-l Oct- 6, l8ft(. at Russell. 



5U8 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Witliiim Boricrnft, ror|'onil ; eniollrd Nov. .'», 18(^1, iit Riiiwt<tl. 
SylvesUT K. Hnmili-y, <:or|iunil ; onrolled Sept. lU, 1KC;1, ut Unwell. 
Cliui-U>M ntiinclmrd, coriKtriU ; enrolliil Oct. Ill, IHIW, at UiimmcIL 
llii'iitit ititrllett, corpimil ; eiirolU-d Oct. "-il, I8(>i, »t rotwiain. 
iBHac W. Higt-luw, ctirporal ; enrolU'tl Oct. 2;i, !«*>:(, at I'Mtftdmn. 
B.vam llartliulomi'w, corporal; enrnlleJ Oct. 21, 18r>;i, at Caiitcn. 
Burn'Wrt, Saiiiiit'l, prtrutu; onroUfd Nov. 14, imi^l, iit Outtun. 
0»»l»', William J,, private; yijrnllwl Nov. 4, IHfil, at liouverneiir. 
i\illoti,Strpli<>n. privHio; eiirullt-ci Oct. \;(, IHiiii, at rot-Uum. 
Ci»If, A. I*., priraic ; fiirollwl Oct. 'Mi, l«»lt, at Canton. 
Collar, Win. 11, Jr., privati- ; cnrulk-d Sept. 18, IKiil, at IWwle. 
Campbell, John, pri\alc; fiirollotl Ort. U, I80;t, at StiH;kholm. 
£jiaiinan, Kiaiiklin A., private; enrolk'ti Nov. 18, lK(hi,iit I'ivrrt-pont, 
KImer, John, private ; enrolled Oct. 21, IStW, at Canton. 
ElUa, John K., private ; enrollotl Oct. it, ISIVI, at O^ilensbrirg. 
Fool, John, luivatu ; enrol U*d Oct. 27, l8(Vt, at Canton. 
Fool. hcr«li<- K., private; ouiolled I>ec. l^t, iSti-l, at Citntoii. 
tirtxrn, Atti II , private; enmlled Nov. il, lKt»:i, at tlouveineiir. 
GriM-n, Jante8 *i., private; onrolied Nov. *j, iSlvi, at (iouverneur. 
Hill, William J., private ; enrolled Nov. li;, IM&I, ut U»l>on. 
iludgiw, KrastiiH, private; enrolled Oct. o, 18IVt,nt Moriistown. 
Hammond, James H., private; enrolled (-Krt. '.i, IhfVt, at Stockholm. 
Hart, U.S., private; enrolled Oct. I9,lSUt,ut Canton. 
Moyer, .loBeph F.» private; enrolled Nov. 0, l8(lt, at Canton. 
Korllirnp, (iillierl, private; t-nrtdled Nov. Id, 18Ut, at Canton. 
I'erkin-, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 18(Vi, at (\dton. 
Perr.v, Joseph, private ; eiindled Oct. 29, ISKt, at Culti>n. 
Peck. Cliandler<;.. private; enrolled Oct. 22, 1 80-1, at KuHHell. 
Ruiiiona, Abram, pr>viUe; ennjlled Nov. 12. ISUI. at Couvernenr. 
Buss, l!rnr>, private; enrolled Sept. 19, 1S«:1, at Uussell. 
Rhodes, Wesley !>., private; enrolletl Oct. ;J(i, 1«(>1, at llcrnioii. 
Rhodes, Sipiiro D.. p ivale; onroUwl Oct. 21, iSii-l, at lI<-rmoM. 
Sevennice, Henjumin F., private ; enrolled <>ct. ^>, lH8;i, at KukscII. 
Shariietiiie, M.vron, private; enrolled (.Vct. 12, 18ij:i, at ('jinttn. 
Steinberg, Wni. U., private ; enrolled Oct. 9, 186:1, at Ogden^biirg. 
Thomas, Kasell, priv.ite; enrolled Oct. 12. l«(i;{,at Uusbell. 
Thomas, Wm. H., private ; enrolled Oct. 0, isti. at Rnstwdl. 
Thiii>ton, Albert 1)., pri%ate ; enioUed Oct. lo, ISO^I, at Stockholm. 
Turner, Henry C, private ; eurolli-d Oct. ID, 18G.i, at Canton. 
W^hitcttmb, Paul, priviite ; enrolled Nov. 2, l^fVl, at Rtiseell. 

CAPTAIN CHAUNCEY WILKIK'S COMPANY (I). 
Thomas Fioldson, tR-rgeant; enrolled Nov. 14, 18(hl, at De Poystor. 
George T. Hull, t-ergeunt ; enrolled Dec. 10, 18C:s, at He I'ejsler. 
Timothy Ityan, eergeant ; enrolled Nov. :i, lSO:i,at Ogden»burg. 
Janu^ U. Ames, corpi^ml; enrolled Nov. 9, isUi, at lleiroon. 
Vm. K. Uundell. rorporal ; enrolled Dec. 18, lMi:i, ut De Kalb. 
Jeremiah Di'claine, corporal ; enrolled Dei-. Iti, IHtiiJ, at Norfolk. 
AdkiitH, Charles H., private ; onrollerl Dec. 8, Ihl^l, at Muronib. 
Ati^itin, Henry C, private; enrolled Nov. 1», IMti:*, ai Do Pcyster. 
Abell, (.'harlea C, private; enrolled Dec. I", 18(>t. at Hennon. 
Aldrick, Wallace N., private ; enrolled (.»c(. 22, 180^1, at Ku>i»ell. 
Beach, John S., private ; enrolled Dec. 16, 18t.:i, at Pe Kalb. 
ltrowi;ht, Charles, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, isUit, at Couverneur. 
llroat, John, private ; enrolled Nov. 6, l8G:i, at Oswegatchio. 
Blown, KlhiTt K., private; enrolled Nov. 2K, l8r»:i, iit Hernion. 
Bn-li, JoM'pli, private ; enrollt'd Nov. 18, iKiil.iit Ogdensburg. 
Chio, John, private; enrolled Dei;. 15, l8ibt, at De Kall>. 
Clatlin, William, private; enrolled Dec. 18, l«ai, at De Kalb. 
Chase, Sanl'ord, private; enrolled Deo. 14, IHt;;}, ut Ve Kalb. 
Carbino, iD-nry, private; enrolled Dec. 2, l8tj;i, at Madrid. 
Castle, David, Jr., private; enrolled Dec. \^, IJ^tliJ, at NorlolU. 
Carpenter, George, private; enrolled Dec. 17, ISfili, at Norfolk. 
Denley, William, private; enrolled Dec. 1, l8^:l, at Uossie. 
Daniels, Josepli V., private; enrolled Dec. Ifi, iHtVl, at Hermon. 
Fletcher, Anthony, private ; enrolled Dec. lG,18(Ki, at De Kalb. 
Finley, .\lbert, private; enrolled Nov. 3ti, 180:i, at Macomb. 
l^ter, Lewie, private ; enrolled Dec. 1, 18G;i,at Rossio. 
Ferris. Robeit M., private; enrolled Dec. 15,l8G;i,nt Potsdam. 
Gray, Sterling, pri%ate; enrolled Dec. 14, 1803, at De Kalb. 
Glassford, Jamo'S P., private ; enrolled Nov. ;H), 18<i:i, at Uossie. 
Gladilen, AnioH L., private; enrolled Dec. 11, IHfiJJ, nt I'utfidfiin. 
Gillmoui, Debtrnu-y, private; enrolled Dec. ;j, 186it,at lli-riiiun. 
Griswold, Lewis, private; enrolled Dec. 2, 18f>;l, ni Canton, 
Glines, Kugene, private ; enrolled Dec. lo, 18l»:i, at Canton. 
Hall, Walton, private ; enrolled Nov. 28, 1N«.I, at R^^s^iu. 
Hodges, George, private; enrolled Dec. 7, 18Rt, at Lawit-nce. 
Hall, Ira F., private ; enrolled Oct. In, 18ti;l, at Russell. 
Inunim, James P., private; enrolled Nov. 19, 1S(;:(, at De Kalb. 
Jonlan, Jame.s, private; enrolled Dec. 1, l8fi;i, at Rossie. 
Jacqnes. Adolphns, private; enrolled Nov. 4, l8tj:t, at OswegatchJe. 
Keyes, Lncins, I'rivale ; enrolled Dec. r», isGI, at Hermon. 
Loron, Jhises, ]irivata; onrolleil Dec. IS, 186;i,at Norfulk. 
Loron, Ij« uis, i)rivale; enrolled Dec. I7,18t>;j. at Norfolk. 
McKee, Uri, piivale; enrolled Dec. 17, 18(1.1, at Hennon. 
McCurie, Daviil. private ; enrolled Oct. 22. lN(i;J, at Potsdam. 
Ni-ttleH, tJeorge. private ; enrolled Dec. l.">. lHt;;t,at Norfolk. 
O'lhien, John, private ; enrolled Nov. LI, 18tV{, at Oswegatrhie. 
Pierce, l)avid K., private ; enrolled Dec. lo. I8i;;i, at Norfolk. 
Peck, Franklin A., private; enndled Dec. 18. I8ti;i, at Nuifulk. 
I'arker, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 17, 18G;>, nl Potsdam. 
Pierce, Henry, private ; enrolled Nov. 4, 18(1:1. at Potsdam. 
Peck, Normsn, private; enrolled Dec. 2, l8(i;J, at Canton. 
Ratchford, Tlioriiiu«, private; enrolled Dec. L'i. I8f.;i, at Norfolk. 
Rushton, John, private ; enrolled Dec. \^, I8G.i. at Hernion. 
St. Dennis, Gemge, private; enrolled Dec, 17, 18)13, at Norfolk. 
Sterling, Gilburt S., private; enrolled Nov. Iti, 18ti;i, ut Macomb. 



Sisson, .\lmeron, private ; enrolled Nov. 2.'I, 1863. at Macomb. 
Smith, llently I., private; enrolled Nov. 9, 186:j, at Hermon. 
Thctmaa, George, private; enrolled Dec. 17, lSO;i, at Hermon. 
Vansant, Wm., Jr., private; enrolled Dec. 11), l8t)3. at De Kalb. 
Vansant, George W., private ; enrolled Dec. 17, 18C3, at De Kalb. 
Wallace, Robert, private; enrolled Dec. lo, 1803, at De Knlb. 
Ward, Isiuic, private ; enrolled Dec. 8, 1863, at Macomb. 
W' right, Wm. It., private ; enrolled Nov. 20, 1803, at Oswegatchio. 
Walker, Renj. F., jirivate: enrolled Nov, 14, 18G3, at H<>rmun. 

CAPTAIN JEROME COOPER'S COMPANY (K). 
Charles Dority, corporal; enrolled Nov. 2^1, iso:;, at Rosdie. 
Apple, Hiram, private; eniolhHl Nov. 20, 1803, at Kosnie. 
Apple, Ziichariah, private; enrolled Nov. 20, 1803, at Rossie. 
BonUell, Dexter E., private ; enrolled Dec, 11, 1803, at De Kalh. 
Boganhis. John E., private ; enrolled Dec, 4, 18«;3, at Macomb. 
ClaKH, Levi, jirivate; enrolled Dec. 10, 180;[, at GoiiTcrnenr. 
Curtis, JHmes II,, private; enrolled Dei-. 16, 186:1, at Norfolk. 
Cabiiio, Antoine, private ; enrolled Dec. 2, 186:j, at Madrid. 
Fielils, James, private ; enrolled I>ec. 7, 1863, at Hermon. 
Goodfellow, Robert, private; enrolled Dec. I'.i, 18f.:i, at De Kalb. 
Howard, Wm. H., pjivate ; enrolled Nov. 26, 1803, at Rossie. 
Hazleton, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 14, l86:t,at Gouverncur. 
Jewetl, Pioctor, private; enrolled Dec. 14, 180:J. at Gonverneur. 
Jern, Jcdin, private; enrolled Dec. 22, 180:i, at Oawegatcbie. 
Pi>pe, Marion, private ; enrolled Dec. 4. 18fi;j, at Macumb. 
Verden, Wm. IL, private ; enrolled Nov. 3i), 186:1, at Gouverneur. 

CAPTAIN C. H. HOUGHTON'S COMPANY (L). 
Agnew, Felix, private ; enrolled Nov. 17, 1803, at Rossie. 
Blake, Thomas, private; enrolled Nov. 2.i, 186;i, at Uussie. 
Bennett, Alexander D., private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at Hermon. 
Brown, Franklin R., private; enrolled Dec. 11, 1803, at De Kalb. 
Blake, Philip, private; enrolled Nov. 2;i, 180:i,at Ros-ie. 
Carr, Wm. H., private; enrolled Dec. 14, 180:t, at Rossie. 
Clark. David, private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1863, at De Kalb. 
Oirlos, Edwin M., private; enrolled Dec. 10, 180:t, at De Kalb. 
Chapman, Henjamm. private ; enrolled Dec. 28, I80:i, at De Peyster. 
Fordham, Austin G., private; enrolled Dec. 17, 1863. at Hermon. 
Farrell, Percy, priviite ; enrolled Dec. 16. 180;t, at Morrislown. 
Holmes, Peter, private; enrolled Dec. 14, l80:t, at De Kalb. 
Killey, Robert, private; enrolled Oct. 9, 180.1, at Russell. 
liake[ John J., private; enrolled Dec, 1, 18o:i, at Rossie. 
Lassell, Charles, private; enrolled Dec. 2:i, l80:i, at De Kalh. 
Lashare, Wm., private; enrolled Dec. 10, 180:{, at Gouverneur. 
Russ, Harvey, private ; enrolled Dec. 19, 1803, at H<>rman. 
Range, Jolin, private ; enrolled Dec. 30, 1863, at Rossie. 
Roberts, Jacob M., pr.vate ; enrolled Nov, 20, 1803, at Macomb. 
Smith, Janies A., private ; enrolled Dec. H», 1803, at De Kalb, 
Steward, Win,, private; enrolled Dec, 18, 180;t,at De Kalh. 
Tnrnbull, Corydon, private : enrolled Nov. 2:i, 180:J, at Rossie. 

CAPTAIN LUTHER KIKFFER'S COMPANY (M). 
Austin, LeviniiB .1., private ; enrolled Dec. 10, 1803, at Potsdam. 
Butler, John M,, private; enrolled Dec, 12, l80:i, at Pots.lam. 
Badger, John, pnvate; enrolled Dee. 14, 18t;.3, at Potsilam. 
Caibinaw, John, private; enndled Dec, 9, 180:i, at Madrid. 
Carbinaw. Charles, pr.vate; enrolled Dec. 7, 180:{, at Ma<lrid. 
Dayton. Henry, private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 180;t, at Potsdam. 
Golden, l>aviil, private; enrolled Dec. 17. 186:t, at Pot-sdam. 
Gittin.Rufiift T., private; enrolled Dec, 28, 1803, at Potsdam, 
Giffin, David H,, private ; enrolled Dec. 28, lS6:i, at Potsdam. 
Gt innon, \Vm. 11., private; enrolled Dec. 12, l80;i, at Potsdam. 
Gnffney, Thomas, private; enrolled Dec. 2:i, lH6:i, at Stockholm. 
Gray, James H., private ; enrolled Dec, 19. 186:i, at Parishville. 
Hough, Sylvester E., private; enrolled Dec. ir», 186:J, at Pidsdam. 
Hood, Robt. A., jirivate; enrolled Dec. 12, 186;t, at Potsilara. 
Looby, Ko<ly, private ; enrolled Dec. 23. 1803, at Potwhim. 
Maromber, W'm, H,, private ; enrolled Dec, 8, I80:i, at Parishville. 
Marsli, Lewis N., private; enrolled Dec. 21, 1863, at Stockliolm. 
Newberry, John C, private ; enrolled Dec. 18, 186:i, at Stockholm. 
Oimsby, Benj. F,, inivate; enrolled Dec. 17,1803, at Potsdam. 
Owen, ('has. G., private ; enrolled Dec. 12, 180:1, at Potstlam. 
Richards, George, private ; enrolled Dec. 26, I80:i, at Potsdam. 
Wires, Calvin F., private; enrolled Dec. 12, I80:i, at Potsdam. 

16TH AETILLEKY. 

CAPTAIN JAMES B, CARYL'S COMPANY (A). 
Dunn, Thomas, private; enrolled Aug, 11, l86;t, at Ogdensburg. 
Hague, Henry, private; enrolled Aug. 1(», 186:i, at (.)gden»burg. 
Huston, Charles M,, private ; enrolled Ang. n, 1803, at (»gd.n.-burg. 
Johnscm, M'illiam, i>rivate; enrolled Ang. 19. 1803. at Ogdensburg. 
Leduc, Alexander, private ; enrolled Aug. 31, 1863, at Ogden.sburg. 
Mitchell, John M., private; enrolled Aug. 17, 18G:t, at Ogdensburg. 
McFall, John, private ; enrolled Ang, in, 180;i, at Ogdensburg. 
Newconib, George, private; enrolled Ang. 28. 180;i, at Ogdensburg. 
Reed, George, private ; enrolled Aug. 17. lSO:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Rosaw, David, private; enrolled Aug. C*, 1803, at Ogdensburg. 
Rosaw, Joseph, private ; enrolled Aug. 5, l86:i, at Ogdensburg. 
Vannoman, Richard, private ; enrolled Aug. 10, 1861, at Ogdensburg. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES E. PEARCE'S CtkMPANY (D). 
Empey, Silas, private; enrolled Oct. 5, 180;i, at Ogdenshnrj^. 

CAPTAIN HENRY C. THOMPSt)N'S COMPANY (H). 
McKie, James, private ; enrolled Dec. in, I80;t, at Ogdensburg. 



NAMES OF CITIZENS 



WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, 

WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



OGDENSBURG. 

Adamn, C M., Farmer, also Uenler in Grocfrles ami I'mvisions, New York ave., 

I>. Onvi<la Co., N. Y., 8. IX'^y. 
Allen, W. B., Dealer in Hardware, also Dealfr in Grain and Produce, Water St., 

h. Mi('liigaii,H. 182». 
Arln^tr(>^s, Will, Vice President Judson's Bank, Washiugtuii at., I). St. Lawience 

Cu., N. Y., a. 18:J4. 
Atclieson, llobt., Hats, Cape, Furs, etc., cor. Pickering and Fayette sts., b. Ire- 
land, a. 1K:j;). 
Ainea, J. K., Drugs and Mediciney, cor. Elizabetli and Washington sts,, b. Mass., 

6. 1860. 
Austin, John, Donljst, Oroone St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818. 
Arnol<l & Co., Brewers East India Pale Cream Alea and Porter, Greene 8t.,b. St. 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. lS3;t. 
Algie, W. C, Bouk-ki-eper witli J. W. Wilson, Mont-^omery «t., b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., 8. 184(;. 
Austin, J. H., Dry tJuods, Caip-t-, etc., Ford 8t.,b.St Lawrence Co., N.Y., 8. 185.5. 
Bacon, Jnn. F., Dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Seymour House, b. Ma-ss., 

B. Ibol. 
Britton.Wni.D., General Hardware, with the firm of C. A.Davies & Co., 32 Ford 

St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. \i<-l:>. 
Bailie, Sanil., (-arter, Knox St., b. Ireland, h. 1K4'2. 

Barbour, W. J., Music Dealer, (ireoiie et., b. St. I-awrence Co., N. Y., b. 184.3. 
Babcuek, A. A., MtV. iind Dealer in Woodeu Pnnn>9, Montgomery St., b. Jeffer- 
son Co., N. Y., 8. lS5o. 
Burt.F. N.,Mrr.and Dealer in Leather, also in Pelts and Woo!, Main 8t.,b. Jtffer- 

sim Co., N. Y., 8. lH5tt. 
Baird, Wni , Dealer in Liquors and Cigar*. 28 Ford St.. b. Vermont, a. 18G0. 
B'-nton. .T. H., Phy8 cian and Surgeon, Statt* at., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1852. 
Blodgeit, S. S., Dentist, State st., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. ISiiO. 
Boyd, U. H., Physician and Surgeon, State St., b. Canada, s. 1872. 
Beil Bros., Dealers in American and Swiss Wutehea, Clocks, Jewelry, etc., 10 Ford 

St., business organized 1818, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. 
Bridges,/. B., Phvsidan and Surgeon, Ford St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y.,8. 182n. 
Baird, W. M., Traveling Agent for Arnold & Co., 56 Morris st., b. St Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., 3. 1841. 
Bowen, D. H., Leader Ogdensburg City Bund, also House and Sign Painter, 

Mori'ii^ St., b. ('lii'sliire, England, a. ls4B. 
Bell, George. Gas Engineer, cor. Jay and Water nts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

s. isr.5. 
Chapin, J. Y., Attornoy-at-Law, Greene at., b. St. LaM*ronce Co., N. Y., a. 184:1. 
Chapin, \. B , Dealer in Butter and Cheese, Morris St., b. St. Lawrence Co., X. 

Y., S. 1821. 
Chapin, E. J., e.v -Sheriff, cor. Greene and Franklin sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. 

Y., s. IS.;?. 
Curtis, N. M., Farmer, Oswegatchie township, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1835. 
Chatterton, Hiram, Livery and Sale Stable, State st., b. Canada, s. 18.17. 
C'urii-, Gates, Mti. and Dealer in Curti-*' IMows, also Mfr. of Curtis' Water 

Wheel, cor. King and New York ave,, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , 8. 18-22. 
Calaghan, A., Mfr. and Dealer in CarriHgen, Waj»hington st., b. Franklin Co.^ N. 

Y., («.18.'S;i. 
Cliild, N. N., Physiiiau and Surgeon, 70 t'aroline St., b. Vermont, s. ISGIi. 
Church, H. F., General Freight Agent 0. and L. C. K. It., cor. Knox and Caroline 

stN., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1824. 
Duutiui, N. K., Engineer 0. and L. C. H. R. Elevator, Morris st., b. Essex Co., 

>. Y., B. I80S. 
Durrow, G. F.. Editor of UVeUf/ Adennce, Jay St., b. Mad(-on Co., N. Y., 8. 1877. 
Day, S. W., Miller, nf the firm of Philips A Day, <ireene st., b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., s. 1840. 
Daniels, W. H., Mfr. Crackers and Confectionery, State St., b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., s. 18*0. 
Davidson, Clias. P., Painter, Pickery 8t., b. Mnntrenl, Cnnadit, «. 18.">2. 
Kildy, Geo. A., Gen. Eastern Agt. N.T. Co., 1U2 South Water 8t., b. Ohio, b. 1852. 
Egerf, Chas. G., Bn.ker, Ford at,, h. 1847. 
Ftiolc, Stilhnan, .\ttorn<*y-at-Law and Surrogate, Ford st., b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y.. H. 1817. 
Flack, Geo. W., Lumber Merchant, Slate st., b. St. Lnwrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832. 
Foster, Geo., Mfr. and Dealer In HarneKS, Suddle-S, and Siuldlery Hardware, 

Wa-^hington at,, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 18;{5. 
Felt ,k Bell, Dealers in Granite and Marble, 8 State st., organised 1870, b. St. 

L;iwrenee Co.. N. Y. 
Furnis.s, Wm. E., Miller, cor. .lay and Caroline Pts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

s. 1847. 
Frank, Nathan, Dry 8ooits,-tHrpets, etc., Greene st.. b. Germany, s. 1867. 
Findlay, J. H., Gas Engineer, Ford st. b. Seotland, s. 187r>. 
Foster, I)anl. F., Proprietor Pitlter^on st. (Jarden, Patterson st., b. St. Lawrence 

Co.. N. Y., a. 1817. 
Gibbs, Calvin W., Dry Goods, Carpets, Paper Hangings, etc., cor. State and 

Waithiugton sts., b. Maine, a. 18M. 
Goer, C. P., Agl. for American Ex. Co , also Agt. for V. S. and Canada Ex. Cos., 

Washington at., b. Vermont, a. 1«50. 
Gwdrieh, J. C. (retired), 71 State at., b. SI, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827. 
Goodno. H. G,, Cn>ckery and Glaaaware, State st., b. Vermont, s. 1851. 
Ilolbrook, K. M., Atlorney-at-Law, Franklin st,, b. Lewis (V»,, N. V., a. 1851. 
Uigbee, S. H., Dealer in Stovr-s nnd House-furnishing Gootls, Wusliington at., 

b. St. I.jiwrenen Cu., N. Y., a. 1S;(2. 
Hastings, J. W,, Dry Goods, t.'arpet-, etc., Washington at., b. Maaa., b. 185L 
Hannan, .Iiio., Mfr. and Dealer in Cigars and Tobaceo, Fmnklin »!., b. Ireland, 

8. IMX. 

Halbei t, V. W., Gen. Ticket Agent N. T. Co., Greene st., b. Vermont, a. 1871. 
Herrin)an, Alric M, Mir. and Dealer in Furniture.and L'ndorlakor, Kord st., 
b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1835. 



ITasbrouek, L., Jr., Atb.rnry-at-Law, Main at , b.St. Lawn*nce Co., N.T.,a. 1840. 
Honderaon, D. J., (Merk Grand Trunk U. U. Tit ket Odlce, cor. Ilasbnuick and 

(ireene sts., b. St. LaMTcnce Co., N. Y., s. ln.'t'.i. 
Ive.s, Jas. L., Dealer in Groceries and Crockery, New York ave., b. Cohimbia 

Co.. N. Y., 8. 1850. 
Idler, J. («., Foreman with the firm of Skilllngs A Whitney Bros., Knox st., 

b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 18rjO. 
James, A. B, Attorney nnd Counselor-at-Law, ex-Ju»'llce of Supreme Court, 

iind Member of Congres'-, Caroline at,, b. Itensselaer C<i., N. Y., s. 18:11. 
Johnston, J. P., Architect, 1 C<»ngre8» St., b. Vermont, a. 1812. 
Jonca, lliirvey L., Mfr. nnd Dealer in I>umber, Shingles, etc., Mill t>t., b. New 

Hamp^ilire, a. 1K",1. 
Jud>on, J. D., President and Owner of Judf>on's Bank, cor. Caroline and Greene 

sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811. 
Judson, K.W., Aitoruey-at-Law, 4(»Ft»nkliii St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y, 8. 1810. 
Jame.'w, H. U,, Proprietor Oifdf^nnbtirtj Jotirnal, and Mfr. of Paper, South Water st^ 

b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18:W. 
Kn"X, W. J , Job Printer, :J9 Ford at., b. Ireland, a. 18G7. 
Lord, Alex. IL, Supt. City Water Work8. b. Caiuida, s. 1804. 
Lee, nf. S., Forennin witli the firm ol Skillinga & Whitney Bros , cor. Fonl and 

ilaii.iltcm sts., b. Vermont, a. 1871. 
Lowry, II. II.. Attorney -;it-Law, Ford at., b. Provinee Queliec, a. 1850. 
Leonard, Ibinv, Groci-ne-s and i'loviaions, New York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., s."l8lK. 
I-ovejcy, Henry. Mfw and Dealer in Sa'-h, Doors, and Blinds, and Farmer, New 

York ave., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 18J5. 
Lyon, Chns., Mfr. and Dealer in Lumber, al-Jo Dealer in Iteal Estate.cor. Water 

and (Jreene sis., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y , a. 1814, 
Lytic, Jas. IL, Mfr. and Dealer in Boots and Shof-s, Candine Bt., b. St. Lawrence 

Co,, N. Y., 8. IsoO. 
Laeviftou, A. M., Merehant Tailor and Dealer in Keady-moile Clothing, Morris 

St., b. Geruumy, a. lH7:i. 
Lanktnu. P. v.. Wholesale Dealer In Pure Kerosene ami Lubricating Oila, and 

G.-neral Gbuwwnre, 2^J9 Ford 8(., b. Iielimd, s. 1817. 
Lytele, N. IL, Local Editor Oinlemtlntr^i Journal and i^t. Lawrt ce Cottnhj Iteptib- 

linm, Klizabelh St., b. St. l*awrence Co., N. Y., e. 1820. 
La Ro-ie, P. (>., Past'ir St. John's Catholic Church, b. Montreal. Oinada, ». 1872. 
Lawi enee, H. F., Books, Stationery, etc., Greene st., b. Mas-., a. 1825. 
Morgan, J. H., Dealer in Groceries and Liquora, cor. Washington unci Elizala-ih 

st>., a. 1852. 
Mcltostie, D. O., Dealer in Groceries, China, Crocker}-, and Glassware, 82 Fonl 

st,, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851. 
McCarter, \. S., Denier in Dry Goods, Notions, etc., Washington Bt, b. SI. Low* 

renreCo., N. Y., 8. 18:J7. 
Merriiun. K. N., Ca-hier and (General Manager of the Bank of Averil, Chapman 

X Bean, Franklin St., b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 18-^4. 
JLitheaou, Alex., Deputy Collector Internal Revenue 21st District, N. V., Frank- 
lin St., b. Cauadajs. 1S:tU. 
Menanl, AUred, Mfr. and Dealer in Furniture, and Undertaker, fim» of M«>oro 

A Mt-nard, Lake at., b. Province Quel»ec, s. 18-5^. 
Moore, Samuel J., Mfr. and Dejib-r in Furnilnre. and I'lHlertaker. firm of Moore 

A Menard. Lake at., b. Franklin Co., N. Y.. a. 1821. 
McGruer A McTavinh, Mfrs. and Dealers in Boots and Shoes, 20 Ford st., organ- 
ized 1809, b. St. Lawienee Co., N. Y. 
:»lerriman, C. A.. General Insurance Agent, 53 Slate st,, b. Si. Lawruncc Co., N. 

Y., s. 1851. 
McCnrdv, Delo8,Att«»rneyat-Ij*w.Kli7.al.eth«t . b. St. Lawrence Co, N.Y.. 8. 1846. 
Mtilligali, Thos.. Dealer in Groceries and L:i|ui-r», liMbclla at., b. Sligo, Ireland, 

s. 1S48. 
Myeis. Cba-*. G., AtbTney-ai-Law, cor. Knox and Caroline at*., b. St. lAwrcnce 

Co.. N. Y., a. ism. 
Magune, D., Attorney-at-I^w, Caroline st., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1829. 
Miller. L. Mernll, Pa^bir Fii-st Presbyterian Chuirh, 4;J Fmnklin st., b. Bocliee- 

ler, Monmo Co., N. Y.. s. 1851. 
Miller. Hugh, Supt. N.T.tV'.Ship Manufactory. UN' Main 8t.,b.Stoilnnd,». 1854. 
Norlhrup, 11. D., Mfr. and Dealer in Flour Barrels. Butter Tubs, Slavea, etc., 

New Yt.rk ave.. b. St. Lawrence (),,., N. Y., s. 1S29. 
Newell, J. T., Dentist, Ford St., I'. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18.10. 
Ni>rmani), J. H., Ha1«. Cajxs, and Fura, 8 F<<nl ^1., b. Canada, ». 18.18. 
Oswell. Geo. B., Gnind Trunk R. R. Agent, Kliyabelh Bt.. b. St. I^wrenco Co., 

X. Y., s. I8;ii;. 
Philips, Z. C, Dealer in Fruit. Confectionery, and Cigars, Franklin st, b. St 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1845. 
Piercy, J. W.. Auctioneer, and Denier in Yankee Notions, New York ave., b. St 

Lawrence Co., N. Y.. 8. 1^29. 
Parker.Jas.W., Miller, of the firm of Brown, Bill A Co., Fmnklin st.b. St Law- 
rence Co.. N. Y , a. 184<i. 
Phi ijw, C. S., Miller, of the firm of Philii* A Day, Washington 8t,b. Rensselaer 

Co., N. Y.. 8, lsO:(. 
Pope, S. G., Mfr. and Dealer In Saab, D(.oi>«, and Blinda, Paints, Oils, and Hard- 
ware, I'irkerv at, b. Mass,, a. l^M. 
Peters, Wni., A ttoruey-)it-Law,Sevmour House, b. St. I>awrence Co., N.Y.,a.1»42. 
Prnctor, H. I. Mfr and Dealer in Lumber. 22 t Ford St., b. New Hampshire, a. 18«». 
Petrie, J. iV. (Vn. Manager of O. nnd L. C K. R. Elevator, Hasltrouck st, b. St 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. \K'>'k 
Remington. S. P., Cullector of CuaUmia, Hamilton st., b. Chautauqua Co., N. Y^ 

8. 18."<0. 
Bichanlson. A., Collector of Customs, cor. Blorris and Knox sts., b. St Law- 

renee C<)., N. Y.. 8. 1841. 
Roasell, Jno. F., Agent Parish tiitale, Washington Bt., b. St. Ijiwrence Co., 

N. Y., a. 1821. 
Reed. H. .\.. Mfr. and Dealer in Cigars and Tobacco, Mill st.b. Province Quebec, 

' s, isiV. 
Riilph. L. D . Dwler in Ready-made Clothing, Pickery flt, b. St Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1833. 

509 



510 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Stone, Jno. W., Attorni*y-iit-Liiw, Scj iiioiir II01180, h. St. Lawroiicc Co., N. Y., 

H. l»-tO. 
.Super, L. M. A h. K., Attot neys-ut-L«\v, ;i Kuril Bt.» orgHTiized 1«72, b. St. Law- 

riiiifi' Co., N. V. 
Sigouiin'y,J.II.,Groc«rioauinl Iiii|iiorrt,Stal«' »t.,b.St. LnwrcncoCo., N. Y.,8. 18iii3. 
Kjfyniuur, lion. U., KorwiirdtT, V\ iiter St., L. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., 8. I8;il. 
Spuoiiur, Kli, Mfr. mid Dculer iti Kuniitiiri- mid Uiiliolstcry, Muin 6t., b. Canada, 

». lHo4. 
Soulliwirk, 1). K., rhysioiiin and SurKOoii,StaU> ot., b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. I80I. 
.Sb'Tiiiun, U. K., I'll vaiciiin and Snrj;uon, KliziiUetli hI., b. Veriiiout, r. 18;i5. 
tfucly tV Son, Jiiu. v., Diak'i-H in AnuTJcan and Swttts Watchea, Clocks, Silver- 
warn, Kiiii' Jewelry, etc.. Kranklin Hi., b. St. Lawrttict* Co., N. Y., «. 182;J. 
Smith, A. K., Gen. lnsumii«;e AK»!iit, Kliwibeih Ht.,b.St. LuwrencoCo.. N.Y.,8. 1842. 
Spratftio, J. C,, Drugs anil Med.cini'«, Ciiruline st., b. Ontario Co., N. Y.,8. 1848. 
Service, K. B , Ilouk-keeper tor Arnold Jt Co., 'M New York ave., b. Ufwegu Co., 

N. y ,^. IS:17. 
Tallmaii, N. J.,i;ix)ceriosand Provisions, Kin);st.,b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., 8. 1847. 
Tanner, Jorte[di, Wutcb-nmkcr, Jeweler, and Jingraver, Greene st., b. Canada, 

8. lmi4. 
TliouipHon, Ju-epb. Drugs, Buoks, and Sledicines, Ford st., b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. v., 8. l».in. 
Turner Bms., Importers, and Wholesale Licjnor Dealers, Ford st., organized 1H72, 

b. St. Liiwrence Co., N. Y. 
Vilas, KnistuH, Mfr. an<i Deiilcr in Lentber and Hides, and Felts, 25 New York 

live., [>. Jertersun Cu., N. Y , f. 18;'>0. 
Wiiterinan, It. K., Attoi ney-at-Law, I'.U Fuid St., b.St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., 8. 1850. 
Wheeler, William, Doabir in Flonr and Grain, of the lirm of Egert & Wheeler, 

Franklin si., b. Vermunt, 8. IKM. 
Wil8on,J.\V., Dry (iuudaand Millinery, Klizabeth 8t.,b.OnUrio Co., N.Y., 8.1857. 
Wheeluck, W. It., Ketireti, I'ntierson Ht., b. New Uanipsliire, s. 1824. 
Wing, F. C, Foreman with S. G. IVijie, (i7 Moriis St., b. Vermont, s. 1828. 
Wouley, N. i'., Imjiurter and Wholesale Liquor Dealer, Ford 8t. 
Warner, Jtiel S., Dealer in Jewelry, Cutlery, and Fancy Goods, cor. Morris and 

(Jreene 8(8., b, Verinont, f. lbl>2. 
Watermiin, C. K., Mfr. and Dcalor in Boots and Shoes, Washington st, b. Jeffer- 

Hou C^., N. Y., 8. 1840. 



BRASHER. 

Aldrich, A., Proprictorof Aldrioh Huuse, Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. v., s. IS47, p. o. add. Bnisher Falls. 
Barluw, Wn»,, Farmer and Dairyman, lleb-na, p. o. add. Helena. 
Babcock, It. A., Miller and Supeniilendeui Brasher Falls Grist-mill, Brasher 

FalU, b. Franklin, N. Y., s. 18G.'., p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Bell, Warren, Farmer and Dairyman, Bra^hcr Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., 

8. 18;;5, p. o. add. Bra-sber Falls. 
liell, Mrs. Luoinda, Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1803, p. o. add. 

Biu8lier FalU, 
Ballard, B. A, Ketired Farmer, Brasher Falls, b. Vermont, b. 1827, p. 0. add. 

Brasher Falls. 
Ballard, Mrs. B. A., Brasher Falls, b. Kngland, s. 1828, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Chambers, Liicuia M., Farming, b. St. Lawreuce Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. 

Brasher Fall'. 
Dishau, Joseph, Manfr. of Thrashing Macliines and Agricultural Implements, 

Bra.iher Fall", b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o.add. Brasher Falls. 
Kllsworih, H. K., Geu'l Merchant and Druggist, also Dlr. in Country Produce, 

BriLsher Falls, b. Franklin, N. Y., 8. ls7l. i>. u. add. B^a^he^ Falls. 
French. H, K., Brasher Falls, b. St. Lawrence Cn., N. Y.,s. 1837,p. o.add. Biashei 

Fall8. 
Hulburd, Hon. Calvin T., Bi^hcr Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1809, p. o. 

add. Bnislier Fulls. 
Hulburd, H. M., Dealer in Dry and Fancy GockIa, Groceries, Hardware, etc., 

Bnisber Fulls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Jacobs, Jiiseph A., Farmer and Dairyman, Helena, b. Vermont, 9. 1827, p. o.add. 

Helena. 
Lang, Hon. L. C, Attorney-at-Law, Braaher Full'*, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

184:i, p. o. add. Brasher Fulls. 
Lowell, Mahalun, Kurmer, Brasher Falls, b. New HumiJshire, s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Branher Falls. 
Merrill, Mrs. Almeda, Brasher Falls, b. Canada, 8. 1843, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Nevin, David, Helena, p. o. add. Helena. 
Kich, Moses (Kich & Stafford). Munufacluror of Woolen Goods, Brasher Falls, 

b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Uudgei"s, L. D., Manufacturer uf Carriages and Sleigh", Brasher Falls, b. St. 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add Bra8iier Falls. 
Stafford, J. I*. (Rich & Stjittonl), Manufacturer of Wttolen Goods, Brasher Falls, 

li. St. Lawrenci Co., N. Y'., b. 1827, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Sheldon, J. A., D.D.S , Dentist, Hojikinton, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1830, 

p o. add. Hopkuiton. 
Stevens, John L., Ketired Hotel-keeper, Brasner FalH, b. New Hamjishire, I8III, 

8. 1817, p. o.add. Brasher Falls. 
Stevens, S<|nire Jchiel, Ketired Farmer, Bm^her Falls, b. New Hampshire, 1801, 

8. 1821, p. o. udil. Brasher Falls. 
Skinner, John F., Pr.»priett)r of Bnwher Iron-Works, and Mnfr. of Stoves and 

Agricultural Implement-', Brather Iron-Works, b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1852, 

p. n. add. Bia-^her Iron-Works. 
Smith, Jus., Pattnr K. C. Church, Bnwhei- Falls, p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
Taylor, J. 4i., Machinist and Mnfr. of Light Hor.se-i)ower?<,al8o Mnfr. of Taylors 

Patent Churn, Butter Wi.rker, and (,'oo|er comldneil, Bra-<her Falls, b. St. 

Lawreuce Co., N. Y., s. 18-ir>, ji. <l add. Bnuslier Falls. 
Wells, W. iL, I'oatmjisler, Merchant Tail<u-, und Dealer in Grocerie-', Brasher 

Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S4!», p. o. add. Brasher Falls. 
WttUgh, Kev. ,1, L., Pasb>ror Fii-st Presbyterian Church, Brasher Falls, b. Oneida 

Co., N. Y., 6. 1855, p. o. add. Brasher FalU. 



CANTON. 

AWrich, Mrs. Alice D., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Atwood, L. B., Farmer and Dairy, b. Chittenden, Vt., fl. 1856, p. o. add. Kcna- 

ttelaer FalN. 
Allen, Henry N., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. 8. 1834, p. 0. add. 

('union. 
AUlri* h, H. C. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840. 

B.ibluin, S.. Justice of I'eace, h. Burliiigt'in, Vermont, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Canton. 
Biirber, N., JIanufactnrer and Dealer in Harness, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

I«:n, p. o. add. Cant4.n. 
Boi-kns, N. A., Dealer in General Mercbondiac, b. C-anada, a. 1862. p. 0. add. 

Kenssehier Falls. 



Brown, J. W,, Dealer in General Merchanilis*', b. Wlcklow, Ireland, 8. 184.*i, p. o. 

add, Kensseluer FalN. 
Bivrber, G. W., Farmer an<l Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1823, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Blount, S. P., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,8. 1845, p. o.add. Canton. 
Biirber, H., Farmer and Dairy, I.. Litrhlield Co., N. Y.,s. 1S(j7, p. o. odd. Canton. 
Barbel', .\. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawreuce Co., N. Y., 0. 1824, p. o. add. 

Cull ton. 
Barber, L., Fanner and Mechanic, b. St. I^uwrence Co., N. T., 8. 1836, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Barber, It. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1821, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Bromley, H. H., I'roprietor Ho<lskin House, b. Clinton Co., N Y., a. 1877, p. o. 

add. Canton. 
Barrow.-, Aaron, Genenil IMerihaiit an<l Postmanter, b. Benninrton, Vermont, s. 

iMlti. p. o. mUi. Crary's Mills. 
Hoyden, W. D., Farmer anrl Wotd amb-r, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 182(t, 

p. o. udd. Crary's Mills. 
BuUis, Henr.v, Farmer and Dairy, b. Clinton Co., N. Y.,8. 1842, p. o. add. Canton. 
Bullis, J. F.,' Farmer and Dniry, b. Clinton Co.. N. Y., 8. 1842, p. o. add. Canton? 
Barnes, T., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y.,«. 1»14, p. o.add. Canton. 
Butterfield, S. A., Farmer and Cheese-maker, b. St. liuwrence Co., s. 1862, p. o. 

add. Canton. 
Bridge, G. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. 8. 1822, p. o. (bid. 

Canton. 
Brown. H. C, Farmer and Mason, b. Essex Co., N. Y., e. IS38, p. o. add. Crary's 

Mills. 
Conkey, J. S., Druggist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1*^17, p. o. add. Canton. 
Chtinibet lin, C. K., .\ttorney-at-Law, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. <». add. 

Canton. 
Chamberlin, C. A., Attorney-at-Ljiw, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1854, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Crehoro, J., Pastor Universalist Church, b. Middlesex, Mass., 8. 1873, p. o. add. 

('anton. 
Champlin, G. E , Carriage Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1834, p. o. 

adtl. Canton 
Gaboon, G. P., Farnter and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., fl. 1822, p. o. add. 

Do Kulb Junction. 
Gaboon, H. C. (deceimed), b. Caledonia, Vermont, s. 1821. 
Gaboon, W. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. 

Canton, 
Cahoori, F. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1853, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Cahooii, J. S., F.irmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1839, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Conkey, A. N., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. 

i'anton. 
Church. ABhley, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1828, p. o. 

add. ('rary's Mills. 
Clark, Orvill, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1807, p. o. ad<I. 

Canton. 
Clark, E. G., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1809, p. o. add. 

(!anton. 
Church, K. E. F., Faiiner and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. 

Crary's Mills. 
Crane, o. W., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1817, p. o. odd. 

Canton. 
Driscoll, F'ather James 0., Pastor Catholic Church, b. Cork, Ireland, 8. 1871, 

p. o. add. Canton. 
Doty, J. J., General Merchant, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1847, p. o. add. 

Kensseldcr Falls. 
Davis, J. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y.,8. 1850, p. o. add. Canton. 
Dt ury, A. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1842, p. o. add. 

(.'anton. 
Delance, D., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1818, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Ellsworth, K. B., Merchant Tailor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1837, p. o. add. 

Caiit^ni. 
Ellison, Wni.. Dealer and Manufacturer of Boots and Shoe?, b. St, lAwrence 

Co., N. Y., 8. 1817, p. o. add. Morb-y. 
Fether^, O. H., Attorney-ut-Law, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., 8. 1875, p. o. add. 

Cantoit. 
Flood, J. Q., Dealer in Boots and Shoes, b. Ontari(», Canada, b. 1870, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Freeman, Koyiil, Farmer and Dairy, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1845, p. o.add. 

Canton. 
Fields, Thomas, Architect, Builder, and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 

183f), p. o. udd. (Canton. 
Fowler. Alliert, Farmer und Axe-maker, b. Steulten Co., N. Y., 8. 1858, p. o. add. 

Cuntoti. 
Fentoiu L., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1817, p. o. add. 

Morley. 
Fennimore, .Joshua W. (retired), b. England, s. 1832, p. o. luld. Morb-y. 
Gunieoii, W. R., Professor of l^tin and Literature, b. Chenango Co., N. Y., 8. 

1871. p. o. add. Canton. 
Gardner, .lames, Piistor of Preaby terian Church, b. Antrim, Ireland, a. 1852, p. o. 

add. Canton. 
Goodiio, L. S., General Insurance Agent, b. Addison, Vermont, a. 1850, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Gill, G. S., Farmer and Daio". b. Windsor, Vermont, s. 1832, p. o. add. Canton. 
Hitchcock, J. B., County Searcher, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., 8. 1874, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Hodskin, B.. Keal^Kstate Dealer, b. Chenango Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, p. o. add. Canton. 
Havens, R. P., Dry Goods, b. Essex Co., N. Y'., 8. 1862, p. o. add. Canton. 
Hosley, Fred., Dental Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y'., a. I8o'2, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Healey, J. C, Cutter and Foreman in Shoe House, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1847, p. o. add. Canton. 
Hitchcock, J , Dental Surgeon, b. Frontenac, Canada, a. ISU'i, p. o. a<ld. Canton. 
Hilts, J. A., Farmer and Dairy, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. 0. add. Canton. 
Hall A Tnicey. 

Jackson, R. K., b. Stratford, New Hampshire, s. 183.% p. o. add. Morley. 
Jewett, Proctor, Grist- und Fli»uiing-mill, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,8. 1800, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Judd, Spencer, Proprietor of Hodskin ilouae Livery, b. St. lAwrence Co., N. Y., 

N. 18.^1. p. o.add. C.inttm. 
Kimball. S. D., Banker, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.. s. 1875, p. o. add. Canton. 
Kiml-all, W'. II.. Banker, b. Illinois, s. 181i'J, p. o. add. Canton. 
Kelly, G. H.. Prop't Cigar- and Fruit-siore, b. Canada, ». 1872, p. o. add. Canton. 
Lincoln, John, Farmer and Dairy, b. Chittenden Co , Vermont, 8. 1839, p. o.add. 

Canton. 
Lowdeii, J. W. 
Leonard, E. II., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Ijiwrence Co., N. Y., a. 18:16, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Lee, Prof. J. S., Founder of <V)llego Department, b. Vermont, a. 1859, p. o. aid. 
Canton. 



FlISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



511 



filler, John, Deputy County Clerk, b. LowU Co., N. Y., b. 1824, p. o. add. Canton. 

Mmlftt, V. IT. 

MaltiTiiui, P. C, Fiirnicr and Dairy. 

McCui mi* k, l». H.. I'n.p'r of Hotel, !►. Si. Lawrenm (\.., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. 

UiMif-m-ltu'r Falls. 
Murnliall, C, IIui upss-nnikcr, b. Canada, s. 1S"2, p. o. add. Cunton. 
Muttlicwo, C. L., Farniurand Dairy, l>. St Lawrence Co., N, Y., 8. 1842, p. u. add. 

Canton. 
Mead, L. II., PropV of Cht'cse-fHctory, b. 81. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. 

add, ('union. 
AfcBridc, .lames, General Mercbant, b. Antrim, Ireland, 6. 1850, p. o. add. 

UiMiKsolacr FallB. 
McKclvey, Tboniai*, Merchant, b. County Down, Ireland, s. 18Gr>. p. o. add. 

Ut-n^selaer Falls. 
MarkM, J. H., FaninT and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1845, p. o. add. 

('anion. 
Mood V, L., Krtired Steamboat Cniitain, b. St. Jjawronce Co., N. Y., 8. 1806, p. o. 

iiild. t^tuiton. 
Moore, Orvill, Archilett and Builder, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8. 1854, p. o. add. 

Caiit^tn, 
Martin, Tyler. 

M<'iid, Henry, Farmer, I>. Vermont, s. 1R67, p. o. add. Craiy'8 Mills. 
Newby, EWif, Tailor, b. Kn^laud, 8. 18511, p. o. add. Morley. 
Ninis, A. F., Statii>n Apent, b, Jeft'erson Co., N. Y., b. 1H71, p. o. add. Canton. 
Nii:krl-.on, Chitrles, Inaurunce Ag't, b. Lewis Co., N. Y ,8. 180^1, p. o. add. Canton. 
Newton, J. 
Nasb, A. P., Black-^mith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. n. add. Rensselaer 

Falls. 
PoBt, W. A., .\ttoriiey-at-L:iw. b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, p.o. add. Canton. 
Prtckuril, M. D., MerrliJint and County Treusurer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 

lS2it, p. o. add. Clinton. 
Pearce, .1. L. A., Pastor of Episcopal Church, b. London, England, 8. 1877, p. o. 

add. Canton. 
Post, H., Dealer in firoeiTii-g, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1821, p.o. add. Canton. 
Pickoit, George, Fanner and Daiiy, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., e. 1848, p. o. add. 

Carjton. 
Perry, Wni.. Jr., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Ljtwrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Perry, Wm., Sr., Faimer and Dairy, b. MnssadiUHetts, s. 18Ci4, p. o. add. Cant^in. 
Page, Daniel, Kurnier and Dairy, b. Vermont, 8. I?<44, p. o. add. De KaHi June. 
Pitt, S. W., Farmer and Dairy, b. Vernioni, a. 182s, p. o. add. Cniry'a Milln. 
Potter, J. S., Fanner and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y'., n. ISfiU, p. u. add. Canton. 
Pike, J. It.. Farmer and Dairy, b. Franklin Co., N, Y., <. lH7:i, p. o. add. Canton. 
Pi»^kel, A., Farmer and Dairy, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. ls4'.t, p. u. a<ld. Cmtun 
Pink, Pi'of. J. It., Prof, of Modern Languages and History, b, GernniTiy, s. 1875, 

p. o. u'Id. Canton. 
Ku8sell, L. W., Attorney, Supervisor, and County Judge, b. St. Lawrence Ct»., 

N. Y., 9. 1^44l, p. o. add. Canton. 
Ralph, M. N., CAiunty Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1842, p. o. aild. Canton. 
Rood, Steplicn, Farmer and Dairy, b. Fi-anklin Co., N. Y'., 8. 1844, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Roulston, K. H., Gencnil File, Life, and Acfident Inanrance, 24 Main Street, 

p. o. add. C'intun. 
Rushb.n, J H., Faniy Boat Builder, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., b. 1843, p.o. add. 

Canttin. 
Rowland, J. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1834, p. o. 

add. Itensselm-r Falls, 
Siiwyer, W. H., Attorney -at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y'., a. 1820, p. o. add. 

I'ltnton. 
Shennan, R. R., Druggist and Physician, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1H21, 

p. o. add. Canton. 
Sumner, O. M. A Sori8. 
Storrs, |j. B., Mei-cbant Tailor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1«10, p. o add. 

Canton. 
Stevens, K. F., Iii8iimnce .\gent, b. Jefferson Co., p. o. add. Canton. 
Smith, A. B. 

Smith, Harry, Drugn ami GroeerieB, b, Meredith Bridge, a. 1830, p.o. add. Canton. 
Simmons, .\. A., Groceries and Diy Good-*, b. St. Lawience Co., N. Y., 8. 1814, 

p. o. add. Canton. 
Stickler. H., Sjiali, IJlind, and Door Mitnuf'r, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18.V2, 

p. o. add. Cantiin. 
Sanderson, E. L., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Liwience Co., N. Y., a. 18i'J, p. o. 

add. (Jiintun. 
Southwortli. E. H , Farmer and Dealer in Produce, b. St. Lawrence Co.» N. Y., 

8. 1827, p. o. add. Canton. 
Sanderson, N., Farmer and D.iiry, h. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1»17, p. o. add. 

Can Ion. 
Squire, W. 0., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. liftwrence Co., S. Y., 8. 1822, p. o. add. 

entry's Mills. 
Sndth, J. F., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1817, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Shaw, J. B , Pr tprietor of Gristmill, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1833, p. o. 

add. t'anton. 
Scruton, VVm., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. 

Morley. 
Stom, L. F, M., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. 

Crary's Blills. 
Townsley, G. L., Keeper of Poor-hou«e, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1K21, p. o. 

iKld. <'jinton. 
T;illman, W. H., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1829, p.o. ftdtl. 

Ciiiilon. 
Tutile, Moses, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. 

(ranton. 
Taylor, Jamet, Farmoi and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, p. o. add. 

De Kulb Junction- 
Turner, A. R., M.D., PhyHtcian and Surgeon, b. Franklin Co.,N. Y., 8. 1873, p.o. 

adfi. Bliirley. 
Tracy, K. J., frarmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1821, p. o. add. 

Canton. 
Van Allen, F. W., Jeweler, b. St. Liiwrence Co , N. Y., s. 1855, p. u. add. Canton. 
Van Brocklin, J., Dealer in Boots and Shoes, b. HerkimerCo., N. Y.,8. 1857, p.o. 

aild. ('iinton. 
Wright. J. S., Wheelwright and Cabinet Maker, b. St liawrence Co.. N. Y., a. 1827, 

p. o. aild. Morlev. 
Willson, K., Mercbant Tailor, b. St. Law rence Co., N. Y.,8. 1827, p. o. add. Canton. 
Whitney, J. C., General Mercbant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18:t4, p. o. add. 

Morlev. 
Walker, A., Drugs and Groceries, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. odd. 

UeUHselaer FalU. 
Wilson, R. S., Farmer and Dairy, b. St. AUmn's, Vt., b. 1852, p. o. adil. Canton. 
Wdliams, E. S., Carpenter imd Vetei iuary Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1837. p. o. adil. Cant'iu. 



Wilson, J, W,. Fiirnur and Duirv. b, Vermont, f. 1853, p. o. add. Canton. 

~ - - ' Co., N. Y., 8. 1848, p. o. add. 

c.intoii. 



Walratb, S. Z., Farmer and Dairy, b. Herkimer Co., 



Wait, M R., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jeffemon Co.. N. Y.,8. 1R44, p.o. add. Canton. 
Wiiriier. I. T. (deioaKedj, b, Vermont. 



COLTON. 

AlTii-troiiK. J. I.., H.itfl I'Mpriotor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., >. 18H, p.<.. »lcl. 

South C.Iiini. 
Bullei , S. I)., I'loprictor iif Wil.l Luii.l, li. Vi^rmiint, 8. 18:11), p. o. lulil. C<.Uoii, 
Ilepliuriii'. A. U . Altorncy-nl-Liiw, li. SI. l.»wri'iK'e 0>., N. Y., «. IMS. p. o. odd. 

C.Uuu. 
Pierce, Hiniiii (retinilr, li. WnshiiiKliui Co., N. Y., a. I8'2fi, p. ■>. a"M. r..ll.iii. 
I'otliT, 1' , I.nmli^r Mircliaiit luid Biiltar-Tiib Knclon , li. Wnabiiieton Co., N. Y., 

». IMS, p. ,1. ailil. Colli.ii. 
PntttT, Willjiini, LuiubiT Morchaiit liiul l)iitte:-Tt)b Factory, b. St. Lawrence 

c'",, N. Y., «. lsf,i), p. <i. lulU. (iillon. 
Putter & Si»ii, Proprietur., p. «>. H4)t). t'ltlloli. 

Rc>n<>lflH. .1., Kiiim iiiiil I. and Owner, b Canada, a. }KM), p. <i. adil. Cotton. 
Tiipper, N. W., BlaukKniith antl .liiatice of Peace, b. MuMaehiiKctta, ». 1807, p. o. 

add. Coltoii. 
YounK, A,, Agl. of SI. Lawience Co. Tannery, b. Schoharie Co.. N. T., ». 1866, 

p, o. add. Colton. 



DE KALB. 

Ames, L. W., Farmer and Dairyinuii, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y'., 8. 1828, p. o. 

wM. liermon. 
Acres, (ieortie W., Karmer and Dairyman, t>. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. 1814, p. o. 

aild De Kalb. 
Barber, Calvin, Livery ami Mail Messenger, Hirliville, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., 

s. 1S:C.!, p. o. add. Kichville. 
Barber, J. W., Pr.i|i. of t^heese factory, Kichville, b. BiTkshire Co., Mo»., 8. 18'i5, 

p. o. add. Kichville. 
Barry, E. U., Blacksmith and Carriage-maker, Rk-hville, b. Brockvillo, N. Y., 8. 

1»70, p. o. add. Kichville. 
Brees, .' bner. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., X. Y., 8. 1821, p. o. add. De Kalb. 
Beaid, Isiuic, Farmer antl Dairyman, b. Antrim, N. Y.,8. 1851, p. o. add. De Kalb 

Jnnrtion. 
Bijjelov . Mrs. F. M., Farmer and Miller, b. Franklin Co., K. Y., 8. 18.'i3, p. o. 

add. Kichville. 
Bristol, M. E., Fanner and Dairyman, b St. Lawrence C^., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. 

add. Kichville. 
Burnett, James, Farmer and Da'ryinaii, b. Windham Co., Conn., a. IStiC, p.o. 

adil. Katit De Kalb. 
Barker, Jonallian, Farmer, b. Berk'tblrc Co., Mass., 8. 182:1, p.o. add. Kichville. 
Conarit, U. T.. Fanner and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., 8. 1829, p. o. add. 

Kichville. 
Carpenter, A. A., Farmer ami Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., 8. 1828, p. o. 

add. Kichville. 
Clark, Alexander, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Canada, 8. 1845. p. o. add. Kichville. 
Cross, Perry, Merchant, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1848, p. o. add. Coopei *8 Fall". 
Doaiu>, Mrs. II. H., Farmer, Kichville, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1818, p. o. add. 

Kichville. 
Ella, Thonnis W., Fanner, b. JefTeraon Co., N. Y., 8. 1838, p. o add. Ricbvillo. 
Foster, C. tl., Fanner and <.:atpenter, li. Jefferaoii Co., N. Y., 8. 18^9, p. o. add. 

Kichville. 
Fairbanks, E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1J*.10, p. o. 

add. Kichville. 
Gilson, .lanh". Fanner, b. Windham, Vt., a. 1828, p. o. add. De Kalb. 
Godard, liatlow. Jnsticeof Peace, b. Lewis Co., N Y., a. 18IG. p.o. aild. Kichville. 
Gardner. II O., Merchant, Kichville, b. St. Lawrence tVi., N. Y.,8. 185S, p. o. add. 

Kichville. 
Gardner, C. 1)., Merchant, Kichville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1851, p. o. add. 

Kichville. 
Graves, F. N., Saddler and Harness-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T.,8. 1855, 

p, o. a.ld. Kichville. 
Green, Aai'on, Blacksiiiith, Kichville, b. Leede, Ci^nn., a. 1871. p. o. add, Richville. / 
Hockena, .John, Faimer and Dair.vman, b. England, a, 1842. p. o. add. De Peyaler. "^ 
Heiiienwa\, Stephen, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N'. Y., 8. 18:t6, 

p. o. add. De Kalb JniK tion. 
nine, A. C, Miller, b. St. Lawrence C.>., N. Y., 8, 1842, p. o. add. De Kalb Jnuct. 
Higbee, Charles, Prop, ol Hardware Store, b. St. Ijiwrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, 

p. o. lulil. De Kalb. 
Hendrick. S. V. K., Fanner, b. Hampshire Co., Mass., a. 18,V>, p. o. oild. Rirhville. 
Hawley, Dr. C. B., Pliyaician and Surgeon, b. Canada, a. 1850, p. o add. Kichville. 
Johnson. W. A , Farmer anil Dairyman, b. St. Law renco Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. 

add. Kichville. 
JuhnNon, ,\., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Franklin Co., Mass., a. 1831, p. o. add. 

Kichville 
Johnson, E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. add. 

Richville. 
Merithew, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1836, p. o. 

aild. Kichville. 
Morria, George L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, p. o. 

add. Do Peyster. 
McBrier, .\. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefforaou Co., N. Y., a. 1853, p. o. 

add. liermon. 
Mcritliew, A. J., .Instlco of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. 

De Kalb Jnnction. 
Moore. D. A.. Senator, p.o. aild. De Kalb. 
Ovenicker. Lester, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, 

p. o. add. Gonverneiir. 
Page, H. It., Leather-Manufactory, b. Franklin Co., N. Y.,8. 1856, p. o.add. Rich- 
ville. 
Poolei-, G. W., Prop, of Grocery-Store, b. SI. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o, 

add. Kichville. 
Patriilge, Amos, Farmer and Dairyman, b. llumiahin- Co., Maaa., a. 1837, p. o. 

add De Kalb. 
Perrv, Ini I retired i, b. Windham, VI., a. 1820, p. o. add. De Kalli. 
Perry, II. M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. SI. Lawrence l}o., N. Y., 8. 1826, p. o. 

add. De Kalb. 
Pliel|ia, S. \V , Station Agent, b. SI. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1814, p. o. add. Richville. 
Kowland. J., Firmer, b. Wales, a. lK.i4, p. o. add. Richville. 
Kundell, N., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer t^o., N. Y., 8. 1832, p.o.add. D« 

Kalb. 
Smith, W. P., .Inatice of Peace, bJetTeraon Co.,N. Y., a. 1854, p. o. aild. Richville. 
Scott, II. N'., Canienter, b Jefferson Co.. S. Y., a. 1850, p.o. add. liermon. 
Smith, Anthoiiv, Farmer and Dairyman, b. SI. Lawrence Co., K. Y., a. 18:18, 

p. o.iubl.' Kichville. 
Stiles, D. O., Farmer and Dairyman, h. Lewis Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. «<ld. Rich- 
ville. 
Sliles, S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Si. Ijiwrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1809, p. o. add. 

Hcrmoii. 
Tyler, N., Farmer and Dairyman, b. SI. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 1816, p. o. add. 

Do Pevsler. 
Todd, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Lincolnshire, Kng., 8. 1834, p. o. add. 

De Peyater. 



512 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Thompfloii, D., FHriiier, b. Fninklin Co., Mam., 8. 1829, p. o. mid. Itictivillc. 
Tliomp^uii, II., .hiBtifo (>f Vvncis ami Survoyur, b. Fninkliii Co., Masa., ». 1825, 

{1, o. liibl. I>p Kiilb. 
Townsli-y, K. I'., Jimtirr of IViice mu\ Liiinl Agent, b. St. Luwrence Cti., N. Y., 

«. lKi;i, p. o. li.l.l. I)«- Kiilh. 
Wrllrt, T. M., .\I.-rchuiil. h. Ir.l;iii«l, f. ISM, p. o. ftibl. Du Kail. Junction. 
Walk^T, ('. 1-., Mcivhiint, It. St. l.jivMviue (Jo., N. Y.,k. 1844, p. u. u.bl. KirhvUle. 
\Vhit<-, l\ K.. Pnig^^ift, I.. Hiililwiiitvilli', N. Y., h. I8:»:t. p. ... atW. Kichville. 
AVhlppl<*, .1. E., rojiliiiastiT, b. Jellcraoii Cti., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. ailil. Df Kulb. 
Wfllft, <;. <'.,(lu3il ill .\rmy, ik-vit heuril fnmi, b. St. Ltiwreuce Co., N. Y.,8.l8,')'2. 



DE PEYSTER. 

A»hworth, (u-'i., Fiirnicr, b. KiiKbinil, a. iMitu, p. o. mi.l. I)i- IVyster. 

Ci-awrurd, Jjw., KuriiMT, b. St. Uiwreiicf Ci»., iN. Y., s. 1S41, p. o, luld. Heuveltoii. 

Cn.4tlc, A.,<ifiMTiil Morcbiiiiiliao, CastlrJt Day, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8.18J2, 

p. I). a<l<l. Hruvt'Itoii. 
Pean, L. 1>., Karm.-r, b. Vcrm'int, s. 1824, p. o add. Do I'evster Cuiiiyrs. 
l>ay, Lfwis K., Griicral MiTfhamliao, Castlu & Day, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1854, p. n. add. Dc IV.vstiT. 
FU'cthani, Jill), li., Farmer and AaseB^or, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. 

add. l>t' IVyster. 
Fieblson, Win., Fanner, b. England, 8. ISSU, p. o. atld. De I'eystcr. 
FieblBon, Kich'd, Farmer, b. Eii^;bnitl, h. 18.V2, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
Fleethani, I). W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,b. 1846, p. u. add. De Peyster. 
Humphrey, J. U., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1848, p. o. add. Heuvcltun. 
Haaeley, 11. H., Fanner and Justice of IVaco, b. Eaae.K Co., N. Y., b. 1828, p. o. 

add. De I'eynter. 
Ilurlburt, il., Farmer, b. Si. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
Humphrey, C. T., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. luld. Heuveltou. 
JilUon, Otis C, Farmer and President County Agricultural Society, b. Oneida 

Co., N. Y., 9. 1852, p. o. add. Edenton. 
LowU, A., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1841, p. o. add. De Pey-*ter Coiners. 
Lawyer, Phillip, Farmer, b. St. LawrenceCo., N. Y.,s. 18:12. p. u. add. De Peyster. 
MurriittHt, Thos., Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1870, p. o. add. De IVyster Corners. 
Morri^s, H.H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Cti., X. V., s. 183o, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
McCunly, Jes-e, Farmei and Assessor, b. Uost'in, 8. 1821, p. u. add Heuveltou. 
Urr. James, Farmer ami Town Andit<»r, b. England, s. Ifc4u, p.o. adil. Heuvelton. 
Patriilge, L. L., Fa mer, b. Si. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 1828. p. u. add. Edenton. 
Patridgf, Urnj. F.. Fanner (retired), b. X. Hanii)8hire,s. 1825, p.o. add. Edenton. 
Ititter, Levi, Cheese Manuf., b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., ». 1874, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
Iticket, Moses. Fanner, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. I8.t4, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
Smithers, Wm. T., Farmer, b. England, s. I84n, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 
Steel, Jlio., Slioe and llarne-.s Manufi ., I). England, s. 18^0, p. o. add. Heuveltou. 
Warren. Uusfel. Jntiee of Peace, Merchant and Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 

ls.Vt. p. o, add. De Peyster. 
Warren, Joel, Farmer, b. Massaeliusettit, s. 1822, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
Wilson, J. »., Fanii.-r, b. Mas^acliuselis, h. 1852, p. o. add. De Peyster. 
■W'itlierell, II. 11.. Farmer, b. Lester, Vt., s. 1S36, p. o. add. De Peyster, 
Witherell, Tlios. I)., Farmer ( retired i,b. Lester. Vt., s. 18;jfi, p. o. add.De Peyster. 
Wardell, Samuel, Farmer, Ip. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1841, p.o. add. Heuveltou. 
Widriela^ lieo. J., Faruu-r, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. De Peyster. 



EDWARDS. 

Brown, R., .Ir,, Fiinncr, 1>. St. liiiwronce Co., N. Y., 8. 1834, p. o. lulil. Eihvards. 
Biahiip, W. 11., Karmfi-, h. Jc'ffirsoii Co., N. Y., s. 1S5.!, p. o. ailil. South Edwards, 
Uiirlin^aiiif, \V. I., Hotel Proprietor, li.St. Lawrence Oi., N. Y., s. 18;iO, p. o.add. 

Edwards. 
Cleluiid, Tlios , l9t fretired), h. Scotland, B. 1821, p, o. add. Edwards. 
Uecz, .Maria S , Farmer, li. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. lS-^4, p. o. adil. Fnllei villo. 
llaile, ('. V. I retired 1, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1828, (i. o. add. Edwards. 
Harmon, C. L., Farmer, li. E-«ex Co., N. Y., s. IVSO, [i. o. add. Edwards. 
Havens, Josepli, Farmer, li. Saratoga Co., N. Y.,8. 182i), p.o. add. South Edwards. 
ILirnu>n, W. 1'., Farmei and Dair.v, b. St. Lawrence Co., S Y., 8. 1837, p. o. add. 

South Edwjirch. 
Hendricks, J., Lumher Mills, li. (hiweco Co , N. Y'., s. 1845, p. o. add. So, Edwarda. 
Nolile, 'riiomas. Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1810, p. o. a>ld. Edwards. 
Noyes, \V. H., Unilerlaker ami Carriase Mainifi-., Ii. Lewis Co., N. Y., 8. 1857, 

p. o. add. Kilwards. 
I'ratt, Eliza, Fanner, !■. Utica, N. Y., 8. 1834, p. o. add. Edwards, 
rerkiii", A. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Kusliton, II., Miller, b. Kiij;land, s. 1829, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Kaymond, <". K., IJlack<mitli,lt. St. LawrcneoCo., N. Y,, 8. 18.15, p. o.add. Ed ward8. 
Kice, Silas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Smilli, Oeo., Farmer and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S21, p. o. add. 

South Edwards. 
Sherwin, A. 1'., Farmer, 1>. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., 8. 1828, p. o. aild. So. Edwards. 
Webb, H., Farmer and Djiirj, L. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y..«. 1849, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Woolever, llaivey i retired), b. Herkimer ('o., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Winslow, J. II., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1834, p. o. add. Edwards. 
Woocock, J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8, 1834, p. o. add. Edwards. 



FOWLER. 

Austin, Samuel A., Farnn-r and Ilairvnnin, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 18:i8, p. o. add. 

Fowbr. 
Austin, S. H., Ho. el Proprietor at Little York, and Commissionor of Highways, 

b. St. Uiwrence V<t., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. O'ld. Fowler. 
Abs4>Km, Peter, Farim-r and DairyuKiti, b. Lorraine, France, 8. 1832, p. o. add. 

Fowler. 
Burt, Alfred, Farmer and Dairyniiui, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., b. 1822, p. o. add. 

Ciiuverneiir. 
Baxter, C. S., Farmer and Diiirymau, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. 

H:idesbon>ngh. 
linxtor. H. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. LawrenceCo., X. Y.,8. 1840, p. o.add. 

Hutb-slK>rough. 
BaIinat,Cha'4., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 182G, p.o. add. 

Fullerville. 
Bi>;arel, Nirliolac. Farmer and Dairyman, b. Lormine, Franco, s. 1833, p. o. add. 

Shingle Creek. 
Bigarel, Joseph, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Lorraine, France, s. 1833, p. o. add. 

Shingle Creek. 
Barnes, J., Farmer and Dair}-man, b. St. Lawicncc Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. 

Fowhu". 
Crow, A., Farnier (retired), b. Vermont, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Iliiilesborough. 



Crt**, Stephen, Farmer and Dinrvrnan, b. JelTenon Co., N. Y., s. 1S24, p. o. a<ld. 

Hailesborough. 
Cross, Mr-*. Stephen, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1829, p. o. add. Ilailesbonnigh. 
Crtiew, H'-nj , Farmer and Dairyman, b St. I*awronce Co., N.Y.,b. 1h2I, p.o. add. 

IhiilfslKirougli. 
Clark, Chas. A., Merchant Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., t>. 18:J6, p. o. add. 

Hailea bo rough. 
Carpenter, C,. W., Proprietor HailenlKirough Tannery, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. 1801, p. o. add. liitilestHHough. 
Cariienter, J. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. u. 

add. llatlesboniugh. 
Carpenter. C. C, Breeder of Ayrshire Cattle, and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., «. 18;ti», p. o. add. Ilailesb^jrough. 
Coffin, B. F., Pmprietor HHib*j«l>oiough Cheese Factory, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 

8. 1857, j>. o. add. Hnilesboroiigh. 
Davidtton, F. II., Merclmnt and (Jeneral Store, Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y , H. 1831, p. o. tidd. Fullerville. 
Day, John B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. 

llailes borough. 
Fosgate, Ezekiel (retireil). b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. 18;J4, p. o. add. Fowler. 
Farmer, S. M., Farmer and Jusiierj td I»eace, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, 

p. o. add. Htiib'Sboroiigh. 
Farmei', I. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. 

add. (iouveriicur. 
(joodcnough, A. K., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Windham, Vermont, 8. 1831, p. o. 

add.Sldngle (^reek. \ 

Howard, Nelson H., Merehaut Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. 

add. Hailesborough. 
Holmea, Vhas. ]*., Traveling Salesman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., «. 1850, p. o. odd. 

Hailesborough. 
Haile, Fred. H., Fanner, Dairyman, (Jrower and Dealer in Hops, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y'., s. 1844, p. o. add. (iouvorneur. 
Hills, C. A., Farmer and Dairyman, As-iessor, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. 

add. (Jouverneiir. 
Hilts, Francis, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Oneida Cj., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Hailesborough. 
Hogeboon, J»»., Fanner and Dairyman, h. Albany, N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Fowler. 
Ilogebooii, Mr-t. Jiis., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, ji. o. add. Fowler. 
Herrick.R., Farmer a lid Dai ry niiin. b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,8. 1H42, p. it. add. Fowler. 
Johnson, .\bner II., Mercliant, Geiierul Store, and Supervisor, b. Jeffei-son Co., 

N. v., a. 18:i4, p. o. a.ld. Fowler. 
Johnson, C, (i., Farmer ami Dair> man, b. Jeffemon Co., N. V., 8. 1834. p. o. add. 

Fowler. 
Kelley, C. W., Town Clerk and Pt>8tmaster, Merchant, and General Store, b. St. 

'Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 183f., p. o. add. Fowler. 
Kelley, S. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1831, p. o. 

add. Fowler. 
Keye.-*, L. II., Fanner and Dairyman, b. Franklin, Ma83.,8. 1854, p. o.add. Fowler. 
Kilburn, Wm. K., Farmer and Uairvnian, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. 

add^ Fowler. 
McCombSj'jas. T., Merchant and (b-nenil Store, and Postmaster, b.^t. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., 8. 1842, p. ... add. Ilailfsborougli. 
Rich, S. D., Proprietor of Ib>t''l at ILuK-f-borough, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

s. 1831, p. o. add. Hailesborough. 
Khodew, Beloved, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jeffi-rsou Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. add. 

Fowler. 
Rice, Jof I W. C, Farmer, Dairyman, and Local Preacher, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

s. 183'J, p. o. add. Fowler. 
Shippee, Peier J. 1)., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1839, 

p. o. add. Shingle Cre«'k. 
Sartwell. D. C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 183", p. o. add. 

Hailesborough. 
Sweet, Jas. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1H2(J, p. o. add. 

Hailesborough. 
Shippee, Mary, Mother of P. J. D. Shippee, b. Mass., 8. 1838, p. o. add. Shingle Cre<-k. 
Witldo, Shiibael, Ketired Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 18u7, p. o. add. Hailes- 
borough. 
Wight, Abuer, Farmer and Dairyman, Proprietor of Little York Talc Ore Beds, 

b. St. Lawrenctt Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Fowler. 



GOUVERNEUR. 

Abbott, V. P., Attorney and (\)nnselor-at-Law, also Biiukcr, Main at., b. St. 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p, o. add. lioiiverneur. 
Anthony, Charles, Attorney and (.lonnselor-ai-Law, Main 8(., b. Jefferson Co., 

N. v., s. 1832, p. o. add. Couxerneur. 
Aldrich, N., Manufacturer of Lumber. al-.o Supervisor, Main st,, b. Warren, N, 

Y., s. 18i"i7, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Ackernian, Willns, ManuCacturer of Brick and Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

s. 1871, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Biiaifett, J. Anthony, Profe-sor nf Natural Sciences, Grove et., b. Lewis Co., N. 

Y., 8. 187."), p. o. a<ld. Gouverneur. 
Barnes, G. B., I>enial Surgeon, Main st., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 18.V1, p. u. 

add. (lonverneur. 
Bowne, C. H., Dealer in Hardware, William St., b. St. Lawix'uce Co., N. Y., a. 

1820, p. »>. add. Golivernenr. 
Barnes, E. S., Sclmol Ct»m., First District^ cor. Barnes and Park ets., b. St. Law* 

rence Ci>.. N. Y.. s. 1814, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Baldwin, G. K., Phy.<iclan and Surgeon, Main St., b. Essex Co., N. Y.. a. 1873, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Bodinan, S., Fa iiier and Gardener, Johnstown road, b. Hani|Mliire Co., Mass., s. 

18.>7, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Bailey, Osiar W., Manufacturer ami Dealer in Cheese, Little Bow Cornore, b. 

St. [.Jiwrence Co., N. Y., s. 18.'>8, p. o. add. Gimveriietir. 
Brown, K. F , Fanner and Dairying, Carney road, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 

18Jti. p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Beaman, G. P., Farnu-r and Dairying, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,8. 1870, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Bailey, Benjamin L., Farmer and Dairying, b. Winilham, Vt., s. 1857, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Bolton, John, Farmer and Dairying, b. Berks Co., Pa., s. 1809, p. o. add. Gou- 
verneur. 
Blaiidon, l.yman M., Farmer ami Dairying, b. Putney. Vt., s. 1823, p. o. add. 

(iouverneiir. 
Brown. J. C, Farmer and Stone Mason, now deceased, b. Scotland, s. 1829. 
Card A Smith, Phol^tgraphers, I'ark ^t., ]t. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Cutting, A. B., Dealer in tieneral Hardware, Maiu at., b. St. Lawrence Ct>., s. 

ISiUi, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Clark, Jame«, Jr., Farmer and Dairying: b. St. Lawrence Co., s. 1832, p. o. add. 

Goinerneur. 
Conkliti, N. J., Presbyterian Clergyman, b. Livingston &)., N. Y., s. 1860, p. o. 

adtl. Gouverneur. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



513 



Carpenter, A. S., Kiiriiui- iiml Diilryhip, b. St. Lhwr'hcc Co., N. Y., g. 1»24, p. o. 

a«I«l. (Jiiiivfrricm-. 
CaqientiT, .[. B., J'hysiciim ami Surgcuti, h. AmsU'nluoi, N. Y., s. lS*.il, ji, o. 

:n|i|. Uoiivt-rneur. 
CViItnii, R. I,.. Farmer nnrl Daiiyiiig, b.St. Lawieiico Cii., \. Y., u. 1852, p.o.arl.l. 

(iouvt'i-iu'iir. 
Curbin, Amiuia, F)triii<-i- and Diiiryinj;, b. Berkshiro Co., Jlass., 8. 18;iO, p. o. 

nilti. Otmvcrnctir. 
Cux, F. L., KiHtur of Gnuv.-rtu in Jlcmlti, Pmk at., b. Cnlpcpi.-r, Va., 8. 1872, 

p. II. mil]. tiiMivoriKMir. 
Dickaoii, J. II., MiTclmnt Tailor, Main St., b. St. Lawrcnco Co., s. 1844, p. o. 

a<UL OuuviTnciir. 
Drappr, (ii-nrKc Stuv.-s and Gi-iUTal Tiiisnntli, Main st., b. jL-fft-rson Co., X. Y., 

s. isCiI, |i. o. add. (Jouvcrneiir. 
Dean. ihUi'ii, Mannliicturt-r of Lnnibi-r, NatuiMJ Dam, b. Orant^c Oi., N. Y., s. 

LSGn, p. .1. mill. GullViTtiiMir. 
Piiily, Alien, Snpvriniendfnt ol Shinglo-mill, Natural Dam, b. Tiogn, I'a., s. 

1870, p. o. add. Gouvfrni'iir. 
Driikr, Uenjamin, Farmer and Dairying, b. rSt. Lawrent-p O)., N. Y., 8. 1825, 

p. It. luld. (JMnvcrni-nr. 
Da\v8t'y, J.isiph, Pniprit-tor »>f Store, Smith's Mills, I.. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

H. I8.'J8, i>. (>. aiiil. Gonvernour. 
Daily, Henry, Farming an>I Dairying, b. Lisbon, s. 185:J, p. o. add. Gouvornenr. 
Dodds. llobort, Farmer and Dairying, now dfcoaaed, Smith's Mills, b. St. Law- 
rence fill., N. Y., 8. 1H23. 
Dodgp, Kdwin, Attorney and Counaelor-at-Law, b. Litchfield, Conn., 8. 1820, 

p. o. aild. Giuivorneur. 
Easton, .luM. It,, Blacksmilhing, Ciirriago-Ironing, Wagon-Yoking, and General 

Jobbing, Smith's Mills, b. Brock ville, Canada, 8. 1809,p.o.add.GouverMOiir. 
Eggleston, Joel M., Furnier and Dairying, Carney road, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. 187">, p. o. add. (ionverneur. 
Farmer, (J. S.. I'hysieian itnd Surgeon, b. St. Lawrcneo Co., N. Y., a. 1850, p. o. 

add. Gouvernour. 
Fredunburjili, Gen. T., Farmer and Dairying, Johnstown road, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y.. 8. lH:til, p. o. jidd. Gonvernenr. 
Fry, A., Farmer and Dairying, Carney i-oad, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. 

add. Gonvernour. 
Freeman A Farley, Livery and Sale Stable, p. o. add. Gouvorneur. 
Goilard, A,, President of A. Godard's Bank, Main St., p. o. add. Gouvorneur. 
Goodrich, V. M., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence t'o., N. Y., 8. 18.">1. 
Griffith, W. S., Farmer and Dairying, Griffith's Bridge, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Hill, Andrew, Fanning and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S29, p. o. 

a<id. Gonveiiu'Ur. 
Hunt, H. W., Principal of Gouverneur Wealeyan Seminary, Grovo St., b. Mia- 

flisfjue (.lo., Canaibi, s. 1S70, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Hoover, 11. 1!., Livery ami Sale Stable, Clinton st., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

18."»9, p. I), add. (JouverniMir. 
Herring, William, Kiirmer and Dairying, Johnstown road, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., 8. 18:J2, p. o. add. Gonvei nenr. 
Herring, W. &. Co.,Manufaeturers and Dealers in Leather, Main 8t.,l>. Jefferson 

Co., N. Y., s. 1870, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Holmes, .\. J., Superintendent of Mills, Natural Dam, b. Westford, Vt., a. 1844, 

p o. add. Gouverneur, 
Hall, Barnabas, Farmer and Dairying, b. Niagara Co., N. Y.,-8. 1837, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Hall, Kdward, Farmer and Dairying, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Hartley, S. F., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1838, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Hilts, W. J., Farmer and Dairying, b. Oi.eida Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Hill, .lames, Farmer ati'l Cabinet-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1820, 

p. o. aihi. Gouverneur. 
Johnson, Jolin, Farmer and Dairying, b. Fulton Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. 

Somerville. 
Jackson, S. J., Groceries and Provisions, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Jepson, A. K., Dry Goods, Groceries, etc., Mam St., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

s. 1^4:1, p. 0. add. Gouverneur. 
Johnson, D. A., AtUirney and Counselor-at-Law, Main st., b. Kent, Mich., 8. 

I.'*!'.!, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
L;islibrooka, K., Farmer and Dairiing. Carney road, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8. 

18;i(i, p. o. add. Wegatcbie. 
Merritt, F, K., Main utreet. 
Maclean, .V. M., Physician ami Surgeon, Main St., b. Ontario Co,, N. Y., s. 1875, 

p. II. add. Gouverneur. 
Murray, Andrew, Farmer and Dairying, b. Berkshire, Scotland, b. 1834, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Mcintosh, Janiert, Farming and Woolen Manufacturer, Juhiifstown road, b. Al- 
bany Co., N. Y., a. 18-'>:i, ji. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Mi.\, Henry O., Farming and Dairying, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 180G, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Manwin, Alick, Tailor and Farmer, b. Scotland, s. ISfiU, p. o. add. Gouvernpur. 
Norton, A. E., Insumnue Business, Main St., b. Pittsfield, Mass., p. o. add. Gouv- 
erneur. 
Nichols, <;. W., Farmer (now retired), b. St. Lawrouco Co., N. Y., 8. 18U, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Michuls, W. H., Farmer an<l Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 184(», p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Olds, P., Farmer, Saw- and (Jrist-nuU, Smith'.s Mills, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 

1S57, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Peck, Dani(d, Proprietor of Fuller House, Main st., b. Rutland, Yt., 8. 1837, p. o. 

add. G'iuverneur. 
I'arker, ('. A., Attorney aixl CounaoIor-at-Law, Main st., b. St. Lawrcuotj Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1821, p. o. add. Gouvernenr. 
Putter, Anson A., Clerking, Main Bt., b. Joffereon Co., N. \'., 6. 1871, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Reynolds, J. M., Jr., Watch-maker an<t Jeweler, Main 8t.,b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. ISeri, p. (I. add Gouvernenr. 
Rhodes, A. S , Phobtg raphe r, .Main »t., b, St. Lawrence (>)., N. Y., «. 1818, p. o. 

a'ld. Gouverneur. 
lieynotds. II. G., Kdilor of Gouverneur Herald^ Park st., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. 1873, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Spencer, .lames, Jr., Dental Surgeon, Main at., b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 

lK4o, p. o. add. (ionverneur. 
Speuter, Mrs. II. K. (ri'tii-ed), Main st., p. o. aild. Gouverneur. 
Sndtli, F. II., Farmer, Johnstown road, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 18^)7, p. o. add. 

Gouvernenr. 
Seaman, Wallace, Superintendent of Planing-uiill, NatumI Dam, b. Jefferson 

Co., N. Y., 8. 1K4G, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Shaw, Fred. W., iJenoral Foreman, Natural Dam, b. Warren Co., N. Y., 8. 18G5, 

p. o. adil. llduverni-ur. 
Sloat, E. v.. Superintendent ol Shitigb-mill, Natural Dam, b. Jefferson Co., N. 

Y., s. 1874, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Seaman, Alfred, Farming and Dairying, Little Bow nmd, b. St. Ijiwrence Co., 

N. Y., s. IK22, p. o. aitil. (Gouverneur. 
Smith, Samuel, Farndng and Dairying, b. St. I*awrenc« Co., N. Y., s. I8:t3, p. o. 

add. Gouvorneur. 

65 



Suddf4, W. F., Music Dealer, also CompoOTr, Main ■(., p. n. mW. nonronioitr. 
Smith, Henry, Farming and Dairying, b. St. Lawrwnee Cu., N. Y., s. 1815, p. o. 

luld. Gouverneur. 
Smith, K.C., Farming and Dairying, b.St. Lawrcnc« Co., N. Y.,b. 1840, p.o. add, 

Gouverneur. 
Smith, J. K., Fanning and Dairying, b. rrankUii Co., N. Y., %. 1837. p. o. adil. 

Kichville. 
Taltt, G. P., Dry Goods, Groceries, Hats, Caps, etc., Main si., b. St. Luwreuce Co^ 

N. Y.,8. 18^19, p. o, a<ld. Gouverneur. 
Thnmimon, J. H., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrcoce Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Till nbuil. J. C, Carriage Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrenc« Co., N. Y., a. 1»W0, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Townh y, H. J.. Pa.stor of Baptist Church, Church St., b. Oneida C*t., N. Y., s. 1876, 

p. i>. add. (iouverrn-ur, 
Vaughn, John, Cutting and Tailoring, Slain st., b. Longfonl, Ireland, b. 1858, 

p. o, add. Gouverneur. 
Van Buren, J. B., Proprietor of Van Duren Home, Halo at., b. SL Lawrence Cu,, 

N. Y., 8. 18Jr>, p. o. add. Gouvernenr. 
Van Buren, Wm., Farmer and Dairying, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. IK21, 

p. o. add. tJouvorneur. 
Vernon, W. II., Superintendent of Talc Works, Natural Dam, b. Lanciishire. 

Eng., 8. 187U, p. o. add. Gouvernenr. 
Van Buren, Maria C. (retired^, Main st., b. Lewis Co., N. Y., 8. IH^H, p. o. add. 

Gouverneur. 
Whitney, Wm., Druggist, President of Village, Main Bt., p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Willsoii, W. B., Farmer and Dairying, b.St. .VIban's, Vt.,8. 1862, p. i>. add. Gouv- 
erneur. 
Whitney, T. J, Marble- and Stone-Cutting, Barnes, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 

1S50, p. u. add. Gouverneur. 
Walling, Wm., Shoeuuiker (retired). Natural Dam,b. Washington, s. 1819, p. o. 

add. Gouverneur. 
Willnon, R<)bert, Farming and Clearing Land, b. Yorkshire, Eug., s. 1822, p. o. 

jwld, Gouvernenr. 
Whitney, D. J., Marble- and Stone-Cutting, Barnes, b. St, Lttwrenco Co., N. Y., 

8. 1848, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 



HAMMOND. 

.\lk'n, Thomas, Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1839, p. o. add. North 

Hammoiitl. 
Allen, Stewart, Farmer and Owner Allen's Dock, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

I84u, p. o. add. North Hammond. 
Allen, Alex., Merchant and Salesman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 184ti, p. o. 

add. Hammond. 
Allen, Peter, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Uammond. 
BnrnH, William, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1840, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Blackman, F. W. A., Proprietor of Tannery, b. St. Lawrence C!o., N. Y., 8. 1823, 

p. o. aild. Hsmmond. 
Blackman, G. B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 1828, p. o. add.ilammoQd. 
Cuihbei t, William, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1830, p. o. add. Uammond. 
Carpenter, A. C., Merchant and Salesman, b. St. Lawrence t/o., N. Y., b. 1834, 

p. o. aild. Haniuiond. 
Ellsworth, C. E., Miller and Druggist, Hospital Steward 142d N. Y. Regt., b. 

MorriBtown, N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Evans, Reuben, Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1S38, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Forrester, W. A., Merchant and Custom Otticer, Chippeway Buy, b. Canada, 8. 

18.30, p. o. add. Uammond. 
Forrester, Michael, Farmer and Lumberman, b. Canada, s. 1830, p. o. add. North 

Uammond. 
Faichney, W. E. A., Carriage Manufacturer and General BlackBmilh, b. Jcffenon 

Co., N. Y., s. 1873, p. 0. adil. Uammond. 
Foster, U. A., Prop. Hammond Sandstone (Juarries, b. St. Lawnuco Co., N. Y., 

B. 1839, p o. add. Uammond. 
Gregor, David, Farmer, b. Scotlanil, s. 1S18, i*. o. add. HamDiond. 
Gregor, Dr. A. R., Phys. and Surg., Gnuluate Geneva Med. Coll., N. Y., 184G, 

b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o. add. Uammond. 
Gregor. Alex,, Farmer, Overseer, and Potirmastf, b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o. add. 

Hammond. 
Hammond, Ethan R., Farmer and Miller, b. Clinton Cck, N. Y., b. 1830, p.o. add. 

North Hammi»nd. 
Hemlerson, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, b. 1831, p. o. a*ld. Hammond. 
Henderson, Andrew, Farmer, aged 82, b. Scotland, s. 1832, i>. o. twld. Hammond. 
Henderson, James, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 18;J2, p. o. add. Hammond. 
King, H. C, Farmer, b. S(. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Kei8e>,.Eliiu<, Farmer and Choosc-maker, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 180ti, p. o. a<ld. 

Hauunond. 
Langhlin, M. L., Teacher, School Com. 12 years, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 

lS2o, p. o. luld. Hammond. 
Lyon, Harvey (2d), Proprietor Lumber- and Steam-mills, J ualio- two terms, Elder 

Presb. Church, b. Wa?ihington Co., N. Y., s. ISI3, p. o. add. N. Hammond. 
Miller,Siimuel, Farmer and Machinist, b. Scotland, 8. 1843. p. >>. add. Hammond. 
More, James S., Merchant, Farmer, Supervisor six terms, b. Scotland, s. 18;tl, p. o. 

add. North ILunmoud. 
Mt>ore, David, Sr., Farmer, b. Scotland, f. 1832, p. o. add. North Hammond. 
Moore, Davi<l, Jr., Fanner, b. Scotland, a. 18:19, p. o. add. North llammtuid. 
McGregor, R. B., Farmer and Blacksmith, b. So)lland, s. 18M, p. o. add. North 

Hammond. 
Nicol, Andrew, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Norton, Jeremiah, Fanner, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,s. 182';, p.o. add. Hammond. 
Norton, Annie, Wife of Jeromiah Norton, b. St. Lawreuco Co., N. Y., s. 184.'i, 

p. o. add. Hammond. „ „ « 

Philli|w. Samuel, Farmer and Teacher, b. St. LawronceCtK, N. T., b. 1835, p. o. 

add. Uammond. ,, -. , /> 

Parmetor, Demaniuis, Prop. Hammond S«nds^■ne Qiiarnos, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. \., 8. I8l'>, p. o. add. Hammond. 



Roilger, Robert, Farmer and t 'arpenter, b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. o. nd<l. Hammond. 
Rodger. Riitherfonl, Farmer and Builder, b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. o. add. North 

Hai.imond. 
Robinson, Silas, Farmer an«i Slock-nuser. b. > I., s. 1848, p. o. a 

Rodger, William, Farmer, b. S.'ollan.l, «. ISll, p. .►. add. Hamn 
Rodger, Andrew, Farmer, b. Scotland, a. Is.U, p. o. add. Hamm 
Rutherford, Thonuis, Farmer, b. Scotland, t. I8(;9, p. o. mid. Ha 



Hai.imond. , , ,, , 

Robinson, Silas, Farmer an«i Stock-miser, b. > I., s. 1848, p. o. add. Iliunmontl. 
■ • ' ■ , isil, p. »►. add. Hammontl. 
llammonil. 
Hammond. 

Rutherfonl, James J., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence I'o., N. Y.,8. IM2, 
p. I., add. Uannuond. 

Sop'^r Man*hall B., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1839, p. o. add. N»irth Uammond. 

Stllon, W. F., Tinsmith and Hanlwaro Merchant, b. Jeff. Co., N. Y., b, 1871, p. o. 
add. Hanini'Oid. 

Shields, William. Farmer and Trustee Firft Presb. Church, b. Soolland, s. Dt29, 
p. o. i;dd. lUntmond. 

Smilher*. Kmw. Karnur. b. St. Ijiwn'nce CV., N. Y , •. 184.3. p.rt.ndd. Hammnnd. 

Stone, Jium-s A.. Pr«p. Siiwing-, Planing*. Shingle-, and Fecd-milN, b. St. Law- 
rence Co , S. Y., s. 1870, p. o. mid. Ilauimontl. 



514 



HISTORY OF ST. LAW11P]NCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Storie, Theudore D., Prop. Sawing-, Pinning-, Shfnglo-, and Feed-mills, b. St. 

Lawreiicu Co., N. Y., 8. 187tj, p. u. mid. Uuniinond. 
Storiv, Kredttrlck J., Prop. Sawing-, IMuniii);;-, Shingle , and Feed-mills, Ii. St. 

Lawruucu Co., N. Y., «, 1h7(», p. u. add, Ilaiiiniund. 
WiUwn, Dr. C. M., Phys. and SniK-, Oriul. IJellovuu Med. Col., N. Y., b. St. Law- 

reuco Co., N. Y., a. 1^4.^, p. o. add. Ilammund. 
Wilson, William M , Farnu-r, li. Scutland, a. I8,tu, p. o. add. Norlh Ilaniuinnd. 
Wright, S. B., Foruier, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1833, p. o. add. Uammond. 
Wilson, John i>.. Far inor, .\Bse88or seven ycara, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 

I83A, p (I. add. Nortli Hanirnoiid. 
Yunni;,Satn'I,<-'oiiK'I Minister, b.Oni-ida Co., N.Y., 8. 1819, p. o. add.N. Harnmonil. 
Zvllai , n. F., Rnmrr, b. Otsego I'o., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. adil. Hamnmnd. 
Zellar, A. F.. Karnu r, h. Otsego Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. aiid. Ilammund. 
Zellar, Charlotle, Wile of H. F. Zidlar, b. St. Lawrence C<j., N. Y., b. 1823, p. o. 

add. Hammond. 



HERMON. 

Barnnm, O. L., Farmer, b. Jefforson i'o., N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. aild. Hernion. 

JtlisH, Dr. O., Dentist, b. Ksaex Co., N. Y., 9. 184U, p. o. add. Hermon. 

BubLock, '/.. W., Cabinet-maker, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1848, p. o. add, 

Hermon. 
Hiown, W. C, Attorney-at-Law, b. Canaila, s. 184G, p. o. aild. Hermon. 
IJnrrows, L., Mhuk-suiith and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co. ,N. Y., e. 1831, p. o. add. 

Ilernion. 
Brown, E. K., Pastor of Baplitit Church, b. St. Lawreuco Co., N. Y.,8. 1840, p. o. 

add. Hermon. 
Ciuig, F. W., Carriage I'ainter, b.St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. Her- 

m m. 
Campbell, L. W , Fanner and Carriage Painter, b. JefTeraon Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, 

p. o. add. Hi'mion. 
Cory, A. A., Carpenter, Joiner, and Farmer, b. Lewis Co.,N. Y.,8. 1832, p.o.add. 

Hermon. 
Dodge, W. M. (retired), b. Kent Co., Conn., b. 1837, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Davis, Ira, Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N Y., s. 18oii, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Day, H. W., Lawyer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 183.'>, p. o. add. Hcmion. 
Day, John, Farmer, b. Oriei<la Co., N. Y., 8. lS'.i5, p. o, add. Hermon. 
Karlc, C. P., Printer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1858, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Karle, O. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence ('o., N. Y., s. 1826. 
Farnsworth, A. V., Farmer and Dairy, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. 

HormoD. 
Gardner, John, Lumber Merchant, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. 

Hermon. 
Gardner, Asa, Lumberman and Contractor, Trout Lake, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. 

Y., 9. 1848, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Gilniore, W 1>., Carpenter and Joiner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1822, p. o. 

add. Hermon. 
Gilmore, F., Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S61, p. o. add. Hermon 
Gates, A. F., Cheese-factory and Farmer, b. Jefferson Co.,N. Y.,8. 1837, p. o. add. 

Hermon. 
Uealy, R., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y'., 8. 1816, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Haile, J. J., Grocer and Town Clerk, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1829, p. o. add. 

Hermon. 
Kelly, James, Prop, of Carriage Manufactory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, 

p. o. add. Hermon. 
Lynde, D. S., General Merchant, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8.18.^0, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Matteson, A. A., Dealer in Hardware, and Supervisor, 8. 1857, p. o. add. Heimon. 
Morgan, K. D. (retired;, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1818, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Morgan, K. fileceased), b. Maseachusetts. 

MeCoUiini, John, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1812, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Itiisbeck, Wm., Farmer, b. Lewis t.'o., N. Y., a. 1S37, p. o. add. Hermon. 
St*'wart, A. J., Farmer, b. St. Ijawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Stewart, P. ((ieceasetl), b. Miissachusetts, s. 181(1. 
Scripter, W. M., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Thornhill, Thos,, Farmer, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Hermon. 
White, E. B., Attorney and Counselor-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y a 

18.i3, p. o. add. Hermon. 
Wood, C. D., Meat-market ami Buililer, b. St. Liiwrence Co., N. Y., b. 1829, p. o. 

add. Herinun. 



HOPKINTON. 

Converse, Parker, Fanner, p. o. add. Ilopkiuton. 

Chittenden, Clark S., Merchant, b, Vermont, a. 1823, p. o. add. Uopkinton. 

Eastman, Wm. E., Retired Farmer, p. o. add. Fort Jackson. 

Henderson, 1>. F., Farmer, b. Kew York, 8, 1830, p. o. add. Hopkinton. 

Hopkins, Judge Koswell, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., a. 1814, p. o. add. Hop- 
kinton. 

Kellotig, F. N., Merchant, b. New York, 8. 1848, p. o. add. Fort Jackson. 

Lawrence, Royal, Farmer and Starch Manufacturer, p. o. add. Fort Jackson, 

Langhlin, T. H., Retired Fanner, p. o. add. Hupkinlon. 

Phelps, Miss L. M., Retired Teacher, b. Vermont, a. 1821, p. o.add. Hopkinton. 

Rowell, Mrs. M. A. (husband Harnesa-niaker and Farmer), b. New York, 8.1830, 
p. o. iidd. Hopkinton. 

Shrrldou, Mre. Sarah D., p. o. add. Fort Jackson. 

Sheldon, Asa U., Farmer (deceased), b. New York, s. 1808. 

Smith, George, Farmer, b. Vermont, b. 1837, p. o. add. Hopkinton. 



LAWRENCE. 

Atnswortli, U. R., Painter, b. Vermont, s. lSt;i, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Airiswortb, Mrs. E. R., Milliner, b. Vermont, s. 182G, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Bugbue, I). L., Attorney and CounsuIor-at-Law, b. Vermont, e. 1842, p. o. add. 

Lawreiicovillo. 
Babcock, C. H., Prop, of Flouring-ndlU and Butter Manufactt>ry, b. Essex Co.. 

N. v., ». I86(i. p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Babcock, B. D., Miller, b. Vermont, m. 1800, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Blish, W. C. Retired Merchant and Carriage Manufacturer, b. Clinton Co., N. 

Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. Lawrencevllle. 
Brewster, Frederick, Proj>. of Flouring-mills and Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 183S, 

p o. atid. Lawrenceville. 
Hurt, M. C, Hoot and Shoe Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1828, 

p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Berry, George, Stock Merchant and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., s. 1848, p. o. 

add. North Lawrence. 
■ tVinlin, M. B., Furniture Merchant and Brt>ker, b. Ireland, s. 1837, p. o. add. 

North Lawrence. 
Clumdler, Philo S., Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1803, p. o, add. Nicholville. 



Carpenter, John F., Physician and Surgeon (deccaied), b. Washingtun Co., N. Y., 

p. 1830. 
Carpenter, Mrs. Emily B., b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1S30, p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Dnpee, Israel, Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer and General Blacksniitb, b. 

Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1871. p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Dana, E. M., General Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. 

Lawrenceville. 
Duntoti, Harlow E., Physician and Surgeon, b. Vermont, a. 1877, p. o. add. 

Norlh Lawience. 
Day, Lyman, Merchant and Starch Manufacturer (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1814, 

p. o. iidd. Nicholville. 
Fortune, Wm., Farmer and ex-Supervisor, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p.o.add. 

Nicholville. 
Fortune, <'arr, Retired Tanner, and Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y., 8. 1814, p. o.add. 

Nicholville. 
Fortuiu', Huldah.b. Canton, St. Lawrence C4j.,N. Y.,b.1H33, p. o. a<id. Nicholville. 
Ferris, T. H., ex-County Clerk and Superintendent Schools, b. Vermont,*. 1840, 

]). o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Griffith, T. H., Pjistor Lawrenceville Congregational Church, b. Wales, s. 1873, 

p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Graves. Newtttn, Phywcian and Surgeon, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., a. 1877, p. o. 

add. North Lawrence. 
Hill, J. P., Retired Merchant and Farmer, b. Warren Co., N. Y., 8. 1843, p. o. 

add. Lawrenceville. 
Hedding, Harley, Farmer (deceased), b. Vermont, a. 1826. 

Hedding, Harley, Farmer, b. Franklm Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Hurlburd, Lucius, Starch Mnfr. and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1813, 

p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
HurllMini, Luther, Farmer (deceased), b. Vermont, a. 1806. 

Lancto, J. Henry, .\gent on Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad, b. Jef- 
ferson Co , N. v., a. 1857, p. o. add. North Lawrence. 
Merrill, Dyer L , Farmer, Mnfr., and Merchant, b. Vermont, s. 1840, p. o. add. 

Nicholville. 
Martindale, J. A., Retired Merchant and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

1832, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
McEwen, Ransom, Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1831, p. o. add. LaMrencevillo. 
McEuen, A. E., Farmer an<l ox-Supervisor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, 

p. o. adil. Lawrenceville. 
McCollestcr, C, Prop Bnlter-tub and Pail Factory, b. New Hampshire, B. 1877, 

p. o. add. North Lawrence. 
NewlHiid, Peabody, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1829, p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Olin, Joseph, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1803. 
Phelps, Lnnian J., Retired Farmer and Prop. Meat-market, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1840, p. 0. add. North Lawrence. 
Pratt, Mrs. L. G., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1808, p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Pratt, llev. Silas. Minister Baptist Church, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. 

Nicholville. 
Palmer, Hon. R.S,, Merclmnt and Retired Farmer. Membci' Assembly, ami Jus- 
tice, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., b. 1838, p. o. add. Norlh Lawrence. 
Rockwell, L. M., Druggist and Prop. Seed Farm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 

1829, p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Stacy, (Jeorgo B., Attorney and Couneelor-at-Law, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1835, p. o. add. Nicliolville. 
Smith, Hiram D., Physician and Surgeon, b. Vermont, a. 1856, p. o.add. Nicholville. 
Sherar, James, Produce Broker, Farmer, and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Nicholvilh-. 
Sanford, E. J., Wagon and Carriage Mnfr., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, 

p. o. add, Nicholville. 
Simonds, Emma and Eva, Milliners and Dress-makers, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1854. p. o. add. Nicholville. 
Shepard, Hon. O. F., Farmer, Surveyor, and ex-Member Assembly, b. Vermont, 

8. 1826, p. 0. add. Lawrenceville. 
Smith, Charles B., Fanner, b. Essex Co., N. Y., 8. 1836, p. o. odd. Lawrenceville. 
Taggart, AVm. S., Farmer and Produce Broker, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. 

Nicholville. 
Witter, Henry C, Fanner and Lumberman, b. Vermonl,s.l840, p. o.add. Nichol- 
ville. 
Wood, Hiram, Retired Fanner, b. Vermont, a, 1838, p o. add. Nicholville. 
Whitney, Barney, Superintendent Schools and Retired Farmer, b. Franklin Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1857, p. o. add. Lawrenceville. 
Witherell, L. J., Clerk Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Kuilroad, b. St. Law- 
rence Co., 8. 1854, p. o. add. North Lawrence. 



LISBON. 

Axtell, H. E., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1814, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
jVkin, David, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 18iil, p. o. ad'i. Lisbon. 
Akin, Gilbert, Farmer, b. Sr. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1829, p. o. add. Wadilington. 
Arnold, Thomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1806, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 
Akin, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1838, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Armstrong. T. 11., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Baldwin, George S., Fanner and Teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1843, 

p. o. add. Lisbon t!entre. 
Briggs, Wm., Farmer antl ex Member Assembly, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 

1808, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Bailie, Jas. W., Farmer and Builder, b. Ireland, a. 1843, p.o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Bennett, Andrew, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1844, p. o, add. Rensselaer Falls. 
Bush, John C, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1826, p. o. mid. Flackville. 
Baldwin, George, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Boice, Wm., Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y.,s. 1805, p.o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Boothroid, Wm., Farmer, b. England, a. 1827, p. o. add. Flackville. 
Cniig, J. F., Farmer, b. England, s. 182G, i>. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Craig, Henry. Farmer, b. England, s. 1851, p. o. add. Usbon Centre. 
Craig, Wm., Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1809, p. o. iidd. Lisbon Centre. 
Cruikshank, Wm. H., M.D., b. Irel.md, ». 1851, jt. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Chanil.ei-8, J. S., Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Flackville. 
Chambers, John, Farmer, l>. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1805, p. o. add. Flackville. 
Chambers, George, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1811, p.o. add. Lisbon 

Centre, 
Ca<Iy, C. S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18.S5, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Cody, H. N., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. lS:i4,p. o. adri. Lisl'on Centre. 
Cline, Patrick, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Crane, James, Farmer, b. Vei*mont, s. 1849, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Clark, John K., Merchant, b. Franklin Co., N. Y.,h. 1845, p. o.add. Lisbon Centre. 
Dillingham, Simeon, Farmer, I. . Washington Co.. N. Y.,b. 18:W, p.o.add. Lisbon. 
Doud, Thomas, Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 18;^, p. \>. add. Ogden.sburg. 
Dollar, Thomaa, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1840, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 
Dollar, R. H.. Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1840, p. o. odd. Heuvelton. 
Dailey, Samuel W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. T., s. 1846, p. o. add. Lisbon 

(Centre. 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



-> /6 



Flack, G. P., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre* 
Flack, Wm. V., Farmer (ilocf;i3e(i), b. St. Lawience Cn., N. Y., a. 1817. 
Flack, .Iiilia A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrenci- (^o., N. Y.,s. ISli), p. o, aiM. Fla';kville. 
Forbes, riiamieey H., Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y.,8. 1.H.=>1, p, o. add. Oj^dtiiisburK. 
Flack, WilbcrC, Farmer, b. St. La\vr-.-nceCo., N. Y., a. l84(J,i». o.adil. Kbickvilk-. 
Flack, Jnbn, Fartm-r, I.. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. islO, p. n. add. Flackv ille. 
Forsyth, Walter W., Farrnor, b. St. Lawrencn Co., N. Y.,m. 1833, p. o. add. Liahun 

Centre. 
Fnlinn, David, Farmer (iloceascd), b. Washington Co., N. Y., 8. 18o:i. 
Fnltiu, Alexandi-r, Fanner, b. WashinKt*in Co., N. Y., 8. 1803, p. o. add. Morluy, 
Faiiburn, Win., Fanner, b. In-larid, s. 184U, j). o. add. Ogdt-nsbnrg. 
Gray, Wni., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1k4'.(, p. o. add. Waddin^tou. 
Gondell, GeiirKc, Farmer, b. Vi-rmnnt, 8. I8;i0. p. o. add. Morley. 
Graham, James. Farmer, b. Irtdatul, t<. 182.'), p. o. add. Lisbi'U Centre, 
Hanna, David, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s. 1«1S, p. o, add. Lisbon Ceiitri-. 
Harper, Thomas, Fai nn-r, b. Kn;;land, a. 1857, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Harjier, Jas. J., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. I8:i3, p. o. aiid. L sbon Centre. 
Harper, John, Fanner, li. Ireland, s. 1833, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Harper, Albert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. u. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Haiti, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add Lisbon Centre. 
Heckles, Ruth, Farmer, b, Irehmd. s. 1837, p. o. jidd. Morley. 
Hudge, .John D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 9. 1824, p. o. add. Morley. 
Junes, Artemas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Jones, G. W.,FanniT, b. New York, s. 1830, p. o. add. M.irley. 
Jones, Josiah, Mini^^ter (deceased), b. Massaehneetts, s. 1835. 
Kenyon, T. U., Waginiand Carriage Mainifaeturer, b. Jeffrrson Co., N. Y., s. 1866, 

p. o. add. Li.-tbon Centre. 
Kent, John, Proprietor Flouring-milla, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. 

add. Lisbon Centre. 
Lytic, David G., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., a. 1807, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Livingstone, Wm. B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 1850, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Lytle, Wm. K., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Lytle, David, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1816, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Lytle, Andrew, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., e. 1816, p, o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Lowry, H. N.. Farmer, b. Canada, 8.1847, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Liddell, Jas., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence C-o., N. Y., 8. 1835, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Livingston, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add Morley. 
McFadden, John S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1834, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Martin, Alex. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. ISll, p. o. atlit. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Moncrief. Augustus, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. add. Flack- 

ville. 
MadiU, Arlesta, Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1830, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
McFadden, Samuel, Fat iner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Mc('urmick, Adam, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1834, p. o. adtl. Lisbon Centre. 
McFadden, George, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 18IC, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Mackley, Stephen, Farmer, b. England, s. 1818, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Martin, L. K., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1844, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
McFadden, Rlrs. Hester, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 183G, p. o. add. 

Heuveltiin. 
Mackey, Patrick, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1826, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls. 
McCullough, John, Farmer, b. Si. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Hen- 

veiton. 
McIIwee, John, Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1849, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls. 
McIIwee, S. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Rensselaer 

Falls. 
Montgomery, A. H., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1859, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
Martin, James, Farmer, b. St. LawrencoCo., N. Y.,8. 1810, p. o.add. Lisbon Centre. 
Martin, Ri^bi-rt, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Li8l)on ('entre. 
Martin, J. C, Farmer, li. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 182ii, p. u. add. Lisl-iui Centre. 
Martin, Jos., Farmer, b. Waaliington Co., N. Y., s. 1801, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre, 
Martin, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,6. 1840, p. o.add. Lisbon Centre. 
Mayne, Thamas, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1839, j). o. add. Henvelton. 
McBalh, Thumas, Farmer, b. Canada, 8. 1822, p. o. add. Morley. 
Newl.y, John. Farmer, b. England, s. 1823, p. o. add. Morley. 
Niotli, James, Farmer, b. Etigland, s. 1833, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre. 
NiglitingHle, Alfred, Farmer, b. Vermont, 8. 1828, p. o. add. Rensselaer Falls. 
U'Neill, Amirew, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
O'Brien, C-ftrneliuB, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1837, p. o. add. Morley. 
Piatt, 0. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841. p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Powell, John W., Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Paul, A., Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1837, p. o. add. Flackvilie. 
Putney, John L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1814, p. ti. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Richardson, Peter, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1842, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Reynolds, W. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1809, p. o. atbl. Li.sbon 

Centre. 
Rcibinson, Joseph 10., Farmer, b. New Hampshire,rt. 18'»4, p. o. atld. IJsbon Centre. 
Hay, H. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N'. Y., s. 184:*, p. o. add. Flackvilie. 
R/-ger, Lilly, Farmer, b. Irelaml, 8. 1820, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Sanderson, Onmon, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., e. 1818, p. o. a4ld. Wud- 

dington. 
Scott, J. D., Farm , b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1831, p. o. add. Lisbon. 
Soper, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. ISlo, p. o. add, Lisbon Centre. 
Slieldon, J.W,, Farmer, b.St. LawnmceCo., N. V.,s. lK3ii, p,o.a<ld. Lisbon Centre. 
Sbeblon, John V., Farmer, b. K'<sex Co., N, Y., s, 18Uf<, p. o. add. Lisbon Centre, 
Shcblon, John, Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1810, p,o. add Lisbon Centre, 
Scott, Adam, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p, o. add. Heuvelton. 
Sheldon, Isaac, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1813, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Simpson, Henry J., Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 6. 1846, p. o. add. 

Lisbon Centre. 
Spiifford, Thomas, Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add. Lislhin Centre. 
Tuck, Andrew, Farmer, b. St. I^awrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o, add. Fhtckville. 
Tt»tld, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence C«)., N. Y., 8. 1854, p. o. a«ld. Morley. 
Thompson, John W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. u. add. Lis- 
bon Centre. 
Taylor, Robert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1822, p. o. add. Lisbon 

Centre. 
Tait, R^ibcrt S., Farmer, b, Scotland, s. 1834, p. o. add. Morb-y, 
Veitch, David, Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N, Y.,8. 1825, p, o.add. Lisbon Centre. 
Wells, Samuel, Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. IS'il, p. o.add. Lisbon Centre. 
Wood, Win., Farmer, b. Kngland, 8. 18;kt, p. ... add. Waddiugton. 
Wood, Wm., Farmer, b. Ireland, ». 1840, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Woorl, W. II., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 18-14, p. o. add. <)g<lensbnrg. 
Whitney, Isa-ic (cb-ceased), li. Ma^»»chu--'ett.'*, s. IKa'i. 

Whitney, Hiram, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1808, p. o. add. Morb-y. 
Wright, Thomas (deceaseil), b. Connecticut, s. lsl-1. 



Wright, T. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawnmce Co., N. Y., i. 182ri, p. a »4d. Morlev. 
Wh.-ater. Benj. D., Farmer, b, Englii.d. -. IS4t. p u, luld. K.Mi.se|ni.r P»lbi. 
Wallace, Ira, Firmer. I>. V.-rnitml. s. ls:;o. p. o. aild. LiHb-.n (Vntir. 
Wallace, Nathan, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. |K.H», p. „. n<l-i. Li-lM.n fVnlr*-. 
Wallace, David. Farni«r. b. Vermont, s, 18.W. p. o, adil Flarkvill- • 

Walbce, Samuel, Farm«r, b. Vcrmunt.fl. lH3ti, p. o. mid. Flackvilie. 
Wells. Elizabeth, Farmer, b.St, Lawrence Ct>,. N. Y.,*. HrtO.p. o.add. FlncL . 
Young, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., •. 1827, p. o. add. Fbuk-'i: 



LOUISVILLE. 

BmdfonI, Hon. Wm., KnrnuT, Supervisor, and A'««<>liiM>'ninn, h. Si. Lawroiico 

Co., N. v., «. 1S14, p. o. nJd. L<iiiiavill<>. 
nranon, liichard, Kanuir, Ij. St. Lnivrcncc d., N. V., «. 1832, p. o. ad. I. UmiIkvIIIo. 
Uai III tt, r,. K., General Merclmilt, Notary I'liblic, ind Puatnmiti'r, li. SI. Lowrcnco 

Co., N. y., 5. 1«.1J, p. o. add. Louisville. 
Tower, Henry, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1827, p. o. add. Ixtiil.vlllr. 
Lawrence, GiorRe, Farnier, li.St. Lawrence Co.. N.Y., «. 18la, p. o. add. lAXiiiviltr. 
Miller, W., General Merc hant, b. Lewis Co., S. Y., §. 1821, p. o. :uld. louwville. 
Miller, .liis., Liiniljer Merchant and Jiisllce of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., X Y., 

a. IS;{t, p. o. add. Loniaville. 
Sbarp, Stephen, Ciitttuni-llou.se Oftlcer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p.o. add. 

Lnuiaville. 
Wells, 11. 11., Hotel I'rop'r, li. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., ». 1843, p. o. add. Ixiuiavill. 
Wilson, J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 18UC, p. o. add. LouiiTJIle. 



MACOMB. 

Bellinger, Peter, Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N.Y., 8. 1832 

p. o. add. Pope's Mills. 
BogarduM, H., Boot and Shoemaker, b. Montgomery Co., N.Y., ■. 18ft8, p. c.^ulu. 

Pope's Mills. / 

Bell, Arch , Farmer and Dairyman, b. Scotland, s. 1852, p. o. add. dx Bow, Jeffer* 

son Co., N. Y. 
Bell, Mrs. Arcii., Farmer and Dairy, b. Scotland, s. 1852, p. o. add. Ox A)W, Jeffer- 
son C... N. Y. 
Cleveland, W. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b, St. Lawrence Co.,N.Y,,8. 1829, p.o. 

add. Macomb. 
Charter, Stephen, Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 1S37, p. o. add. Rossle, 
Cane, Thomas, Farmer and I)airyman, b. Ireland, s. I8:i9, p. o. add. Rosnie. 
Day, David i2d). Justice of the Peace, Postmaster, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. St. 

Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1809, p. o. add. Macomb. 
Day, Rufus L., Proprietor of Steam Saw- and Planing-M ill, also Slanufacturer of 

Lumber and Shingles, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s. 1837,p. o. aild. Maromb. 
Dart, Lyman, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. i83>, p. o. 

add. Russie. 
Dudy, Obadiah, Retired Farmer, b. Clinton Co., N.Y., s. 1S28, p.o. add. Pojw's Mills. 
Fleming, Walter, Farmer and Dairyman, also Manufaeturerof Lime, b. St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., 8. 1844, p. o. add. Gouverneur. 
Fetterly, A., Carriage Ironing, and Blacksmithing in all its branches, b. St 

Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 18.51, p. o. add. Pope's Mills. 
Graves. John H., Farmer and Dairyman, also Town Collector, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., 8, 184.''., p. o. add. Poik-'s Mills, 
Graves, Ditmel, Farmer and Dairyman, also Overseer of the Poor, b.St Lawren 

Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Pope's Mills. 
Hastings, Wanen, Supervisor, Farmer, and Dairy-nan, also Dealer i 

Jeffereon Co., N. Y., b. 18;i7. p. o. add. Pope's 31ills. 
Hurst, James, Fanner and Dairyman, b. Ireland, 8. 1832, p. o. add. 1" 
Honeycomb, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. £ngland, 8. 1852 " 

Macomb. 
Johnson, James A., Farmer and Dairyman, also Proprietor of Birch ( , 

factory, esUbli-bed 1875, b. Cannda, s. 18,'.0, p. o. add. Pope'* ,\ 
Laidlaw, Robt. D., Fanner and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence Co 

ji. (I. atld. Ox How, Jefferson Co, 
McNeil, John II., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence C«^ 

p. o. add, ftlaeomb. 
McNeil, Mrs. John H., Farmer and Dairy, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., IN». _ 

p, o. add. Itlacomb. 
Morton, James, Farmer and Dairyman, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 18-3.% p. o. 

add. Macomb. 
Morton, Mrs. James, Farmer and Dairy, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 1825, p ■ 

add. Macomb. 
McFalls, JanK'!", Justice of the Peace, Farmer, and Dairyman, also Dealer in 

llurses, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. 1S27, p. o. add. RoKsie. 
Olds, Benj., Farmer and Dairyman, also I'roprieim of Saw and Griwt-Mills, Obls- 

ville, b. CauHda, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Pope's 31ills. 
Perry, E. H., Proprietor ul Fish (_Veek Hotel, Poiw's Mill*, b. St. fjtwrence Co.. 

N. Y., 1S28, p. o. add. |N.i«-'8 Mills. 
Pope, Timothy, Farmer and I>airyman, Proprietor of Saw- and Grisl-Millt, Pttiic'* 

Mills b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Pope's Mills. 
Parliiilge, I->lwin H., As8e^sor, Farmer,und Dairyman, b. St. Ljiwrence Co., N. Y^ 

A 1828, p. o. add. Rossie. 
Partridge, Jann-s H.. Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawr«ace Co , N. Y., 1836, 

I>, o. add. Pope's Mills. 
Riplev, M. H., Pn,»prietor of Macomb Cheese-factory, b. Jeffenmn Vo.^ N. Y., s. 

r ' 1874, p. o. add. Ro».-ie. 
Rowland, Homer, Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, niao Dealer 

in L>ry litK>d-4, Groceries, B«K>ltii, Shoes, and Genenil MerctiandiiH*, P-^Mt** 

Mills, b. St. l^wrence Co . N, V , s. 184t>, p. o. add. IVjie's Mills. 
Scott, Geo., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Scotland, s. I8.V>, p. <>. add. Goiirerneur. 
Sitts, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N, Y.,8. 1S38, p. o. add. 

Ros^ie. 
Sipher, Polly, Farmer and Dairy, b. Shefllebl, b. 183f», p. o. add. Po|>e'* Milts. 
Snyder, John S.. Justice of the I'ea*.*', Farmer, and Dal.'yman,b. Canada, s. 1831, 

p. o. add. Kdenlon, 
Snyder, Mr^- Joh?» S., Farmer and Dairy, b. Houtgomer)- Co^ N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. 

add.. Kdenton. 
Turner, K.\ R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. L«wrpnc« Co., N. Y., 1840, p. - 



Turner, h.\K., rarnier a 

add.VoiK'V M.lls. 
Thraves, jJlin, Fiirmer i 



- and Dairyman, b. Kngland, 8. 18.'t5, p. n. add. Macoin-. 
Williams, Jik'epb, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawn-nce C« , N. Y.,,1827, p.A». 

add. Ri'vie. 
Woo<lwortb, 11. L., Furnier and Dairyman, b. St. I.nwrence Co., N. Y., 18:12, p. o. 

add. P.ip.'« .Mdls. 
Wiinl, John, riirnor and Dairyman, b. Kngland, r. 18.16, p. n. add. P<<p«<*s Mill*. 
Woli alb, Andrew, Farmer mid Da ryinan. b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. IttU, p. «> 

add. l-^k'ntun. -~> 



HISTORY or ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Wnudwortli. 3. L., Fnriiiur luid Dealer in Stock, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, 

p. <). mill. riiiH''n MillB. 
WilMoii, Jolm A., AfricM^or, Karmei-, nml Dairyiiiiiii, h. St. liawioiito Co., N. Y., 

I«:t t, p. o. luhl. (iouviTiU'iir. 
Y«>n ', \V. S., Dt-nh-r hi I)ry OoiwU, Grocorii'S, Unotn, Slu>c«, Kluur, Iltirdwnro, 

»iiil K)-aJ,v-iuiMii> Ctuthiiig, Yoiing*fl Curi)eni, h. Canada, h. IM^I!, p. u. add. 

Ko^tdo. 



MADRID. 

naiiiard, A. B., F'armpr, h. Knmklin C*i., N. Y., s. 18G7, p. <>. atid. Mmlrid. 
Uiiriiartl, F. ■'., Farmer, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 18G7,p. n. ad<l. Madritl. 
Ui-ckwitli. '•orriii, Farmer, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., b. 1K:17, p. u. a*ld. Madrid. 
Cognwoll, F.. li.. Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1407, p. o. nd<l. Madrid. 
Donean, Daniel, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1S4?^, p. o. add. Madri<l Springs. 
Ko.»te, F. N., Farmer, b. SU Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1«27, p. u. add. Madrid 

Springs. 
Fitfber, JanieH, Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18;J(J, p. o. add. Madrid. 
Fisher, Wni. M., Fiirnior, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18:t7, p. u. adii. Madrid. 
Fisher, J. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Cu.,N. Y., a. I8:i7, p. o. add. BLidrid. 
Fisher, Wm., Jr., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. I&:i4, p. u. add. Madiid. 
Fisher, John M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1847, p. o. mid. Ma<Irid 

Springs. 
Foote, U. M., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Madrid 

Springs. 
IL'Bselgmve, Thomas, Farmer, b. Kngland, s. 1829, p. o. mid. Madiid. 
Miirgrave, John, Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., s. 1821, p. »>. add. Maihid. 
H.iwe, Allen, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. ISUC, p. u. aiid. ULiUrid Springs. 
Il-iwe, Ileman, b. St. liawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855. 

Hall, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add, Madrid. 
Kopf, J. H., Pivstor Congregational Church, b. New York City, N. Y., e. 1871, 

p. o. add. Madrid. 
Middleniays,An"lrow, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 183.T, p. o. add. BLidrid. 
Murray, Alex., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1819, p. o.add, Mailrid. 
Tierce, ("aleb, M.I)., Physician ami Surg., b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. udd. Madrid. 
PurvoB, John, Farmer, b. Scotland, 8. 1819, i>. o. add. JLidrid. 
Pearson, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. add. Madrid. 
KeiHi, \V m. L. (retired), b. ^'ermont, s. 1814, ji. o. add. Madrid. 
Uobinson, John H., Geu'l Mdse. and Supervisor, b. Canada, s. 1861, ip o add 

Madrid. 
Ituthi riord, Robert, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 183G, j). o. udd. Madrid. 
Kntherfnrd, A. A., F'armer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Madrid. 
ItutbiTlord, Wm. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y.,s. 1825, p. o. add. Madrid. 
KotMon, Alex., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. IS^il, p. o. add. Madrid. 
Short, Geo. (2d}, Farmer, b. Kngiuiid, 8. 1818, p. o. atld. Madrid, 
Short, Geo. F., Farnter, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1841, p. o. juM. Madrid. 
Smith, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s, 1827, p. o. jwid, Madrid. 
Thompson, Jesse, Farmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. jidd. Madrid. 
Todd, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawroiico Co., N. Y., s, 1829, p. n. add, Madrid. 
^VllIker, A. S., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., >', Y., b. 184tJ. p. o. add. Madrid. 
VVbitn»*y, A. !>., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. I8r>2, i». o. add. Madrid 
\\>st, H. C, Farmer, b. Washtenaw, Mich., s. 186<), p. o. add. Madrid. 
Voung, Jesse, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1827, p. o. add. Madrid. 



MASSENA. 

Vndrews, M. W.^ Jarmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1821, p. o. add. Massena. 
iridiT'" J. 0., Merchant, b. Windsor Co., Vt,, 8. 182G, p. o. add. Masaena. 
'108, Justice, b. SVindsor, Vi.. s, 1815, p. o. ad<l. Masaena, 
H., Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt., tt. 1838, p. o. add. M;i»sena. _ 
A. J., Farmer and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1812, p. o. 
Maseena. 

t. D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1840, p. o. add. Massena. 
L., Farmer, b. St. Lawience Co., N. Y., b. 184,'i, p. o. add. Massena. 
•1., Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt., 8. 1834, p. o. add. Massena. 
Farmer and County Superintendent of the Poor, b. Franklin Co., 
'847, p. o. add. Masaena. 

'roprietor of Brntley's Hotel, at Massena Springs, b. Jeffei^un 
,s. 18GS, p. o. add. Miisscna. 
iiiK, 11. 1., i.i^rcbant, b. Vergennes, Vt.,B ^SSl, p. o. add. Miiasena. 
Jrowley, Isaac N., Farmer, Uuilaiid Co., Vt., i. 182G, p. o. add. Massena. 
Denison, E. M., Farmer, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., 8.1813, p. o. add. Mtt-^enn. 
Donaghne, A. F., Farmer, b. Windsor Co., Vt., a. 1851, p. o. add. Massena. 
Karl, F. J., Miller and Lumber Dealer, b. S' . Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, p. o, 

add, Raipiette River, 
Fiab, Hiram, Farmer, b. Rutland Co., Vt., b. 1840, p. o. add. Massena. 
Garvin, W. S. P., Farmer and t\>llcctor of U. S. Customs, b. St. Lawrence Co., 

N. Y., a. 1818, p. o.add. Massena. 
Goodriilgf, Ira .\., Farmer and Postnniatcr, b. Caledonia Co., Vl., a. 1825, p. o. 

add. Massena Centre. 
lioiwon, n. M., Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o.adfl. Massena. 
Hiickot, Jason, Fanner, b. Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1832, p. o. add. Miujsena. 
lUcket, Ira, Fanner, b. Rutlauil Co., Vt., s. 18^12, p. o. add. Masaena. 
Hacket, .\lvin, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. I83fi, p. o. add. Massena. 
HuwanI, Lyman C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. 

Massena. 
Ilorton, R. J., Fanner, b. Rutland Co., Vt., s. 1840. p. o. add. Massena. 
Hitchcock, R. L., Merchant anil Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S37 

p. o. add. Itiiquette River. 
Kinney, E. W., Assessor aii'l Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1843, p. o. 

atld. Massena. 
Kinney, Lydia, Farmer, b. Hillsboro', N. H., s. 1827, p. o. add. Massena. 
Polley, lluyal. Retired Farmer, b. Chester, Vt., s. 18ti3, p. o. add. Massena. 
Robinson, Lucius A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18IG, p. o. add. 

Masaena. 
Robinson, H. N., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1806, p. o. odd. Massena. 
Robinson, L. H., Farm*T, b. m. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1808, p. o. aild. Massena! 
Russell, N. T., ra;i'.icr, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1«33, p. o. adil. Masaena. 
Smith, Warren, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., a. 1820, p. o. add. Massena. 
Sloui*, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s. 1818, p. o. add. Masaena. 
Ta/'t"". E. F., ex-Po«tniaster and Druggist, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. 
Massena. 

f'^alcoii, G. H., Aasesaor and Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. 
add. Massena. 
nicy, Daniel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Massena. 
While, H. H., SuiMirviNor and Proprietor of White's Hotel, Massena village, b. 

Chittenden Co., Vt., a. 18.' 4. p. o. add. Ma-saona. 
Wheel.r. Ii via R., Furnu-r, b. St. L»,. rence Co., N. Y.,M. 1851, p. o. aild. Massena. 
Wej-t, A Fn.nk. Merchant and Ch.thier, b. Syracueo, N. Y , s. 1877, p. o. add. 
MiiSHi-na. 



MORRISTOWN. 

Ames, Jeremiah, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., a. 1825, p. o, add. E<lwardaville. 
Arkerman, A., Farmer, b. Montgomery Co , N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. Brier Hill, 
Battel, W. v.. Justice of the Peace and Merchant, Brier Hill, b, St. Lawrence 

Co., N. v., a, 1S23, p. <r ad<l. Brier llill. 
Battel, James (deceased), Brier Hill, b. Maasacliusetts, a. 1818. 
Bellingi-r, Josiab, Farnn-r and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,,8. 1821, p. o, 

a<ld. Edwardsville. 
Copley, Wm., Prop'r Knmtier House, Morriatown, b. Canada, s. ISoO, p. o. add. 

Moriistown, 
Chapman, Henry A. (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co,, N. Y., a. 1860, p. o, add Mor- 
riatown. 
Cox, Jas., Farmer, b. Monlgimiery Co., N. Y., 8. 18G3, p. o. add. Mornstown. 
Cbarle worth, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1843, 

p. o. add, Ogden-^burg. 
Cox, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1862, p. o. add. 

Edwardsville. 
Coonradt, P. M., Farmer and Dairynnin, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s 1823, p. o. 

a.l't. Brier Hill. 
(,\.onradl, H. P.. died in 1WG4, b. Rensselaer Ci>,, N, Y,, s. 1820. 

Conper, Joseph, Ketiretl Far r, b. England, a. 1818, p. o. add. Morriatiiwn. 

Ctniper, Jos. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., 8. 1828, p. o. 

add, Morriatown, 
Crysler, Geo. M., Proprietor I'f Steam Saw-mill and Lumber Manufacturer, b. St. 

Lawrence Vu., N. Y.,a. 1H43, ]i o. add. Edwardsville. 
Do Mott, Cha^. I-., Farmer and Dairynuui, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1848, 

\t. o. add, Edwardsville. 
Df Mott, J, E., Postmaster and General Merchant, Edwardsville, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., a. UrA, p, o. a(bl. Edwardsville. 
De Mott, Isaac, Retired Farmer, Edwardaville, b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1820, 

p. o. add. Edwardsville. 
Dorn, John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1R36, p. o. 

aild. Ttlorrislown. 
Dorn, Isiuic I., died Aj.r. 10, aged 84 yeai-s, b. Fulton Co., N. Y., 8. 1H27. 
Davis, Absalom, Ri-t*d Farmer, b. Herk. Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Davis, .\dam. Farmer and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 183(», p. o. 

add. Brier Hill. 
Ehle, R.'uben, Farmer antl Dairyman, b. Montgcmiery Co., N. Y., 8. 183G, p. o. 

add. Edwardsville. 
Ehle, Morgan P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Schoharie C*>., N. Y., a. I83fi, p, o. 

add. Edwardsville. 
Ehle, John, died in l.s.'i7, aged G4 years, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836. 
Fitch, Chas. C, General Merchant, Brier Hill, b. Jeff. Co., N. Y., 8. IftlG, p. o. odd. 

Brier Hill. 
Ferguson, D., Farmer and Di^aler in Produce, b, Scotland, s. 1821, p. o. add. 

Morriatown. 
Farrell, James (retired), b. Ireland, s. 1833, p. n, adil. Morrietown. 
Goodwin, Nathan, Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1827, p. o. add. Brier Hill, 
Goodwin, Henry. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N.Y.,8. 1839. p. o.add. Brier Hill. 
Gilmonr, Allan, Farmer and Dairyman, b. ScotIand,s. 1820, p. o, add.ttgdensburg. 
Gilmnur, Jaa., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1829, p. o. 

add. Ogdensbxirg. 
Gibbins & Robertson, Prop'rs of Brier Hill Sash and Door Factory and Planing- 

mill. Brier Hill D.pot, established 187G, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Hooker, Henry, Deputy (Vdleetor and Custom-Houso Officer, h. Connecticut, 8. 

1816, p. o.add. Morristown. 
Hill, John, Retired Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1818, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Hadlock, Edwin, Cooper and Farmer, b. St. Lawrenco Co., N. Y., s. I82r>, p. o. 

add. Brier Hill. 
Hadlock, Orlando, Retired Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1819. 
Ingham, J. E., Ret'd Farmer, b. Sarat<)ga O.., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. aild. Brier Hill. 
Jamieson, Alex., Farmer and Dairyman,b.Scotland,s. 182(1, p. o.add. Ogdensburg. 
Jamieson, Wm., Baker, b. Scotland, s. 1832, i>. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Jamieson, Arch., Farmer an<l Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. 

add. Ogdensburg. 
Johnson, Wm. H., Assessor, Fanner, and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

a. 1835, p. o. add. Morristown. 

Kingsland, E., Pat. Med., h. New Yorlt City, N. Y., s. 1867, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Krake, John, Jr , Brier Hdl, Justice of the Peace, Postnuister, and Mercliant, b. 

Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. mid. Brier Hill. 
Krake, S. M , Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y . a 1838, p. o. add. Hammond. 
Krake, A. (■., Farmer, b. Montgomery Co , N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. luld. Hammond. 
Krake, L., Assessor and Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 18.36, p. o.add. 

Brier Hill. 
Krake, John (deceased), b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1836. 
Long, Robert M., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830. p. 

o. add. Morristown. 
Long, Robert, b, Scotland, s. 1817, died in 1SG4. 
Long, Elizabeth (retired), b. Scotland, s. 1821. 

Lyon, Harvey, Hetin-d Fanner, b. New Jereey, s. 1796, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Loweiy, Thoa., Farmer and Dairyman, b. England, s. 18.56, p. o. add. Biier Hill. 
Morgan. J. P., Retired Physician, b. Connecticut, s. 1826, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Mead, II. ('..General Merchant, Brier Hill, b, Greene Co., N. Y., s. I8l8, p. o. a<1il. 

Brier Hill. 
McFalls, C, Proprietor Saw-mill, Manufacturer of Cheese-boxes and Shingles, 

b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1832, ji.o. add. Hammond. 
Mclnttish, J. II., Fanner, b. Canada, a. 1858, p. o.add. Bri«r Hill. 
Moore, D. A., Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1840, p. o. adtl. Brier Hill. 
Mai-salea, .\., Fanner, b. Herkimer Co., K. Y., b. 18.38, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Marsales, Sarah. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1837. 

Miller, .John, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 1826, p. o. 

add. Morriatown. 
Miller. George, Retired Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., a. 1837. p. o. add. 

Brier Hill. 
McNeal, Cornelius, Farmer, h. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Brier 

Hill. 
Olds, James. F'armer and Wagon Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., a. 1822, 

p. o add. Jlorriatown. 
Proctor, .\., General Merchant and Produce Dealer, b. Canada, s. 1869, p. o.add. 

Morristown. 
Pohhuan, Laum (retired), Edwardsville, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., s. 1805, p. o. atld. 

Edwardsville. 
Pauter, Jcdin, Farmer, Brier Hill, b. M«>ntgomerv Co.. N. Y.,8. 1845, p. o. add. 

Brier Hill. 
Pauter, Dewiit, Fanner, Brier Hill, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., 9. 184.'», p. o. 

add. Brier Hill. 
Pet vie, Henrv, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y,,8. 1838, p. o.add. 

Brier Hill. 
Rowbinil, George A., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. 

Edwardsville. 
Ibnvlanil, Harvey, Farmer, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o add. &1- 

wai dsville. 
Rowland, George F., Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1828, p. o. aild. 

Edwardsvilb'. 
Rowloe, T., Fanner, b. St, Idiwrence Co., N. Y., a. lS3l, p. o. add. Morriatown. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



517 



RvMc. Steptien, FaniuT and DHirym»n, b. Montgomery Co. N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. 

luia. Brier Hill. 
Rogt'i^, Cliristiaiia, Furmer, h. St. Liiwrencc Co., N. Y., s. 1821, p. o. add. 

Monistuwii. 
Scufleld, (■. W., Farmer, Cnrponter and Joiner, and Boat-builder, b. Oneida ('o., 

N. Y., 8. I8;i9, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Starlintc, G. F. (retireil), b. Herkimer To,, N. Y., a. 1831, p. o. add. Bri.T Hill. 
Smiib, Jidin, Fanner, b. Scotland, b. ls4H, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Sinitb, K<d)frt, Farmer, b. Scntbmd, a. I84:i, p. o. ndtl. Morristown. 
Smitb, I>avid, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. IS4:t, p. o. add. Morristuwn. 
Stoni, William, Fanner and Dairyman, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., 8. 1822, p. o. 

add. EdwurdsviUe. 
Stevenson, Aaron, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, 

p. o. a>bl. Brier Hill. 
Sievonson, James, b. Ireland, s. 1818, died in 1847, aged G4 years. 
Taylor, J. H., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Cu., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Tilton, <'lark, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N'. Y., 8. 1S41, p. o. add. Brier Hill. 
Tiiplin, Clintnn, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18.33, p.o. 

add. Kdwanlsvillf. 
Vert, Win., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Canada, s. 1S31, p. o. add. Morristown. 
Vert, James, b. EnRland, s. 1818, died Septemlier 3, 18(;u. 
White, S'luire E. W., Justice of tbo I'eace, b. Connecticut, s. 1834, p. o. add. 

Morristown. 
Wilson, U. K., Ceneral Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18.')1, p. o. add. 

Morristown. 
Ward, J. W., General Merchant, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Morristown. 
Worden, H. K., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8.1S48, p. .>. add. Brier Hill. 
Worden, N., Fainier, b. Vermont, s. 1824, p.o. ad<i. Brier Hill. 
Wooley, J. M. (retired), Ugdensburg, b. St. Lawrence (Jo., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. 

add. Oy;den8burg. 
Weaver, Joseph, Farmerand Dairynnm, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. 

add. Brier Hill. 
Weaver, Koyal, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, \i. o. 

aibl. Brii-r Hill. 
Yennie, C. F., Druggist, b. Dulawari.' ("o., N. Y., s. 1875, p. o. add. Morristown. 



NORFOLK. 

AtwRter, K. H., Snpervi.-jor and Lumber Merchant, b. St. Lawri-nco Co., N. Y., 

a. 18:54, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
AtwHter, L. L., Firm E. H. A L. L. AtwaJer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1836, 

p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Allen, H. F., Deputy Shoriff, Furniture Dealer, b. Burlington, Vt., p. o. add. 

Norf.dk. 
Bowhall. S. E., Merchant Miller, b. Tompkins Co., N. Y., e. 1847, p. o. add. 

Norfolk. 
Brinckerhotr, K. C, Collector of Taxes and Druggist, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., 8. 1853, 

p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Briuckerhoft", J. B., District Attorney, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add. 

Norfolk. 
Bradley, E. A., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 185G, p. o.aild. Norfolk. 
Bixby, I'. C, Farmer, b. Chittenden Co., Vt., s. 1811, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Breunan, J. J., Priest Roman Catholic Church, b. Clinton Co., N.Y., 8. 1873, p.o. 

add. Norfolk. 
Carpenter, H. D., Assessor and Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt., s. 185G, p. o. add. 

Norfolk. 
Coats, Wm., Brick Mfr., b. St. Lawretice Co., N.Y., s. 1842, p. o. add. Raymondville. 
Cummins, 1'., Farmer, b. Cork Co., Ireland, s. 18.V2, p. o. add. Ravmondville. 
Clark, C. A., Butter Mnfr., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1848, p. o. add. Jlnymond- 

ville. 
Clark, Joseph, Carpenter and Joiner, b. New Hampshire, 1802, s. 1837, p. o. add. 

Raymondville. 
Durkeo, A. H., Farmer, b. Windsor Co., Vt., s. 1838, p. o. a Id. Norfolk. 
Durkee, C.S., Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add, Norfolk. 
Farwell, H. C, Farmer, Butter Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., h. 1827, p. o. 

add. Norfolk. 
Glines, Benj., Justice, Farming and Lumbering, b. Porn, N. Y., e. 1850, p. o. 

a<ld. Norf.dk. 
Orandy, A. C, Faiming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., .■*. 1823, p. o. add. Norf.dk. 
Grant, tieo., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Rjiyniondville. 
Gla.lding. W. L., Farmer, b. Addison Ox, Vt.s. 1826, p .». add. Norfolk. 
Hale, 0. H., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 183."., p. o. add. Norfolk. 
King, C. A., King Bros., Harness Mnl'rs., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 184C, p.o. 

add. Norfolk. 
King, W. K., Kint; Bros., Harness Mnfrs., b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. 

add. Nortolk. 
Kingsbury, L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Luwson, I-iiac, Vrap. Lumber-mills, l». Albany, N. Y., r*. 18'^, p. o. a.l.l. Nortolk. 
Low.-ry, It. J., Fanning, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1844, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Monld, J. C, l'.)stmaster and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., s. 1832, p, o. 

add. Norfolk. 
Mowitl, Geo. A., Merchant, b. England, s. 1854, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Palmer, A. W., Kannor, b.Sl. Lawrence Co , N. Y.,h. 18.17, p. o. a'M. lUymondville. 
Robinson, C. H., Justice, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18.19, p. n. a.l'd. Nortidk. 
Itiidgere, Saml., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence d., N. V., s. ls54. j). n. add. Norfolk. 
Rawson, W. C, Farmer, b. Wimltor Co., Vt., s. 1820, p. o. aiid. N.»rf.dk. 
R..g.'ni, Wesley, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 18.M, p. o. ad.l Norfolk. 
Rogers, .TameB. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1845, p. o. lubl. Norfolk. 
llodgt*rs, Ira, Farmer, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1850, p. o. add, Nuifnlk. 
RickanI, A., Farming, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1841, p. o. add. Raymondville. 
Sayle«, A. E., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Smith, N. C, Druggist, b. St. Lawrence C^i., N. Y., s. 1«38, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Shepanl, C. L., Commisiiioner ot Highways tvnd Fanner, b. Franklin Co., Vt., s. 

1823, p. o. add. Norfolk. 
Vernal, J. W., Farming, b St. Lawrence Ci., N. Y., s, 1847, p. o add. Norfolk. 
Waldron, Sila«i, Farmer and Assessor, b. Canada, b. 184u, p. .j. add. Norfolk. 



OSWEGATCHIE. 

.\ndenion, .lames, Farmer, h. St. Lawrence i!o., N. Y., 8. ll<43, p. o. add. (tgdens* 

burg. 
Ari.lersoii, Wm., Farinyr, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1810, p. «. wbl. Ogilenn- 

burg. 
.\rnid(i, George, Farmer, b. Rhmle Lsbtnd, s. 180;i, p. o, add. Ogtlensburg. 
Buell, EsBra, Churn Mfr., b. Canada, «. 1844, p. o. ad.l. Heuvelton. 
Ballantino, Hugh, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1828, p. o. add. Ht>uv(dion. 
Bell, Jii«., Farmer, b. Ireland, 8. 1817, p.o. add. Heuvelton. 

B ieke«, J. W.. Farmer, b. St Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Henvidton. 
llarl'.r, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Ijiwrenco d., N. V., h. 1^22, p. o, Rd.I.Ogtlenslnirg. 



Backhiis, Andrew, Farmer, b. England, s. 1822, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Chapin, J. C, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1817, p. o. add. Henvelton. 

ChatTee, Jas. E., Hardware Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, p. m. 
add. Heuvelton. 

Clark, Samuel, Farmer, Ii. Chester. Vt., s. 1831, p. o ad.l. Heuvelton. 

Delany, .Tnaejdi, Farmer, b, Ireland, t". 1824, p. u.ndd. Henveltim. 

DtMid, Patrick, Farnter, u. Ireland, s. 182G, p. .i. add.o^.icnsburg. 

Donil, Patriek, Jr., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1833, p. .>. add.Ogdens- 
bnrg. 

Davis, Jacob, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y.. s. 1827, ji. «». add. Ogilensburg. 

Diivi«, Reuben, Fanner, b. Herkimer CV)., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. Ogdeirsburg. 

Dixt>n, Wm., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1834, j.. o. add. Heuvelti»n. 

Fificid, Robert, Cabinet Mfr. and Undertaker, b. New Hamiitthire. s. 1823, ip. o. 
add. Heuvelton. 

Flight, Benjamin, Farmer and Cheese Mfr., b. England, 9. 1850, p. o. add. Ileu- 
veltun. 

Fnrness, Anthony, Farmer, b. England, e. 1832. p. o. add. Ogdonsburg. 

Field, Wm. T., Farmer, b. Vertnont, s. 1842, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Field. Joae|di W., Farmer, I'. Vermont, s. 1842, p. o. add. Ilenvelt.ui. 

Fnrness, . Farmer (.b-ci ased), b. England, s. 1^31. 

Fnriies*, Margaret, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1822, p. o. aild. Ogdensburg. 

Fergnsson, Juliii A., Farim-r, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Og- 
donsburg. 

Gillin, N. F., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., 8. 1805, p. o. add. Henvelt.m. 

Giftiii, Dan. S., Attorney, b.St. Lawrence Cn., N. Y.,8. 183«,]t. ".add. Henvelion. 

Gray, W. R., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

(iray, Isiuie, Fanner, b. Wasbinstnn Co., N. Y., s. 18U7, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Gilmour, Th.nn.aa, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. ttgdeiis- 
burg. 

Gardner, Thomas, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1827, p. o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

Gardner, W^m., Farmer {deceased;, b. Ireland, s. 1827. 

Green, John, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1838, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

Hntidiirison, Thomas, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8.1838, p. o. add. Heu- 
velton. 

Huitnn, C. G.,Faimeran.i Purser, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1874, p.o. add. Ogdens- 
bnrg. 

Hutchinson, M., Prop. Heuvelton Flouring-mills, b. Canada, e. 183G, p. o. add. 
Heuvelton. 

Hutcbinaon, John, Fanner, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

IIitv.Mis, Horace, Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 8. 1804, p. o. adil. Ogdens- 
burg. 

Hay, John, Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, ]». o. a(ld. Ogdensburg. 

Haggart, Daniel, Furmer, b. Scotland, s. 1822, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

Hutchins, S. B., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1837, p. o. add. iJgdensbnig. 

Hntehins, David, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 

Ju.lson, S. D. v., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1?42, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 

Johnsun, Knbert, Farmer, b. England, 8. 1830, p.o. add. Heuvelton. 

.Inhiiston, John (dt'ceas.'d), h. Indand, s. 185K. 

J.dmston, Sarah, Farmer, b. England, s. 1837, p. o. a'ld. Ogdensburg. 

Kate. J.din I*., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. ad.l. Heuvelton. 

KanofT, Adam, Farmer, b. Germany, a. 181G, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

Lanimond, J. P., Farmer, b. St, Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 

McLfi' en, John, Blacksmith and Carriage Mfr., b. Vermont, a. 1835, p. o. add. 
Heuvelton. 

McCnIlougb, Andrew, Groceryman and Livery, b. Ireland, s. 1867, p.o. add. 
Heuvelton. 

Mayne, Hugh, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1833, p. o. sidd. Heuvelton. 

Morrison, Beniah, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1844, p. o. add. Renssel.aer Falls. 

Mayne, John (2d), Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1839, p. o. add. Heuveltmi. 

McKane, Jithn, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
bnrg. 

McCIoskey, Frank, Piincipal Schools, Canton, b. Ogdensburg, s. 1852, p. o. add. 
Heuveltcn. 

McVean, .las., Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y.,8. 1832. p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

McCall, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1831, p.o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

McCall, DaTiiel, Farmer, b.St. Liiwrence Co., N. Y.,s. 184o, p.o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

McArtlinr. Peter, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., s. 182(), p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 

McGoey, John, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1832, p.o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

fllcGivpn, Patrick, Jr,, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. 
Ogdensburg. 

McGoey, Mary, Teacher, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1843,p. o.add. Ogdensburg. 

Magone, Sarali, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

Maltby, Wni., Farnu-r, b. England, a. 1851, ji. o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

Miller, Jonathan, Farmer, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y.,8. 1837, p.o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

Mayne, .Mexaiuler, Furmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18.34, p. o. add. 
Heuvelton. 

McS.)rley, Catharine, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1827, p. o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

McSorlev, Patrick, Farmer (deceased), b. Ireland, 

Nobles, Wm. fdecesis.-.lt, b. Ireland, a. 1817, 

Nobles, El iza, Dress-maker, b.St. Lawrence Co., N Y.,s. 1825. ji. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Northrup, Lewit, Farmer, b. Renss^elaer Co., N. Y.,8. 1814, p.o.aibl. Ogdensbnrg. 

Pickens, John, Postmaater and Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18;i7, 
p. o. add. Heiiveltnn. 

Pickens, Walter J., Merchant, b. St. Law rence Co., N. Y., n. 1832, p. o. add. 
Henvelto[i. 

Pierce, .Xmasa, Farmer, b. Washington C.t., N. Y.,8. 18o0, p.o. a.bl. Ogdensburg. 

Rosegrant, N., Farmer, b, Herkimer Co., N, Y., s. 1824, p. o. ad.l. Ogdensburg. 

Rosegrunt, 51. W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, p. o. a.l.i. Og.IenB- 
burg. 

Rosegrant, P. G., Farmer, K St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1833, p. o. add. Ogdens- 
burg. 

Ruwell, Sttllman, Farmer, b. Orange Co., Vt.,s. 1824, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 

Ritchie, Thoma.*«M. (deceased), b. Scotland, s. 1832. 

Ritchie, Mary L., Fanner, b. Scotland, s. 1832, p. o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 

R.ibison, Henry, Farmerand Assessor,!'. Scotlan.i.s. 1S31, p. o. add. Henvelion. 

Stevens, fliary E., Dress-nniker, b. Scotland, s. 1842, p. o. ad.l. Heuvelton. 

Short, Jann^s, Farmer, li. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o, add. ()gdensbnrg. 

Stillwell, James, Farmer, b. Albany, N. Y., 8. 1813, p. o. add. Ogtlenslmrc. 

Sndlhen*, Joseph, Farmer (retire.!), b. England, s. ls;io, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Smithers, John, Farmer (retireil), b. England, s. ls'M\ p. o. add. Heuveltiat. 

Sanburn, Lewis, M.D., !p. Vermont, 8. 182C, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Smithers, J. B., Farmer and Meirhunt, b. England, s. IK.36, p. o. add. He\ivelton. 

Smilhers, Sar*li 1>.. b. Canada, s. 1K42, p. o. ad.l. Heuvelton. 

Snuthers, Thoma.s E., Farmer, b. England, «. 1S37, y. o, ad.l. Henvelion. 

Smitbei-s, Jubn R., Farmer, b. England, *. 1840, p. o. add. Ogdenslairg. 

Smithers, Mary. Farmer, b. England, s. 1844, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Smitber><, Fniiik B., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1854, p. o. add. 
Heuvelton. 

Smith, Thomns, Farmer, !». St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add. Heuvelton. 

Sweet, J. M.. Fanner, b. J.'flrers..n ('.»., N. Y., s. 1SC7, p. o. add. Ogtienslairg. 

Sharp, J. S., Farmer, b. Columbia C.»., N. Y.,'«. 1825, p. o. adil. Ogileifburg. 

Turner, Elisha It. (deceased), b. Miuwichuselts. 



518 



HISTORY OP ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Turner, JuHa A. (retired), b. RensselRer Co., N. Y., 8. 1830, p. o. add. Ogdensbiirf?. 
Thomiwuii, Jane W., TeH«li«r (rctireii), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., m. 1K17, |i. «i. 

ii<l<t. Otl'lt'Dsbiir^. 
Tlmrstoii, Jru, Fiinm^r, b. Vcmiotit, s. 1827, p. o. mhl. O^deiiBbiirg. 
Tliurit'iii, Jubn, Farnmr, b. Vermont, 8.1H2t, p. o. add. OgdeiiRburK. 
TuUnnin, Royul, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1836, p. o. add. Ogdcns- 

bUTR. 

TuUniai). Frank E., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., «. 1839, p. o. add. Og- 

deimbnrg. 
Tallmiin, J. W., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. add. Ogdens- 

biirjr. 
ThurBtoii, Wm. C, Hotel-keeper (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1822, p. o. add. llen- 

veltun. 
Tbornton. Nelson, Farmer, b. St. LaM-rence Co., N. Y., b. 1808, p. o. add. Ht-n- 

v<'lton. 
Voliins, Thomiis, Fanner, b. England, p o, add. Ogdensbnrg. 
Wrigbt, E. L., Merclmnt (retired), b. Vermont, s. 182:t, p. o. add. Heuveiton. 
Wood(iide,S.C., Merchant, b. St. I,awronce Co,, N.Y., a. l^.'lG, p. o. add. Heuveiton. 
Wheater, Jo^epb, Fai iner, b. England. 8. 1S44, p. o. add. Uenssehier Falls. 
Wanl, Wni. ^deceased), b. En;:land, s. 1831. 

Wheater, Jane. Farmer, b. England, e. 1844, p. o add. Ogdensburg. 
Wboater, W. I)., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 18o(i, p. o. add. Ogdens- 

burg. 
Wheater, Ueorge W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence C\i., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Og- 

dt-nitburg. 
Wilson, Jacob, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,8. TS2G,p. o. adiL Ogdensburg. 
Wilson. Abraham, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,8 182G, p. o.add.Ogdensburg. 
Witberhead, Uobt., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b, 1825, p.o.add.Ogd^'ns- 

burg. 
Witberhead, Hugh, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823. p. o. add. Og- 

densburg. 
W'oodside, Abraham, Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1847, p. o. aild. Heuveiton. 
Wheater. Daniel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., e. 1S33, p. o. add. Ogdensbnrg. 
Wiiber, Henry ('., Farmer, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1K37, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 
Wilber, Chas. !»., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. adil. Ogdi-ns- 

l.nrg. 
ZePer, Jaa., Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Ogdensburg. 



PARISHVILLE. 

Barrowe, K. W., Constable and Deputy Sheriff, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1839, 

p. 0. add. Parisbville. 
llloss, A. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 184G, p. o. add. 

Parishville Centre. 
Clark, F. V., Cencral Merchant, b. Vermont, s. 1837, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Clark, S. L., Butter-tub Manufacturer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p, o. 

add. Parishville. 
Crouch, N. C, Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1839, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Durfey, J. B., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1811, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Daggart, H. M., (leneral Slercbantand NoUiry Public, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. 

Y., s. 1840, p. 0. add. Parishville. 
Flanders, E. H., Manufacturer Eave Spoiitu, and Saw-mill, b. J'nmklin Co., N. 

Y*., 8. 1853, p. o. ad<l. Parifthville. 
Flanders, M. J., Manufacturer Eave Spouts, and Saw-mill, b. Fiunklin Co., N. 

Y., s. 18o2, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Furnesa, G., Miller, b. England, s. 1834, p. o. add. Parisliville. 
Fisher, E. W., Clergynum, b. Ohio, a. 1872, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Flanders, S. K., Lumber and Eave Spt)ut Manufacturer, b. New Hampshire, s. 

18r>3, p.o. add. Parishville. 
Flower, H. N'., Farmer, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Goodale, S. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence (Jo., N. Y., a. 184G, p. o, 

add. Parishville. 
Horriman, M. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. New Jersey, a. 1840, p. o. add. Parish- 
ville Centre. 
Healey, J. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1809, \}. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
Hart, Henry, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Verinont.s. 1824, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Hart, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, li. St. I*awronce Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. 

adil. Parishville. 
McDonald, A. A., Blacksmith, b. Canada, s. 1864, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Parker, M. S., Physician, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o.add. Parishville. 
Parker, B. G., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1803, p. o. add Parishville Centre. 
Rarey, Alex., Harness Manufr.,b. Essex Co., N. Y'., s. 1832, p. o. arid. Parishville. 
Rose, Hon. P. W., Retired Farmer, a. 1812, p. o. add, Parii^hvillo. 
Shaltuck, E. A.. Prop. Shat tuck Hotel, h. Vermont, 8. 18M, p. o.add. Parishville. 
Stephens, David S., Karnior, b. New Hampshire, s. 1830, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Stone, James (retired), b. Ireland, s. 182-3, p. o.add. Pariahville. 
Stone, Edward, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. 

add, Parishville. 
Smith. Mrs. A. 5., business of deceased husband. Merchant and Surveyor, b. 

New York, a. 1818, p. o. add. Parishville. 
Whipple, Allen (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1832, p. o. add. Parishvillp Centre. 
Wheeler, Peter, Fitrmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o. 

add. Parishville Centre. 
W«-ller, Harry, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. 

add. Parishville. 
Willis, Mrs. Mary G., deceased husband, Farmer, b. New Hampshire. 



PIERREPONT. 

.\tk ins, Joseph I., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y.,s. 1834, p. o. add. Pierrepont. 
Butterfleld. B., Farmer, Crar>'» Mills, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. 

add. Clary's Mill;*. 
Bulterflcld. H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1832, p. o.add. Pierrepont. 
Bulli", L., Farmer, b. Clinton Co , N. Y'., a. 1840, p. o. add. Canton. 
Bullia, SL. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y"., a. 184!», p. o. add. Canton. 
Boody, Joseph, Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1838, p. o. arid. Colton. 
Burt, n.W., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V., a. 1847, p.o. add. Honnawa Falls. 
Crury. Stephen A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 1812, p.o. atld. Pierrepont. 
Crary, R. A., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence C»»., N. Y., a. 1850, p. o, add. Piern-pont. 
Cramploii, L., Farmer, b. St. Tjawrenco Co., N. Y., a. 1825. p. o. add. Pierrepont. 
Crossman, M , Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Cv>., N. Y., s. I84:t, p. o. add. Pierrepont. 
Cartis.-*, S. C, Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1830, p. o. add. Crary's 

MillB. 
Curpenter. Henry G., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. V.,«. 1827, p. o. add. Cniry'a 

Mill-.. 
Carpenter, Rjilph, Farmer, Hannawa Falls, b. New Hamiwhire, a. L^^Of.. p. n.ndd. 

Haiinawa Falla. 



Crandell, Chas., PAnner, Haunawa Falla, b. Vermont, a. 1823, p. o. add. Ilunnawa 

Falls. 
Crandell, (*. (tloceased), ILwiruiwa Falls b. Preston, s. 1823. 
Ciandell, S. B., Farmer and Surveyor, Hannawa Falls, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. 

Y., a. 1830, p o. add. Hannawa Kails. 
Cnmdell, Capt G., Farmer, Hannawa Falls, b. Vermont, a. 1817, p. o. add. Han- 
nawa Falls. 
Daidels.L. W., Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y.,8. 183^1, p. o. add. Pieriopont. 
Gleason, Henry, Farmer, b. Wiwhington Co, N. Y'.,s. 18;{9, p. o. aild. Pierrei»ont. 
Gleoson, G. W., Farmer and Mechanic, b. Warren Co., N. Y'., s. 1839, p. o. add. 

Pierrejiont. 
Hubbard, B. P., Merchant, Postmaster, and Agent of N. T. Co., b, Vermont, a. 

1849, p. o. adtl. Pierrepont. 
Hamilton, A. B., Prop. Cheese-factory, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o, 

add. Pierrepont. 
Howard, M. L., Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. PierreiMtnt. 
Leunard, J. Ingnibam, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1829, p. o. add. 

Pierrepont. 
Leonard, A.C., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o.add. I'ierropont. 
Lididell, Ezra. Farmer, b. Ksaex Co., N. Y., a. 18:13, p. o. add. Pierrepont. 
Morrison, F. A., F.irmer and Cheese-factory, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., a. 1869, p. o. add. 

<!rary'8 Mills. 
Morrill, F., Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1836, p. o. add. Pierrepont. 
Northrup, L., Farmer and Supervi.sor, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. 

add. Pierrepont. 
.Sabin, A. P., Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1839, p. o. atld. Hannawa Falls. 
Sabin, 1). Meceasc'di, b. Vermont, s. 1839. 

Stewart, W. A., Farmer, b. Massachusetta, a, ISlC, p. o. adil. Colton, 
Wheelock, John, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, a. 1843, p. o. add. Pierrep -nt. 



POTSDAM. 

Ashley, Norman, Merchant, Norwood, b. Vermont, a. 1839, p. o. add. Norwood. 
Ashley, Philena M., Norwooil, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1813, p. o. add. Nor- 
wood. 
Ashley, Loren (deceased 18G0, age 60 years), b. Vermont, fl. 1823. 
Anstead.ti. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1848, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Austin, O. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1816, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Btllings, C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Waahington Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. odd. 

Poladam. 
Benson, Seth, Sr. (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1820, p. o. aild. Potsdam. 
Brooks, E. D., Merchant, b. Vermont, a, 1819, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Bonney, G. W., Wholesale Dealer Refined Petroleum, b. Mass., a. lS53,p. o. afld. 

Potsdam. 
Bridge. S. D., Proprietor American Hotel, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,fl. 1829, p. o. 

aild. Potsdam. 
Brown, H. D., Honueopathic Physician, b. Canada, a. 1862, p. o. add. Potsflam. 
Banister, H. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence t^., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. 

add. Potstlani. 
Benson. N. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Ck)., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Benson, E., Farmer and Dair>'man, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add. 

Pot^idam. 
Barrows, Aaron, General Blerchant and Postmaster, Crary's Mills, b. Vermont, 

a. 1816, p. o. add. Crary's Mills. 
BatcheMer, C. E., Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1847, p. o. atld. Potsdam. 
Barnuni, Ezra {deceased 1H71), b. Massachusetts, s. 1807. 
Barnum, Wm. J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1808, 

p, o. add. Potsdam. 
Barnum, David (deceased 1850), b, Massachusetts, s. 18n7. 
Blood, Amos (retired), b. Massachusetts, s. 1830, p. o. wld. West Potsdam. 
Bacon, M. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1825, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Brownell, J. F., Proprietor American Houae, Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., s. 1824. p. o. add. Norwood. 
Barnhart, H. P., Druggist, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1H47, p. o. ad-l. Pot<:dam. 
Bramley, A., M. E. Minister, h. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 1875, p. o. odd. Pot-fdam. 
Bixby, C. N., Lawyer ainl Register in Bankruptcy, Norwood Village, h. St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., 8. 1836, p. o. add. Norwood. 
Crany, Edward, Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Crane, S. C, Magistrate, b. Maine, a. 1854, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Clarkson, T. S. (retired), b. New Y'ork Citv, N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Potwlam. 
Clarkson, Mrs E. (retired), b. New York City, N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. ndd. Potedam. 
Cole, G. F.. Retired Phy-'icinn,b. Herkimer Co., N. Y.,8. 183", p. o.add. Potsdam. 
Clark, N. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p. o.add. 

Potsdam. 
Clahoon, D. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Cox, J. A., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1849, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Cameron, D. R., SL-rch., Norwood Village, h. Canada, a. 1870, p. o. add. Norwood. 
Currier, Animi (deceased), b. New Hamiiahire, a. 18<i6. 
Currier, S., Farmer, b. Vermont, a. 1800, p. o. add. P«tsdam. 
^Chaney, Wales, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1S42, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Dayton, G. S., Cheese Mfr. and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Dains, Smith, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1835, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Dains, F. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1853, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Dains, Anson (retired), b. Connecticut, 8. 183.5, p. o. aild. PotHdaro. 
Dayton, L. H. (retired), b. Vermont, a. 1817, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Dayton, Isajic (deceased), b. Vermont, a. 1817. 

Dow. J. M., Phvsician and Surgeon, b. Canada, a. 1869, p. o. ad<l. Potsdam. 
Duteber. J. J., Merchant, b. Washington Co.. N. Y., s. 1862. p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Dast, 1>. R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. add. 

West Pots<lam. 
Ellis, l!<aaGs Retired Fanner, Nt)rwood, b. Vemiont, a. 1807, p. o. add. Norwiwxl. 
Erwin, Geo. Z., Lawyer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1840, p. o. add. Potadam. 
Enatmiin,G. L..Merch., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. s. 1836, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Foster, E. W., Real Estate Agent, b. Connecticut, s. 1840, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Fay. E.. Poslmaater. b. Vermont, .«. 1853, p. o. adil. Pnt^danl. 
Furbish, E. B., Pallor Presbvterian Church, b. Maine, a. 1872, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Fell. E. W., Meal Merehuiit. b. Canada, a. I8.1O, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Fay, F. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. l8-'i3, p. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
French, W. P.. Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y.. a. 1835, p.o. add. Potwlam 
Felton, L. E., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. 

add. Potadnm. 
Felton, S. A., Merchant, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., 8. ls42. n. o. add. I'otsdani. 



i 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



519 



Freeman, 0. (retired), b. Vermont, b. 1815, p. o. add. PotsdRro. 

Goodale, L. L., School Commissioner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,b. 1832, p. o. atM. 

Potsdiim. 
Go(fgtn, John T., Insuniuco Agent, b, Ireland, s. 1852, p. o. add. rotsrUuii. 
tierrit', P. D., Undertaker and Furniture Poaler, b. Scotland, b. 1847, p. o. add. 

Ptitsdum. 
Green, R. C, Farmer ami Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. IS'26, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Goodale, F. G., Farmer and Dairynuin, b. St. Lawrouco Co., N. Y,, s. 1830, p. o. 

add. West Putsiiarn. 
Hine, O. A., Railn)ad St.ition Agent, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1839, 

p. o. add. Nurwoud. 
Howaril, H. 11., Episcopal ClerKymftn, b. Maine, s. 1871, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Heatun, Charles, Mi-ichant.Ii. St. Lawrenci- Co., N. Y ,s. 1S41, p o. juld. Putsdam. 
Hopkins, A. T. (retired), l>. Vermont, a. 182."i, p. <». add. Potsdam. 
Ilarter, H. L., Prof, in State Normal Sthool, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y.,8. 1869, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Heutb, Milton, Land Agent and President of Village, b. Vermont, s. 1867, p. o. 

add. I'otsdani. 
Hale, J. A. (retired), b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 183G, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Howe, H. II., Livery and Sale Stable, b. Vermont, s. 1866, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Healey, Jabes (deceased), b. Connecticut, e. 1S04. 

Healey, Versul, Farmer and Dairyman, b. A'ermont, s. 1804, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Hawley, T. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. 

I'otsdam. 
Hidt, L. A., Caidatn on St. Lawrence Kiver, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., e. 1857, p. o. 

add. West Potsdam. 
Howe, Hrigham (deceased), b. Vermont, a. 183G. 

Howe, Fred., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o.add. W. Potsdam. 
Hall, G. J. (retired), Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18U, p. o. 

add. Norwooil. 
Hal), Krastus (deceased), b. Miussacbusetts, s. 1808. 
Hall, A. H., Magistrate, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. 

Norwood. 
Hodgkins, G. M., Merchant, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1877, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Hall, H. li., Land Agent, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1815, p. o.add. 

Norwtiod. ~ 

llakins, G. B., Dentist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1862, p. o. add. 

Norwood. 
Jones, Truman, Stock Dealer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 1S2G, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Knowles, il. L., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1815, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Lane, Cbas., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. 

I'otS'tam. 
Landers, W. A., Merchant, b. Oiitario, Canada, a. 1877, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Loucks, A. E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., b. 1849, p. o. 

add. Putsdam. 
Lockwoud, A. L., Putato-Starch Mnfy., b. Vermont, s. 1819, p. o, add. Potsdam. 
Lane, Daniel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Cu., N. Y., 8. 1827, p. o. 

add. West Potsdam. 
Lee, Williani, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
Lockwood, Jwhn (deceased), b. Canpda, s. 1800. 
Lockwooii, John M„ Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Cu., N. Y., a. 1819, 

p, o. add. Madrid Springs. 
Matteaon, J. J., Prop. Matteaon House, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. o. add. 

I'otsdam. 
McViears, M., Prin. State Normal School, b. Seotland.s. 1869, p. o.add. Potsdam. 
May, Jnhn, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, 8. 1836, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
May, S. G, (.deceased), b. New Hampshire, 8. 18u7. 
Meacham, A. M. (retired), b. Verniuut, s 1S22, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
McCarty, C, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, a. 1855, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
McCuen, N., Farmer and Blacksmith, b. Canada, s. 1846, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
McCuen, G. L., Farmer and Blacksmith, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., a. 18.04, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Moore, Tninian (retired), b. Canada, 6. 1815, p. o. add. West Potsdam. 
Martin, George, Farmer anil Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1817, p.o. add. I'otsdam. 
Merritt, E. A.,Sur>'eyorandCivil Engineer, b.Vermont.s. 1841, p. o.add. IVitsdam. 
Matthews, Wm., Mason, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Matthews, David (deceased), b. Vei*mont,a. 1822. 

Mclntyre, John G., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 1839, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Owen, L. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1836, p. o. add. W. Potsdant. 
Olmstend, Joel, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Genesee Co., N. Y., a. 1835, p. o, add. 

Potsdam. 
Parker, A. X., Attorney, 1». Vermont, s. 1838, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Pease, T. A., M.D., Physician and Surgeon, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1824, p. o. add. Norwood. 
Pearson, A. M. H., Mfr. of Broom-handles and Children's Toy Hoops, Norwood, 

b. Montgomery Co,, N. Y., s. 1869, p. o, add. Norwood. 
Peck, C. M., Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1822, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Pickcrt, U., Mnfr. of Cheese, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Partridge, C. B., Merchant, b. Luwis Co., N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Phelps, S. R,, Prop. Whitney Hotel, Norwood Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 1838, p. o, add. Norwtwd. 
Pert, Goorse, Butter and Cheese Merchant, b. England, s. 1834, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Peck, F. H., Merchant, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add. 

Norwooil. 
Parker, B. G., Job Printer, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1858, p. o.add. 

Norwood. 
Perrin, Ira (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1808. 
Perrin, P. (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1816. 
Perrin, R. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. 

add. PotNdam. 
Perrin, A. (deceased), b. Connecticut, s. 1816. 
Partri'lge, L. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
Post, G. S., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 183.5, p. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
PoBt, A. (retired), b. Vermont, f. 1802, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Qulgley, J. F., Reading Law, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1854, p. o. add. 

I'otsdam. 
Riley, Thoma^H, Gravestone Dealer, b. Ireland, r. 1863, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Reynolds, Jesse. Physician, h. Clinton Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Potudam. 
Rodway, S. A., Ins. Agt, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 184.'i, p. o. add. PotKdam. 
Reynolds. Wait, Limibering, Building Material, and Merchant, Norwood, b. 

Vermont, s. 1850, p. o. ad<l. Norwood. 
Seeloy, J. H., Books and Stationery, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s 

1828, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Swift, Theo. H., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 9. 1850, p. o.add. Potsdam. 
Sweet, George H., Proprietor of Courier and Freeman paper, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., 8. l&W, p. o. add. Pot-*dam. 
Sanford, C. F.., Attorney, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Stone, N. L., Photogniphor and .\rtiat, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1836, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Sparrow, A. J., Sash, Door, antl Blind Manufacturing, b. MasBachnsetta, a. 1862, 

p. o. add. Potddam. 
Sanford. J. H., Stoik Dealer, b St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1831, p. o. add. Poladam. 
Slems^m, F. G., Merchant, b. Fninklin Co., N. Y., a. 1870, p o. add. Putsdam. 



Stanton, A. B., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1849, p. o. add. Potiidam. 

Swift, Norman, Mechanic, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y.,8. 1824, p. o. add. Potsdam. 

Swift, G.-o. H., Farmer,!.. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,b. 1852. p.o. add. Potsdam. 
Sayles, S. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence • '., N. V., s. 1834, p. o. 

add. Pottsdam. 
Sartwell, O. J., Farmer and Dairyman, Crary's Mills, b. Vermont, s. 1865, p. o. 

add. Crary's Mills. 
Sargeant, Amos (decejised), b. Vermont, a. 1824. 
Sargeant, H. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1850, p. o. 

add. Putsdam. 
Senter, O. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Swan, G. B., Merchant and Manufacturer, b. Massachusetts, a. 18.'>3, p. o. add. 

Potsdam. 
Simmons, P., Merchant and Postmaster, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. 

o.add. West Potsdam. 
Smith, Wm. (deceased), b. Massachusetts, s. 1804. 

Smith, Wm. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 18(4, p.o. add. Potsdam. 
Smith, S. A., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. a. 1841, p. o.add. 

Potsdam. 
Senter, H. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 182.5, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Slater, O. R., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1830, p. o. 

adrl. Madrid. 
Smith, G. R. C, Mercli't, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8.1844, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Stickney, J. D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1840, p. o. add. Potadam< 
Tappan, C. 0., ex-County Judge, Justice Superior Court, b. Vermont, s. 1853, 

p. o. add. PotstlHm. 
Tappan, M. V. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., a. 1873, p. o. add. 

Putsdam. 
Tiinerman, J., Farmer and Daiiyman, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., B. 1853, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Thomas, N. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. 

a<ld. Potsdam. 
Thomiis, C. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1864, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Thatcher, H. D., Di nggist, b. New Hampshiic, s. 1852, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Tupper, A. N., Superintendent Water- Works and Machinist, b. St. Lawrence 

Ch>., 8. 1815, p. 0. add. Potsdam. 
Usher, Bloomfield, Banker, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. 1851, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Vance, John A., Attorney and Justice of the Peace, b, Ontario, Canada, s. 1859, 

p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Vilas, Peter (retired), b. Vermont, s. 1840, p. o. ad<l. Potsdam. 
Wadlfigh, L. E., Att«'rney,b. Vermont, s. 18.56. p. o.add. Potsdam. 
Welch, H. M., Dentist, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Wheeler, Merritt, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1833, 

p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Wait, M. H., Farmer and Dairj-man, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Wood, Ansel (deceased), b. Vermont, s. 1837. 

Wood, J. 0., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1837, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Wilison, C. L., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, a. 1853, p. o. add. Potadam. 
Wires, J. C, Merchant, Wvst Potsdam, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. 

add. West Potsdam. 
Winslow, J. H., Scroll Sawyer, b. Canada, a. 1835, p. o. add. Potsdam. 
Wurden, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Clinton Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o.add. 

Madrid. 
Westaway, S. W. (deceased), b. England, a. 1817. 
Westaway,Jidin, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p.o. 

add. Blorley. 
Wright, 0. (deceased), b. Vermont, s. ISOG. 

Wright, W. H. (retired), b. Vermont, a. 1806, p. o. add. Madrid Springs. 
Waller, J J., Druggist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. 

Norwood. 
Waller, G. C, Druggist, Norwood, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. 

Norwood. 
^Vait, M. L., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1833, p. o. add. West Potsdam. 
Mailer, J. J. & Son, General Insurance .\gencies, Norwood, p.o. add, Norwood. 



ROSSIE. 

Albro, II. K., Justice of Peace, b. Hartford, Conn., s. 1829, p. o. .add. Somerville. 
Allen, Wm., Miller, b. Scotland, s. 1S26, p. o. a<ld. Rossie. 

Bolton, J;i8. IL, Miller, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Wegatchie. 
Beil, Alpbonzo, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Shingle 

Creek. 
Backus, Geo., General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., a. 1828, p. o.add. 

Roeaie. 
Baxter, W. H., Farmer, b. St. Law rence Co , N. Y., s.1837, p.o. add. Somei^ille. 
Crowley, P. M., Carriage Manufacturer and Postmaster, b. Vermont, s. 1822, 

p. o. add. Somer\'ille. 
Church, Daniel. Manufacturer Woolen Goods, b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y., 3. 1809, 

p. o. add. Wegatchie. 
Clark, Jolm H., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1836, p. o. add. Ox Bow. 
Cniry, J. P., Manufacturer and Dealer in Lumber, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1850, 

p. o. adii. Rossie. 
Clark, P. P., Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1854, p. o. add. Shingle Creek. 
Draper, L. G., D<'aler in General Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1837, 

p. o. add. Shingle Creek. 
Drnnmionrl, Jas,, Farmer, b. Scotland, s. 1830, p. o. add. Rossie. 
Dickson, A. A., Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1848, p. o. add. Ox Bow. 
Dougherty, Jolm, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1828, p. o. add. Roftsie. 
Emmons, <;iiauncey, Farmer, b. New Hami>sbire, s. 182;t, p. o. add. Somerville. 
Emmons, Eugene, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 1850, p. o. udil. Somer- 
ville. 
Foster, W. S., Dealer in General Merchandise, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1877, 

p. o. a<ld. Somerville. 
Giffin, L. M., Physician and Surgeon, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1850, p. o. 

add. Kossie. 
Hall, Robert, Farmer, b. Scotland, a. 18:14, p. o. add. Rossie. 
Hunter, James, Lime Manufacturer and Farmer, b. Ireland, b. 1828, p. o. add. 

Rossie. 
Jeixm, Ansel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add. Rossie. 
Kinney, (». D., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. V.. s. 18-'>0, p. o. add. Sonu-rTille. 
Ijaidla'w, .lames, Fanuer, b. Scotland, fl. 1832, p. o. add. Wegjitchie. 
Lawton. E. M., Prop. Keene'a Station Hotel, b. Jefferson C«., N. Y., s. 1865, p. o. 

add. Shingle Creok. 
Lockie, Jainps, Fanner, b. Scotland, s. 1819, p.o. add. Wegatchie. 
lioonnrtl. Wm. W., Justice of Peace, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. 

Ib.s^ie. 
Leonard. W. W., Dealer in General Merchandis*', b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 

1831, p. o. add. RoBsie. 



520 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Laiillow, J., FiirmiT, b. St. Liiwreiico Co , N. Y., 8. 18'26, p. o. a.l«l. RuMie. 
Mclnliwh, .1. \V.. DoiiKr in Qfiionil Mcrclianiliiw, U. Siiratuga Co., N. Y., 8. 1857, 

p. o. iiiM. Wf^uli-hio. 
Miirkwick, Kuljerl, K.uiiior, b. St. Ijiwicnco (^., N. Y , ». 1839, p.o. add. 0.x Buw. 
Mcl^ii I'll. Abx., FariMur and Slcolianic, b. St. Lnwrcuco Co., S. Y., 9. 182:), |>. o. 

atl'i. llu!*!«iL'. 

Myeni, .lohu, Kiirmor, b. SI. Lawronco Co., N. Y., ». 1626, p. o.ndd. Shinglo Creek. 
I'ike, Adam, KanniT, b. Veriiioiit, s. 18J4, p. o. add. Sbinglo Creek. 
I'iki', 11. F., FuinuT, b. St. I,awreM«> Co., N. Y., ». 1833, p. o. add. Soiuerville. 
Rinsoll, MDiton, t'aniiiT, b. SI. Lawronco Co., N. Y., «. 1842, p. o. Jidd. I)x H.i\v. 
Itobb, Jann»8, Ci-norHl Mercliaudisc, b. St. huwrenco Co., N. Y., 8. 183'J, p. o. add. 

RoHHte. 
Storiu, 1). \V., KiirTiier and .lobbur, b. Scotland. 8. 1821), p. o. add. Wegatcbie. 
Spragne, D. VV., Doiilor in (ionenil MercbandiBi-, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 

18:111, p. o. add. Sliingle Ci'i^ek. 
Stolic, Tllos., Fiiriuer, li. Siiilland, 8 1820, p.o. add. Ox Bow. 
Sliippee, Henry, Kariii'-r, b. Muj^sacbuHetls, 8. IMl, p. o. add. Sliin^lo Creek. 
Turnbnll, Tlioft., Laiidllnlder, b. Scotbmd, s. 1820, p. o. add. Wegatcliie. 
Tnrnbnll,Tlio9. A, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co.,J4. Y., 8. 1834, p.o. add. Ox Bow. 
Tennoy, Cliirk, Farmer, b. St. Iiawronco Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. 0. aild. Sbingle 

Creek. 
Wait, Gilbert (retired), b. Vermont, f. 18:15, p. o. add. Somerville. 



RUSSELL. 

Bartlett. 11., Milli-r, I.. .I-n.r.c.n (',.., N. V., s. IS 111, p. o. ikIiI. Uusaell. 

Hakor. o. M., Drii^'gist, b. Illinois, s. 18(1", p. o. aiM. Kimsell. 

BivkfT, L. It., I'lij'sirijiii liiid Siirgeuii,h..St. IiH\vrcnce(.'<i., N. Y., b. 1840, p. o.:idil. 

KllHHcll. 

Bruwn, 0. H., Fiinntr and Clieose-lttctury, Ii. Onciila Co., N. Y., s. 18G5, p. o.aiM. 

Hi'imoii. 
Coltoii, Diuiifl, Furnituro and Undertiiker, I). Antwerp, JeffL'rson Co., X. Y., a. 

1K47, p. o. aild. Kussell. 
t'lark, J. h., FuniKT, Justice of Pence, and I'i»s( master, North Russell, b. St. 

Luwrence Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. North Uiissell. 
Clark, J. (tleconsed), North Kit8>(!ll, b. Miieisnchu setts, s. 18ii7. 
Clark, C. A., Fanner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. Uurtsill. 
CuUotun, .l»in«'s, Karnior, b, Irehind, s. 18')1, p. o. add. Knssoll. 
Doolittlf. S. W'., Hotel Proprietor, b. St. Lawrerice Co., N. Y., 8. 1840, p. o. add. 

UnosuU. 
Porby. Hiry, Merchant and Justice of Pcaee, b. Vt., s. 1848, p. o. add. Russell. 
Dunham. P. C, Farmer, b. tSt. I.awreiict' Chj., N. Y., 8. 18'i7, p. o. add. Russell. 
Fanner, iJeo., Farmer, b. St. Liiwrence ('o., N. Y., 8. 18j1, p. o, iidd. \. Ru88ell. 
Fiirmi-r, Alonzu, Fainivr, b. Ilorkiiuer Co., N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. N. Russell. 
Fanning, Cub-b, KarnuM-, b. HcikJiiicr Co., N. Y,, s. 1SG4, p. o. add. Russell. 
Fanning, Wni. (deceased), b. KltudL- Island, s. 1827. 

Gordon, II. M., Hotel-keeper, Clifton, b. Canada, a. 18G8, p. o. add. Clifton. 
Gore, James, Harnessinaker, b. Canada, a. \si\\, p. o. add. Itussell. 
Gore, Mrs. J., Milliner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N Y., a. 1848, p. o. add. Russell. 
Gray, 1>. C',, FHrmcr and lltitter-factury, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. IS^Jii, p. o. 

add. Kussell. 
(tilman, George, Farmer and Butter-factory, h. Vt., s. 185a, p o. add. Russell. 
Gray & Giliimn, Propriet(irs Butter-factory. 
Gibbons, Win., Farmer and Hop-rniser, b. St. Lawnmce Co., N. Y., s. 184.5, p. o. 

add. Russell. 
Gibbons, \V. S., Farmer ati'i Hop-raiser, b, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. 

add. Russidl. 
Hunk ins, John, Farmer and Cattb^buyer, b. Canada, b, 1841, p.o. &i\d. Hermou. 
Jenne, J. A., Merchant ami Justice of Peace, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, 

p. o. add. Russidl. 
Kno.v, C. H., Farmer, b. St. Ltwronce Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Russell. 
Knox, H. F., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. l!:f2:i, p. o. add. Russell. 
Knox, Cliestor (deceased), b. Mossachnsett.-*, a. IKIl. 
Kelsey, Ini, Farmer and Stone-mason, N. Russell, b. Mass., s 1837, p. o add. N. 

Russidl. 
Lewis, W. H., Jr., S\ipervisor ami Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1845, 

p. o. add. Riissidl. 
Mib'S, 8. Iv., Merchant, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o, add. Russell. 
Mills, J. R., Farmer and Mecbanic, b. Canada, s. 1849, p. o. add. Russell. 
Paliin'r, J. M. A Son, Merchant, Postmaster, and Assemblyman, b, Jefferson Co., 

N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Russell. 
Power, B., Farmer, b. Irobind, s. 1821, p. o. add. Russell. 
Ritchie, Thomas, Fanner, ('lifton, b. Seotland, s. 18o9, p. o. add. Clifton. 
Reed, Mrs. Jane, Farmer, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p o. add. Itussell. 
Reed, L. J. (deceased), b. St. Lawrence Co., K. Y., s. 18;i7. 
Rued, Judsun, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 18o7, p. o. arid. Russell. 
Smith, Charles, Merchant, b. St. Lawrence Co.. N. Y., s. 1819, p.o. add. Russell. 
Smith, Bcnj., Mercliant and Justice of Peace, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1805, p. o. 

add. Rus?«ell. 
Shaw, A. B., Monoy-lonner, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., «.184C, p. o. add. Russell. 
Sheridan, Jamea, Supervisor and Laiid-:igent, Clifton, b. Canada, s. 186S, p.o. 

add. Clifton. 
Stiles, Henry. Farmer, b. St. I^wreiico Co., N. Y'., s. 1844, p. o. add. Russell. 
Stiles, Ezra, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y,, s. is;i7, ]*. o. add. Russell. 
Weston, O. <i , Fanner, b. V^svx Co., N. Y., 8. ItCttJ, p. n. add. Russell. 
Wetherell, C. .\., Che esc- factory, h. St. Lawruucc Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. 
Russell. 



STOCKHOLM. 

Benjamin, AVm. J., Produce and Dealer in Stock, West Stockholm, b. St. Law- 
rence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. West Stockholm. 

Bieknell, C. L., Town Clerk, Mfr. of and Dlr. in Tin, Glass, and Har-lware, Cook- 
and Parlor-Stoves, Farmiuf; Utensils, Cutlery, etc, West Stockhtdm, b. St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. \s:iA, p. o. add. West .Stockholm. 

Bicknell, Hosea (2d), Merchant, West Sb>ekboItii, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 
18:W, p. o. mbl. West Stueklinlni. 

Burnap, B. N., Merchant. Notary Public, and Justice of the Peace, E. Stockholm, 
b. Franklin Co., N. Y.,s. "l845, p. o. add. StiHrkhcdm. 

Brush, E. L., Assc^s'ir, Farmer, and Daiiynntn, b. Fi-auklin Co., N. Y., s. 183fi, 
p. o. add. North Slockli(din. 

Clark, C, Mfr. of Cassinn-ns. Twncds, Grays, Flanm Is, elc. West Stockh«dm, b. 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1S4.S, p. d.add. West Stockholm. 

Cobb, J. H., 31 fr. tif Tin, Brass, ami Copper Ware. W.Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence 
C>., N. Y., 8. Igita, p. .>. add. West Stockh.dm. 

Crouch, O. F., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1861, p. o. add. Siuithville. 

Converse, E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. 1S21, p. o. adtl. Soulh^ille. 

Crap»er, K. S., Mfr. and Dlr. in Lumber, also Mfr. of P..lato Starch, Proprietnr of 
Grist-Mills, Supervi'tnr and General Merchant, Stockholm Depot, b. Wy- 
oming Co., N. Y.. «. lK4:t. |«. o. add. Stockholm Depot. 

C-ook, S. M., Farmi^r and Dairyman, b. Vermont, s. l.^iiw, p. o. udil. N.Stockbt>lni. 



Decker, Orrison L., Blucksmithing and Genenil Jobbing, West St<»ckholm, h. St. 

I:Jtwrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1851. p. o. add. Weat StiK-khnlm. 
Dewey, Frank P., Mfr. of Potato Starch ami Farmer, Soulhville, l>. St. Uiwrence 

. 'Co., N Y., s. 1S.V2, p. o. add. Saithville. 
Dutton, Willard, Retired Farmer, b. Vernioni, s. 1h4I, p. o. add. W. Stockholm. 
DutbMi, Ira, Farmer and Dairyman, h. Essex Co.,N. Y., «. 1H41, p. o. add. West 

Stockholm. 
Decker, .V. C. Farmer, We>t Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1H59, p. o. 

add. We«t Irtockholni. 
Davis, 11. R., Farnu-r and Land-agent, Stockholm Centre, b. Essex Co., N. Y., 

8. 18:19, p. o. udil. Stockliolm Centre. 
Davis, Mrs. H. K., Str)ckh<dm Centre, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., 8. 1845, p. o. add. 

Stockholm ('etiire. 
Doiid, Geo. (.'., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8 1840, p. o. 

add. West Stockholm. 
Dunbar, Mr«. L. C, b. St. Lawrence C»>., N. Y., 8. 1825, p. o. add. W. Stockholm. 
Dike, Tliemn, Farmer and Bl'ksmitb, b. Vermont, s. 18G1, p. o. add. St^K-kholm. 
Doud, Mariin, Retired Farmer, West Stockholm, b, Vermont, s. 182G, p. o. add. 

Wvsi Stockholm. 
Kmery, (i. F., Farmer and Dairyman, and Dealer in Slock, b. New Hampshire, 

8. 1840, p. o. add. West Stockholm. 
Emery, (^bas., Fanner anrl Dairynum, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1827, p. o. 

add. Soulhville. 
Ellis, G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1818, p. o. add. 

Stockht)lm Depot. 
Fletcher, Mrs. Fidelia. Residence Knap|)'s Station, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 

1820, p. o. add. North Stockholm. 
Gibson, Geo. N., Mfr. of Lumber and Shingles, West Stocklndm, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., H. 1845, p.o. ttd«l. WestSbtckholm. 
Gibson, Capt. Warren, Prop'r()f Grisl-Mtll, b. Vt., s. 1837, p.o. add. W. Stockholm. 
Gurley, W. R., Assessor, Farmer, and Dairyman, West Stocklndm. b. Essex Co., 

N. Y., s. 1X21, p. o. add. West Sb>ckholm. 
Griswold, J. M., Fanner and Dairyman, Southville, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 

8. 18:13, p. o. adil. Soulhville. 
Gage, .\bel. Farmer ami Dairy., b. ('anada, s. 1838, p. o. add. Stockholm Depot. 
Grandy, L. B., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. 

add. Bro.ik Dale. 
Hayes, John, Farmer and Mfr. of Butr.-r- and Cheese-factory, estib. 180(5, West 
Stockludm, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. West Stockholm. 
Harrington, Geo. W., Farmer anrl Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 181", 

p. o. add. Southville. 
Huntley, .\. P., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt., 8. 1840, p. o. add. Stockholm Centre. 
Hayes, SI. F., Farmer ami Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., m. lSo2,p. o. add. 

West Sb>ckholm. 
Hayes, J., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,8. 185S, p. o. add. 

West Stockholm. 
Hayes, W. D., Scho<d-:eacher, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. add. West 

Stockholm. 
Hayes, C. L., School-teacher, b. St. Lawrence Co.,s. 18G0, p. o.add. W. Str>tkholm. 
Holme-*, Ransom, Prop'r of Holmes House, Stockholm Centre, b. Vermont, s. 

1S21, p. i). add.Stockbolni Centre, 
iloit, Lucian S., Farmer anrl Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. 

add. Stockholm. 
Hale, Cid. Ira, Residence Knapp's Station, b. Vt.,s. 1«23, p. o.adii. N. Stockludm. 
Jarvis, Henry, Postmaster, Farmer, and Dairyman, Southville, b. St. Lawrence 

to., N. v., s. 1834, p. o. add. Southville. 
Jennings, Wm., Farmer and I»aiiyman, Stockholm Centre, b. Ireland, s. 1831, 

p. o. adil. Str'ckholm (Vntre. 
Jenkins, E. S., 1 „ . ( Harness Mfrs.,Stockhul in DeiMit, b. St. Lawrence Co., 
Jenkins, A. T., J '"■'""» ( N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Stockholm Dep^.t. 
Kellam,Sam'l E., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt.,s. 1844, p. o. add. W.Stoi-khnlm. 
Kellam, Sani'l, dicil in l85it, uge 50 years, b. Vermi»nt, s. 1844. 
Knapp, Moses, residence Knapp's Station, b. New Hampshire, s. 1812, p. o. add. 

North StockholnK 
Kimball. T. L., Farmer and Millwright, b Vt., s. 1855, p. o. add. N. Stockholm. 
Kelsey, H. G., Farmer, Stockholm Depot, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,s. 1833, p.o. 

odd. Stockholm Depot. 
Lyman, Allen (retired), residence West Stockholm, b. New Hamjishire, 17^4, 

8. 1S19, p. o. add. West Stockholm. 
Lenney, Henry, Sr., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, s. 1838, p.o. add. Potsdam. 
Lonney, G«iruian, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. 

add. Potsdam. 
Lenney, Wm., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p.o. add. 

Potsdant. 
Lewis, B. G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Vt,, s. IS28, p. o. add. North Stockholm. 
Lewis, H. H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. 

Noilh Stockholm. 
Lewis, Hiram, Farmer, h. Essex Co., N. Y., s. 18.12, p. o. add. North Stockholm. 
Lewis, Mrs. Hiram, b. Vermont, s. 1823, p. o. add. North Stockholm. 
Lytic, Hiram W., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. North 

Stockholm. 
McGovern, Patrick, Farmer and Dairyman, b. Ireland, s. 182G, p. o. add. West 

Stockholm. 
Miller, (.'alvin, Farmer and Daii-yman, h. 'Essex C-o., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add. 

West Stockholm. 
Mayhew, Mrs. Lucina, res. Southville, b. Venuonl, 8.1827. p.o. add. Southville. 
Mayhew, J. L., Soulhville, h. N. Hampshire, s. 1S12, died June 27, 1877, aged 7.''». 
Mai-sh, Morgan. Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. l*awrence Co., N. Y.,8. 1814, p. o. 

add. Stockholm Centre. 
Morgjin, 1). D., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.-, 8. 1822, p. o. 

add. Norwood. 
Morgan, M. H., Farmer and Dairyumn, b. St. Lawrence Co., N, Y,, 8. 184(), p. o. 

add. Norwood. 
Morgan, Charles G., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. I-awrenco Co., N. Y., s. 1831, 

p. o. adri. Norwood. 
Morgan, Joel, b. Vermont, I8iil, die<l in August, 1847, aged 4r. years. 
MuuBon, Henry, Manufacturer of Potato Sliiivh. and Farmer; factory at Skin- 
nerville, established 1K71; factory at Norfolk, established 1874; b. Con- 
necticut, s. 1820, p. o. adri. Stockludm Depot. 
Jloulton, Seth, Carpenter and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1826, p. o. 

add. West Stockholm. 
MouKon.H. A, Carpenter and Farmer, b. St. Liiwi-ence Co., N. Y'.,8. 1852, p. o. 

aihl. West Stockh'dm. 
Moulton, George A.. Caqwnter and Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1863, 

p. o. adil. West Stockholm. 
Munson, Edwanl. Farmer and Dairyman, b. Connecticut, 8. 1820, p.o. aild. 

Stockholm Depot. 
Nye, John M., Furiiaceman, Farmer, and Dairyman, b. Vermont, 8. 1SC5, p. o. 

add. West Stwkholm. 
Newton, (iraiige, Clergyman, b. Vermont, s. 181G, p. o. adil. Stockholm. 
Newton, Samuel (deceiiaed), b. New Hampshire, S. 1815. 
Newton, Charles W., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8.183G, 

p. o. add. Stockludm. 
Needhani, II., Farmer, b. Vurmont, s. 1842, p. o. add. North Stockholm. 
Norton, William H., Farmer and Dairyman, b. tddo, s. 1865, p. o. add. Stock- 
htdni Depot. 



HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



521 



OIht, William, Kiiriiit'i amX Diiirvmii^i. b. Essex Co., N. Y., 8. 1831, p. o. add- 

Wi^sl St.H:kli'>lin. 
Oher, I , b. Ksst'X ("o., X. Y., 8. 18;n, (lii-<l in isr.:., a(;y(l78.veare. 
rngo, Job., Farim-r aii<) Dair.vnmii, b. Vt., s. 18:i4, p. o.inlil. Slockliolm Centre. 
rolKiie, J. II.. Fiirmer unj J>itir>iimt), b. Vi., s. 18:iJ. p.o. (idd. North Stockbolm. 
Phippi'ii. Wiirri'ii T, FiunuT ami Duirynmii, b. Kssox Co,, N. V., s. 18o:t, p. u. 

lub). \V(>st?!t<ukliiiIm. 
Rose, P. r., I''nriinT ami Uuiryin.iii, b. St. Lawrinice Co., N. Y., s. 1800, p. o. adil. 

West jitoikliolm. 
llei'vp, Heiij., rariiiei iimi Daii^nuui, b. Vermont, a. 18:12, p.u. add. Ft. Jackson. 
Recvf, It. K , Fiinner and Diiir.vmai), b. St. Lavvreiico IVi., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. 

add. Fort Jjuksjun. 
IWovf, S. M., AaspHsor, Kainicr, ami Dairyman, h. St. Lawronce Co., N. Y., s, 

18;J'>. p. o. adil. Fort .lackrioii. 
Kigi?.", Frnmitf 0., Mui-bnnic and Hlnnnfucturer of Lnniber, rtc, b. St. Ijuwrence 

Co., N. Y.. 8. iSM, p. o. odd. Stockliolm. 
Iticli.'y, A. T., Station, Kxpret^s, and TfU^grapli Agonl ; also Dealer in Prodncc, 

Sinckholni Depot, b. Kiunklin ('o., N. Y., «. 1869. p. o. add. Stockliolm 

Depot. 
Sjuitli, Ciirltun, Propriutor of Irui! Kouudry, Hnrtlett A Sniitb, less'-es, West 

St.K-kboIni, b. St. Ijiwrt-nce Co., N. Y., «. lS2'i, p. u. luld. W. Stuekbolni. 
Siilhc'iland, (►, Ij., i'aniuK'' Ironing and Bhtcksmitbin;; in general, We-st 

Stockbuim, b. St, hiiwrcnce Co., N. Y., s. l«4ll, p.o. add. West Stucklinlni. 
Seaver, Robert K., Farmer and Dairyman, b, Kssex Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p o. add. 

WeHt Stiickiiolni. 
Sebellis, Stewart H., Farmer, b. Kasex Co.,N. Y.,8. 1840, p. o. add. W. Stockholm. 
Smitli. 0/ro .\., Carpenter and BiiiMer. W. Stockholm, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., 

8. 1804. p. o. add. WestStoi-kbotni. 
Stearns, A. II., Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrenco Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. 

add. Stockholm Centur. 
Stcarn!>, J. W.. Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1811, p. o. add. Stockholm 

Centre. 
Stenrna, U. 1'., Farmer, b. St. I.awrenco Co., N. Y., 8. 18O0, i>. o. add. Stockholm 

Centre. 
Steirns, H. W.. Denier in Dry (jood'i, Groccrie.'*, Hardware, Crockery, Boots, 

Shoes. liatsand Caps. Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, etc., Stockholm, b. 

St. l*jtwr«'uee Co., N. Y., «. 18;W, p. o add. Storkhulm Centre. 
Smith. Harrv F., Fanm-r and DairyniAn, b. St. liuwrence Co.,X. Y., s. 1831, p. o. 

a>]d. Wi-st Stockholm. 
.Kinith, Mn*. Harrift. b. Connecticnt, s. 1823. p. o. add. WestStocklivdm. 
Hiaw, S.[nire David, .Justice of tin- Peace nnri Mercliant, Stockholm Depot, li. 

Vurtnonf, «. ISIT. p. o. add. Stockholm Depot. 
Tucker, Sfinin- A. S., Justice of the Peaci', West Stockholm, b. St. Lawrence 

Co., N. Y., I8iS. p. o. add. West Stockholm. 
Thompfon, Samuel, Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1833, p. o. add. Sonthville. 
Trask, J. P., Karmei and llopGrower, b. Vennont, s, 1843, p. o. add. Ft. Jackson. 
Tiiylor, Caleb. Farmer, West Stockholm, b. Vermont, s. 1811, p. o. add. West 

Sto.-khcdm. 
Trnasoll. Moses, Farmer and Mechanic, b. N'ew Hampshir'', s. 1827, p. o. add. 

Stockliohn. 
Tryon, Mi<-ajali, Farmer and Dairyman, Ilrook Dale, b. Franklin Co., N. Y., s. 

1S44, p o. add. Brook Dab-. 
Tryon, Mrs. M., Brook Dale, b.St. Lawronce Co., N. \'., s. 1837,p.o. add. Brook 

Dale. 
Tliutcher, C. M.. Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. 

add. Stockhidm. 
VaiH-e, Is;iac I*., Manufacturer of and Dealer in Tin, Glass, and Hardware, 

Cook ami I'arlor Stoves, ftc. iBickntdl A Vance), West Stockholm, b.St. 

Lawrence CV>.. •*. 18 lO, i>. o. adil. West Stockholm. 
W.'lliitKtoh. L. W., Deah-rand Mtnufactnrer of Cheese-Boxes, Bntter-Tnbs, Sap- 
Buckets, etc.. West Stockliohn, h. New Hampshire, s. 1850, p. o. add. 

Wcat Stockholm. 
WulIinH, .St^blon, Farmer and Dairynuin, West Stockholm, b. A'ertnont, 3. 1833, 

p. o. add-. West Stockholm. 
Wadleiph, W. C, Farmer and Dairyman, West Stockliolm, b. Vermont, a. 1838, 

p. o. add. West Stockholm. 
Wires, L. H,, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y^., a. 1820, p. o. 

add. Soulhvilb'. 
Wfslurn, Tbomns, Farmer and Dairyman, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1837, 

p. o. add Sonthville. 
Wait, W.Z,, Maiiufacturi'r of l.tnnber and Sliin;;lea, Mechanic and Farmer, b. 

Vermont, K. U'.'.i. p. o. add. West Stockludm. 
Websli-r. W. W., Retired Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co , N. Y., s. 1807, p. o. add. 

Stoi-kholm. 
Wvbster, Warren, b, Vermont, s. ISOtJ, died in 18G!>,aged 88 yeai-s. 

. GG 



WADDINGTON. 

Atislin, ll'-nry B , l>lr. in (.abineiwan-, b. irhio, a. tStjD, p. o. add. \Vaddiri[;t4>ii. 

Brown, John 1^, Farmer, h. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a, 1844, p. o. add. Lisbon 
Centre, 

Bnrlou, Wm., Gent-ral Meix-handise.W'a'Idington Villajx*', b. Y'ork!'hire,Eng.,8. 
l8:J2,p. o. add. Waddington. 

Bnrlcli, J. M., Mnfr. of ILi.v-hoo|«. b. Albany, N. V., a. 18G2, p. o. aild. Wad- 
dington. 

Clark, Wm. (retired), Waddington Village, b. Now Hampshire, a. 18:10, p. o. adil. 
Waddmyion. 

Clark, C. C, Snperinti'ndent H.K.James* Paper-mill, Waddington Village, b. 
Vennont, a. lS(i5, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Clemson, Iter. T. G., Hector of St. Paul's Church, Waddington, h. Chostc^r, Pa., 

8. 18"')7, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Dewey, S. J., Druggist ami Grocer, Poatmaator, .Justice of the I'eace, Wadding- 
ton Villagf, b. rtlca, N. Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Dalzeli, lOibert, Contractor and Bnihior, Waddington Village, b. Irclaud, p. o. 
add. Wa.irlington. 

Fay, Mrs. Thoimis L. (Thos. L. Fay, Farmer, died Jan. 6, 1874, leaving 5 chil- 
dren ), b Ireland, s. iKio, p. o. ad<I. Waddington. 

Hall, Walt.T, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., X. Y,,s. 1832, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Hatch, A S., Farmer, b. Vermont, 1818, a. 1829, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Hunter, Joljn, Farmer, b. Sci'thiud, a. 1832, p. o. aibl. Waddmgton. 

Hunter, Wm., Farmer, b. Canada, s. 1«37, p. o.add. Ijouisvijle, N. Y". 

Hobkirk, Adam, Carjionter '.deceased, 18G4), b. RoxbHrghabire, Scotland, 8.183ft. 

Hobkirk, Adam, Fai tner, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y^., a. 1830, p o. add. Wiul- 
dington. 

Hughes, M. F., Mnfr. and Dealer in Carriages, Wagon8,and Sleigha, b. St. Law- 
rence Co., N. v., s. 1844, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Jardin, Andiew F., Mnfr. and Dealer in Cabinriware, Waddington Village, b. 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1843, p. o. add, Waddington. 

Kerr, Robt.. Farmer, b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,a. 18:10, p.o. adil. Lisbon CVntre. 

McCarthy, Rev. Fb>rence, Paabir of .St. John Baptst and St. Mary's (R. C.) 
Churches, b. Cary, Ireland, s. 18G8, p. o. udd. W.iddington. 

SIcQormick, Rev. R. W., IVwtor of First I'resbyterian Church, h. Down, Ireland, 

a. 18r,9, p. o. add. Waddington. 

McDowell, Joseph (Isl). Mnfr. of Sash, Doors, and Blinde, Waddington Village, 

b. St. Lawrence Co.,N. Y'.. s. 1810, p. o. add. Waddingt-n. 
McFarland, C. A , Ed. of Wa"ldingt<.n iVoiic* r, Waddington Village, b. Canada, 

9. 1877, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Martin, Tliumas. Merchant Tailor, Waddington Village, b. Scot land, 8. 1843, p.o. 
add. Waddington. 

Montgomery, llorac, Dealer in Lumber and Surveyor, Waddington Village, b. 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o add. Waddington. 

Morriaon, J., Physician and Surgeon, Waddington Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., 8. 1S42, p. o. add. Wadilington. 

Murphy, Henry J., Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. add. Wad- 
dington. 

Porteous, Samuel, Farmer, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.. 9. 1836, p. o. add. Wad- 
dington. 

Pratt, Henry W., Deputy Collector of Custom^, Waddington Village, h. St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1817, p. o. a-bl. Waddington. 

Proctor, L. J., Merchant anri Proprietor of H.twland SliUs, h. St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Wadilington. 

Rand, John P., General Blacksmiihing and Kdge-Tools, Waddington Village, l>. 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Rcdington. James. Attoi n-y-iit-Law and Real Estate Aiient, Waddington Vil- 
lage, Consular Agent at Morrisbnrg, b. St. Lawr^-nce Cti., X. Y.,8. 1810, 
p. o. a*hl. Waddington. 

Rutherford, J. T.. Atb»rriev-at-Law, alwt Farmer, Miller, and Siipt-rvisor, Wad- 
dingtoti Villai:e. b.St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 8. 1823, p. o.add. Waddiii;.'ton, 

Rutherford, Wm. J. i2d ), Miller, of the Arm of Bowhall A Rutherford, Mo<lel Mill. 
W'addington Village, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., s. 1SJ3, p. o. add. Wad- 
dington. 

Sliepard, A. B., Attornoy-at-Law, h. St. Lawrence Ct>., N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. 
Waddington. 

Thompson, Robert, Firm of R. Thompson A C«t.,Genei-Rl Morcha«dhe,b. Brock- 
ville, Canada. 8. 1870, p. o. add. Waddington. 

Witherbee. L. D., Dealer in Genenil Merchandise, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y*., 
a. 1848, p. o. add. Waddinuton. 

Wright, George R., Hardware, Stoves, and Tinware, b. St. Lawronce Co., X. Y., 
a. 1840, p. o. add. Waddington. 



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